Maine Lakefront Real Estate: Skiing in the Lakes Region

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Feb.23-Mar.1
Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Feb.23-Mar.1
February 22, 2017
Maine Lakefront Real Estate:  Showshoeing through State (and National) Parks
Maine Lakefront Real Estate: Showshoeing through State (and National) Parks
February 24, 2017

Maine Lakefront Real Estate: Skiing in the Lakes Region

Maine Lakefront Real Estate:  Skiing in the Lakes Region

Shawnee Peak, Bridgton

When the cold Maine winter has finally set in and the lake doesn’t seem so inviting anymore (except from a distance, perhaps, with a warm cup of tea or coffee in hand), what is there to do? For some brave souls, it’s the chance to drill a hole in the ice and finally catch “the one that got away”; for others, it’s time to rev up the snowmobiles and soar across the trails, while some prefer to strap on a pair of snowshoes and trek their way through the winter solstice under peaceful, snow-covered boughs.
But for many, the winter doldrums means hitting the slopes–and if you’re an avid skier, this season may not seem so bitter and dreary at all. Whether you’re a regular at one of Maine’s many peaks and looking to expand your horizons, or you’re new to the state and can’t seem to decide which mountain best suits you and your family, it’s worth taking a moment to check out this list we’ve compiled of 5 of Maine’s ski mountains–from large to small and everything in between, this list includes a variety of the state’s slopes and provides some details that may help you decide on your next winter weekend getaway.
1. Sugarloaf USA
Location: Carrabassett Valley, ME
Acreage: 1,240 skiable acres
Developed Trails: 60 miles, 162 trails and glades
Snowmaking: 618 acres of snowmaking coverage
Average Natural Snowfall: 200 inches
Lifts: 13
Average Length of Season: Mid-November through early May
Average 1-Day (Weekday) Pass: $75 (adults), $65 (teens), $55 (juniors/seniors)
Other Available Pass Options and Discounts: Beginner Terrain, Maine Resident Discounts, Military Discounts, College Discounts, Corporate Program Discounts, Bulk Tickets (for more detailed information on pricing and discounts, visit website)
Lodging: Yes; Sugarloaf Mtn. Hotel, Sugarloaf Inn, Condominiums
Nordic/Cross Country Trails: Yes; The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center offers 90 km of groomed cross country and snowshoe trails as well as ice skating on an NHL sized rink (access to cross country trails is included with each lift ticket)
Night Skiing: No
Children’s Programs: Childcare, learn-to-ski programs for kids of all ages (ranging from 2 ½ – 14), as well as Mommy & Me and family lessons
Special Events: Concerts, College Week, Children’s Festival Week, Maine Week, Fireworks, U.S. Alpine Championships, Pond Skimming, Bud Light Reggae Festival, Sugarloaf Marathon
2. Sunday River
Location: Newry, ME
Acreage: 870 skiable acres
Developed Trails: 52.6 miles, 135 trails and glades
Snowmaking: Yes; 552 acres (95% of non-gladed terrain)
Average Natural Snowfall: 167 inches
Lifts: 15
Average Length of Season: Early November-Late April
Average 1-Day (Weekday) Pass: $79 (adults), $65 (teens), $55 (juniors/seniors)
Other Available Pass Options and Discounts: Beginner Terrain, Night skiing, Snow Guarantee, Community Programs, Group Rates, Military Discounts, Corporate Programs, Bulk Tickets
Lodging: Yes; Resort Lodging Properties include the Grand Summit Hotel, Jordan Hotel, and Snowcap Inn. Condominiums also available as well as lodging in-town Bethel.
Nordic/Cross Country Trails: Groomed Nordic trails (55 km) open nearby at Carter’s XC Ski Centers and the Bethel Nordic Ski Center in Bethel, ME
Night Skiing: Yes
Children’s Programs: Someday Bigger Day Care, Tiny Turns for beginning skiers (ages 3-4), Kid’s Day Lessons (Mogul Munchkins for kids 3-6 and Mogul Meisters for kids 7-14)
Special Events: Peak Dinners, Children’s Festival Weekend, Bud Light Music Series, White Out Weekend, Fireworks, Spring Festival
3. Shawnee Peak
Location: Bridgton, ME
Acreage: 249 skiable acres
Developed Trails: 40 trails, 7 glades, 3 terrain parks
Snowmaking: Yes; 98% of trails are covered by snowmaking
Average Natural Snowfall: 110 inches
Lifts: 5
Average Length of Season: Late November/Early December-Late March
Average 1-Day (Weekday) Pass: $49 (adults), $43 (juniors/seniors)
Other Available Pass Options and Discounts: Children under 5 ski free under surface lift ($10 for all lifts), Corporate Partners, Group Discounts
Lodging: Yes; East Slope Condos, East Lodge Bunkhouse, mountaintop Pleasant Mountain Yurt and Cabin. Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, and guest houses available in-town Bridgton.
Nordic/Cross Country Trails: No, but nordic trails can be found at Five Field’s Farm in Bridgton and at Starks Mountain in Fryeburg (about 20 minutes from Shawnee)
Night Skiing: Yes
Children’s Programs: Peek-A-Boo Daycare, lessons and clinics available for children ages 4-12 on weekends and holidays.
Special Events: Movie nights, musical performances, racing, New England Ski Day, Winter Wild, “Apres Ski” drinks, Family Days, Mattress Racing, Spring Fling
4. Mt. Abram
Location: Greenwood, ME
Acreage: 560 skiable acres
Developed Trails: 49
Snowmaking: Yes; 70% of trails are covered by snowmaking
Average Natural Snowfall: 115 inches
Lifts: 5
Average Length of Season: Early December-Early April
Average 1-Day (Weekday) Pass: $59 (adults), $49 (students/seniors)
Other Available Pass Options and Discounts: Military Discount, Kids under 5 and seniors over 80 ski free, Family Season Pass, College Students
Nordic/Cross Country Trails: 5 km of nordic trails
Night Skiing: No
Children’s Programs: KAMP (Kids All Mountain Program) for ages 7-13
Special Events: Saturday nights live music, Wild West Festival, ski races, Family Fun Day
5. Lost Valley
Location: Auburn, ME
Acreage: 45
Developed Trails: 15 trails and a terrain park
Snowmaking: Yes, all 45 acres
Average Natural Snowfall: 75 inches
Lifts: 3
Average Length of Season: December-March
Lodging: 20% discount available at Residence Inn by Mariott in Auburn
Nordic/Cross Country Trails: Yes
Night Skiing: Yes
Children’s Programs: Mommy and Me lessons, Mites (ages 4-6) lessons, Junior lessons (ages 7+), Junior racing, February Break Ski Camp (ages 7+)
Special Events: Includes a snow tube park, Maine Ski Challenge, race series, Demo Day

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