CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine ??” Skiers and riders at Sugarloaf/USA will be skiing from its lofty 4,237 foot summit this week with some of the best holiday week conditions in the resort’s 55 year history. Abundant natural snow combined with extended periods of ideal snowmaking temperatures will permit Sugarloaf to open terrain in every area of the mountain including the fabled summit, King Pine Bowl, and Whiffletree area before Christmas.

“Sugarloaf’s Summit is a special place not only for the terrain but for the spectacular setting,” said Bill Swain, Sugarloaf’s communications manager. “You’re on top of the world looking out over much of Maine including Mt. Katahdin, Mt. Washington and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and well into Canada. To top it off, the Timberline trail makes the Summit something even beginning skiers and riders can enjoy.”

According to Roger Hill from www.bestskiweather.com, the news only gets better. In his forecast for the week before Christmas, Hill believes an additional 12-18 inches of snow is likely, which will create excellent conditions on many of Sugarloaf’s classic New England trails such as Bubblecuffer, Winter’s Way, Buckboard and much more. “If Roger’s forecast holds true, it’s reasonable to expect Sugarloaf to have more than 100 trails open in time for the holiday week,” said Karen Greene, Sugarloaf’s brand manager.

In addition to copious amounts of open terrain, skiers and riders can expect to have 2 terrain parks and the Pipe Dreams Superpipe open during the holiday week.

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, guests can take to the slopes of Sugarloaf at night for the second annual Carry the Torch for the Cure Torchlight Parade. This event is a part of the Sugarloaf Charity Summit and all proceeds from the torchlight parade will benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation and the Martha B. Webber Breast Cancer Center. Visit www.sugarloaf.com/torch.html for complete details on how to be a part of this historic event.

Sugarloaf/USA has ski and stay packages available during the Christmas Holiday week for as little as $109 per person, per night. Call 1.800 THE LOAF or visit www.sugarloaf.com for reservations and information.