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APRIL 12 UPDATE: The eclipse was absolutely spectacular! Check out our trip report where we viewed the eclipse from the summit of Saddleback Maine!
On April 8th, a Total Solar Eclipse will travel through the heart of Maine's ski country offering for many, a once in a lifetime chance to view a full solar eclipse. We have a unique opportunity in Maine to be able to view the eclipse while on the mountain skiing! Many ski areas and communities in Maine are offering events to celebrate and view the eclipse.
WEATHER UPDATE: As of April 3rd, eclipse day weather forecast looks sunny which is sure to bring many people to the ski areas and the towns that surround them. Use this guide to get the information you need and make your plans.
IMPORTANT: This event is happening in rural Maine, during mud season, in areas that don't usually have a crush of people. The State of Maine has put out a resource guide on how to safely and enjoyably view the eclipse while respecting the communities and the environment. Please give it a read.
Totality will last for about 3 minutes at approximately 3:30pm. Here is the MaineSkiFamily guide to the events happening at Maine Ski Areas and surrounding communities celebrating the eclipse and offering viewing opportunities.
Saddleback, our home ski mountain, is offering an action packed eclipse weekend culminating with the Lights Out Party on April 8th. Lifts will be open from 9am to 6pm with a BBQ at the Nest and the 12/OC band playing music at the base lodge. Parking is be reservation only. UPDATE: Event Parking is SOLD OUT! See their eclipse event page for more details.
The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, just down the road from the Mountain, is holding a viewing party as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization that runs the center. APRIL 5th UPDATE: PARKING IS SOLD OUT! Also, the Rangeley area is holding the Shadow of the Sun Festival with eclipse related events and programming all weekend.
Check out the Rangeley Town Office Facebook page for important information about parking, street closures and viewing locations.
Sugarloaf will have bands playing throughout the weekend and will be spinning their lifts eclipse day until 4:20pm with DJ's bumping tunes at Bullwinkles and the base area. Parking is likely to fill up quickly so get there early. See their eclipse event page for more details.
While outside of the zone of totality both Sunday River and Pleasant Mountain will be open for skiing & riding and are having eclipse viewing events as well.
While we are not seeing any events specifically held at Maine's Aroostook County ski areas, the County is celebrating the eclipse with events county wide all weekend long. Visit the Aroostook County Tourism website for more information.
For those looking to view the eclipse in the Millinocket area, please know that Baxter State Park will be closed to camping and vehicular access but there are many great opportunities to view the eclipse in the region. Check out the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce event page for more information. For those visiting the Jackman, Maine area for the eclipse check out the town's Facebook page for more information.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable eclipse event! Hopefully mother nature will grace us with a sunny day! UPDATE: We think it will!
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