Portland, ME (January 19, 2010) According to Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association, "the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Weekend has given a huge boost to the Maine ski industry. Last week's weather forecasts were favorable for outdoor activities and skiers and snowboarders were quick to take advantage. Across the state, from the Camden Snow Bowl, to Shawnee Peak, to village at the base of Sugarloaf, areas reported full parking lots, busy base lodges, and new skiers and riders taking lessons." Saddleback reported setting an all time attendance record for the holiday and Jeff Kuller, GM at the Camden Snow Bowl reported his biggest weekend since he became GM six years ago. Lost Valley rented out their entire fleet of skis & snowboards, and Sugarloaf posted a 93 percent occupancy rate for a two day period. "Martin Luther King weekend was very strong for Sunday River," said Darcy Liberty, Director of Communications for Sunday River. "Tickets, Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School and our food and beverage operations saw near-record numbers and the additional snowfall over the long weekend only helped." The success can be summed by with Shawnee Peak's owner, Chet Homer as, "we were very pleased with the crowds. As a bonus, another 6 to 8 inches of snow fell on Monday to the delight of powder skiers. This is the recipe for a successful month."

The Maine Nordic Ski Centers were just as pleased with the weekend weather and holiday snowstorm. Nearly every kilometer of Maine's nordic trails are now open providing a deep snowpack for extensive grooming for both the classic and skate skiers. Parking lots were full and many skiers were out skiing on the new gear they may have received at Christmas. According to Dave Carter at Carter's Farm, "the parking lots were full, we rented lots of skis, and this is the perfect storm with snow expected to continue for the next few days."  At Harris Farm, Bill Harris reports, "we are off to a good start and Monday's snow will set us up for a perfect weekend. It is no secret that a snowstorm early in the week builds excitement for Saturday and Sunday." The Aroostook County nordic centers have received several feet of snow allowing them to host an extensive calendar of events, including the prestigious USSA Cross Country Junior Olympics, March 6 - 13, at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle and the USBA US Biathlon National Championships, March 17 - 21, hosted at the 10^th Mountain Center in Fort Kent.

"The timing of new snow is critical to maintain a momentum of interest in skiing and snowboarding. When there is snow on the ground, people cannot avoid the fact that it is winter. When I read reports that hardware stores are selling snow shovels, I know that everyone's focus in on snow and snow is what stimulates the economy throughout Maine's mountains," according to Sweetser.

Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.

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