5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Maine (2024)
Maine is adorned with mountains, and all thanks to that, it receives its fair share of Snowfall every year. The state’s location on the northern tip of New England blesses it with at least a few inches but assured Snowfall. And thanks to that, Maine has a few Ski Resorts as well. However, the number is very limited given the distance from populated regions and not enough snow, of course. Maine welcomes skiers of beginning and advanced levels even though it isn’t heavily associated with Skiing. The experience may not compete with the other U.S. States, but it nevertheless is worth it.
Even though Maine has a limited number of Ski Resorts, each of them has its own personality and character. When one offers an excellent ocean view, the other offers a world-class skiing experience. Not only do they provide an excellent on-hill experience, but they also make your winters in Maine an excellent one. Some mountains appeal to beginners, whereas others appeal to experts.
5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Maine
With that said, here are some of the Popular Ski Resorts in Maine that you can explore. Have a look:
1. Sugarloaf (Ski Resort)
Formerly known as Sugarloaf/USA, this is the most popular Ski Resort in Maine. The Sugarloaf Ski Resort boasts 1,240 acres of skiable terrain and 2,820 feet of vertical drop. With 95% snowmaking capabilities, it hosts a long season and entertains thousands of Skiing enthusiasts every year. It is also the second largest Skiing resort on the east of the Mississippi, given to its huge skiable area. Sugarloaf is also the only Mountain with lift-served snowfields above the tree line. With that, it offers Skiing in high-open terrain above the timberline, definitely a rare experience.
Sugarloaf Ski resort boasts 162 skiing trails, which are divided generously by skill level. The longest of them all is a 3.5-mile cruiser from the summit. It also boasts a lift system that can move 21,000 passengers every single hour, making no one wait for long. Sugarloaf also allows enthusiasts to book private cat tours and explore the more remote Eastern Territory on weekends. Not just that, but visitors can also enjoy activities like skating, snowshoeing, skate Skiing, and cross-country skiing. Given Sugarloaf receives averages of more than 200 inches of snow each year, it is one of the most reliable and excellent Ski resorts in Maine and even the eastern United States.
Operating Season: Mid of November through April End (Estimate).
2. Saddleback Ski Area
Saddleback is another top-rated Ski area in Maine and definitely a must-visit one. It has been a popular ski area in Maine for years, and after closer from 2015 to 2021, Saddleback has bounced back excitingly. The said Ski area is located near Rangeley in Sandy River Plantation and is the largest independent ski area in The East. Operating since 1960, it covers a skiable terrain of 600 acres and 2000 feet of vertical drop. Saddleback boasts nearly 67 Skiable runs, all of which are named after famous fishing flies. Some of the names go like Supervisor, Peachy’s Peril, Royal Tiger, America, and more. In addition, the chairlifts here are named after fly fishing rivers, including South Branch, Magalloway Branch, and Rangeley River.
After its grand renovation in the last few years, Saddleback Ski area now boasts a 2,000-foot, four-person chairlift that can take 1,800 skiers per hour, making no one wait. In addition, it has presently opened a revamped ski school program for beginners of all ages and interests. The ski resort has the highest base elevation in New England, and thanks to that, it receives 225 inches of average Snowfall every year. Skiers who want to stay back can book themselves in the local lodges and enjoy the sweeping views over frozen Rangeley Lake.
Operating Season: Early December till Mid of April
3. Mt. Abram Ski Area
Mt. Abram is a beginner’s friendly Skin Area in Maine located within proximity to Sunday River and five miles outside of Bethel. It is also one of the top ski schooling destinations in Maine and popular amongst enthusiasts who are looking forward to escaping the crowd. The Mountain covers a total skiable terrain of 650 acres, of which 250 acres alone are dedicated to trails. Its highest vertical drop goes all the way to 1150 feet. Mt. Abram Ski Area boasts a total of 44 skiing runs, of which 10 are for beginners, 21 for intermediate, and 13 for experts. And to serve them all, Abram operates 5 lifts, of which 2 are Double, 1 Carpet Lift, 1 T-Bar, 1 Handle Tow, and 1 Tubing Tow featuring 2 lanes.
The Mt. Abram Ski Area is divided into two areas, including the Westside and the Main Mountain. Westside offers a learning area for beginners, and most lessons are taught here only. It features one Double Chairlift and a Ski tow. Whereas the Main Mountain area is for intermediates and such enthusiasts often choose cruisers like Dudley Do-Right and Bullwinkle. Not only that but the double black steps of Rocky’s Run facilitate some fun and adventure for experts as well. Mt. Abram also boasts a 1,325′ Flying Squirrel snow-tubing park for tubing fun. What makes Abram a popular ski area in Maine is the fact that it doesn’t get crowded as the others do.
Operating Season: Early or Mid-December through March End.
4. Camden Snow Bowl
Camden Snow Bowl isn’t overwhelming, but this small skiing area still deserves some recognition. Spread over 100 Skiable acres, its base elevation is 235 feet, whereas the top elevation is 1080 feet. It features the highest vertical drop of 845 feet. Camden is a small town-owned ski area on 1,300 feet Ragged Mountain, just 4.5 miles from Penobscot Bay. Regardless of its small size Camden Snow Bowl holds a special place in locals’ as well as tourists’ hearts. And why not? Camden Snow Bowl summit is the only place where visitors can from where individuals can observe the astounding ocean views. This is a very rare geographical setting, and there are people who visit Camden just to experience those mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean underneath.
Camden Snow Bowl has been operating since the midst of the Great Depression in 1936. It, though, has only 17 marked trails but nearly a century of successful operation, with a fair number of enthusiasts visiting here every year. The ski area also features a hair-raising ride down the 400-foot toboggan chute, and every year, it hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. And for enthusiasts who aren’t keen on Skiing, the resort also features snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking adventures. And the best part is, if you are on a budget winter trip, Camden Snow Bowl should definitely grab one top position in your itinerary.
Operating Season: End of December to End of March
5. Sunday River Resort
In terms of quality and experience, the Sunday River Resort is undoubtedly the best Ski Resort in Maine, USA. It is also one of the largest and most visited Ski resorts in Maine. Sunday River Resort features 870 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 2,340 feet which is the 6th largest in New England and 2nd largest in Maine State. Over 870 acres of skiable terrain, it features 300 acres of tree skiing spread. Sunday River Resort features 8 separate peaks and a whopping 135 trails. The trials are divided into 33% beginners, 36% into intermediates, 19% into advance, and 12% into experts. The longest of these runs is Lollapalooza which goes 3 miles long. Sunday River Resort receives an average of 155 inches of Snowfall every year and even features 95% of snowmaking capabilities. Not only during day hours, but it is also popular for its Night Skiing fun.
Beginners and family skiers can head towards Chondola, North Peak, and Jordan. Intermediates can choose Barker Mountain and Spruce Peak for great fun. In contrast, experts can move towards White Cap and experience the great challenges of the sport. For the Lift system, Sunday River Resort features 15 options which include one of the most technologically advanced chairlifts in North America, the Jordan 8. Apart from Skiing, the resort also offers opportunities for ice-skating, ski biking, Nordic Skiing, and snow tubing. And if you are done with the snow-based fun, you can indulge in the theater, bowling, a spa, and après-ski activities.
Operating Season: November End through the first week of April.
