MAIN Sports Skiing Maine Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

While Maine is known for lobster feasts in summer and spectacular foliage in the fall, the colder months are no less exciting in the inland mountain region where more than two dozen ski areas and resorts beckon skiers, snowboarders, and snowtubing enthusiasts each winter.

Maine is wide open country during the peak of the ski season offering some of the best and uncrowded ski areas and resorts on the East Coast. While Sugarloaf may be known the world over as the state's premiere ski resort, Maine offers everything from family friendly ski runs to state of the art snowboard terrain to weekend getaway fun for couples and singles.

Popular Maine ski areas and resorts

With a 4,265-foot elevation and a 2,820-foot vertical drop, Sugar Loaf continues to draw loyal fans to its on-mountain lodging and incredible vistas, along with its alpine park, shops and restaurants. Stay awhile and relax in its indoor pool and learn a few tips and tricks from the masters at Sugarloaf's ski school for beginners to experts.

Almost equally famous, the Saddleback Resort (located in western Maine about 120 miles either direction from Bangor or Portland) offers a 4,120 foot summit, more than 60 trails, 5 lifts, as well as gentle slopes for beginners and terrain park for snowboarders. Or come just to stay at the base lodge, featuring spectacular views of the Rangely Mountains above and the Saddleback Lake below

Sunday River, located near Bethel or about 1 1/2 hour's drive from Portland, has its own claim to fame offering "8 mountain peaks and endless skiing". Dotted with lodges at the base, along the slopes, and 1 mountain top hotel, Sunday River hums with activity from late October to spring featuring a 2,340 foot vertical, snowboard park as well as glade skiing.

The Big Rock Ski Area is another popular winter location in Aroostock County (about 2 1/2 hours from Bangor) offering a "small town feel with big mountain skiing" including a cozy lodge and restaurant, cross-country and snowshoe trails all affordably priced for a fun family day out.

More about Maine skiing and snowboarding around the Web:

Ski Maine - "Information central" for ski resorts & lodges including hotel & accommodation booking, snow reports, maps & photos, event calendar, trip planner, related news and resources.

Guide to Maine Skiing - A complete directory of ski resorts within the state with descriptions and directions, photos, contact info.

Maine Ski Reports, Snow Conditions & Weather - Plus complete overviews of major resorts with details on trail openings & closings, average base depths and current surface conditions, maps & photos.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots