Ski Maine Association (SMA) is a non-profit organization that supports the skiing and snowboarding industry in the small state of Maine. They work to promote and advocate for the state’s ski areas, small or large. SMA provides resources, marketing, and information to enhance the industry’s presence and accessibility.  This group has been a major contributor to the state’s thriving winter sports sector since 1974, hoping to establish Maine as a premier skiing and snowboarding destination. “Representing 35 ski areas, resorts, and affiliates throughout the state, SMA is dedicated to promoting Maine’s outstanding winter experiences to both residents and tourists according to their website.”

The Beacon got the chance to talk to the Executive Director of Maine, Greg Sweetser. “Maine offers some of the best ski conditions on the East Coast,” states Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of Ski Maine, highlighting the state’s distinct position in the winter sports industry. “Maine has something for every skier and snowboarder, including smaller, family-friendly communities and world-class slopes like Sugarloaf. We want everyone to be aware of these undiscovered treasures. 

Maine’s economy depends heavily on winter tourism, and Ski Maine has been essential to drawing tourists to the state throughout the winter. Local companies, lodging facilities, dining establishments, and ski resorts benefit from skiers and snowboarders using their facilities and services. “We want to show visitors that Maine offers more than just great skiing—we want them to experience everything our winter wonderland has to offer,” Sweetser says.

Maine ski resorts are renowned for their assortment of trails; there is something for every kind of skier, whether it’s the wide courses at Sugarloaf or the laid-back hills at Shawnee Peak. Regardless, continued assistance is needed to support Maine’s ski slopes in maintaining first-rate facilities while putting sustainability first, and the SMA advocates for financing policies that do this. 

However, the effort by Ski Maine is not only about attracting tourists for economic gain; the organization also aims to develop the next generation of skiers. By giving young people the chance to try skiing at a discounted rate, initiatives like “Learn to Ski” – a program for beginners that provides gear, a day on the slopes, a lift ticket, and professional instruction – make skiing more accessible and secures the future of Maine’s skiing community. “By making skiing affordable and introducing kids to the sport, we’re not just growing the industry—we’re creating lifelong fans,” Sweetser says.

The SMA is also dedicated to supporting the professionals who keep Maine’s ski resorts running smoothly. From safety standards to employee development, the association ensures that ski resort staff are equipped to deliver the best possible experience for their guests. “Ski Maine isn’t just about skiing. It’s about fostering a sense of community—supporting those who work behind the scenes and connecting people with nature in a fun and safe way,” Sweetser says.

Ski Maine is a fervent supporter of the state’s winter sports culture and serves as much more than just an advocacy organization. The future of Maine’s ski business is being shaped by the Ski Maine Association’s dedication to community, education, and growth, which will guarantee that the state will continue to be a popular winter destination for many years to come, and will allow it to continue to grow.