If you enjoy beautiful vistas and exhilarating trails, Maine is truly the place to be. Maine is a popular skiing destination for a reason, and we hope that these resorts will tell you why.
The following resorts are unique and very well-loved, and each of them offers a range of activities and lodging options to choose from. If you want a place to stay that feels like you’re in the setting of a Christmas movie, then Maine is definitely the place to be.
Sugarloaf Ski Resort
We’re starting off this list with one of the most popular ski resorts in Maine – Sugarloaf. This resort gets its name from the mountain where it’s located – Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf is one of the biggest ski resorts in the country with around 1,240 acres of skiable area. You have a variety of winter activities to choose from apart from skiing like snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing. During the summer, it offers activities like hiking, biking, and golf. Safe to say it’s a beloved destination year-round.
Pros
- A variety of activities to choose from
- Open year-round
- Affordable prices for food and accommodation
- Spectacular scenery during the winter
Cons
- Expert skiers might find some of the trails boring and unchallenging
Famous for: affordable prices, great views, lots of activities and runs.
Town
Farmington is about a 50-minute drive from Sugarloaf. It’s a charming city with many things to do. If you prefer to stay indoors, then the Farmington Museum and the Three Rivers Brewery should definitely be on your list. For those who like nature and historical sights, the Animas Trail, the Salmon Ruins, and the De-Na-Zin Wilderness are a must. If you do have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Ski Terrain
With so much skiable area at your disposal, you can easily find trails that suit your current level of experience best. There are a total of 160 runs in the resort, so you will have plenty to explore once you’re there. The longest run is 3.5 miles long and there are three terrain parks in the area. The snowfall averages around 200 inches.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Since Sugarloaf is such a big resort with many trails, you won’t encounter many crowds even if there are a lot of people staying at the resort. One thing that can be an issue is booking a certain lodge during peak season and during the weekends, so make sure you make a reservation on time.
When it comes to the ski lifts, there are a total of 14: two superquads, three high-capacity quads, five doubles, one triple, one T-bar, and one carpet surface lifts. As per usual, ski lift tickets can be purchased on their website. The tickets average around $100 for adults during the weekends and $71 for kids.
Accommodation
You have the option of staying at the Sugarloaf Mountain hotel. The rates can go as low as $280 per night for a one-bedroom suite. Another option is to stay at the Birchwood, although their rates go a little higher than Sugarloaf Mountain hotel with around $415 a night. If you desire a fancier condo, Elderberry Way is the way to go. Their prices average around $1100 per night.
Verdict
Sugarloaf Ski Resort is one of the most beautiful and popular resorts in Maine. With 160 runs, incredible vistas, and various lodging accommodations at your disposal, it’s the perfect place to be for a little wintery getaway. You have plenty of things to fill your time with and visiting the town of Farmington is also an option.
Sunday River Ski Resort
Although not as big as Sugarloaf, there are many other perks that come with visiting Sunday River. Located in Newry, it still holds its title of being one of the biggest ski resorts in Maine. Spreading out over six different peaks, this resort is famous for its high-speed lifts, gorgeous views, and groomed trails. It’s without a doubt worth the visit if you’re in the area.
Pros
- There are usually no lift lines or huge crowds
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Varied trails suitable for all levels of skiing
Cons
- There aren’t many food options
Famous for: being one of the largest ski resorts in Maine, varied trails, great staff.
Town
Newry is full of popular tourist destinations and amazing sights. If you like spending time outside surrounded by nature, then visiting the following places is a must: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Flagstaff Viewpoint, Cranfield Beach, and Bernish Viewpoint. For those who like art and history, take a look at the Newry and Mourne Museum, the Narrow Water Castle, the Newry Cathedral, and Mary Catherine’s Cottage.
Ski Terrain
There are 135 runs in the resort, all of which vary in terms of difficulty. The skiable area is 870 acres and the longest run is three miles long. The snowfall is 155 inches. You have lots of terrains to choose from, and the views from the top are stunning to say the least. Whatever your current level of skiing expertise is, you will find a trail that works for you.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Luckily for those who like to avoid crowds, Sunday River isn’t all that crowded. This means that you won’t have to spend hours waiting in lines just to get somewhere. If you are the type of person who likes to avoid crowds at all costs, then Sunday River is definitely the place for you.
Regarding the ski lifts available on the resort, there are 15 in total: one gondola, five quads, four high-speed quads, three triplets, one double, and four surface lifts. The tickets are around $97 for adults and $60 for children for an all-day ticket during the weekends and during peak season. The tickets for weekday skiing are slightly cheaper.
Accommodation
While staying at Sunday River, you could easily find a suite or studio that costs around $180 for a single night. If you’re a larger crowd, you can book a suite at the Jordan 1 for $308 a night.
A standard room, on the other hand, with one bathroom and two queen beds goes for $70 a night, which is definitely more affordable than some other options in the area.
Verdict
Sunday River is a great option if you’re traveling with family. It’s located in Newry, a town that offers plenty of things to do while you’re there. There are 135 runs in the resort, so anyone will be able to find a terrain that works best for their skills.
Mt. Abram Ski Resort
Are you on the lookout for a small yet cozy ski resort that is perfect for a little family getaway? Then we have a great place for you. Located in Greenwood, Maine, this resort offers an area designed for beginners, as well as areas that are suitable for intermediate level skiers. There are 650 acres of skiable area, but don’t let this number fool you since there is more than enough terrain for everyone.
Pros
- Incredibly friendly staff
- Reasonable prices
- Family-friendly
- Wholesome vibe
Cons
- The resort isn’t as big as some of the other ones on this list, and the skiable area is quite smaller
Famous for: helpful staff, affordable prices, cozy feel.
Town
Bethel is only a 10-minute drive away from Mt. Abram. This gorgeous town is perfect if you want to explore the outdoors. You can visit the Grafton Notch State Park which offers various different activities or visit the Mount Will Walking Trail. There is also the option of river rafting or kayaking on the Androscoggin River. If you like museums and geology, don’t forget to stop by at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum.
Ski Terrain
Even though there are 650 acres of skiable area, the skiing conditions more than make up for it. The terrains vary in terms of difficulty, so you won’t need to worry if you decide to bring your children or a beginner along with you. There are plenty of trails to explore which are suitable for beginners, and you also have the option of attending skiing lessons. If you are an experienced skier, you will find terrains that offer excitement and are quite a challenge.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Despite the fact that this resort is smaller than the rest on the list, it doesn’t mean that you will have to put up with large crowds of people or long lines in front of the ski lifts. Visitors report that there are usually no large crowds or lines, so if this is something that usually bothers you, you don’t have to worry about it.
There are five lift systems available. The prices at Mt. Abram are some of the lowest in the state! You can get an all-day ticket for $50 for adults and $40 for juniors and seniors. The prices at the beginner area are lower than the rest.
Accommodation
While staying at Mt. Abram, you have a range of options to choose from in terms of accommodation. The options at Bethel include the Bethel Inn and the Sudbury Inn. The price per night averages around $170. These options are quite affordable and convenient if you take into account how close they are to Mt. Abram.
Verdict
As you can see, Mt. Abram is a go-to option for families looking to have a great time skiing together. This place doesn’t discriminate – you can find trails for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. Even though the skiable area is smaller and there are fewer runs, there are still plenty of trails to explore while you’re there.
Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort
This microparadise is located in Greenville, overlooking the beautiful Moosehead Lake. For anyone who likes to feel a warm wintery atmosphere accompanied by breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake, this is the place to go. The resort was renovated in 2013. You have the option of skiing or snowboarding on groomed trails that vary in terms of difficulty.
Pros
- Helpful and nice staff
- Great skiing conditions
- Unparalleled views
- Delicious food and drinks
- No lift lines
Cons
- There is only one ski lift system available on the property
Famous for: Winter wonderland vibe, amazing staff, tasty food.
Town
Greenville is only 15 minutes away from Big Squaw Mountain when traveling by car. Since it’s so close to the ski area, it’s definitely worth a visit for a little change of scenery. Nature enthusiasts will be happy to know that there are plenty of outdoorsy things to do in Greenville. Visiting the Falls Park on the Reedy is a must! The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail and the Paris Mountain State Park are also incredible. There are many museums to choose from like The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Bob Jones University Museum, and Gallery or the Upcountry History Museum.
Ski Terrain
The ski terrain at Big Squaw Mountain is versatile – beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers are all welcome at this resort. There are 33 runs in total, and you will enjoy some stunning views from the top.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
You won’t be surprised to know that there aren’t any crowds in this particular resort. There are usually no lines in front of the lift, but you might encounter them if you’re visiting during the weekend or during peak season, so you need to be wary of that.
There is only one lift system available at Big Squaw Mountain, but you won’t believe the prices of the ski tickets. You can get an adult ticket for only $30 for a full day! Children and seniors can use the ski lift for free. There is also the option of renting out equipment and gear.
Accommodation
You can choose between staying at a couple of different places in Greenville, such as the Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake. There is also the Moose Mountain Inn, which offers deals for as low as $300 for two nights, and the Kineo View Lodge which is even cheaper for $260 for two nights including taxes and fees.
Verdict
Big Squaw Mountain is often described as a hidden gem, and now we see why. It offers amazing skiing and snowboarding conditions, the staff is friendly and always happy to help, the views are stunning, the food is tasty, and the prices are quite affordable. For anyone who wants to find the right place for a visit with their family, it seems like Big Squaw Mountain has everything you will ever need.
Camden Snow Bowl
Home to the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, this lovely resort, as the name suggests, is located in Camden. It’s renowned for its incredible location which offers a view of the ocean. It first opened in 1936, so it’s had decades of experience.
Pros
- Spectacular views
- Friendly staff
- Short lines even during peak days
- Amazing atmosphere
Cons
- Some of the trails can be left ungroomed
Famous for: home of the Toboggan Championship, breathtaking views.
Town
As you know by now, Camden Snow Bowl is located in Camden. Keeping in mind that this city is filled with spectacular natural sights, it’d be a shame to miss some of them. We recommend visiting the Mount Battie, the Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, the Camden Hills State Park, and the Megunticook Lake. Booklovers have the chance of visiting the Camden Public Library. For those who like art, there are a couple of galleries located in Camden that you can visit.
Ski Terrain
With a vertical drop of 1,150 feet, 100 acres of skiable area, and eleven trails, there is definitely a lot of ground to explore at Camden Snow Bowl. The longest run is around a mile long and the snowfall is 70 inches. For those of you who like night skiing, we have good news! You have the opportunity to ski at night and enjoy the pleasant wintery atmosphere on one of the two terrain parks in the resort.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Camden Snow Bowl isn’t overly crowded. Rarely is there such a big crowd of people that you feel uncomfortable. That’s why you’re unlikely to encounter any lines at the lifts, which is always a plus if you’re running short on time.
As far as the ski lifts go, there are three in total: one double chair, one triple chair, and one carpet lift. You can purchase ski lift tickets from their website. The prices for full-day tickets are $33 for adults during weekdays and $43 during holidays, vacation weeks, and weekends. The price for students, military, and seniors is $25 during the weekends and $35 during weekends, holidays, and vacation weeks. The price for a children’s ticket ranges between $6 and $10, depending on when you’re going.
Accommodation
Camden Snow Bowl offers a wide range of options to choose from in terms of accommodation. You can choose an inn, a B&B, or a resort. All the accommodation options offer Ski and Stay packages. You can choose between Samoset Resort, Camden Riverhouse Inn & Suites, Captain Swift Inn, Hawthorn Inn, Country Inn and Suites, Camden Maine Stay Inn, Grand Harbor Inn, The Elms of Camden Bed and Breakfast, Blue Harbor house, and many more. It might be overwhelming at first, which is why we strongly recommend you to check out their website in order to find what you need.
Verdict
Camden Snow Bowl has many perks like stunning views and friendly staff. Not to mention, their prices for both accommodation and dining are affordable. It’s definitely worth a visit regardless of whether you’re traveling with your friends, your partner, or your family.
