SAM Magazine--Vermont and Maine, December 4, 2007--Both the Vermont Ski Areas Association and the Ski Maine Association are reporting strong early season business thanks to a weekend storm that dumped on the two ski states. Vermont areas are off to a stronger start than the last four years combined. A total of 369 trails are open, which accounts for almost 30 percent of terrain. In 2006, on the same day, only 26 trails were open statewide. With cold weather staying put, areas are blowing snow and looking at full openings over the next week.

Up in Maine, the Association's website had double its normal traffic during the storm, setting a one-day record for visits. Sunday River and Lost Valley gave reports of jammed phone lines and many group lessons at Lost Valley were maxed out. At Sugarloaf, the storm doubled the amount of open terrain, with more to come before the weekend thanks to snowmaking.

Nordic Centers in both states are relishing the snowfall, with a few opening their doors, while others pack and set trails in anticipation of opening.

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