Ski Wednesday: Sugarloaf’s fascinating history

Sugarloaf Mountain and Carrabassett Valley have a short but storied history, one that’s so new, you can still bump into the folks who made it all happen – and their offspring – on the lift, by the trail or out at Apres most any night.

Knowing that history enhances a visit to the resort. By reading about the history ahead of time, you’ll recognize sites, understand how this unique community works and maybe almost feel like a local. Consider these two reads before heading to The Loaf.

A Town Built by Ski Bums: This new release by Maine resident and passionate skier Virginia M. Wright starts with the early discovery of the region as a logging center and dives deep into its evolution as a ski resort and community.

Leaning heavily on personal stories (and gosh are they fun!) You’ll get to know the people, their passions, the hot spots and the crazy stories that are the foundation of the region.

From the police chief back in the day who’d simply walk through the apres bar and point out who wasn’t allowed to drive home, to the famed “Dump party” to how Sugarloaf came to be a World Cup Setting, you’ll roll into town knowing more than a few cool things.

You’ll learn how the town was formed, how the focus was able to stay on recreation and how, where and when the apres and music scene grew.

Perfect for chairlift banter, but also for making friends: Just imagine when you meet a local and recognize the family name. https://www.downeastbooks.com/9781684751792/a-town-built-by-ski-bums/

Amos The Moose: A Sugarloaf Story: Amos, Sugarloaf’s long-time mascot named for Amos Winter, a man instrumental in creating Sugarloaf Mountain, gives kids their own chance to get to know the ski area, its history and the nature that surrounds it. Amos also has some surprises as kids read and learn about the area: the iconic Sugarloaf triangle sticker is hidden throughout the pages of the book. Have some extra fun and show the kids some of the crazy places in the world that sticker has been spotted at the top of Mount Everest and on the Great Wall of China. https://claudiadiller.com/