MAINE OPENS, EXTENDING SKI SEASON FOR NEW ENGLANDERS
G
ood news for skiers and riders who may not have been able to manage quarantine or testing to head out of state for the sport yet this winter: Maine is open and ready to greet you.
Maine Governor Janet Mills announced a week ago that beginning immediately, residents of all New England states will be exempt from quarantine or testing requirements before visiting Maine, as will residents of any state who have been fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19.
That means the sweet spot of the season will be a time New Englanders can head to Maine without extra steps.
Resorts are thrilled with the news. “We’re thrilled that Maine’s borders are open to our New England neighbors to finish out a safe and fun ski season at Sunday River,” said Sunday River Spokesman Karolyn Castaldo.
“It’s taken a tremendous effort by our team and our guests to get us to this point, and with nearly two months to go until closing day, we’re looking forward to welcoming those who may not have been able to travel to-and-from Maine under the previous quarantine restrictions,” she said.
While this may feel like the end, most Maine resorts hold onto winter conditions for a good long time, sometimes with a closing day as late as early May.
Mother Nature can impact that, but as of now, areas across the state have a deep base pack and are almost 100 percent open.
Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley reopened this winter after sitting dormant for a half a decade. With a new lift and lots of upgrades, they’re excited to welcome more people with less steps to take now as well.
“We’re exceptionally pleased that Maine is now open for the New England states, as the skiers and riders from places like Massachusetts, who have been waiting eagerly to ski Maine’s best snow, are now free to come home again and enjoy the new lift and all the improvements we’ve made,” said resort spokesman Doc Tulin.
“What perfect timing for it, with the spring skiing season coming, softer snow, warmer weather and perhaps even a few more outdoor, safe functions,” he said. “All in all, this is fantastic news for both the Massachusetts skiers/riders and for the mountain community here at Saddleback.”
Sugarloaf, Maine, has long been a destination for spring skiing, with a season that goes deep into spring.
“We’re very excited that Maine has been able to loosen travel restrictions for Massachusetts residents,” said Sugarloaf Director of Marketing Ethan Austin.
“Sugarloaf’s season typically extends into May, and spring is an incredible time to experience everything the mountain has to offer. We’re looking forward to seeing more Sugarloafers from Massachusetts here in March and April,” he said.
Maine has more great ski spots than the “big three” of Sugarloaf, Saddleback and Sunday River. Smaller independent areas that are fun to visit dot the state.
A great resource for Maine ski spots and details on each can be found at https:// skimaine.com. There you’ll find resort links, condition reports and more.
Of course, New Hampshire and Vermont are still visitable for skiing and riding; you just need a few more steps.
And even with Vermont’s required 14-day pre-visit quarantine, there’s plenty of time to plan a trip for this winter.
Susan Jenkins of Arlington has been skiing Massachusetts spots, and did a week-long trip to Vermont with her family by using workfrom-home and home educating as a way to quarantine. Now, she said, they’ll add a Maine trip to their spring season.
“It’s nice to begin to see things open up,” she said.