Weather Causes Thursday Closure of 3 Maine Ski Areas

This winter has not been kind to those who love winter sports and outdoor winter activities.

In most places, there has not been nearly enough snow to go snowmobiling, and we just learned that the poor conditions have caused the cancellation of the 2024 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races.

The cancellation of the event is unprecedented because Fort Kent, where the races are centered, is one of the snowiest places in New England.  Even when the lower part of the state has bare ground, the Aroostook County town often has snow banks that are so tall you cannot see over them.

Even though they can make snow, the poor conditions are even affecting local ski areas.

According to WCSH 6, several Maine ski areas have decided to close on Thursday due to a lack of snow and wind.

Saddleback Mountain, Mt. Abram, and Pleasant Mountain all announced that they would be closed on Thursday via their social media accounts.

In Saddleback Mountain's post, they explained that they expected surface conditions to be rough on Thursday.  Wednesday's warm temperatures caused melting.  The overnight temperatures would cause that melted snow to turn into ice.  Additionally, there were concerns about the high winds.

Mount Abram dealt with the same warm conditions on Wednesday.  This weather made their trails a mess.  The plan is for the grooming teams to use Thursday to repair the trails.

Despite the mountain being closed, Mount Abram did still plan to open their Loose Boots Lounge at 3 PM.  They still plan to host their community pizza night and have live music with Steve Moore.

Pleasant Mountain, formerly Shawnee Peak, announced that the weather conditions were forcing them to close on Thursday as well.

It appears that all three ski areas plan to reopen on Friday.