Toast to Winter: Maine’s Most Memorable Ice Bars

Across Maine, cold winter days turn social, scenic and downright fun, with hand-carved ice bars popping up at luxury oceanfront resorts and lively mountain villages. Built from crystal-clear blocks of ice, these limited-time pop-up bars invite visitors to lean into the season with gloved hands, craft cocktails and unforgettable winter scenery.

Samoset Resort in Rockland makes the most of the cold weather with its highly anticipated Glacier Ice Bar, an annual tradition that brings a shimmering spectacle to the sprawling property. Wander through a seaside scene of carved ice sculptures before ordering drinks at the gleaming ice bar. DJs spin on the Enoteca Deck on select nights, while fire pits, faux-fur-draped seating and dramatic views of Penobscot Bay keep the mood lively. 

Also boasting oceanfront views, Cliff House’s Ice Bar delivers a striking setting on the cliffs of Cape Neddick in Ogunquit. Indulge in craft beer flights, ice-cold oysters and seasonal drinks chilled through an ice luge. While you’re here, watch ice carvers in action and listen to live music, or make a whole weekend of it when you stay on property to enjoy luxurious amenities like spa treatments and sauna time.

For a hearty helping of fresh seafood and crisp winter air, Inn by the Sea’s Ice Bar and Seafood Celebration in Cape Elizabeth showcases the bounty of local working waterfronts. Enjoy freshly shucked Maine oysters, grilled lobster tails, littleneck clams and glasses of bubbly just steps from the surf, all while helping support local nonprofit Full Plates Full Potential, which provides food for at-risk children in the community. The inn sits on a quiet stretch of beach near Portland Head Light, offering cozy fireplaces, ocean-view suites and spa amenities that make for a much-needed winter retreat.

In Freeport, The Harraseeket Inn & Event House brings all the après-ski glam of slopeside sipping (minus the actual ski resort) with their ‘80s-themed Freeze Frame event. The ice bar starts outdoors in the inn’s courtyard, where sculptural ice displays and perfectly chilled cocktails set the scene. Inside, the party shifts gears with high-energy music and snack-filled tables. This property is just minutes from the L.L.Bean flagship store, ideal for pairing a cozy winter stay with signature Maine shopping.

Craving a true après-ski moment? Head to Sunday River in Newry for drinks at The Iglu, a hand-carved ice lounge tucked into the Jordan Bowl at the base of the Jordan 8 lift. Constructed by master builders using more than 30 tons of snow and 100-plus hours of carving, the space features icy archways, snow-formed seating, a glowing ice bar and craft cocktails served in a secluded mountain setting. Arrive by PistenBully Cabin Cat and dance to DJ beats for a slopeside experience as memorable as the turns themselves.

For a more grassroots winter celebration, make your way to the heart of the Kennebec River Valley, where Skowhegan’s Somerset SnowFest embraces winter in its raw, playful form. You can enjoy beverages at the Ice Bar presented by Unwind Wine Bar & Taphouse, set amidst a high-energy winter festival featuring everything from ice fishing and cross-country skiing to sledding and skijoring. 

In Maine, the best winter stories are told with snow under your boots, friends by your side and something refreshing in hand.