Sugarloaf Investment Plans

New England snow skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can look forward to an even more enjoyable winter experience at Sugarloaf, Maine, during the 2008/2009 season. Boyne Resorts are planning to invest $5 million in this popular ski resort, with additional snow-making equipment and upgraded guest facilities being given top priority.

Since becoming part of the Boyne Resorts family, the management of Sugarloaf has been looking at both on and off mountain improvements. Planned investments, totaling nearly $9 million, represent the largest capital improvement initiative at Sugarloaf in more than 10 years. Sugarloaf’s general manager, John Diller, is confident that expansion plans for the coming years will be laying the groundwork for strengthening Sugarloaf’s foundation as the pinnacle of New England skiing, to the benefit of visitors and the community.

A large portion of the initial $5 million investment will go directly toward upgrading the Sugarloaf’s snowmaking system. By improving water intakes and increasing the number of pumps used, the snowmaking capacity will be improved by close to 25 percent. The resort plans to add 20 Boyne Low-E (energy) fans and 50 HKD tower guns, which are more energy efficient and in line with Sugarloaf’s commitment to conserve the environment. The improved snowmaking capacity will allow for better utilization of resources during late fall and early winter when the primary focus is on expanding open terrain. This improved snowmaking capacity will also prove invaluable during the periods when temperatures are in the high 20’s and low 30’s.

Other improvements include resort-wide expansion of glade skiing areas, new signage for mountain trails and new ski patrol cabins. Base lodge improvements include refurbishing of facilities and locker room upgrades, as well as new lighting and carpeting. Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness will be fitted with new hot tubs and new carpeting, while the racquetball courts will be resurfaced.

Future investments that are in the planning stage include an integrated lift replacement strategy with the goal of increased uphill capacity, improved skier flow, expanded terrain and high mountain access. These lift improvements will open up more terrain on the mountain earlier in the season.

Sugarloaf is considered to be one of the world’s top winter and golf resorts, with the only lift-serviced above tree-line snow skiing and snowboarding in the East. The planned investment by Boyne Resorts will ensure that Sugarloaf continues to live up to its well-established reputation as a top-class four-season resort.