Charlie Gaunce, of Waterville, carves a turn on the Windrow trail on Sunday at Sugarloaf. The mountain received more than a foot of powder at the beginning of the week. Photo by Dan Cassidy.

Skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain last Sunday was as close to skiing in some of the finest powder found anywhere out west.

It was a stark difference from the day before when temperatures plummeted to sub-zero numbers, in the -20 to -25 degree range at mid mountain, with winds gusting at 25 to 30 mph. That brought the chill factor to -40 to -45 degrees! One consolation … no black flies!

Sunday was an entirely different day. Heavy snow began just after daybreak. My friend, Charlie Gaunce of Waterville and I savored the quietness of skiing effortlessly through snow that had the consistency of a puffy cloud. It brought back memories to each of us of skiing in Utah and the High Sierra's around Lake Tahoe. We quietly danced through almost a foot of ungroomed snow! Tired at the end of the day, we each had a smile on our faces. A rare day it was to be skiing in 'champagne' powda' here in the Great State of Maine!

Maine Special Olympics coming to Sugarloaf
The Winter Games for Maine Special Olympics are scheduled for January 25 through 27.

On Sunday there will be a community pot-luck supper for the athletes in the King Pine Room of the base lodge.

Winter games begin Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come cheer the athletes, as the Opening Ceremonies begin at noon. The parade will make its way through the Sugarloaf Village to the Beach area.

Monday evening, a banquet of champions from 6 to 7 p.m. is scheduled followed by a torchlight parade with fireworks. Athletes and visitors can watch from the Beach in front of the base lodge.

On Tuesday, Winter Game finals take place from 8 to 11:45 a.m. The Closing Ceremonies take place and special awards will be presented in the base lodge at noon.

John Christie Day planned for Saddleback
Make plans to attend John Christie Day at Saddleback Mountain, Sunday, January 31. More information to come!

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet.