Winter in Rangeley
Activities: Hiking, dining, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, museums
Region: Maine Lakes & Mountains
Tucked among the mountains along the lake’s shore, the charming town of Rangeley is the ideal winter escape. With an annual snowfall of 200 inches or more, it was named one of the best winter towns in New England, with plenty of ways to get out on the powder, cozy abodes to re-energize and relax in, and other fun activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re an expert skier whizzing down the slopes or prefer to appreciate the snow at a slower pace, you’ll enjoy yourself in Rangeley. Newly reopened Saddleback Mountain is well-equipped with the latest snow-making technology and long, well-groomed trails to keep conditions pristine. Saddleback provides both gentle, beginner trails for skiers and snowboarders, as well as intermediate-to-advanced steep slopes.
The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center provides 55km of secluded and groomed trails for fat-tire biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you want to speed things up and cover more ground, you’ll be pleased with Rangeley’s snowmobiling options: 170 miles of groomed-daily trails with cook-out areas available along the way to keep you going.
Want to try your hand at ice fishing? Haley and Quimby Pond are both great spots.
To get cozy with some indoor activities, head to Moose Alley, Rangeley’s state-of-the-art bowling alley complete with an arcade, entertainment, spirits bar and grill. Be sure to leave some time to browse Rangeley’s lovely, walkable downtown with shops open year-round.
There are many lodging options to choose from, whether you prefer a well-appointed room at an inn or a rustic log cabin. The historic charm of the Rangeley Inn & Tavern will have you swooning with its beautifully restored grandeur. Head to the Rangeley Lake Resort, a family-friendly (dog included!) resort nestled in the great outdoors with dozens of cedar cabins available. Sporting camps are available for the adventure enthusiasts, like the famous Bald Mountain Camps Resort in Oquossoc.
Hardy meals and relaxation are a must in the winter, and Rangeley is well-equipped to give you just that, with everything from savory pub fare at Sarge’s and pizza at the Red Onion to stacks of steaming pancakes at Keep’s Corner Café and Bakery, and Thai-Chinese fusion at the Blue Orchid. Just north of town in Oquossuc are two favorites of those familiar with the area, The Gingerbread House, now serving breakfast and lunch and the Portage Tap House.
Mileage:
Bangor: 113
Lewiston/Auburn: 84
Portland: 130
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