2026-01-02T10:00:00-05:00
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 below expected. * WHERE...Central Somerset, Northern Franklin, and Northern Oxford Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
Sugarloaf Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Saddleback Ski Area
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Warm temps are making for an unseasonably mild start to the new year at Sugarloaf, with overnight lows hovering around 55°F—well above average for early January. Sugarloaf ski resort in Maine is a premier ski destination with 162 trails across 1,240 acres, making it the largest ski area east of the Rockies.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
The snowpack is currently about 10 inches below normal, resulting in thin coverage on some lower elevation trails and limited natural terrain. However, crews are working tirelessly to maintain coverage on groomers, and snowmaking operations continue where temperatures permit. The mountain remains open with a selection of groomed runs offering decent skiing, especially in the morning when conditions are firmer.
Looking ahead, light snow is in the forecast with just over half an inch expected over the next 72 hours. While this won't make a dramatic difference in base depths, it could freshen surfaces slightly and improve rideability in high-traffic areas. No major storm systems are on the radar, so guests should plan accordingly and check trail updates before heading up. There are no significant local news alerts affecting access or operations at the moment, so travel to the resort should be smooth. Whether you're carving early corduroy or enjoying après by the fire, Sugarloaf is still delivering the alpine charm Maine skiers love.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Temple 1.8 W, Me.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Temple 1.8 W, Me
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Sugarloaf.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Sugarloaf
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sugarloaf impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Sugarloaf ski resort in Maine is located in the Carrabassett Valley and is part of the Western Maine Mountains. The resort is situated on Sugarloaf Mountain, which is part of the larger Mahoosuc Range in the western part of the state. Sugarloaf Mountain is known for its challenging terrain and is the second highest peak in Maine, standing at 4,237 feet. The resort also offers views of the nearby Bigelow Range and the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the area.
The resort boasts some of the best trails in the East including the iconic Narrow Gauge trail, which hosted the US Alpine Championships in 1971. For beginners, the Whiffletree lift provides access to a variety of easy and intermediate runs. As for apres ski, the Widowmaker Lounge is the go-to spot for live music and a lively atmosphere. An interesting fact about Sugarloaf is that it was the first ski resort in the United States to install a chairlift back in 1955.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 15 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 21810 per hour |
Base Elevation | 432 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 651 Acres |
Established | 1951 |
Run Count | 153 Trails |
Sugarloaf FAQ
How much snow did Sugarloaf receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Sugarloaf today?
Weather today, snow likely, mainly before noon. cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a temperature rising to near 21 by 11am, then falling to around 9 during the remainder of the day. wind chill values as low as -10. blustery, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 15 to 20 mph in the morning. winds could gust as high as 40 mph. chance of precipitation is 70%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
What are ski area conditions in Maine like right now?
Maine’s ski scene remains stable this week, with modest snowfall forecasts and existing snowpack supporting decent mid-winter conditions. The heaviest forecasted snow is expected near East Surry and Dedham, where up to 4 inches is predicted over the next five days. These areas are closest to Hermon Mountain and Big Squaw Mountain, both of which should benefit from the light ... Read more