Maine Sunday Telegram - SKIING
March/April 2005 April 3, 2005 Don’t be in such a rush for the next season. Spring is here, (I hear you snow-haters cheering). Spring means warmer temps and higher sunshine, but not the end of skiing – quite the opposite. With the tremendous snowfall we have received in Maine this winter, April promises some of the best skiing of the year. While the streets are sloppy with dirty snow banks and melting slush, Maine’s mountains still have deep base depths and superb coverage. Funny how ski numbers dwindle as the calendar advances. Many of Maine ski areas closed with several feet of snow on their trails, the slim number of skiers turning out apparently doesn’t justify keeping the lifts turning. But Maine’s big boys, The Loaf and The River have plenty of plans for the next three weekends. You have to experience spring skiing to appreciate that it is more than just making turns late in the season. Spring skiing is far more social – partly because you can recognize faces as helmets and hats, neck warmers and goggles are shed, replaced by sunglasses and sunscreen as the only face blockers. During those warm sun-soaked April days on the slopes, no one is in a hurry to get in the lodge to warm up. Lift lines are non-existent compared to February vacation week, and deck parties are a great way to cap off a phenomenal season.  Next
weekend, April 7-10, is
Sugarloaf’s
biggest (read: sell-out) party of the year. Reggaefest is now in its
17th year. Any seasoned Loafer will tell you that the majority of
Reggae attendees never click into bindings, so while the bars and the
base lodge “Beach” are throbbing with tunes and happy revelers, the
slopes are wide open and still quite white. While you are at the Loaf, be sure to ski by the new panty tree, this unique tree decorating tradition defies decorum – that seems to be part of the appeal. Sugarloaf’s lingerie decked lumber on Horseshoe has a sentimental poem and an annual commemoration ceremony (the official tradition started in 1998). Sunday River has its version reached from Lift 9 (which I refer to as the Tempest Quad), that sparkles with a smattering of Mardi Gras beads and briefs. Over in Vermont, Killington, self-dubbed King of Spring, has festivities every April weekend. If you purchased the All For One ASC pass, you can keep skiing into May, probably not June 22- Killington’s record late closing date in 1997.  This
weekend is Killington’s silver anniversary of the Bear Mountain
Challenge on the legendary Outer Limits trail. Like Sunday River’s
Bust n’Burn also being held today, amateurs and experts hurl
themselves over huge bumps in front of a crowd. There is much debate
amongst New England skiers as to which is the steeper, more formidable
bump run – Outer Limits or White Heat. I can attest that either
provides a serious workout to the knees this time of year.April 16 is The Big-K’s (code for Killington) 9th Annual Sunshine Daydream, a Tribute to the Grateful Dead and the one day that tie-dye is not a fashion faux pas on the slopes. I was at Killington for this decidedly earthy day last season, the slopeside bands were fantastic and the free Ben & Jerry’s was a nice touch. On April 23, Killington has pond skimming – the 24th annual in fact. And May 1 is Killington’s 44th May 1 Slalom - talk about tradition. Sunday River is open with superb spring conditions through April 24. Sunday River will then reopen Sunday May 1, to host their traditional free Ski-Maynia day.  Vermont’s
Stowe has elevation
on its side when it comes to spring conditions. Wildcat in New
Hampshire also has excellent exposure for late season snow. Wildcat
has the incredible view of Mount Washington as a bonus. You can see
Tuckerman’s as you ride the comfy quad and ski the groomers, knowing
that hard-core hikers across Pinkham Notch are huffing and puffing,
ski gear on their backs, up the two-mile trail to the lunch rocks.Remember this time of year, the early bird gets the cord, the sleepy head finds creamed corn, the really late date gets mashed potatoes, so pick your preference – but get out and enjoy the last of the snow. Seven months till we are skiing (and shoveling) again. March 27, 2005 The curse is over. I am not referring to this winter’s impressive snowfall, but Bode Miller’s World Cup Championship, the first for a US skier in 22 years. Miller made his Maine Alma Marta, Carrabassett Valley Academy, proud as the first American to win the overall World Cup title since Phil Mahre and Tamara McKinney both accomplished this feat in 1983. Miller likened the victory to the Red Sox World Series win last October, ending a two-decade dry spell for US skiers. “Like it was with the Red Sox, it was becoming embarrassing,” said Miller.  While Miller admits the Ski Team drought was 64 years shy of the Sox,
and “no one cares about skiing in the US,” his superb season may help
bring competitive skiing back to national attention. The
US Ski Team
had their best season ever, finishing second in the Nations Cup
standings; the US had been third the previous two years. Bode captured
the Super G title, and garnered second in both Downhill and Giant
Slalom. If you are a zealous Bode fan, you may want to visit his sponsorship mountain of Bretton Woods for a welcome home celebration on April 30 and May 1. The “BodeFest” weekend will include opportunities to ski with the Champ, plus a pay to play golf charity event. Tours of his new multi-million dollar mountainside home being built are not on the agenda however. The Carrabassett phenomenon is the topic of numerous fan websites like bodelicious.net. He has also been featured on a TV show “On the Bus” showcasing Miller’s unique Motorhome in which he travels the European race circuit – decked out with plasma TV, Xbox, and bunkmate Jake - Bode’s childhood friend, cook and driver. Miller’s unconventional style, including not traveling with teammates, and switching gear despite high paying contracts, has brought media limelight. His success in the gates puts the Sugarloaf based academy on the “it-list” for future racers. Another CVA success story, Farmington native Seth Wescott won the Boardercross World Championship and took second at the X-Games this season. More Carrabassett kudos go to Cory Vanular for winning the Halfpipe competition at this year’s Gravity Games, and Dave DiGravio for sweeping Moguls in the Europa Cup, NorAms and Eastern Championships. Little sister Allison DiGravio, CVA class of 2009, was voted Eastern Mogul Rookie of the year. Sunday River based Gould Academy, Maine’s other top ski prep-school, is proud to report that Kamden Burke, class of 2007, won Downhill and placed 2nd in Super G at the J2 Nationals. Classmate Bump Heldman won the Overall Eastern JII Championship and captured the discipline title in Super G. In other Maine ski news, Paul Schipper brought his record to a close, peaking at 3,903 consecutive ski days at Sugarloaf. On January 4, when Schipper came down with a nasty flu – he retired his every day skiing streak, which began in 1980. He’s not retiring his skis however, 82-year-old Schipper will continue to ski on his choice of days, and his record has been submitted to the Guinness World Book of Records. Another record breaker, Attitash Ski Area went on ebay and one bidder paid over $5,000 to buy the NH ski area for a day. On April 4, Monday after Attitash officially closes, the eBay winner will have Attitash exclusively to share with invited friends. Alex Kaufman, Attitash Communications Director, said, “Non-functioning ski areas have been for sale on eBay. To my knowledge, this is the first time a private ski area for a day has gone up for bid. It was definitely an auction watched closely by a lot of skiers, riders and industry folks.” Whether this is a new trend in online marketing buzz, or a crazy way to raise cash remains to be seen and perhaps emulated by other ASC resorts in the future. While $5,000 seems steep for a private day on New England’s slopes, the posh private Yellowstone Club in Montana charges $250,000 just as member initiation fee. It has been a ski season for the record books indeed. And there are still plenty of turns to carve out. Perhaps more record late closing dates will be achieved. Next weekend, April 2, is Sunday River’s 18th Annual Bust n’Burn mogul championship and Parrot Head party with pond skimming. Saddleback will also have pond skimming on Saturday, but they call it a Smelt Run in keeping with their fishing theme. The name of Saddleback’s new terrain park will be announced during the festivities, so get your lines in (did I lure you in with that pun?) before April 1. "Sunrise on Sugarloaf – an Easter tradition ”  Skiing
is a religion. That could not be truer than on Easter morning at 5am
at Sugarloaf.
The sun has not yet risen, but skiers have, they are lining up to
board the Super Quad. It is cold and dark, but spirits are as high as
the moon, which is still visible in the otherwise black sky. The sound of bindings clicking, the creak of snow under sliding skis, and the muted greetings between early risers is just audible over the sound of the quad chair firing up. There are patrollers, liftees, and a few dozen devout downhillers gathering at the base of the lift. By 5:40, in the dim light, you can begin to recognize familiar faces. Some eager Easter worshippers are even sporting Easter bonnets; one lady is skiing in her Sunday best long elegant skirt (I am guessing she has thermals on underneath).  A
few cheers break the shadowy silence as the first chair loads, and the
small crowd is quickly transported up toward the still gray summit. At
the peak of the Super Quad, skiers make their way down 100-yards to an
opening on Narrow Gauge, where everyone huddles close and awaits the
sermon. A chorus of “Morning has broken” is sung as orange rays crest
the distant mountains at 6:10am; soon the sun transforms into a
brilliant orange ball over the Bigelow Range. The early birds are
rewarded with an inspirational sunrise.The Pastor offers a non-denominational service, giving thanks to God for the beautiful day, for family and loved ones, and appropriately for the love of skiing which serves as the common faith amongst this mountaintop congregation.  Then skiers are released to enjoy the ultimate in first tracks, perfectly groomed corduroy in the early light of the day. Skiing before 7:00am, for many – before coffee, is energizing and rather exclusive. While it is open to anyone, you have to part with your pillow at an ungodly hour, slip on your ski togs in the dark, and make your way to the hill with the newspaper delivery shift. There are plenty of other Sugarloaf Easter traditions that have continued through the years. It is a full day of fun and festivities for those who miss the sunrise, choosing to remain under the covers until a more civil waking time. When the lifts officially open at 8:30, the first skiers and riders down Tote Road discover that the Easter Bunny has already made a fun run. Easter eggs are scattered about the trail – filled with malted milk balls, jelly beans and miniature candy bars.  Little
Loafers can meet the Sugarloaf Easter Bunny at the base lodge in the
morning from 8:30-9:15 in the King Pine Room, and have their photo
taken. The Sugarloaf Easter Parade is the stuff of legends. In the past, prizes for the best costumes included a family season pass, and folks came out in full regalia to earn their next year’s turns. While those days have passed, there are still baskets of goodies and Loaf logo wear given out to best-dressed, best theme and cutest kid. Children and big kids too march through the Village in their Easter costumes with Blueberry Bear and her baby Muffin, Amos in his Easter attire, Pierre the Logger, and the Easter Bunny all in tow.  If you have not experienced Easter at the Loaf, you are missing a really fun ski tradition. Besides, spring is when the Loaf really shines. This particular holiday combines fun and family oriented activities with exceptional late season conditions. Easter is earlier this year, March 27, and snow pack is deep – so the Easter bunny should be able to hop on down the snowfields.
"Skiers rejoice in bountiful snow” March 13, 2005 Do skiers ever tire of shoveling snow? I don’t think so. It has snowed every week since mid-January. The National Weather Service in Gray reported twice the normal snowfall in February. Skiers are delighting in a banner Maine winter.  “This was the year to buy a season pass, and I am so glad I did,” said
Joseph Stentiford on his 14th ski day at Sunday River. Stentiford
purchased the All for One ASC pass and says he will keep skiing into
April at Sugarloaf, and other ski resorts.“This year we have much more natural snow than last. Our conditions could not be better,” said Jeff Kuller, General Manager at Camden Snow Bowl. Kuller reported bigger crowds, particularly for the National Toboggan Championships in February. Camden Snow Bowl plans to remain open till March 27. At Saddleback, Patty Carrier said, “Conditions have been great with almost daily snowfall. All five lifts and 50 trails are open. We do not have a closing date, but expect to run past the second weekend in April.” Sugarloaf’s Backside Snowfields opened last week, the double black diamond above-tree line terrain requires significant natural snow. According to Bill Swain, Sugarloaf communications manager, nearly five feet of snow in the past three weeks has provided the necessary coverage to open this legendary summit terrain. Swain said, “It is exciting to have this terrain open. Sugarloaf’s snowfields are a backcountry experience without the hike, complete with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.” Ski Patroller at Big Squaw, Sandy McFarland said, “Squaw has had excellent conditions since mid-February, albeit limited terrain, skiing off our lower mountain triple chair. Some folks, on their own, have been climbing to the top with telemark skis to enjoy the snow we have received the past few weeks - 30" in one storm.” The summit double should reopen next winter at the Greenville ski area. Sunday River has received 60 inches of snow in the last four weeks, and “many fabulous powder days,” says Susan DuPlessis, Director of Communications. Mt. Abram reports fantastic conditions, with 100% of their terrain open including The Cliff and The Zone glades. Brad Chafin at Mt. Abram said, “We have base depths of 40-60 inches, the colder temps have kept the snow fresh.” Karlene Andrews of Titcomb Mountain said, “The conditions have been great for both alpine and cross-country skiing. Our trails have been 100% open.” The official start to spring is next weekend. Despite continuing snowfall, signs of a warmer season are springing up on the slopes. Increased sunshine and tropical attire mark the equinox. Ski areas host a slew of traditional spring skiing events to commemorate a fantastic winter and welcome the inevitable (or should I say, eventual) softening of snow. March is the month for some of the best on slope festivities of the season; here are plenty of events happening next weekend. Saddleback will have a St. Patrick's Theme for their Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 19. Mt Abram continues their family oriented events through the month; March 19-20 is Anniversary weekend with a special torchlight parade and fireworks planned in addition to Saturday’s usual NASTAR race at 10am and the free Kid’s Race at Westside at 11am. Shawnee Peak is hoping for softening snow and sunshine as they bring out the beach attire for their Spring Fling beach party this Saturday. The Shawnee Peak Slush Cup is a frozen frolic where skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a 60-foot-long manmade pond of ice cold water. Also that day, Shawnee will be the locale for The Fireman's Race, five-person teams in full firefighter gear race carrying 50-foot sections of hose. This hectic and often hilarious race of heros will raise money towards breast cancer research. Sunday River’s holds its Firefighter Race on Sunday. Coinciding with the race, local restaurants will compete slopeside for the best chili title in the aptly named “Eat the Heat” Cookoff. Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Shawnee Peak and Saddleback all have special plans for Easter weekend. I will have more on that next week. Until then, get out and enjoy the last week of winter, spring officially begins March 20. "Maine Handicapped Skiing's 20th Ski A Thon” March 6, 2005 Peter Salsbury of Saco has only been skiing for two years, and already he’s serving as a ski guide for a blind skier at Maine Handicapped Skiing. “I thought volunteering at Maine Handicapped would be a nice things to do, charitable. It has been way more rewarding than I anticipated,” said Salsbury. “Being involved at MHS just grips you, it is as intoxicating for the volunteers as it is for the handicapped students.”  In his first season, as one of over 350 volunteers at
Sunday River, Salsbury has worked with a variety of students, from a 58-year-old
stroke victim, to a hearing impaired 6-year-old girl, and a totally
blind 25-year-old man. “I figured being a new volunteer, I wouldn’t be
assigned to someone totally blind, that seemed outrageous. But because
of the generous coaching from other volunteers, and the inspiration of
the students, my confidence and skill have really improved,” said
Salsbury. “This is going to be a lifetime experience for me.”Salsbury said, “I had little previous experience with handicapped people. Being a new skier myself, I am amazed at the courage of these individuals, they put their fears aside when their bodies are fragile, and place so much trust in their coaches out on the hill It is so rewarding to see the satisfaction in their faces when they make personal breakthroughs.” According to Wendy Iseman, Director of Development, Maine Handicapped Skiing has offered adaptive programs absolutely free to handicapped individuals throughout its 23-year history. Iseman said other adaptive ski programs around the country charge students as much as $200 for a few hours of on-snow instructions. The Sunday River based organization was founded in 1982 by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chip Crothers and Leslie B. Otten – former owner of Sunday River. MHS currently provides over 1,200 adaptive lessons with the assistance of over 350 volunteers. Otten said, “When Chip and I started this journey, we didn’t put any bounds on the upside of MHS and how far it could go. Now Chip and I are the talking heads of the organization, with a tremendous sense of pride for starting this fantastic organization 23 years ago.” “Our idea 20 years ago with the Ski-A-Thon was to provide an economic backbone to make Maine Handicapped float. It is now a self-perpetuating model. Everyone involved in the fundraising day is having fun, knowing its for a really, really good cause. It makes raising money relatively painless,” Otten said. March 19 will mark the 20th anniversary Ski-A-Thon at Sunday River. It is the largest one-day fundraiser in Maine, last year $283,000 was raised by 125 teams, and 625 participants. Saturday’s event generates over 70% of the operating budget for the year-round adaptive recreational program. Margaret Kuhlen of Portland, a four-year student skier with Multiple Sclerosis and a traumatic brain injury, has participated in two Ski-A-Thons. She enjoys the outdoor picnic and the people dressed in costume. “My experience at MHS has been the most effective rehabilitation I could have imagined. It has changed my life,” said Kuhlen. “I hadn’t skied in 20 years because of a loss of confidence, chronic fatigue and difficulty making decision due to brain trauma 11 years ago. Now I ski Black Diamonds better than when I was a kid, thanks to the volunteers who have guided me and protected me in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. At MHS, everyone is there because they want to be, the volunteers and the students. I have made some really sweet friends. We all insist on enjoying life and living in as large a world as possible. That positive energy pervades the Ski-A-Thon day too.” Peter Salsbury is looking forward to his first Ski-A-Thon. He has formed the requisite team of 5, “The Saco Bay Steamers”, and raised more than the entry level $600 in pledges. The Ski-A-Thon at Sunday River on March 19 is open to anyone who assembles a team of five skiers, riders or Nordic skiers, and raises $600 in pledges. Once the fundraising and registration is done, teams are treated to a day of free skiing, complimentary breakfast, slopeside lunch and dinner buffet with an awards ceremony honoring top earners. Throughout the day, Ski-a-Thon’ers are welcome to a Fun Race, a Parrothead tropical obstacle course, live entertainment and therapeutic massages performed by Maine Sports Massage Team. To conclude the festivities, a Patriots Superbowl football signed by touchdown scorer David Givens and two custom built Lincoln canoes are a few of the donated items to be auctioned off at the après ski gala. Otten said, “MHS has been and will always be more important to me than any business venture, even the Red Sox and baseball - which are very near and dear to me. On a personal level, seeing a child with a disability or traumatic injury being able to ski and go on to enjoy a lifetime sport is more rewarding. Everyone who has had anything to do with Maine Handicapped Skiing should feel tremendous pride.” To learn more about Maine Handicapped Skiing, go to www.skimhs.org
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