Skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Lonesome Pine Trails

FORT KENT, Maine — Giant snowflakes scattered through the air on Saturday, Dec. 11 – the perfect weather for opening day of Lonesome Pine Trails ski resort in Fort Kent.

Ashley Guerrette and her family came from the neighboring town of Frenchville to kick off the downhill ski season at the St. John Valley’s only ski hill.

“It was a great first day for us on the slopes; ski conditions were great,” Guerrette said. “We love getting out there on the slopes as a family. The boys will race down to see who is the fastest and sometimes dad joins them.” 

Lonesome Pine Trails manager Mike Voisine said the resort saw many new skiers as well as first-time season pass holders. 

“It was a very busy first weekend [with] lots of happy people enjoying their first time out on the slopes,” Voisine said. 

As in years past, Lonesome Pine volunteers scrambled to make fresh snow throughout the nights leading up to opening weekend.

“Without them, opening this past weekend would not have happened,” Voisine said. 

“We will start making more snow this week as it gets colder.” 

Skiers prepare to board the ski lift at Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent on Saturday. (Jessica Potila | St. John Valley Times)