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'It's been crazy busy': Slopes and shops are gearing up for ski season

Only a couple of mountains are open for early skiing as a handful of ski areas across the state are scheduled to open mid-December.

MAINE, USA — Rain and snow are heading our way, and wintertime in Maine means the ski slopes are calling. With a couple of mountains open for early ski season, Mainers are getting geared up.

"It's been crazy busy. [On] weekends, it's a zoo in here," Devon Lathrop, a salesman at Rodgers Ski and Sport, said. "Fitting up five kids at a time, then there’s like 10 families around with five kids."

It's a weekend rush that leaves the shop restocking mid-week to prepare for an excitement that comes around once a year when the slopes are ready.

"It has been awesome. Parking lots have been full and the energy and the excitement is palpable. You can just see it right in the lift lines," Sunday River Communications Manager Ellen Wainwright said.

Sunday River opened nearly two weeks ago, and Wainwright said it's constantly looking to open new terrain and trails.

Sunday River and Sugarloaf are the only two mountains open for early skiing, as a handful of ski areas across the state are scheduled to open in mid-December.

"Ski season is special because it’s an opportunity for you to reconnect with nature and the outdoors, especially in the wintertime," Wainwright said.

It's an activity that connects you with nature, but also gives you a chance to connect with your friends and family, which is something Lathrop said he's looking forward to most.

"The camaraderie. You know, skiing with your boys, skiing with your family," he said. "Being active in a social way."

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