CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine – Thanks in large part to favorable snowmaking temperatures and offseason upgrades to its snowmaking system, Sugarloaf will kick off the 2008-09 winter season on Friday, November 21. The resort plans to open with skiing and riding on five trails covering 1,750 vertical feet, all serviced by the SuperQuad chairlift.

Offseason enhancements to Sugarloaf’s snowmaking system increased the resort’s snowmaking capacity by more than 20 percent, and allowed for snowmaking on all five opening day trails simultaneously. Upgrades included six new water pumps, 50 new HKD snowguns, 25 new Boyne Low-E Fan guns, and new snowmaking pipe to the summit.

Sugarloaf Groomer

“We invested a lot in our snowmaking system here this summer, and I think we’re seeing the payoff already,” said Rich Wilkinson, Sugarloaf’s Vice President of Operations. “The new equipment has allowed us to make more snow faster than ever before, and as a result we should have some of the best opening day conditions we’ve seen in a very long time.”

Sugarloaf will open with skiing and riding on Tote Road, Lower Tote Road, King’s Landing, Candyside, and Pinch. The resort’s early season tradition, Tin Mountain Round Up, will be Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23 when skiers and riders can purchase lift tickets for only $25 when they donate three or more cans of food. The annual food drive helps restock the shelves at local food pantries just in time for the busy holiday season.

Sugarloaf has Early Season Ski and Stay Packages available for as little as $75 per person per night. Guests can save $50 on ski and stay packages with the Early Savings Program when they book before December 15.

Skiers and riders will be greeted by more than $5 million in offseason improvements when they return to the slopes this year, including snowmaking upgrades, new terrain parks, all new on-mountain signage, Base Area upgrades, and a new addition to Bullwinkles Restaurant. To learn more or to book a ski and stay package, visit www.sugarloaf.com or call 1-800-THE-LOAF.

About the Sugarloaf Resort – Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is recognized as one of the top winter and golf resorts in the world and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East and one of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.