CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Sugarloaf unveiled the newest piece of its grooming fleet Friday, a shiny 2014 Prinoth Bison-X snowcat painted bright pink.

The resort ordered the cat last summer and had it painted pink in support of the Sugarloaf Charity Summit, an annual event that has raised more than $1.6 million for cancer research and treatment during the past 14 years.

“It definitely stands out,” Dan Barker, Sugarloaf snow surfaces manager, said. “But that’s kind of the idea.”

Barker wasn’t sure what to expect when he first proposed the idea to Prinoth last spring.

“I figured they’d tell me I was crazy,” he said.

But Prinoth jumped on the idea from the start.

“We were happy to participate and support something as important as breast cancer research,” said Jean-Claude Perreault, vice president of sales for Prinoth. “Our Bison-X groomer will not only provide great slope preparation, but will now also provide awareness of this special cause.”

Now entering its 14th year, the Sugarloaf Charity Summit is Sugarloaf’s signature event, and one of the state’s premier charitable events.

Over the years it has raised more than $1.6 million to benefit Maine charities, including the Maine Cancer Foundation and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in Farmington.

Named after the late wife of Sugarloafer Peter Webber, the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center offers timely access to state-of-the-art digital screening, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasounds, clinical and care support services by a multi-disciplinary team of experts.

Peter Webber was on hand Friday for the unveiling of the new cat.

“It’s really an amazing symbol of the commitment that Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf community have to this cause,” Webber said. 

Also featured on the pink snowcat is the Maine Cancer Foundation, which has worked since 1976 to provide grant funding for cancer research, education and patient support programs throughout the state of Maine.

The new cat will be on display at Sugarloaf throughout Christmas Vacation Week, and will be put to work in Sugarloaf’s terrain parks, where it will be used to sculpt jumps and specialty terrain features.

This year’s Sugarloaf Charity Summit will take place Jan. 25, 2014, at Sugarloaf. For more information, or to purchase Charity Ball tickets, visit www.sugarloaf.com/charity.