February 4, 2005
Sunday River, ME
Beat feet up to Bethel Wednesday night, optimistic that the storm off the coast may creep inland enough to touch Sunday River with fresh snow. Not looking for much, just a little top dressing, 4+ would be rich. Been thinking about skiing Maine every since I saw a picture of a keg toss on Saddlebacks website. Sunday River standing to benefit most from any snow was the sound choice.
Four inches will not make a real difference at most resorts. But at certain areas, the ones that house the best snowmaking/grooming operations, those four put up for a killer day. Here is how it works. Start with high quality snow, groom until soft, and add top dressing.
AM Groomies
Snow from the heavens or not, the man made groomed to perfection at Sunday River holds its own anywhere, anytime. Work on your skiing. Carving trails with variable pitches (big air ops) make for fun, fast, wide-open, alert runs. Something else the Guru digs, top to bottom, most of the vertical allows this at Sunday River, no stops.
Top of White Cap
Mountain Management: A lot of people feel like they are spending their day traversing. From this lift, to that lodge, to which trail? Burning too much time on catwalks and crowded flats. This happens. Someone always wants to go somewhere else. Chill Out. Pick a lift you like and ride it 3 times, ski that section of the mountain and then move to the next and repeat. Do it, you will have a better experience.
Lost: Casual, relaxed, non-pretentious skier destination.
Found: Sunday River.
Not to say there is nothing to do at Sunday River. The Matterhorn is a must see, for a spot that is only a decade old, they’re an instant Ski Bar classic. Nice meal in town your preference, visit The Bethel Inn to dine. The Phoenix arose out of Les Otten’s old house. Check the chamber, it is a big ski town with plenty of options for all interests. One of which is to turn in early for first tracks on the corduroy.
The half pipe
Think Snow,
S.G.
PS ~ Forgot to mention you can fly Linear Air to get there.
photos: Ethan Binns
