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Sugarloaf - 1/20/13

BackLoafRiver

New member
Joined
Nov 19, 2008
Messages
1,608
Points
0
Location
Augusta, Maine
Resort skied: Sugarloaf

Conditions: Packed Powder/Machined Groomed - Afternoon Powder

Salsgang beat me to the punch by just a bit but the weather in Maine never fails to disappoint. Today went from Bluebird and 30's at the base -> Overcast -> Pure white-out with intense wind -> Clear.

What a day at the Loaf! Forecasters were calling for super winds and I anticipated arriving to the whole place being on wind hold. Luckily, it was calm and rather warm when I got there. All lifts were spinning as of 9. Got on Timberline for one of three total chairs that made it up. By the time we reached the summit, the winds were punishing and patrol called it quits. I think it reopened for a few later but it was short-lived if it did.

Binder from the top proved to be gorgeous. Pockets of powder on the side and no rocks to be had. (unusual) Sadly, the same can't be said for Upper Narrow Gauge. The wind/thaw took its toll on it and there was a massive bare spot. Fairly certain they roped the whole thing off. Since they shut down Timberline, I couldn't go explore. Cinder Hoe looked sweet but that too was off limits.

Made my way over to King Pine where I spent the majority of the day. Widowmaker, Ramdown, Choker, Wedge, and Boomauger were all skiing great. Soft bumps to be had all over. As I am the worlds worst bump skier, it was challenging but super fun. Met up with AZ'er SkiMaine and Mrs. SkiMaine for some laps. (on a personal note, your game has improved a ton SkiMaine....very nicely done)

I can't speak to the conditions in Bracket as I didn't dare venture in. My guess is that it was firm with a little dust on top. In order for Sugarloaf to be on it's game for the summit, it is going to need some regular snowfall over the next few weeks. The natural trails (Ripsaw and Double Bitter to name two of my favorites) were fairing well thanks to the surprise 3" but underneath it was firm. Very firm. Just a few weeks boys and girls...it should be awesome.


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Conrad

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2013
Messages
425
Points
18
Location
Maine
Website
www.youtube.com
Great pictures! Looks like the conditions were good. I'm glad to see that people weren't discouraged by the threat of wind looking at the amount of people on King Pine. I noticed from their website that a lot of lifts were shutting down by 1-2 pm but sounds like the morning was good!
 

Cornhead

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2010
Messages
2,836
Points
48
Beautiful pictures, can't wait to ski with you again, gonna be awesome, bring it on Ullr!
 
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