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Weather Disrupts Skiing in Southern Maine
On December 30, rainy weather impacted skiing activities across southern Maine during the holiday vacation week. A number of ski resorts faced closures, while others issued warnings regarding challenging conditions.
Mt. Abram, located in Greenwood, announced a full-day closure due to the adverse weather, aimed at preserving the snowpack’s integrity. Allie Masten, the resort’s Director of Marketing, emphasized the importance of making this short-term decision for the long-term experience of skiers.
“The combination of warm temperatures and high moisture levels affects our grooming capability, which could jeopardize our snow base,” remarked Masten. She highlighted that the holiday week typically sees ticket sales ranging from 600 to 800 per day, admitting that the closure was disappointing but necessary to maintain quality.
Masten noted that the Friday through Sunday prior to the closure was quite successful, and while the mountain may be closed for skiing, the Loose Boots Lounge remains open for dining, featuring live music that evening.
Looking ahead, Mt. Abram plans to reopen on Tuesday, hopeful for colder temperatures that would enable snow-making and the expansion of skiable terrain. The forecast also hints at a potential accumulation of natural snow later in the week. Additionally, Maine residents can take advantage of discounted lift tickets offered every Thursday.
Camden Snow Bowl, under the management of the Camden Parks and Recreation Department, announced a closure from Monday through Thursday, primarily due to the adverse weather conditions and a malfunction in their artificial snowmaking equipment.
A recent update on their official Facebook page revealed a loss of 75% of their snowmaking capacity due to a pump failure. The closure was deemed necessary to allow the current precipitation to drain, thereby preserving the remaining snow on the slopes.
Other skiing locations have remained open but cautioned skiers about the subpar conditions. Sugarloaf, recognized as Maine’s largest ski resort, reported challenging skiing conditions due to heavy rainfall and varying surface conditions.
“We won’t sugar-coat it; it’s raining heavily and conditions are tough,” the resort stated in a morning report, adding advice for skiers to remain cautious as they navigate the slopes.
Pleasant Mountain shared similar concerns, pointing out that a wintery mix would continue throughout the day. They encouraged visitors to take advantage of the operational lifts while being prepared for wet conditions.
Lost Valley Ski Area also reported decent conditions but mentioned that rain and rising temperatures have softened the snow, leading to easier turns but slower runs.
Outdoor ice skating is also not advisable at present, as the city of Portland has issued warnings for unsafe conditions at its maintained ponds. Jen DeRice, the assistant parks director, indicated the necessity for several inches of solid ice for safety, a situation not met presently.
Looking Forward to New Year’s Day Weather
The weather forecast for New Year’s Day suggests a continuation of the precipitation combined with cooler temperatures, particularly beneficial for ski resorts in the mountain region. According to meteorologist Jon Palmer, rain is expected in southern areas while the mountains might see snowfall.
Highlighting November’s rainfall and warmer temperatures, Palmer noted that while Portland recorded a high of 50 degrees on Monday, nearly 15 degrees above average, overall December temperatures have trended cooler than usual. He mentioned that the state continues to experience moderate drought conditions.
As the week progresses, Portland can expect a drop in temperatures, with highs in the mid-20s and lows nearing 10 degrees.
Source
www.yahoo.com