CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Following 12 inches of new snow since Monday, January 18, Sugarloaf opened its fabled backside snowfields to skiers and riders today for the first time this season. Sugarloaf’s snowfields offer skiers and riders wide open, above treeline expanses and dramatic pitches unlike any other terrain in the East.

Sugarloaf has received a foot of new snow in the past week, and a total of 88 inches so far this season.

With nearly 100 percent of its terrain now open, Sugarloaf offers skiing throughout snowfields, including named routes such as High Rigger, Hard Tack, and Front Face Snowfield trails such as Powder Keg and White Nitro Extension.

The Backside Snowfields are a wilderness experience that should only be attempted by the most skilled skiers and riders. Sugarloaf’s Ski Patrol asks those who have never experienced the Backside to stop by the summit building for tips on the most navigable way down.

Snow surfaces at the resort are packed powder and powder, and conditions are currently the best of the season.

Forecasts are calling for favorable weather to continue into the weekend, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 20s expected for Saturday and Sunday.

Sugarloaf is currently offering ski and stay packages for the upcoming weekend for as little $105 per person per night. For more information on Sugarloaf please visit www.sugarloaf.com.