Aroostook County’s ski mountains have been affected by late season starts and lack of snow for several years, but last weekend’s snowstorm gave them just what they needed.
This year, Big Rock Mountain and Quoggy Jo Ski Center have been plagued by many sub-zero days, as well as a lack of major snowfall to help keep the trails open — especially important for Quoggy Jo because it has no snow-making equipment.
But with the most recent snowfall over the weekend, both ski areas are 100 percent open for the first time in a few weeks.
The ski industry is estimated to contribute $1 billion to Maine’s economy annually, according to Ski Maine Association Executive Director Dirk Gouwens. It also plays an important part in Aroostook County’s winter economy, bringing tourists to northern Maine and pulling in visitors from other parts of The County. The most recent snowfall, as well as subsequent snow, will be instrumental in keeping all of the trails open on Aroostook’s two ski hills, and increasing the number of people who use them.
“As someone who grew up with alpine skiing, I can say it’s incredibly important [to the economy],” said Quoggy Jo Ski Center Board Chair Chris Killcollins. “There’s not the largest variety of things to do in Aroostook once the weather gets cold. Once the winter sports end for schools, be it elementary, middle, high schools and even colleges, that only leaves so many options for activities.”
Big Rock Mountain is still in the early stages of its winter season, but has already seen a large uptick in season pass holders and daily lift ticket purchases. Before the storm, the mountain was operating with only 70 percent of its 26 trails open.
The snowmaking at Big Rock is limited to specific locations throughout the mountain, mainly following the lift lines. The mountain has done 150 hours of snowmaking so far, and will continue throughout the season. Snow-making requires cold temperatures and dry air for the best quality surface.
“Ideally for production we look for below 20 degrees and super dry,” said Big Rock Assistant General Manager Aaron Damon. “The quality produced in those conditions is just far superior.”
Higher up on the mountain toward the northeast, more of the trails were closed because the ski area operator is unable to make snow for those areas, which are dependent on natural snow.
Quoggy Jo Ski Center cannot make artificial snow and is dependent on natural snow to operate. Much like Big Rock, the hill was only operating at 80 percent last week. It had enough base snow to open to the public on Jan 8. Last weekend’s storm had the hill operating at 100 percent Thursday.
“It’s hurt us the past couple of years with not being able to make our own snow combined with the late snowfalls,” Killcollins said.
Sub-zero temperatures also have been an issue, keeping all but the hardiest skiers away from the mountain.
The ski area is run by volunteers and is constantly looking for more help. Students who run the lift and give lessons in the community are the only ones who receive wages.
On busy days, the mountain sees anywhere from 180 to 250 skiers, strengthening the appeal of the family-oriented small hill.
“When we have been open on Sundays and the weather has been decent, we have had really good turnouts,” Killcollins said.
