Sugarloaf 2020: The Vision Continues
$1 million in new low-energy snowguns made possible by Efficiency Maine Grant
When skiers and riders return to the hill this winter they will be greeted by a revamped snowmaking system, new terrain on Burnt Mountain, a new ski shop, redesigned restaurant and other enhancements in year-three of the Sugarloaf 2020 plan.
Following a winter with one of the lowest snow totals in recent memory, Sugarloaf invested $1 million in the latest snowmaking technology this summer, purchasing 300 low-energy snowguns from Snow Economics Inc. / HKD Snowmakers. The new technology is expected to improve the resort’s ability to make snow in key areas and at warmer temperatures, while simultaneously reducing its electricity consumption.
The investment was made possible by a $300,000 business grant from Efficiency Maine, an independent trust dedicated to the efficient and cost-effective use of energy in order to save money for Maine residents, grow the economy, and create jobs. The competitive grant program allowed Maine businesses, institutions, and governments to compete for project funding for large electrical energy efficiency and distributed generation projects. The grant was awarded based on the expected energy savings from the new snowmaking technology and a commitment of a $700,000 investment from Sugarloaf.
The 300 HKD SV10 Impulse snowguns are the most advanced energy-efficient snowmaking technology on the market, and can make the same amount of snow as a traditional gun while using up to 90 percent less compressed air, the largest area of electricity consumption in the snowmaking process.
The new snowmaking technology will greatly improve Sugarloaf’s ability to make snow at warmer temperatures and open trails early in the season, resulting in more available terrain during the important Christmas vacation period.
Of the new snowguns, 275 will be installed on towers in fixed locations, while the remaining 25 will be sled-mounted guns that can be transported around the mountain and utilized in multiple locations.
Elsewhere on the mountain, worked continued to expand Sugarloaf’s skiable terrain further onto Burnt Mountain. Sugarloaf’s glade crew continued to open up new terrain on the lower portions of Burnt’s northern flank, extending the ski area boundary further than ever before into the new Eastern Territory.
“By starting at the bottom and working up, you always have new, usable terrain every year,” said Roddy Ehrlenbach, Assistant Ski Patrol Director. “What we’re doing this year is really key to opening up new terrain in future years.”
In the Sugarloaf Village, both skiers and snowboarders will experience a new location to shop for the latest equipment and clothing, with the opening of the new Downhill Supply Company. Construction crews gutted the home of the old Sugarloaf Ski Shop this summer, redesigning the shop and moving entire tuning department downstairs.
Designed around a logging theme, the Downhill Supply Company is reminiscent of an old general store; a one-stop-shop for every mountain adventurer. The store will feature skis, snowboard, helmets, gloves, goggles, jackets, boots, and state of the art tuning equipment, along with a knowledgeable staff.
The Downhill Supply Company will celebrate its grand opening at 4pm on Friday, October 5.
A new arcade will move into the location previously occupied by the Sugarloaf Board Room, providing a new hangout for kids and teens once the lifts have closed. The Base Lair Arcade will feature the latest games and gaming systems, and will open for the season in December.
All of these improvements and more are part of the ongoing Sugarloaf 2020 plan. First unveiled in 2010, Sugarloaf 2020 outlines plans for vastly expanded terrain, new lifts, village improvements, new summer offerings, and more. For more information on Sugarloaf 2020, visit the new website at www.sugarloaf2020.com. Also get regular updates at our tumblr at http://sugarloaf2020.tumblr.com.
Sugarloaf
Address: 5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley
Website: www.sugarloaf.com/index.html
Opens for the season: Late November
Number & type of trails: 153; 23 percent green, 34 percent blue, 27 percent black diamond, 16 percent double black diamond, 19 percent glades
Vertical drop: 2,820 feet
Snowmaking: Yes, 94 percent of terrain
Amenities: 3 terrain parks, superpipe, tubing, Outdoor Center with cross country skiing and ice skating, Sports & Fitness Center ,13 restaurant, café and lounge options
Lifts: 15, including 2 quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 8 double chairs, 1 T-bar, 1 carpet and 2 detachable quads
Ticket prices: Full day adult $79, teen $66, junior/senior $55
Specials: Maine Ski Day presented by The Bank of Maine on Dec. 11 offers all Maine residents $29 lift tickets, $20 rentals or $39 learn-to-ski packages; Frequent Skier Card – pay $97 and save on lift tickets all year
Signature events: White White World Week Jan. 23-26, 43rd Annual Special Olympics Jan. 29-30, 24th Annual Bug Light Reggae Fest April 12-15
Did you know?
The Sugarloaf sticker has its own website. Check out this page to see where the famous symbol has traveled.
