The ancient Norse god Ullr and the 20th-century American King of Rock-n-Roll are both heading to Shawnee Peak over the next week or so.

The ancient Norse god Ullr is depicted while hunting on skis in this reproduction from an 18th-century Icelandic manuscript.
IMAGE FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Let's take a quick look at some of the upcoming Shawnee happenings as "Maine's longest-running ski area" heads toward its 70th birthday on January 23.

For starters, night skiing starts tonight. And to start your after-dark ski season right, night tix are only $12!

Ullr Fest is celebrated on Thursday with a live DJ, live music, fireworks, bonfires and a torchlight parade. Pete Finkle plays apres-ski in Blizzard's Pub starting at 5:30 p.m. and the pyrotechnics ignite about 7 p.m. And speaking of hot stuff, the ceremonical Ullr bonfires will be the toastiest places on the mountain tomorrow night.

Bonfires in decorated drums will be dedicated to the ancient Norse god Ullr tomorrow at Shawnee Peak.
SHAWNEE PEAK PHOTO BY JOSH HARRINGTON

And speaking of singers, Bill Cameron, who bills himself as "Maine's best rock-n-roll one-man show," will be in Blizzards twice over the next few days. He'll play apres-ski on Saturday, then he'll return for the Blizzard's annual New Year's Eve party on Monday.

Bill Cameron, who bills himself as "Maine's best rock-n-roll one-man show," will play Blizzard's Pub at Shawnee Peak twice within the next week.
COURTESY BILL CAMERON

And speaking of rock-n-roll, betcha didn't know that Elvis, aka "The King," skis Shawnee Peak on his birthday, January 5. It's actually MichaEL VISelli, a prominent Boston-area Elvis impersonator. The Ski Bum headed up to Shawnee's inaugural Elvis Day last years, and this guy's good!

Elvis sings in Blizzard's Pub last year at Shawnee Peak.
SHAWNEE PEAK PHOTO BY JOSH HARRINGTON

Elvis and the Ski Bum pose last year at Shawnee Peak.
SHAWNEE PEAK PHOTO BY JOSH HARRINGTON

Expect a look-alike contest, a lip-synch contest and a special Blizzard's concert by Elvis/MichaEL VISelli late in the afternoon.

Elvis was famous for his swiveling hips, but I'm not sure he can gyrate on skis or on a snowboard. But for those who can make sick moves in a halfpipe, Shawnee marketing director Melissa Rock tells me that Shawnee's should open sometime during the vacation week. It's Maine's only lit halfpipe, I believe.

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