The trade association also reported that Maine increased its share of the Northern New England market by 1 percent last season. “Although 1 percent is not a huge number, the fact that Maine is gaining market share in the competitive Northeast market is a very positive sign,’’ said Greg Sweetser, executive director for Ski Maine. According to the National Ski Areas Association, resorts nationwide drew 57.1 million visits last season, the fifth best on record.
Museum on the move
The Ski Museum of Maine has moved from Farmington to Kingfield, and the organization will hold an open house Dec. 5 from 3-6 p.m. to show off its new digs. The new location is above the Sugarloaf Sports Outlet . . . Liftopia, the online discount lift-ticket site, is growing into its fourth season. Started by Evan Reece, who grew up in Topsfield and made his first turns at Bradford, skiers and riders can purchase date-specific, nonrefundable tickets in advance at a discount. Some recent examples include a $12.99 lift ticket at New Hampshire’s Ragged for late November, a $12 Jay Peak deal for Nov. 27, and a Mad River Glen ticket for $17.99 on Jan. 4, 2010. “Quantities are limited, and prices change all the time, but there are typically some amazing deals on there,’’ said Reece . . . If you’re thinking ahead to the Vancouver Games and wondering about early season snow cover, rest assured that Mother Nature seems to have things covered in British Columbia. Whistler Blackcomb, the host mountain, reported Nov. 19 that the Olympics resort has passed its previous record for snowfall in the month, measuring in at 165 inches and counting . . . Sunday River has demo days Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The try-before-you-buy event costs $10 at South Ridge Lodge . . . Sugarloaf will have an on-mountain Blessing of the Skis Sunday morning at 11.
