Portland, ME (Wednesday, January 21, 2004) - The Ski Maine Association, the trade organization representing 18 winter resorts in the state, has partnered to expand the contributions skiers and riders make to their favorite mountain community. This program is built on Sugarloaf/USA’s 17-year tradition of collecting canned food in exchange for discounted lift tickets.

“Taking this simple and worthwhile project to resorts across Maine is a small way skiers and riders can show their appreciation for their host communities around their favorite resorts,” said Ski Maine Director Greg Sweetser. “We hope to build on Sugarloaf’s success by bringing more exposure to the concept and, in turn, make a bigger impact.”

The Ski Maine Tin Mountain Roundup continues through the month of January with three more events on the schedule. This weekend, January 24 & 25, skiers will be able to participate at three Maine ski areas.

The canned food drive at Big Rock Ski Area in Mars Hill will benefit Feed the County. A $1 discount will be given for each can of food, with a limit of five canned items per donor.

At Mt. Abram in Greenwood, the event will benefit the Norway Good Shepherd Food Bank. Skiers and riders will receive a $5 discount when they bring three canned items to the ski area.

At Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington, donations will benefit local food pantries on Sunday, January 25.

Previous Ski Maine Tin Mountain Roundups were held at Sugarloaf/USA, Sunday River, Saddleback, Shawnee Peak, and New Hermon Mountain and 6,650 cans of food were collected for their local communities.