CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (November 5, 2012) – With flurries falling and temps dropping into the teens last night, Sugarloaf began snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2012-13 season.

Snowguns roared to life at 5:15pm on Sunday, Nov. 5, with 42 guns running on Upper Tote Road. Snowmakers ran the guns throughout the night, and will shut them down for several hours later today as temperatures rise.

Snowmaking will resume again tonight, with forecasts calling for upper elevation temperatures in the low teens once again. After that, snowmaking will continue whenever favorable temperatures permit.

Sugarloaf’s opening day is scheduled for Friday, November 16.

Last night’s snowmaking was Sugarloaf’s first look at $1 million worth of new snowmaking technology that was installed during the summer months. The resort purchased 300 new low-energy snowguns, produced by Snow Economics Inc. / HKD Snowmakers. The new guns are able to produce the same amount of snow as traditional, older equipment, while using up to 90 percent less compressed air. Compressed air represents the largest area of electricity consumption in the snowmaking process. (For additional information on the new snow guns, click here.)

In addition to the new snowguns, Sugarloaf also continued with other capital improvements related to the Sugarloaf 2020 Ten-Year Roadmap this summer. Glade crews continued to expand terrain in the Brackett Basin and Burnt Mountain areas, bringing Sugarloaf’s total skiable acreage to 1153 acres, further distancing it as the largest ski area east of the Rockies.

Several base area projects were also completed, including an extensive renovation of the former Sugarloaf Ski Shop (now the Downhill Supply Company), and upgrades to the Sugarloaf Base Lodge. Renovations are also underway in the former Double Diamond restaurant, which will reopen this winter as the new 45 North.

For more information, please visit www.sugarloaf.com.

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About Sugarloaf – Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is largest ski area in the East, and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East. and the number one golf course in Maine, according to Golf Digest. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. Follow: www.sugarloaf.com, www.facebook.com/sugarloaf, and http://twitter.com/sugarloafmaine.