SUGARLOAF INVESTS IN OFFSEASON IMPROVEMENTS
After a record-breaking winter that set all-time records for skier-visits and revenue, Maine’s Sugarloaf is investing nearly US$3 million in off-season improvements, including new snowmaking technology, continued terrain expansion, and a new 30-person outdoor hot tub at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. The off-season investment is part of the Sugarloaf 2020 Ten-Year Road Map, which outlines the resort’s 10-year vision for development. Since unveiled in 2010, the resort has seen numerous upgrades and improvements, including more than 500 acres of new terrain, a new quad chairlift, upgrades to its snowmaking system, a new irrigation system for the Sugarloaf Golf Club, new restaurants and food options, and upgraded facilities throughout the resort. Of the US$2.9 million in improvements for this summer, the largest piece will go toward 200 new low-energy HKD SV10 Impulse snowguns, the most advanced energy-efficient snowmaking technology on the market. The snowguns are able to produce the same amount of snow as a traditional snowgun, while using 30 to 40% less compressed air. Elsewhere on the resort, the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel will see a new US$240,000, 30-person outdoor hot tub. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by late summer. Work will also continue on Sugarloaf’s terrain expansion on to Burnt Mountain as glade cutting crews begin to work their way up toward the higher elevations on the northern face of the mountain. The terrain expansion is designed to offer skiers and riders a taste of the backcountry experience, with the safety of inbounds, patrolled terrain. (http://www.sugarloaf.com)
