The Ogunquit Resort in Maine is a gem of a find. This quiet, seaside escape offers a scenic view of the Maine coast anytime of the year. Whether one is taking in the summer sun or storm watching, the scenery is amazing. The wildlife in the area is wonderful to watch whether one finds a vantage point to watch the coastal birds or roll up the pants legs to explore a tide pool.
Big Rock Mountain Resort prides it’s self on offering a family friendly ski experience. In recent years, the entire resort has been updated and re-worked to make it the ideal place for a family vacation. The resort has taken great care to update their slopes to make room for all levels of skiers seeking to fine tune their skills.
The Highland Lake Resort in Maine is a welcome break from everyday life, anytime of the year. In the Summer, swimming is a wonderful way to cool off and the view of the water is enjoyable all through the Fall.
The Bethel Inn Resort is a dream come true for the cross country skiing enthusiast. While the resort is located to nearby downhill slopes, the focus on-site is truly on cross country skiing activities. The on-site cross country trails have something for everyone from gentle trails for beginners to more rugged terrain for the experienced.
Sometimes individuals can get so wrapped up in the day-to-day routine that they forget how to really enjoy living. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to escape, to get away from the office and the rush of city traffic to take a vacation. Outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts will be setting their eyes on the northeastern state of Maine to enjoy the fresh crisp winter air and the new fallen snow which makes it the perfect atmosphere for a winter getaway.
Why is Maine such a popular winter getaway?
The reason for Maine’s popularity in the winter can be summed up in one word – snow. The snow offers abundant opportunities for winter sports such as skiing on the slopes, sledding, snowboarding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skating and even dog sledding.
Because of its gorgeous snow conditions and variety of trails Maine offers some of the best skiing conditions in the country with world class destinations such as Sugarloaf, Saddleback, and Sunday River.
Sugarloaf Mountain Resortis the largest ski area in the Eastern United States and – in addition to Sugarloaf Mountain extends across Brackett Basin and Burnt Mountain. Although Sugarloaf is popular for its skiing, visitors also have an abundance of opportunities for cross-country Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on trails that exhibit the beauty of the state of Maine.
Inthe heart of the Rangeley Lakes Region, Saddleback is a popular winter destination that experiences an abundance of snowfall in estimates of two hundred inches of snow per year. It is one of only seven ski resorts in New England with a summit elevation of 4,120 feet and a breath-taking two thousand foot vertical drop. With a total of sixty-six trails and glades for visitors of all skill levels – from beginners to experts – Saddleback offers the opportunity for an unforgettable winter experience.
Extending all the way from White Cap to the Jordan Bowl, covering five hundred and twenty five acres with eight mountain peaks and one hundred and thirty-three trails Sunday River is a popular destination for those desiring a winter escape. It began at Locke Mountain where the first runs were made back in the 1950s. The trails are intermediate at Locke Mountain, but the most challenging slopes are at Whitecap. Barker Mountain is one of the most popular slopes, offering thrilling high-speed runs. Spruce Peak is known for its intermediate trails and South Ridge offers opportunities for beginners. Visitors can dine at the lodge at North Peak before returning to the slopes on the popular Aurora Peak or Oz with its complex terrain for veteran skiers. But some of the longest and most scenic runs at Sunday River can be found at Jordan Bowl.
For a fun-filled family ski trip one needs only to visit Mount Abram with its forty-four trails – ten for beginning skiers - and a vertical drop of 1,150 feet. The friendly atmosphere at Mount Abram offers visitors opportunities to create great memories with their families.
ShawneePeakis New England’s largest night skiing and snowboarding area with its forty trails and glades. It provides plenty of opportunities for beginners and leisure skiers and offers incredible views of Mount Washington.
Maine has a long list of recreational ski areas just suited for family fun, including:
What other winter sports does Maine have to offer?
Snowmobiling: When not gliding down the ski-slopes or trekking the back-country trails Nordic skiing, visitors can explore the beauty of Maine in winter in a snowmobile. The state has a 3,500 mile network of trails specifically for snow-mobilers to enjoy.
Ice-Fishing: When the lakes are frozen over they become gathering places for pickerel, bass, salmon, and trout, offering ample opportunities for ice fishing. Many Maine outfitters offer gear and guides for those wanting to tackle the challenge.
Snowshoeing: Visitors can explore the Maine woods and enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape by strapping on a pair of snowshoes. There are plenty of hiking trails just suited for snowshoeing.
The newly fallen snow and the variety of winter sports make a Maine winter resort a
premier destination for winter getaways.
