Experience Maine's Skiing Paradise
During the winter months, Maine turns into a true winter wonderland. If you’re an adventurous outdoor person, Maine can offer you a whole lot. And what better way to stay active and enjoy the scenery than strapping on the skis? Maine has long been a destination for skiing, and offers some stunning terrain for a lot of people’s favorite winter sport. With award-winning mountains, there is no question that Maine is the perfect place to hit the slopes this winter. Here are the very best spots.
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, ME
Nestled in the western mountains in Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf is the largest ski mountain on the East Coast with over 1,056 acres of extensive terrain and glades for all ability skiers and snowboarders. Home to Olympic gold medalist, Seth Westcott, Sugarloaf features more than just award-winning ski trails, terrain park, and fabulous restaurants. Soon enough you’ll be looking for your winter weekend condo.
Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry, ME
Often rivaling Sugarloaf, Sunday River Ski Resort offers 820 acres of terrain over eight interconnected mountain peaks with a vertical drop of 2,340 feet. With 135 trails, a new Chondola, and extensive snowmaking, Sunday River is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Not to mention, historic Bethel is a prime destination in itself.
Saddleback Ski Area, Rangeley, ME
Saddleback Ski Area has been a popular ski destination for locals for years. Unfortunately, due to costly upgrades, Saddleback has been closed in the most recent seasons, but is predicted to open next season again thanks to a group of passionate skiers. Saddleback has always offered big mountain skiing at a much more budget-friendly price than its neighboring mountains.
Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton, ME
Located within an hour of Portland, Pleasant Mountain has been a family-favorite mountain for years. It offers New England’s largest night skiing and a large ski school for all ages. The summit is home to incredible views of Mount Washington and Moose Pond at its base. With 41 trails and 1,300 vertical feet, Pleasant Mountain is a great value for the whole family.
Lost Valley, Auburn, ME
While Lost Valley may not be as popular a destination as other Maine mountains, this spot has offered fun for kids after school and on the weekends for decades. Lost Valley has been family-owned and run for over three generations. Just five minutes from downtown Lewiston/Auburn, this 240-foot ski hill offers family fun day and night.
Mount Abram, Greenwood, ME
Located just 20 minutes from Sunday River, skip the crowds there and head over to Mount Abram for some relaxed family fun. Mount Abram offers a large ski school and beginner ski area and weekly ski races for those who love a little speed. For the daredevil, there is even backcountry skiing. If skiing isn’t your sport, try the 1,325-foot Flying Squirrel snow tubing park.
Black Mountain, Rumford, ME
Nestled in the old mill town of Rumford, Black Mountain is a small family mountain with 1,150 vertical feet. With five lifts, including a classic T-bar and handle tow, Black Mountain offers lift tickets. Perfect for the family on a budget.
Camden Snow Bowl, Camden, ME
Nothing is more Maine than a ski mountain next to the ocean. The Camden Snow Bowl only offers 850 vertical feet, but both the Spinnaker and Northeaster trails provide excellent views of Penobscot Bay below. The mountain offers day and night skiing, snow tubing and ice skating.
Titcomb Mountain, Farmington, ME
You may not have heard of Titcomb Mountain before, but you should have because it’s the oldest club-operated ski mountain in the country. Today it is operated by the Farmington Ski Club. Offering just 340 feet of vertical drop and 17 trails, Titcomb Mountain is perfect for beginners and kids.
Big Rock Ski Area, Mars Hill, ME
Big Rock Ski Area is Maine’s most northern ski mountain located near Presque Isle and Houlton. Offering both day and night skiing, Big Rock Ski Area provides almost 1,000 vertical feet and 27 trails for beginners to experts. There is even snow tubing for the non-skiers.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley: Largest ski mountain on the East Coast with 1,056 acres of terrain, award-winning trails, a terrain park, and glades for all skill levels.
- Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry: Spans eight interconnected peaks with 135 trails, extensive snowmaking, and a 2,340-foot vertical drop; located near the historic town of Bethel.
- Saddleback Ski Area, Rangeley: Known for budget-friendly big mountain skiing; set to reopen after recent closures due to upgrades.
- Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton: Family-friendly with 41 trails, New England's largest night skiing, a ski school, and stunning views of Mount Washington.
- Lost Valley, Auburn: Small, family-run ski hill with 240 vertical feet; great for after-school and weekend family fun.
- Mount Abram, Greenwood: Offers a beginner-friendly area, ski school, weekly races, and backcountry skiing; features the Flying Squirrel snow tubing park.
- Black Mountain, Rumford: Affordable family skiing with 1,150 vertical feet and five lifts; ideal for budget-conscious visitors.
- Camden Snow Bowl, Camden: Unique ski mountain near the ocean with 850 vertical feet; offers ocean views, night skiing, tubing, and ice skating.
- Titcomb Mountain, Farmington: Oldest club-operated ski area in the U.S.; features 17 beginner-friendly trails and a 340-foot vertical drop.
- Big Rock Ski Area, Mars Hill: Northernmost ski mountain in Maine with 27 trails, day and night skiing, and snow tubing; caters to all skill levels.
