Discover the top skiing destinations in Maine, from the expansive terrains of Sugarloaf and Sunday River to the family-friendly slopes of Shawnee Peak and Mt. Abram. Explore Maine's best ski resorts and experience New England's winter charm.
Maine is home to a number of excellent ski resorts that cater to both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Here's a list of some of the top skiing destinations in Maine:
Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley):
Maine's largest ski resort, it offers a variety of terrains suitable for all skill levels.
Features: New England's only lift-served above-treeline skiing, extensive snowmaking capabilities, and a notable terrain park.
Sunday River (Newry):
With eight interconnected mountain peaks, Sunday River boasts one of the largest and most diverse ski terrains in New England.
Features: Multiple terrain parks, night skiing, and a vast snowmaking system.
Saddleback Mountain (Rangeley):
Nestled in the scenic Rangeley Lakes region, Saddleback offers a mix of beginner to expert runs and stunning vistas.
Features: Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and challenging Kennebago Steeps.
Shawnee Peak (Bridgton):
A short drive from Portland, Shawnee Peak offers night skiing and a range of trails for various skill levels.
Features: Over 40 trails and two terrain parks.
Mt. Abram (Greenwood):
A lesser-known gem, Mt. Abram offers a quieter, more relaxed skiing experience.
Features: A mix of easy and challenging slopes, a terrain park, and Nordic skiing options.
Camden Snow Bowl (Camden):
Unique for its location by the sea, Camden Snow Bowl offers skiing with ocean views.
Features: Alpine and Nordic skiing options, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Here is a closer look at the top 3 Ski Resorts in Maine
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
One of the most iconic ski destinations in the Northeastern United States, located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine.
Overview & History:
Sugarloaf is not only the largest ski resort in Maine but also the largest east of the Mississippi.
Established in the early 1950s, Sugarloaf has grown and developed extensively over the years, becoming a premier skiing and outdoor recreation destination.
Key Features:
Skiing & Snowboarding: With a vertical drop of 2,820 feet and 1,230 skiable acres, Sugarloaf offers 162 trails catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. From gentle green runs to challenging double black diamond trails and glades, there's something for everyone.
Above Treeline Terrain: Sugarloaf's Snowfields provide the only lift-served above-treeline skiing in the East.
Terrain Parks: The resort features several terrain parks with a variety of features, suitable for both novices and experts.
Lift System: Sugarloaf has a comprehensive lift system, including high-speed quads, ensuring skiers and snowboarders can access its vast terrain with ease.
Other Activities & Amenities:
Nordic Skiing: The Outdoor Center at Sugarloaf offers miles of groomed Nordic skiing trails.
Snowshoeing & Fat Biking: Apart from skiing, there are other winter activities such as snowshoeing and fat biking.
Golf: Sugarloaf isn't just a winter destination. In warmer months, it becomes a golfer's paradise with its highly-rated golf course.
Mountain Biking & Hiking: Summer also brings opportunities for mountain biking and hiking, with trails crisscrossing the resort and surrounding areas.
Accommodations: Sugarloaf has a variety of accommodations from luxurious condos to cozy inns, ensuring visitors have a comfortable stay.
Events & Festivals: The resort hosts numerous events throughout the year, including winter sports competitions, music festivals, and other community events.
Interesting Fact:
Sugarloaf has its own unique microclimate. Due to its location and elevation, it often receives snow when other New England resorts might not.
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort is more than just a ski destination. It's a year-round outdoor playground, offering a wide range of activities and experiences. Whether you're carving down its vast slopes, golfing with picturesque mountain views, or exploring its trails by foot or bike, Sugarloaf promises adventure and recreation for all visitors.
Sunday River Ski Resort
Another one of Maine's premier ski destinations, located near the town of Newry.
Overview & History:
Sunday River began its operations in the late 1950s and has since grown into one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the Northeastern U.S.
With its extensive snowmaking capabilities and varied terrain, the resort has cemented its reputation as a top winter destination.
Key Features:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Sunday River spans eight interconnected mountain peaks, offering 135 trails across 870 skiable acres. Its terrain caters to all levels, from beginner slopes to advanced glades and steeps.
Modern Lift System: The resort boasts a mix of high-speed quads, gondolas, and other lifts, ensuring minimal wait times and easy access to its wide terrain.
Terrain Parks: Sunday River offers several terrain parks, designed for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly features to challenging setups for advanced riders.
Reliable Snow: With one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in the East, Sunday River ensures consistent snow conditions throughout the ski season.
Other Activities & Amenities:
Nordic Skiing: The resort area also provides opportunities for Nordic or cross-country skiing.
Snowshoeing: The vast Sunday River area is perfect for snowshoeing excursions in the winter months.
Golf: The Sunday River Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in New England, offering a challenging course with panoramic mountain views.
Accommodations: The resort has a range of accommodations, including the Grand Summit Hotel and the Jordan Hotel, as well as numerous condos and vacation homes.
Dining & Nightlife: Sunday River's base area and surrounding town offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The resort is also known for its lively après-ski scene.
Sunday River Ski Resort is a comprehensive winter and summer recreation destination. Its vast terrain, reliable snow, and extensive amenities make it a favorite among both locals and visitors from afar. Whether you're a skiing enthusiast, a golfer, or someone simply looking to relax in a picturesque mountain setting, Sunday River offers something for everyone.
Saddleback Mountain
A ski resort located in the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine and holds a special place in the hearts of many New England skiers and snowboarders.
Overview & History:
Saddleback Mountain was first developed for skiing in the early 1960s. Over the years, it became a beloved ski destination, known for its friendly atmosphere, unique terrain, and stunning views.
The resort faced some challenges and even temporarily closed in 2015. However, it was purchased by new owners and reopened in 2020, much to the delight of the skiing community.
Key Features:
Skiing & Snowboarding: With over 2,000 feet of vertical drop and 68 trails spread across 468 skiable acres, Saddleback caters to all skill levels. It offers a mix of beginner slopes, intermediate cruisers, advanced glades, and the challenging Kennebago Steeps.
Lift System: The resort has modernized its lift system, including the installation of a high-speed quad chairlift, which significantly reduces wait times and improves mountain access.
Sustainability Efforts: Under its new ownership, Saddleback has made sustainability a priority. The resort has invested in energy-efficient snowmaking equipment and has initiatives to source its energy from renewable sources.
Other Activities & Amenities:
Backcountry Skiing: Saddleback provides access to some of the best backcountry skiing in the East, especially around the Kennebago region.
Nordic Skiing: The resort area has trails suitable for cross-country skiing, allowing visitors to explore the serene surroundings.
Dining: Saddleback offers various dining options, both on the mountain and at the base, ensuring skiers and riders can refuel after a day on the slopes.
Accommodations: The surrounding Rangeley area has a variety of accommodations, including lodges, inns, cabins, and vacation rentals.
Community Aspect:
One of the defining characteristics of Saddleback is its strong sense of community. Many families and individuals have been coming to Saddleback for generations, creating a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere that sets the resort apart.
Saddleback Mountain is not just a place to ski; it's a community-driven resort where many create lifelong memories. With its diverse terrain, dedication to sustainability, and warm, familial ambiance, Saddleback offers a unique and cherished experience in the Maine ski scene.
