A Maine Ski Resort’s Snowstorm "Apology" Perfectly Captures Skiers’ FOMO

As the powder piled up out East, Saddleback issued a surprising—and funny—statement.

Ian Greenwood
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powder.com
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January 26, 2026

When you’re a ski resort, what do you do before a storm that’s forecasted to deliver more than a foot of snow? According to Saddleback Mountain, Maine, you apologize.

“After careful consideration and several weather apps refreshing at the same time, we feel it's important to address the situation caused by Winter Storm Fern,” began a social media update from the ski resort on Sunday as much of the U.S. braced for chilly and snowy weather.

Then, with a tongue firmly planted in their cheeks, the staff of Saddleback began detailing the potential impacts of the storm.

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The storm would, they said, result in the glades being “filled in and dreamy.” Meanwhile, “Fresh powder will stack beautifully on our base.” Finally, Saddleback noted, “Conditions will be, unfortunately, excellent.”

That all sounds good. Why, then, was the ski resort apologizing?

“We also recognize that while the skiing will be elite, your workday might be... not,” they wrote. “Winter Storm Fern is doing what storms do, and the conditions warrant you upsetting your boss. We know this might create a stressful decision for you, but we feel confident you'll do the right thing (and ski).”

The send-up of social media apologies was, in the end, referencing a feeling skiers everywhere know: FOMO. When the powder starts to pile up, we all want to ditch our obligations and head to the mountains. Sometimes, though, we can’t—a fact Saddleback nodded to in its sly post.

By Monday morning, Saddleback’s dreams had become a reality. A foot of snow fell in just 12 hours and, per the mountain’s snow report, another four inches had arrived since 6 a.m.

“Make plans to get up here ASAP, you’ll regret it if you miss this!” their snow reporter wrote.

Regret, indeed. But there is hope for all the East Coast skiers stuck at work during the incredible start to the week.

With temperatures staying cold, the conditions should stay good, if less powdery. So, there’s still time to develop a “stomach bug” that can only be treated with the best curative on Earth: finding fresh pockets of snow hidden in the trees.