CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine ??” Sugarloaf/USA expects to open for the
2005-06 winter season on Friday, Nov. 18 with skiing and riding on black diamond, blue square and green circle terrain covering more than 1,700 vertical feet.

Favorable snowmaking conditions coupled with considerable natural snow from last month’s Nor’easter will ensure high quality conditions across all open terrain. Long range weather forecasts predict cold temperatures on Monday and then again midweek into the weekend. Sugarloaf is committed to making snow whenever conditions are favorable to expand open terrain as quickly as possible.

Upgrades to the snowmaking system over the summer months will facilitate rapid expansion of terrain during periods of consistent cold temperatures. “The new lines we installed have higher capacity and allow us to utilize both water sources simultaneously,” said Rich ‘Crusher’ Wilkinson, Sugarloaf’s vice president of operations. “The bottom line is we can cover more ground in less time which is the name of the game in the early season.”

The Double Runner and Spillway chairlifts will provide access to all of Sugarloaf’s open terrain on Opening Day. Additional lifts will operate as terrain expansion continues.

Sugarloaf will host the 20th annual Tin Mountain Round-Up opening weekend, Nov. 19-20, when guests who bring three canned food items can purchase lift tickets for just $21.

For the latest conditions from the slopes, please visit www.sugarloaf.com. To learn about more about Ski & Stay Packages, please call 1-800-THE-LOAF or check out the Vacation Planning section of our website.