Upper glades in Phase One of Brackett Basin now open

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine – Thanks to 10 inches of new snow last weekend, Sugarloaf opened the Brackett Basin glades to skiers and riders on Saturday for the first time this season. Brackett Basin is part of a three phase glade expansion onto neighboring Burnt Mountain that makes Sugarloaf the largest ski area in the East.

Sugarloaf ski patrollers dropped the ropes on the upper glades of Brackett Basin early Saturday morning, including Birler 1 & 2, Edger 1 & 2, Sweeper 1 & 2, and Cant Dog 1 & 2. Together these glades encompass roughly 60 acres of glade skiing.

The opened area represents Phase 1 of the Brackett Basin expansion, and features newly thinned areas and several new lines that glades crews cut during the summer months. Phase 2 of the expansion, which crews began work on this summer, remains closed for the time being due to ongoing logging operations.

The lower Brackett Basin glades (Rough Cut, Red Horse, Blacksmith, High Ball, and Logging Road), and the first glades inside of Phase 2 (Golden Road and the Eastern Territory) remained closed. Sugarloaf Ski Patrol estimates that these glades will require 5-10 additional inches of snow before they can be opened.

Brackett Basin is the first phase of a massive 655-acre terrain expansion onto Burnt Mountain, which was announced in the summer of 2010 as part of the “Sugarloaf 2020” ten-year road map. The expansion doubles Sugarloaf’s in-bounds terrain, making it the largest ski area in the east.

The Brackett Basin terrain is all gladed, “sidecountry” terrain, offering skiers and riders a one-of-a-kind backcountry style experience, with the security of patrolled, inbounds terrain. A glade refers to any wooded area where trees have been thinned, rather than cleared like a traditional trail. The expansion will be completed in three phases, the first of which was the 270-acre Brackett Basin, which first opened during the 2010-11 season. The second phase will encompass 135 acres, and the first portions of Phase 2 are expected to open later this season. The third and final phase will be 250 acres, and will open the north face of Burnt Mountain. When the expansion is complete, skiers will enjoy a vast, 655-acre glade and an experience unlike anything else in the East.

Access to the terrain on Burnt Mountain is via a cross-cut from the top of the existing King Pine Quad. Brackett Basin terrain is for expert skiers and riders only, and anyone who explores the new terrain should be familiar with Sugarloaf’s trail map and should familiarize themselves with Sugarloaf’s Brackett Basics . Skiers and riders should not enter Brackett Basin alone. Anyone who is unfamiliar with Sugarloaf’s terrain is encourage to check in with Ski Patrol before exploring Brackett Basin.

For more information on Brackett Basin and Sugarloaf 2020, please visit www.sugarloaf2020.com .

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About the Sugarloaf Resort- Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is largest ski area in the East, and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East. and the number one golf course in Maine, according to Golf Digest. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. Follow: www.sugarloaf.com , www.facebook.com/sugarloaf , and http://twitter.com/sugarloafmaine .