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Archive for the ‘Local Activities’ Category

Who doesn’t love a boat ride?!?

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Flagstaff Lake offers flat-water boating with a view that will leave you awestruck! If you’re not a boat owner.. local or visiting, or if you have family or friends who you’d like to share a special occasion with, or you want to make it part of your Maine Huts & Trails experience to Flagstaff Hut, Flagstaff Boat Tours is what you want! Jeff Hinman has a beautiful pontoon boat for a comfortable ride, & a wealth of local knowledge on the creation of the lake, as well as wildlife, the Arnold Expedition to Quebec, & all kinds of fascinating information about the area. It’s definitely something to do this summer in the western mountains of Maine. (more…)

What to do this weekend in the Western Mountain Region

Friday, May 11th, 2012

In the Sugarloaf region this weekend? Looking for some ideas on things to do? Well read on folks… (more…)

Carrabassett Valley Bike Shop

Friday, May 11th, 2012

Mountain biking in the Carrabassett Region is getting BIG. The last couple years has seen new singletrack, improved and maintained trails, the Carrabassett Backcountry Challenge, the forming of the Carrabassett Region chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and lots more. One aspect that has been lacking is a bike shop. Well the time is right to change that and CV local Bob Ash has stepped up to the plate (or clicked both feet in) and the result is the Carrabassett Valley Bike Shop located at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. See his interview below on the WSKI set earlier this spring to learn more…  (more…)

What to do this weekend in the Western Mtns

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Lots happening this weekend in the Western Mountains of Maine. Let’s start off with the weather. Forecasts call for rain and drizzle to end Saturday. We should see highs around 60 degrees on Saturday with overnight lows in the mid 30′s. Sunday looks like the pick of the weekend with forecasted highs in the mid 60′s with full sunshine, perfect for any outdoor activities.  You can always find local weather & what’s happening here on our website: http://www.wskitv.com/latest-video-forecast/ (more…)

Appalachian Trail: Endless opportunities right in our backyard

Friday, May 4th, 2012

The Appalachian Trail runs from Springer Mtn in Georgia to Katahdin here in Maine and offers endless oppurtunities for backpacking trips, day hikes or even a 6 month thru hike of its more than 2,000 miles of trail. The best thing about the Appalachian Trail is that it’s right here in our backyard and runs right through the Carrabassett Region and western mountains of Maine. The “AT” can be enjoyed in any season whether you’re wearing your hiking boots or you snowshoes. Below are three hikes you can enjoy that are only minutes from Sugarloaf Ski Resort. Follow the white blazes and get out and enjoy this wonderful resource that’s part of why we call this region Our Home year-round! (more…)

Kids + Summer in the western mountains region = FUN!!!

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

There’s no better way to spend summer vacation when you’re a kid than playing outside, especially when you have so many activities to choose from & such a wonderful setting with awesome people to show you how!  From hiking to swimming, golf to mountain biking … and the AGC’s 35′ climbing wall & drama or art indoors when weather isn’t great: the Sugarloaf Outdoor Adventure Camp runs from July 9 – August 17 for kids from 4 to 13 years, Monday-Friday. This reminder from Marcia White during the Easter morning Mountain Report for campers to join in the fun for single days, or by the week, is an invitation to make reservations sooner than later for this always popular program of exceptional value! For more information about Outdoor Adventure Camp, 207-237-6909 (more…)

Take a ride back in time with Susan in a Stanley Steamer

Sunday, April 29th, 2012

The Stanley Steamer is one of those special inventions that you fall in love with when you first see (& hear!) one, if you should be so fortunate! This video from WSKI’s Archives by an unknown producer is timeless in its presentation of one of the incredible creations of the brilliant Stanley brothers of Kingfield at the turn of the 18th-19th century. As stated in the mission of the Stanley Museum, where you can see actual Steam Cars (1905, 1909, 1910, 1916), & other inventions including Air-Brush Portraits, Paintings, Violins, Photographs, & more: ‘The Stanley Museum keeps and shares the traditions of Yankee Ingenuity and creativity as exemplified by the Stanley family in order to inspire those values in children and adults’. The Museum commemorates and preserves the heritage of the Stanley family genius, including sister, Chansonetta, whose photographs depicting rural turn-of-the-century American life can also be viewed at 40 School Street, Kingfield.   Museum hours: June through October, Tuesday to Sunday 1 to 4 PM; November through May, Tuesday to Friday 1 to 4 PM; or by appointment. www.stanleymuseum.org  (more…)

Current Activities

Sunday, April 29th, 2012

WSKI gives viewers the latest information on events & activities around the western mountains of Maine. (more…)

North Branch of Dead River

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

When the water is flowing at moderate levels (like it is at the moment!), the North Branch of the Dead River above Eustis is a PERFECT stretch of water for kayak or canoe! Sarampus Falls is about 15 minutes north of Stratton Village with a State Rest Area for putting in. The water is just exciting enough to be fun, without being too radical for paddlers of less than extreme abilities, so grab a boat & paddle, & head north! Remember, the water’s SUPER CHILLY in spring running off the mountains, so PFDs are worn by the wise!!!! (more…)

Pack your passport for a Day-trip North for a Quebec Adventure

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Brush off your “Bonjour” & “Merci!” One hour from Sugarloaf, via the Rt 27 Scenic Byway north to Canada, is the Megantic Region of Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Fabulous French cuisine, Quebec culture & a TON of activities & events make this region a uniquely intriguing neighbor for the western mountains of Maine. Adventure is part of the Quebec Psyche, for sure! From casual fun to extreme challenges such as the International (12 mile length) Lac Megantic swim, to the incredible Observatory atop Mt. Megantic, there is something for everyone, & all with that wonderful French Canadian flavor that you can’t experience anywhere else: www.tourisme-megantic.com. (more…)

Green Farm Girls have Green Thumbs!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

And they are happy to share the love of all things green & growing especially in the Springtime! Gail & her crew have been growing a variety of flowers & other plants in her greenhouses on the site of the old Green Farm in Coplin on the road to Rangeley for years, with the entire region benefitting from the flowers & plants, indoors & out, that adorn homes, businesses & properties. Be inspired & pay them a visit if you’d like to add more color & life to your place at home or work! (more…)

Fly fishing in the morning, skiing in the afternoon!

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

It’s hard to argue that it’s been an unusual spring up here in the Western Mountains. What is easy to argue though, is when someone says there isn’t anything to do around here. In fact, the weird weather means you can go fly fishing first thing in the morning, then hit the slopes after lunch! The fly fishing season has officially begun and registered Maine Guide Bob Duport of Western Mountains Fly Fishing stopped in to the studio to discuss the new season and offer some handy tips. Whether you’re an experienced angler or sushi is the closest you’ve come to a live fish, give Bob a call to arrange your own guided expedition. (more…)

What to do this weekend in the Western Maine Mtns

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

Lookin’ for stuff to do this weekend? Here is our status on outdoor activities and current conditions in the area. First off weather; it’s looking like Saturday will be the pick of the weekend as that’s the day we should see some bright sunshine. Temperatures are still a bit chilly especially after experiencing last week’s record breaking heat. Temps here in Carrabassett Valley should top out in the mid 40′s with overnight lows in the lower to mid 20′s… (more…)

Carrabassett Valley Outdoors Association = FUN!

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

There’s no doubt about it: if you like the outdoors, you’ll like where we live here in the western mountains of Maine! Hiking, canoeing & exploring are a few of the activities that are a foundation for great adventures, & the ingredients for success are great people to share the experience with! When newly elected president of CVOA Paul Trueworthy & wife Linda visited with us at WSKI, we got to hear about the many community projects & fabulous excursions to beautiful places that the members of CVOA are involved in! Fun bunch of folks, check out their website: www.cvoutdoors.com (more…)

Take a Hike! Tumbledown Mtn.

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Looking for something to do? Love the Outdoors? Last weeks warm weather get you all fired up for warm weather activities? Well, your in luck. A great “springtime” hike or first hike of the season is Tumbledown mtn just north of Weld in Franklin county.  We took the Brook trail up to the summit of west peak on Tumbledown and enjoyed a great hike with spectacular views. (more…)

Deer: the Hatfields & McCoys!???

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

Harriet Powers lives in Coplin Plantation in the same home she grew up in. She & her husband Basil have been involved members of the western Maine mountains region that they call home for their whole lives & wouldn’t want to live anywhere else for the same reasons we all love this region for! Harriet shares her family’s history of deer feeding with Kip & our viewers, & if you’d like to see that for yourself, every day around 3:30pm, Basil spreads out the corn at their Kennebago Rd. homestead & visitors are welcome to come & watch! (more…)

EVERYONE working together for the Best Results: What a Concept!

Monday, March 12th, 2012

The High Peaks Alliance is a non-profit group in Franklin County who is making huge strides in trail conservation & development to be enjoyed by both non-motorized & motorized outdoors sports enthusiasts. As total believers in all things outdoors for all to enjoy with care along the way, we wanted our viewers to hear about what this great non-profit is doing in the western mountains of Maine. Lloyd Griscom’s visit with WSKI was a perfect opportunity to raise more awareness amongst our viewers (who are all outdoors enthusiasts because that is 100% what WSKI is all about) of the work & accomplishments of the High Peaks Alliance as they continue to assist with economic development through tourism by ensuring the region is a destination for recreationalists of ALL types who love mountains, forests, lakes & rivers such as what you find in this special region. FMI see http://highpeaksalliance.wordpress.com/ (more…)

Watch & Win and many more great events this weekend!

Friday, March 9th, 2012

The winter blahs got you down? You’re cooped up sitting in your house, watching reruns of “Murder, She Wrote” and wondering why you never moved to Florida? You’d be singing a different tune if you were up in the Western Maine Mountains this weekend. We’re completely overrun with activities and events! Besides having great spring-like skiing and riding at Sugarloaf, the Banked Slalom kicks off Saturday! The course has been designed with the help of Seth Wescott, and it’s going on all weekend! At 7pm Saturday night there’s the Rave-X Outer Limits Tour on the Landing above the Base Lodge. They’re part of the SnoCross event happening at the Sugarloaf Regional Airport down in the Valley on Saturday and Sunday. Oh, also, WSKI is having Watch & Win all weekend long, with plenty of chances to win awesome free stuff! All winners are also automatically entered into a drawing for a Spillway Chair at the end of the season. We’re airing every morning at 7:30am and evening at 5:30pm on Channel 17 and Live Streaming. You’d be hard pressed to find this much going on in New York City!

Snowmobiling is GREAT, come & get it!

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Thanks to the Arnold Trail Snowmobile Club, there are miles & miles of groomed trails in all directions & conditions are fantastic! 24hr. grooming on over 150 miles of the largest Club in Maine’s trails, makes this region a snowmobiler’s dream whether you are doing a local trip for the day, or visiting Rangeley to the west or the Forks to the east, or even planning an international journey north to the Quebec trails, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the scenery & the quality of the trails. Just one MORE way we have fun in the western mountains of Maine! (more…)

Cynthia Orcutt Invites You to Kingfield’s First Friday Art Walk

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Cynthia Orcutt joined us in the studio to talk about her Schoolhouse Art Gallery nestled in the heart of Kingfield. The Schoolhouse Gallery will be one of several hosting the town’s monthly First Friday Art Walk, a great event open to everyone. On March 2nd, from 5-8pm, stroll through the village, enjoy fine paintings, sculptures, pottery, woodwork and more by local artisans and maybe have a glass of wine or two (or three). It’s a great event, a great way to support the local economy, and yet another reason to enjoy everything the Western Mountains of Maine have to offer. (more…)