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Downhill is Where Prices are Headed This Year at Maine Ski Spots

October 13, 2009 - The recession last winter proved to be nothing more than a small bump rather than a ski jump for Maine's alpine area, with a near-record number of ski days reported.

However, the big winter story going now is the partnerships that are forming around the state between big and small mountains, because these partnerships equate to great ski deals for alpine enthusiasts.

Last year, there were 1.2 million skier visits in Maine. It couldn't top the previous winter record of 1.3 million that was the best in 20 years, said Greg Sweetser at SkiMaine, which tracks the industry here.

But the new deals and trends this winter may draw out even more skiers and riders, especially promotions offered through the partnerships that are forming between big and small mountains.

One example is the partnership between Sunday River and Sugarloaf with Camden Snow Bowl, Titcomb Mountain and Lost Valley. It is one of the best deals going, as it gives new skiers or riders two trips to one of the smaller mountains, a lesson, rentals and one day at one of the big mountains – all for $89.

"It's a great Christmas present. There is a lot of excitement around it," said Connie King, co-owner of Lost Valley. "It's our first time partnerning with anyone with anything like this."

Lost Valley also has partnered with Titcomb Mountain, Black Mountain and Camden Snow Bowl to offer two-for-one lift tickets at those areas for season pass holders.

And last year, Powderhouse Hill in South Berwick got a lift from Shawnee Peak in Bridgton when the former brought 100 sets of youth skis to the town-owned ski hill and put on a clinic for young skiers.

But there's more this winter, no matter what size mountain you prefer.

Other new ways to ski and ride better this year include:

• Shawnee Peak's low-priced night skiing pass. The deadline for the $109 deal is Tuesday, although it's still a good deal when the cost rises after that to just over $200.

"The night skiing is offered six nights, so you can easily ski up to 75 nights, if not more. That comes out to be $1.60 a night, less than the price of coffee," said Melissa Rock, a spokeswoman for Shawnee Peak.

• Sunday River's "12 hours of skiing" was rolled out last year with the help of the seven trails where there is night skiing. And with some $2.1 million of snowmaking equipment, it will be even better.

• As the home mountain and sponsor for defending Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott, Sugarloaf will feature a snowbordercross course Wescott designed and helped build. The course also had a line of low-energy snowguns installed around it.

"He helped with the earth work, and when we were building it in the winter, he spent two days riding around in a snowcat working with a shovel," said Ethan Austin, Sugarloaf spokesman.

• Also at Sugarloaf, new snowmaking guns have been installed on the Gondola Line trail at the summit, assuring better skiing top to bottom all winter long.

SOME INSANE DISCOUNTS

• Shawnee Peak's night season pass for $109 through Tuesday.

•Sugarloaf's Locals Week. If you live in Franklin County, it's free all week.

• Big Rock's Wednesday night skiing, compliments of its sponsors. It's free for everyone.

• Sunday River celebrates turning 50 with a $50 deal offering lodging, lift ticket and ski clinic.

• Powderhouse Hill's one run and rope tow ain't much. But it's $5.

FOR MORE DEALS and passports of all kinds that provide deals on skiing multiple areas, go to www.skimaine.com.

By DEIRDRE FLEMING, Staff Writer , Portland Press Herald, 10/8/09


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