We started from Parking Lot 2 of the Sugarloaf ski area and followed the maintenance/equipment trail to the summit. The area had received 8 inches of snow the beginning of the week so there was snow the entire way with some ice exposed on the top. Snowshoes were not needed but lots of layers and clothing/protection was needed. This Maine Chapter AMC group of 11 left the parking lot at 7:15 a.m. with a temperature of minus 11. A report from a snow cat operator indicated the temperature at the top was minus 20 with winds of 20-50 mph. A very strong and capable group arrived at the building near the top at 9:15, we dropped packs and quickly grabbed the summit. There was a (wise) consensus to not continue to Spaulding and we returned down the mountain. The views of the Bigelows and the Crockers and Reddington were wonderful. A great group of can-do, experienced winter hikers helped make this a memorable hike. Thanks to all and especially my co-leader, Dave Langley.