Winter Activities

It’s winter. We know the sofa beckons. Resist the pull of its gravity and head out into the frosty air for a Maine winter adventure. The sofa will still be there when you get back. We promise.

Enjoy Winter Sports in Maine

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing allows you to head out across Maine’s backcountry, whether you’re at an established ski area, with groomed trails, or at a more rustic spot like a land trust or park.

Dog Sledding

You love dogs; you love sleds. Why not combine them and cross dog sledding off your Maine bucket list, too?

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding / Night Skiing

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter sports in Maine. The snow is deep, and the ski areas run the gamut from tiny, beginner hills to region-topping monsters. Sugarloaf, Sunday River and the newly revamped and reopened Saddleback Mountain are the state’s largest, and most varied, resorts. But the state has plenty of fun mid-sized and smaller ski and snowboard areas as well.

Night skiing and snowboarding is a tradition here. Some skiers and riders like to expand their days on the hill by adding turns at night. Others can ski only after work. Still others show their competitive side through nighttime racing leagues. Night skiing and riding are available at Black Mountain in Rumford, Camden Snow Bowl in Camden, Lost Valley in Auburn, New Hermon Mountain in Hermon, Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, Spruce Mountain in Jay, Sunday River in Newry, and Titcomb Mountain in Farmington.

Fat Biking

Expand your biking season by renting one of these huge-tired beasts and hitting a snow-covered trail. Places to try it include Bethel Village Trails in Bethel Pineland Farms in New Gloucester The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley and Carter’s Cross Country Ski Centers in Bethel.

Ice Fishing

Just because the lakes are frozen over doesn’t mean we stop fishing. Spend the day outside (or in a cozy shanty) with family and friends, or participate in one of the many ice fishing derbies around the state.

Snowmobiling

Maine has over 14,000 miles of spectacular snowmobile trails for sledding enthusiasts, including the well-groomed and well-marked Interconnected Trail System.

Snowshoeing

Winter can provide hours of quiet reflection and the chance for serenity. And a snowshoe adventure on winter trails can bring you your moment of Zen. Snowshoes can take you through established ski and snowshoe areas or through less-groomed parks, forests and land trusts.

Tobogganing

The U.S. National Toboggan Championships — complete with a scary course and silly costumes — are held each winter at Camden Snow Bowl.

Cabin Rentals and Winter Resorts

After a day of skiing or snowboarding, relax in cabin, condo or lodge. These can be a ski-in, ski-out, place at one of Maine’s resorts, or a more out-of-the-way location.

Cabins on the Lake

A cozy cabin on a beautiful Maine lake is even cozier in winter and, some attest, even more beautiful. What will you do inside your perfect snowscape? Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing come to mind. And, that toasty, crackling fire to welcome you home.

Condo on the Beach

A winter getaway with all the comforts of home, an endless white sand or white-snowed beach. With convenient access to historic sites, galleries and shopping. And all the winter recreational activities you love, just waiting for you to say: Go. A winter condo on the beach in Maine has it all.

Resorts

There’s only one thing that can match the recreation, relaxation, natural beauty and outdoor adventure of a Maine summer resort. Our equally wonderful winter version. Ski, snowmobile and snowboard like there’s no tomorrow. Which, of course, there is — a perfect day to enjoy the serenity of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking. Great accommodations, with Maine-style hospitality, always come with the territory.