It's going to be a great ski season, I can just feel it. Can't you? I've only been out there once so far, to the Loaf a couple weeks ago, but it's early yet, and that'll change. You've probably got a few more days in I'm sure.

The only two Maine mountains are open right now are Sugarloaf and Sunday River, but not for long. The storm forecast for tomorrow looks like a wild one, and just what the ski doctor ordered, so to speak. 6-12 inches on the coast and 20 inches to 2 feet in the mountains. Oh yeah. With any luck, more mountains and more trails and terrain will be opening very soon.

Given all this skiing excitement I thought I'd share with you my favorite picks for good fun at Maine's ski areas. I'll call it Trail Head's Ski Guide for lack of anything more creative. It's my unabashedly biased opinion of what's best about each mountain.

But by all means, do chime in and comment and let me (us!) in on what your favorites are for trails, glades, pubs, entertainment and so forth. Anything about a mountain that makes it special to you. That way we can all take better advantage of what each mountain has to offer.

So come on Mother Nature. Snow!

Sugarloaf/USA

The ski-nny: The biggest big mountain skiing in Maine with 2,800 feet of vertical and plenty of terrain to suit all abilities. ASC is out and Boyne is in. And so is increased snowmaking capacity and grooming ability. Bullwinkle's on the mountain will double in size. And a new bus system will help you get around.

Steeps: Narrow Gauge top to bottom is always a fun run. Suck it up and take the plunge down Crib Works for added spice. Take flight down Upper Gondola for some heart-pumping excitement.

Cruisers: Tote Road is still the best cruising run in the state. Watch out for Chicken Pitch!

Easy going: Wide-open Whiffletree is a green crowd pleaser for sure.

Aprés-ski: The Bag & Kettle in the village base area serves up an awesome bowl of chili and makes their own brew. The Rack on the access road is the place to rub elbows with gold medal winners. Get a-quaint-ed with the locals at Longfellow's in Kingfield.

Extra credit: Ride the Timberline chair to the top of the mountain (great for sunsets and a long last run of the day) and add some serious vertical—and scenery—to your ski day.

Shhh!: On Maine Day every Wednesday Maine residents can ski and ride for only $26. Now that’s worth skipping out on work!

Sugarloaf from Oh My Gosh Corner on Route 27, Carrabassett Valley.
Carey Kish photo

Sunday River

The ski-nny: V-a-r-i-e-t-y! Choose from more than a hundred trails across eight mountain peaks. Follow the sun from Whitecap to Jordan Bowl for a full, fun day. The River is also under new ownership, having transitioned with the Loaf from ASC to Boyne, which has already made significant upgrades to the River's expansive snowmaking capabilities.

Steeps: White Heat? Been there, done that. Show off your good stuff on the double fault line of Shock Wave or try to keep it together on Vortex from the top.

Cruisers: American Express and Risky Business are two of the best blue runs around and worth a couple of go-rounds.

Easy going: Lollygag on Lollapalooza or dally along on Dream Maker.

Aprés-ski: It’s the Foggy Goggle at South Ridge Lodge for music and meet-ups; the Sunday River Brew Pub out on Route 2 for a wood fire and pints of local ale; or Sud’s beneath the Old Sudbury Inn for true local flavor and great pizza.

Extra credit: Think you’ve got chutzpah? Dive into the trees on Chutzpah for some serious bark-avoidance practice.

Shhh!: The crowds thin out early on Sundays at the River, a good time catch some elbow room out there.

Cruising great early season snow on Risky Business, Spruce Peak.
Photo courtesy Sunday River

OK now, your turn... You been out skiing yet? What's your own 'inside scoop' on Sugarloaf and Sunday River?

Next time on the Ski Guide: Shawnee Peak in Bridgton.