Schuss Through Breathtaking White Pines at Lost Valley and Mt. Abram Ski Areas in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine March 17-23
March 16, 2011
Out and About for the Belgrade Lakes Regions of Maine March 24-30
March 23, 2011

Schuss Through Breathtaking White Pines at Lost Valley and Mt. Abram Ski Areas in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine


Riding the lift to ski at Lost Valley in Auburn, Maine
Owning lakefront property near small ski areas in the Sebago Lake Region of Maine is perfect if you are thinking about a four-season retreat. Two of the smaller ski areas in Maine are places where you can let your kids loose. It’s at these resorts that you’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy shorter lift lines.
A classic ski area that’s been a family tradition for over four decades is Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn, Maine. Named for a hidden clearing on a hillside that was frequented by local children, Lost Valley Ski Area got its official start in 1961 when a base lodge was built and 1,700-foot rope tow was installed. That same year Lost Valley became the first ski area in Maine to make their own snow.
Six more trails were cut out of the woods and a T-bar and chair lift were added by the mid-60s. In the late ‘60s, under the direction of Fern Pondbriand, Lost Valley was open year round for skiers in the winter and weddings and conferences the rest of the year. Since then, additional snowmaking, lights and a few more trails were added and the lodge expanded to accommodate retail and rental space plus offices.
Today 15 trails served by two chairlifts curve through breathtaking white pines. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy an updated terrain park. The PSIA Certified Ski School is one of the largest and finest in New England. Since 1991, Lost Valley is home to the Central Maine Adaptive Sports program, teaching persons with disabilities how to enjoy snow sports.
The cozy lounge with a fieldstone fireplace is still the perfect place to take a break or unwind at the end of the day.  And during the summer months, the resort provides a premiere paintball facility and hosts weddings and banquets.

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Less than an hour away in Greenwood, Maine, is Mt. Abram Ski Resort. It’s located just five miles south of Bethel. In the late ‘50s, the Cross brothers, Stuart, Norton and Donald, owned a logging business and acreage in the area.
According to local legend, during lunch one a day that they were logging on Mt. Abram’s northwest side, one of their loggers, Ronald Snyder, suggested that they create a ski slope. A day or more later, the brothers agreed that that was a good idea. They’d grown up next the Vernon Street Ski Area in Bethel, so all were skiers. The brothers purchased additional land from neighbors and created parking space plus trails.In December of 1960 Mt. Abram Ski Area opened.
Today skiers of all abilities ride the five lifts to ski 44 runs and the terrain park. It’s strong on intermediate cruisers, but the collection includes a several easy green runs as well as double black diamond trails.  The Flying Squirrel Tube Park, Nordic ski trails and night skiing add to the reason why folks love snowsports at Mt. Abram.

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 These small ski areas are simple and inexpensive. They’re a real bargain in today’s high-speed, high-priced market. It’s a delight to ski at either of them and they won’t deflate your billfold.

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