Waterville, Maine — What was once a lost ski area in a Maine college town has made a comeback in recent years.
Quarry Road Trails, a cross-country ski center, is situated on the site of the former Colby Ski Area, which operated from 1964 to 1979. After years of being abandoned, a cross-country ski center opened there in 2007. One of their goals in recent years has been to bring lift-served skiing back to the area.
Thanks to the installation of a rope tow, lift-serviced skiing returned to Waterville during the 2021-22 season and has remained a fun option for those looking to get some affordable turns in.
This summer has been busy at Quarry, as they have embarked on phase one of their master plan. This includes adding and paving parking areas, regrading and improving drainage in the Nordic stadium area, paving part of the access road, and relocating the Yurt.
Another significant project underway is the expansion of the lift-servicedskiable area. This week, Quarry Road and a group of volunteers have been working on a new rope tow line and expanding the terrain in this area.
The eventual plan is to have a varied trail network for the alpine skiing portion. The center hopes to eventually restore the original downhill skiing footprint, with future plans potentially including a new lodge and T-Bar.
Clearing is expected to continue in the days ahead, with the assistance of volunteers being requested. Those interested can contact trails@quarryroad.org.
Image Credits: Quarry Road Trails
