CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine —As one of the few communities along the path of totality, Sugarloaf Mountain played host to an extraordinary celestial event on April 8, 2024. The highly anticipated total solar eclipse drew skiers, spectators, and photographers from near and far, creating an unforgettable experience for all who gathered to witness this rare phenomenon.  

The Sugarloaf Skiclipse, as it came to be known, attracted an impressive number of visitors who chose Sugarloaf as their prime location to witness the awe-inspiring event. Despite initial concerns about the weather, Mother Nature smiled upon the mountain, providing clear skies and ideal conditions for eclipse viewing. 

"Receiving 20+ inches of snow ahead of the weekend set us up for a perfect couple of days, " says Karl Strand, President and General Manager, "with the forecast calling for clear, sunny spring day created the perfect ingredients for a really special afternoon." 

From branded viewing glasses, a well-communicated spectating map and special notices warning guests in advance this was an above average ski-day at Sugarloaf set the stage for success.   

“It was all hands-on deck and we want to thank our staff, local and state authorities for their proactive approach,” expressed Strand.  “Given this wasn’t a ticketed event nor did we charge for parking we really had no idea what to expect.  But outside of reaching parking capacity by 8:30am it all went as well as could be expected.” 

Not only was there an operational component to the planning but a once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunity as well.  Photographer Jamie Walter is an eclipse photography hunter of sorts travelling to shoot the totality back in 2017 in Indiana in a corn field.   

“To witness a solar eclipse anywhere is extraordinary; to catch totality directly over the mountain you call home is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” states Walter.   

Jamie was part of the Sugarloaf marketing team for several years as both a snow reporter and photographer so one could say he has an inside scoop.   

“After years of anticipation, months of hoping for favorable conditions, and weeks of planning, we could not have asked for a better day to marvel at such an astonishing spectacle together. My photography career took off a decade ago when I worked for the mountain, so capturing these images where it all began for me is a wonderful full circle moment. Today, perhaps more than ever, I am so proud to be a Sugarloafer.” says Walter.   

The Sugarloaf Skiclipse not only showcased the natural beauty of Sugarloaf Mountain but also brought together a diverse community of skiers and spectators who shared a common fascination with the celestial wonders. This extraordinary event will forever be etched in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to witness it. 

 

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Sugarloaf photographer Nathaniel Kaye Photos:  

https://sugarloaf.imagerelay.com/ml/d1c0e96b99a74932a8a5428ddc271519

Sugarloaf Video: https://sugarloaf.imagerelay.com/share/45fdc61a010444b588c852cc1a18f0ea 

Jamie Walter's Photos: https://sugarloaf.imagerelay.com/fl/503a2d146fd64ec4bb5af2051ec2d640

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