Tom O’Brien, who works at the Sugarloaf Ski Shop, blasts through the fresh snow Thursday at Sugarloaf. Last Wednesday’s storm and the three to four inches that fell over the weekend have given the season the boost it needed to get underway after a slow start. (Ethan Austin photo) FRANKLIN COUNTY –- Winter snow enthusiasts have smiles on their faces thanks to a jump start to winter recreation when a foot of snow dropped on the area Dec. 9. Additional accumulations occurred the following day and last Sunday brought a nice three-inch dusting.

Scattered snow accumulations are expected throughout this week, and temps are expected to be favorable for making snow.

It’s now time to breakout the snow shoes, skis and sleds and enjoy what Mother Nature has delivered in our back woods and trails.

“This past storm has really turned things around for us,” said Sugarloaf communications manager Ethan Austin. “Prior to the storm we experienced some unseasonable warm weather. It was like a tipping point for us because immediately following the storm itself were cold temps to make snow,” he said.

“When it gets cold like that you can really crank it out,” Austin said. “It is like winter arrived with that storm.”

With the cooler temps dipping into the teens at night, the snow guns in Franklin County have been blasting around the clock creating high drifts in some places at local ski resorts and some very good trail conditions.

Last Sunday, snowmakers hit Sugarloaf’s Narrow Gauge, Sluice and Competition Hill and groomers smoothed out King’s Landing, Hayburner, Candyside, Boardwalk, the Landing, the Birches and Tote Road.

It was expected that as many as 25 trails would be open at Sugarloaf with a growing base depth that now blankets the mountain. Over 129 open acres were reported as of Monday.

Saddleback is reporting an average of 22 inches on its base and states that it has received a great start with the past storm. Saddleback officially opened its doors on Friday, Dec. 11.

According to the snow report on Monday, the lifts open were the Rangeley and Sandy Double. Three additional trails were opened on Mon- day after four more inches of snow was added on Sunday night to total eight trails.

Special early season lift ticket prices were in effect until more terrain opens.

Saddleback marketing director Conrad Klefos said it was nice to see a great turn-out last weekend. Klefos said it was really great to see all of the pass holders come out to make their first turns. “What was very surprising was the amount of people who came this weekend to buy season passes. People are really pulling the trigger now that they are seeing snow,” Klefos explained.

The Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Center is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with great conditions. They reported on Monday they had 25 kilometers of cross-country trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing.

The Bull Moose Café and the center’s ice skating rink will be open this Sunday.

The Rangeley Lake Cross-Country Ski Club is also reporting trails open as of Friday, Dec. 11.

The Rangeley Snowmobile Club is reporting an average of eight inches on its snowmobile trails. The snow pack is sitting on top of unfrozen ground so grooming is not an option at this point.

The club reminds all sledders that the lakes are not frozen yet and are off limits to all skiers and riders.