While
Maine is known for lobster feasts
in summer and spectacular
Maine 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, Sugarloaf 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, geared to everyone from 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.
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.
Maine Ski Areas
- Check out a complete directory of ski resorts within the state with descriptions
and directions, photos, contact info.
Maine
Ski Reports, Snow Conditions & Weather - Plus overviews of major resorts with details on trail openings &
closings, average base depths and current surface conditions,
maps & photos.