OPINION: While I don’t always love Maine winters, I can honestly say that skiing makes them worth it. I’ve loved skiing for as long as I can remember, and it’s only gotten better as I’ve gotten older. Out of our local mountains, Sugarloaf remains at the top of my list with its diverse trails, easy drive up and lots to do after the lifts have closed. I’ve been skiing on it for a decade now and it never gets old.
One thing I tend to forget about is that not everyone from the University of Maine is a Maine native. Even if we hold the majority, our student body is surprisingly diverse in residency. This means that there are many students at UMaine who have never skied before and are looking to try. So, if you find yourself heading up to Sugarloaf this weekend and need some pointers, this article is for you.
To start, proper clothing and equipment is a top priority. In Maine, if you see someone going down the mountain in jeans (unless it’s Donny Pelletier) you have both the right and the obligation to call them any name you want, most of which our paper cannot currently print. Snowpants are a must along with a sufficient top layer. I recommend long sleeve dri-fit, hoodie and parka or windbreaker, in that order. Mountain gear is understandably expensive so you need to hit up a local Reny’s, no one will judge you. Finally, please make sure that your boots fit both your feet and your skis – getting bindings adjusted at the mountain can be a pain.
If you can, try to get up to the mountain early. Lifts usually open at 8:30 a.m. and if you arrive anytime after 10 a.m. on a weekend, you’re essentially screwed for parking. Additionally, I recommend looking for days with little mountain traffic. That might involve skipping your Thursday classes, but the open trails and quick lifts line will make it worthwhile.
If you’re going with a group, chances are that a lot of your friends have been skiing and snowboarding since they were six, which can be intimidating. However, if your friends are really your friends, they won’t care if you can’t send Gondi Line on your first run. Start as slow as you need, even if that means only hitting greens and low mountain terrain by lunch. If you need to take breaks, take breaks. If you feel done for the day, be done for the day, and if you get made fun of for it then find a better group because life’s too short for that crap.
Another thing is food. Narrow Gauge has one of the ugliest price gouges I’ve ever seen. Last time I went up I must have paid close to $30 for four undercooked chicken tenders and a bag of chips. If you’re looking for good food at a decent price, I highly recommend Gouda Boys. Their food truck is located outside the entrance of the main lodge, and they make some of the best mac n’ cheese meals in the state. Most of their menu is under $20 and all of it reheats quite well. For a more formal meal, head to Bullwinkle’s. It’s about halfway down Tote Road and it’s a great place to warm up with some chowder. Their Bloody Marys are also exceptional, not that I would know.
After your first day, you may find yourself miserable and unlikely to return to the mountain. I encourage those of you in this position to give it another chance. Skiing and snowboarding is something that grows on you the more you do it, and I guarantee that as you get better, you’ll like it more and more. Besides, what else are you gonna do all winter?
