CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Nearly a foot and a half of new snow and more than 4 feet of snow since April 1 has enabled Sugarloaf/USA’s fabled Backside Snowfields to open in time for the biggest party in ski country. In addition to the Snowfields, 133 of Sugarloaf’s 134 trails are now open with some of the best April skiing in recent history.

Sugarloaf’s Snowfields are the East’s only lift-serviced, above treeline terrain and offer an experience that is often compared to high alpine bowl skiing. The experts-only steep, wide open expanse of the Backside makes it some of the most unique terrain in East.

This weekend is Sugarloaf’s annual Bud Light Reggae Festival and features 10 of the biggest names in reggae on four stages inside and outside all weekend long. Friday night’s concert features Barrington Levy, who is considered to be Jamaica’s #1 singer. Saturday night, America’s top reggae artist, John Brown’s Body, leads the all-star line up on the main stage.

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 regularly, 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 information on lodging or to purchase tickets to Friday and Saturday night’s performances, call 1.800 THE LOAF or visit us online at www.sugarloaf.com.