Carrabassett Valley, ME – Expert skiers and riders now have a new reason to visit Sugarloaf this winter.

Seven acres of steep terrain on the mountain’s backside, just below the Backside Snowfields and known variously by local names including Ball and Chain, Adrenaline and Hell’s Gate, has been added to Sugarloaf’s trail map this winter. It features some cliff drops and steep chutes right at treeline.

The terrain was previously off-limits, but a land deal negotiated this summer with Plum Creek Timber Company gives control of the land to Sugarloaf. Resort officials plan to install a backcountry access gate to the area, similar to the gates deployed at resorts across western North America.

“Skiers and snowboarders have been asking us to allow them access to these areas for years,” said Sugarloaf Vice President of Mountain Operations Rich Wilkinson. “But we never owned the land, so it simply wasn’t possible. This land deal allows us to offer controlled access to this area and ensure that anyone who ventures out there knows just what they’re getting into.”

The resort has yet to officially name the new area.