Skiing in Maine

While many may flock to Vermont every winter forthemselves as a "Family Friendly Winter Resort". For
great skiing, Maine hasmore than it's fair share ofbudget conscious families with younger children, this
great mountains to explore. From the well knownresort fills the bill. The people who run this resort are
Sugarloaf Ski Resort to the smaller, Mt. Abram, Mainefriendly and really work at maintaining their
has something for just abouteveryone. In generalwell-deserved reputation. Described as a "Little Gem"
you'll find shorter lift lines and less crowded conditionsin Ski Magazine, Mt Abram has 44 trails, serviced by 5
on themountain than some of the more southerly skilifts, with something for just about every level of
areas. When I was learning how to skias a child, myskier. What really makes this mountain so perfect for
dad would take us to a place called Sky-Hy. It tookyoung families, is the separate beginners area on the
us about 3minutes to get down the hill before gettingWestside. The Westside Lodge is an ideal place for
on the dreaded T-Bar (which took youup a 90families with young children to camp out. Complete
degree incline), but it filled the bill for a young familywith food service, ski school and day care, you can
learning to ski. Mainestill offers the young andpurchase a full-day lift ticket for $20 for beginners, a
inexperienced plenty of great places to learn and thevery affordable way to introduce your youngster to
not-so-young, plenty of places to find a challenge.skiing. In addition to the Westside Lodge, there is
Read more about 5 ski resorts youmay want toalso the Main Lodge (and retail shop), with a-
check out this winter.convenient shuttle that runs between the two. There
Skiing In Maineare also a number of intermediate runs all over the
Sugarloafmountain, as well as some very good trails for the
The Mountain & Trailsmore advanced skier. Once you reach the top of this
If you're looking for that big mountain ski experience1500-foot vertical mountain, be sure to take some
in Maine, with all the amenities, Sugarloaf definitelytime to enjoy the views of Mt. Washington and the
tops the list. This mountain boast a vertical drop ofLakes Region.
2,820 foot, 118 varied trails to explore, and anLodging & Activities
award-winning slope-side village. Sugarloaf providesAlthough there are no accommodations at Mt.
skiers lift service above the tree line, for some greatAbram, there are a number of options close by. We
skiing in the snowfields; something you won't find atstayed at the Mollyockett Motel this past February
any other mountain in the Northeast. Sugarloaf alsoand the owners, Fran and Tim couldn't be more
has a wide variety of terrain for every level andhospitable. They put our two families in a suite with
ability of skier. The longest trail here is the Totetwo private bedrooms and a large adjoining room big
Road, 3.5 miles from summit to base. (Tote Road isenough for 5 children. Our efficiency suite was
named after a logging term, as is almost every trailcomplete with a microwave, small refrigerator, free
on this mountain). Some of my most enjoyable andDSL and cable. They also have a large indoor, heated
memorable skiing in Maine has been on this trail. For allpool with a sauna and hot tub, a great treat after a
the work it takes to get to the slopes, runs like thislong day on the slopes.
make it all worth the effort. For skiers who enjoyBethel is also close by and well worth exploring. This
the all-inclusive ski resort experience, this Mainetown offers a wide variety of options for lodging:
Mountain really delivers.quaint Bed & Breakfasts, affordable motels, and
Lodging & Activitiesfull-service Inns. In fact if you go to Mt. Abram's
When you are ready to make a real vacation out ofwebsite, you will find links to a number of places Mt.
your stay at Sugarloaf, you will want to check outAbram partners with (which means they generally
the Grand Summit Resort Hotel. With a choice ofoffer some discount of tickets), as well as the Bethel
studio, suite or penthouse, the Grand Summit is aChamber, For those who need a break from skiing,
modern, full-service hotel with the feeling of theBethel is a great little town to explore, with
grand hotels of another era. The slopeside condosrestaurants, shops and the BIG Adventure Center for
are also a great option for a family. Being able tokids (and adults who like to have fun). You will also
cook your own meals and return to a homey,find excellent tubing here, the longest tubing run in
relaxing atmosphere after a long day of skiing mayMaine, actually. They offer classes in alpine skiing,
be your style. I know that it is definitely ourtelemark and snowboarding. Their website offers a
preference when skiing with our family, when thefull calendar of events and live entertainment each
budget allows. You will also find an excellent skiweek.
school here, as well as day-care and a tubing park. BeTicket Prices & Special Deals
sure to check their website at -when planning yourIn addition to the family friendly atmosphere, Mt.
vacation, as there is always a full calendar ofAbram offers very affordable lift ticket prices.
activities going on at Sugarloaf. Great restaurants andFull-day lift ticket prices for the 2006-2007 season
shopping can be found right in the village. If you needare as follows: Adult (13-64) $42, Junior/Senior (7-12
it, you can probably find it here.65+) $32. Children 6 and under ski for free. On
Ticket Prices & Special DealsThursdays and Fridays 2 adults can ski for $54 and 2
While you won't find rock bottom lift ticket prices atjuniors/seniors for $44. Be sure to check their
Sugarloaf, they do offer a variety of ski packageswebsite for special deals and hours of operation, as
and discount prices on particular weeks, which arethey only operate Thursday through Sunday, except
well worth looking into. During weekends in Februaryfor school vacations.
they offer a special $99 per person per night special.Saddleback
Check their site for specifics. Sugarloaf is owned byThe Mountain & Trails
the American Ski Company, so you can sign up forIt has been about 5 years since I last skied at
their Edge Card frequent skier program and receive aSaddleback, and I understand changes are afoot, as
free day of skiing after skiing for 6 days. You canthe mountain is under new ownership. However, they
also use the Sugarloaf E-ticket; buy a multi-day ticketassure skiers that it remains the same friendly
on-line at least 14 days in advance and save up toenvironment people have come to love. That
10%. Full-day lift ticket prices for the 2006-2007certainly was my experience at that time. It had a
season are as follows: Adult $63, Young Adult (13-18)very relaxed, laid back feel to it, with a very rustic
$55, Junior/Senior (6-12/65+) $43. To learn morelodge. In fact, it was much as I had remembered
about this legendary ski resort and its specialfrom high school ski trips. While maintaining the
packages, go toqualities that people have come to kn-ow and
Sunday Riverappreciate, Saddleback has opened 4 new trails and
The Mountain & Trailsglades, 30 additional chairs on the Rangeley Chairlift
Coming in a close second to Sugarloaf is Sundayand greater snowmaking capacity (something they
River. This mountain has eight interconnected peakswere not previously known for). Other positive
that are consistently covered by snow. If it's notchanges are lower season pass rates (always a good
courtesy of Mother Nature, Sunday River makes surething) and new and improved food services (again), a
there is plenty of the white stuff to keep its skiersgood thing. I look forward to returning soon, to
happy, (right into April). With 128 trails spread outexperience to changes firsthand. Located in the
over the mountain's peaks, the skiing rarely feelsbeautiful Rangeley Lakes region, Saddleback's 2000
crowded here. And the terrain offers trails for justvertical feet offers 54 trails with a great variety of
about every level of skier. The one thing I really loveskiing terrain for every level of ability. You'll find a
about this mountain is that our family can all skigood area for beginners, plenty of runs for
together. Because there are so many varied trailsintermediates and some very challenging trails for the
serviced by the chairs, we can all ride up togethermore experienced skier here.
and take the trails that fit each family member's levelLodging & Activities
of ability. I have 3 children that range in age from 7The Rangeley area has plenty of places for lodging.
to 13 and usually my husband and I have to divideThere are privately owned trailside condominiums
and conquer in order to accommodate our children'savailable that can be rented through Saddleback's
different levels of ability. It makes skiing as a family ain-house rental agency. Check their website for prices
much more enjoyable experience when you can alland availability. You will also find links there for B
ski together. The North Peak Lodge on the mountain& B's, inns, motels, hotels, as well as rental
is a great place to gather for lunch, especially on aagents that can find you cottages, homes or condos
sunny day when you can get out and enjoy theto rent. During my last visit, my immediate and
deck.extended family rented a large house for a week,
Lodging & Activitieswhich made for a fun and affordable ski vacation.
There are plenty of options for lodging here as well,The Rangeley Chamber of Commerce can point you
with over 700 condominiums, two hotels and ain the right direction for lodging, restaurant, and
comfortable inn. Sunday River recommends theshopping information at
Grand Summit Hotel. The on-mountain trolley systemTicket Prices & Special Deals
and the Mountain Explorer Shuttle service all of theThe prices here are a good value for the size of this
slopeside accommodations, which make gettingmountain. Full-day lift ticket prices for the 2006-2007
around very easy. The Jordan Grand Hotel is also anseason are as follows: Adult (19-69) $40, Youth
option for those wishing to stay on the Mountain.Student (13-18) $32, Junior (7-12) $30, Senior (Ages
Some of the many amenities include: kitchenettes, a70+) and Little Ones (6 & under) ski free. They
heated outdoor pool, health club, slopeside trailalso offer a 10 mid-week (non-holiday) lift ticket for
access, and a resort shuttle. Check the website for$250, and the tickets are transferable to friends and
the full list. Nearby Bethel also offers plenty of lodgingfamily. $25 Lift Ticket Specials are also available:
options including bed & breakfast, inns andLadies day is Monday, Men's Day is Wednesday and
motels. The Mountain Explorer will also take you intoSenior's Day is Thursday.
Bethel. The Bethel Chambers' web site has additionalBlack Mountain
information at You will also find the White Cap FunThe Mountain & Terrain
Center at Sunday River, which offers plenty to doThis small family ski area should not be overlooked
for all ages, day or night. Accessible by thefor a good day-trip. Last winter, my brother and I
on-mountain trolley system, they've got ice-skating, aventured up to Black Mountain from Bath with 5 kids
tubing park, and several restaurants. The lighted rinkin tow. All in all, it was a good, very affordable day.
is free for use and open every day and evening.With a vertical drop of 1150 feet, it offers a fairly
Tubing is always a great alternative when you need awide variety of terrain. For anyone who skied at
break from skiing and this tubing park is excellent.Black Mountain prior to 2004, they added a triple chair
There are two runs serviced by a lift and a tubinggoing to the summit during the 2004-05 season.
pass will cost you $26 for four hours or $16 for twoAlthough this mountain has 20 trails, we did find a lot
hours. Located at the White Cap Base Lodge, theof options for our two youngest skiers (who were 6
Fun Center is easily accessible by the Mountainat the time). My older children who were 10 and 12,
Explorer. You will also find a choice of threefound plenty of good trails to explore. To be fair, it
restaurants here.was a pretty cold, windy and snowy day, so we did
Ticket Prices & Special Dealsnot get to experience Black Mountain in optimum
Since the American Ski Company also owns Sundayconditions. That said, I loved the lodge (moms pay
River, you can use the Edge Card here, as well.attention to these things). It was very new, clean
Full-day lift ticket prices for the 2006-2007 seasonand nicely done, with a toasty fire to warm our cold
are as follows: Adult $63, Young Adult (13-18) $55,toes. Maneuvering from car to lodge to lift all felt
Junior/Senior (6-12/65+) $43.They also offer thevery easy (which is a real plus when you have 5 kids,
Sunday River E-ticket, which allows you to save up5 sets of skis, and 5 pairs of heavy boots). For those
to 10% when you purchase your multi-day ticketsavid Nordic skiers, Black Mountain also offers 17
online at least 14 days in advance. You should alsokilometers of groomed cross-country trails. By the
check out their website for special package dealsafternoon our troops were ready to get off the
that are offered throughout the winter.windy mountain and do some tubing. A lot of fun and
Mt. Abramagain, very affordable. I did the run a couple of times
The Mountain & Trailsand really enjoyed it. Definitely worth the price of
Not the biggest Mountain in Maine, but I wouldadmission, which was only $12.
definitely have to agree with their description of