NEWRY, Maine — It was a mild October and start to November, but it hasn't been warm enough to keep ski resorts in Maine from looking ahead to snow.
Sunday River, Saddleback and Sugarloaf are Maine's biggest ski resorts. All three are working hard towards opening day, and one is even starting to welcome skiers and boarders.
Sunday River
Sunday River in Newry kicked off its season Thursday morning, opening at 8:45 a.m. to limited skiers and snowboarders, according to a press release from the resort. It debuted access via the Locke Triple in the Barker Basin. According to its mountain report on Sunday River's website, one trail is open with the help of some snow making.
New England Passholders, ticket pack holders and Ikon and Mountain Collective passholders were able to hit the mountain Thursday. Tickets will be available for all guests starting Friday, according to the press release.
"Our team's passion and hard work are on full display today, and it's rewarding to see that energy matched by our guests out on the mountain," General Manager Brian Heon stated in the press release.
Saddleback
Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley is preparing for its opening day. Lift tickets are on sale on its website.
Right now, the resort doesn't have any trails or lifts open, but it is getting ready and counting down to opening day.
Opening weekend is Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8, according to Saddleback's website. Daily operations will then begin Friday, Dec. 13.
Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley is also counting down to opening day, which according to its website is Friday, Nov. 22.
"Right now, our snowmaking crew is focused on Pinch and Tote Road from top down," its website's mountain report read Wednesday.
Lift tickets are on sale now on Sugarloaf's website.