Sugarloaf Maine
Including three guys at the very end who are still very much a part of the local scene! Others in this video are scattered near & far, & some are no longer with us, but everyone here shows the Sugarloaf spirit of the early 80s that lingers in our hearts all these years, & owners, later….
This fabulous footage from a 1976 Boston television series with long-time skier & friend Howard Nielsen, is amongst the favorites from the archives because the growth of the ski industry in New England at that time was exciting & challenging, & certainly never to be equaled following the heady ’60s, & roller coaster ride of snow (or lack of) & ski business growth pains during the ’70s! For some of us who have been in this business since those days, this is a sentimental look back on this crazy business that IS our lifestyle! For a rural development economist, it is an interesting perspective whereas, as we often say, the more things change, the more they stay the same…!!
Glenn Parkinson is the President of the Ski Museum of Maine, & as big a fan of our favorite sport as you’ll find anywhere! He & many others dug out the old sweaters, jackets, pants & more, including skis & boots, to share the fond memories that stay in our minds from years of skiing in the vintage gear!! The Ski Museum is located in the Sugarloaf Sports Outlet Ship in Kingfield, & is open to the public during the Store’s hours, so be sure to stop in & see the vast collection of Maine’s Ski History, including some unique items & historical stories that may surprise you! People who ski are passionate about the sport, & its always fun to know that’s been so for decades Here’s to long Maine winters & many happy descents for decades to come!
If you’re a life-long, die hard skier, it’s always interesting to follow the growth & look towards the future of the ski & resort business, & a look back to over 30 years ago only points out the more things change, the more they stay the same!
We are grateful to the Foster family for giving WSKI a copy of their home movies from 1964 at Sugarloaf when the hardy skiers worked & played with gusto to create the grand reputation of ‘Sugarloaf’ that so many now know & love! This fantastic footage shows so many changes (fashions!!), & yet so many things that haven’t (can you ID the trails??)! ….. the fly over is great!!!…. [Read more…]
