And it's "White" Gold that fell on Maine's ski slopes, the second storm to drop almost two feet of snow.

It's almost to the point of snorkel skiing, if you know what I mean, and getting buried up over your knees is amazing. It brought back memories of back country skiing in some bowls out west, but with the eastern altitude and not the attitude!

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!

You can blame this one on Alaska! It's a definite chill. As a matter of fact, it's bone chilling to say the least.

Skiing and riding can still be good, and you most likely won't have to worry about the crowds waiting in the lift lines. That's when I like to ski the most. Now don't wimp out here. Just dress for the occasion.

Under any activity, our bodies begin to perspire, cooling down the body that spells danger if you are not dressed right.

A fairly decent storm raced through the mountain areas this week, with more predicted this weekend. The snow is waiting. What are you waiting for?

If I could find my shovel, I'd dig myself out from the blizzard we received over the weekend. What a fantastic dump of white 'gold', and it all happened on the first day of winter.

From the most northern parts of Maine slopes of Lonesome Pine trails to the southern ski areas that include Powderhouse Hill, snow reports have recorded more than three feet of powder! Eustis, in Carrabassett Valley reported 42 inches.

There's a new Chondola in ski country
Sunday River Ski Resort has unveiled their newest lift. The $7.2 million Chondola is a combination of an eight passenger gondola and six passenger chairlifts that transport skiers and riders from the South Ridge Base Lodge to the Peak Lodge on North Peak in just seven minutes. It is part of $14 million capital improvements at the resort. It is the first of its kind in the northeast.

The new lift is 5,994 feet long and will carry 3,200 skiers and riders an hour in just seven minutes. The gondolas transport eight passengers and the chairlifts carry six.

On Saturday nights the Chondola will transport diners to the North Peak Lodge for an elegant dinner. In the summertime, the lifts will transport hikers and mountain bikers. The Peak Lodge will also be used for weddings and special events.

There was a huge display of fireworks followed by several dignitaries who were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies. They included Dana Bullen, General Manager and Marvin Collins, both of Sunday River, Stephen Kricher, President of Boyne Eastern operations, Governor John Baldacci, and Byron Carlock, President and CEO of CNL Lifestyle.

Night skiing and riding
Skiers and riders can also take advantage of 12-hour skiing and riding at Sunday River. Lights have been added to trails from the South Ridge Lodge area to the North Peak Lodge. Skiing and riding can be done on Dream Maker and Escapade on North Peak and on Broadway, Sundance, Express Lane and Who-Ville on South Ridge trails.

"This is the day we have all been waiting for," Dana Bullen, said General Manager of Sunday River. "The Chondola accommodates both skier and snowboarders and can handle much more volume."

Now is the time to get those skis and snowboards out and enjoy some great skiing and riding over the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year … and we'll see you on the slopes!

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