CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine ??” The addition of more than a foot of new snow this week has given the green light to open Sugarloaf/USA’s fabled Backside Snowfields, the only lift-serviced, above-the-treeline skiing in the East. The opening of this double black diamond, expert-only terrain brings Sugarloaf to within a handful of trails from being 100% open.

The south facing Backside Snowfields require significant natural snow before they can be traversed. This week’s storm, on top of the nearly five feet of snow in the past three weeks, provided the necessary coverage.

“The Snowfields offer a skiing and riding experience that’s not available anywhere else,” said Communications Manager Bill Swain. “It’s a back country experience without the hike, complete with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.”

Sugarloaf’s boundary-to-boundary policy allows skiing throughout the Backside Snowfields including named routes such as High Rigger, Hard Tack, and Pure Heat. Front Face Snowfield trails such as White Nitro Extension, which is groomed, Powder Keg, Bubblecuffer Extension, and Winter’s Way Extension are also open with excellent natural snow surfaces.

The Backside Snowfields is a wilderness experience that should only be attempted by the most skilled skiers and riders. Sugarloaf’s Ski Patrol asks those who have never experienced the Backside to stop by the summit building for tips on the most navigable way down.

For more information and to make reservations to make your own tracks in the Snowfields, call 1-800-THE-LOAF or log on to www.sugarloaf.com.