Sugarloaf to introduce Maine’s first cat-skiing operation on Burnt Mountain

After making the dream of skiing and riding on Burnt Mountain a reality in 2010, Sugarloaf announced today that it would make that experience even more accessible this winter by offering guests snow-cat serviced skiing and riding in the Androscoggin Glade, Little Androscoggin, and a newly-cut glade to be named this fall.

This new winter offering is a cornerstone of Sugarloaf's new "sidecountry" skiing development that has been a signature piece of the resort's "Sugarloaf 2020" development plan.

The resort has purchased a new 12 passenger snow cat, which it will use in tandem with an existing 12-passenger cat to transport skiers to the top of the Androscoggin Glade from the Log Yard, located below the bottom terminal of the King Pine chairlift.

Glade cutting crews have worked this summer to develop a designated cat road, and to clear a new glade on Burnt Mountain which will add 100 acres of newly-developed terrain to explore.

For years, Burnt Mountain and the Androscoggin Glade have only been accessible to those willing to hike or skin. The new Burnt Mountain Cat Skiing operation will make the resort's unique sidecountry experience more accessible to skiers and snowboarders.

"Since its opening, our sidecountry terrain has become a fan favorite among Sugarloafers," said Crusher Wilkinson, Sugarloaf VP of Mountain Operations. "The new Burnt Mountain Cat Skiing will not only enhance the skiing and riding experience, but also make the terrain more accessible to our guests."

This type of in-bounds cat skiing is only offered by a handful of resorts in the country - as Maine's only cat skiing operation, Sugarloaf will be one of the few locations east of the Rockies to offer such an experience.

In its first year, Burnt Mountain cat rides will be offered on weekends and vacation weeks only, from 9:00am - 3:00pm. The two passenger cats will rotate shuttling skiers and riders every 20 minutes, and guests will be able to reserve their seat online in advance.

The Burnt Mountain experience is recommended for expert skiers and riders only. Anyone unfamiliar with the Burnt Mountain terrain is encouraged to visit Ski Patrol at the top of the Androscoggin Glade to ask questions.

The Sugarloaf 2020 Ten-Year Road Map outlines the resort's ten-year vision for development. Since the vision was first unveiled in 2010, the resort has seen numerous upgrades and improvements, including more than 600 acres of new terrain, a new quad chairlift, massive upgrades to its snowmaking system and lift infrastructure, as well as various village enhancements and upgraded facilities throughout the resort.

For more information on Burnt Mountain Cat Skiing, please visit www.sugarloaf.com/catskiing.

Source : Sugarloaf