See and Ski Maine's Mountains
 Maine Tourism Association - Membership Information
 Maine Invites You
By Heather Burke


World Cup Champion Bode Miller honed his skills on Maine’s slopes during his four years at Sugarloaf-based Carrabassett Valley Academy. Although Maine’s big mountains offer plenty of challenge for the fastest alpine skier in the world, you don’t have to ski like Bode to experience the best ski trails in Maine. All levels of skiers can take to the peaks for a peek at the beautiful Pine Tree State.

The most glorious vantage points are on mountaintops, and the most enchanting season to enjoy them is winter, when they sparkle in white under crisp clear blue skies. Maine’s alpine areas provide a kind of bird’s eye view (with boards on your feet instead of wings on your back). Whether it is a view of Moosehead Lake, the vast Maine forests or the mass of Mount Washington in the distance, it’s all included in the ticket price.

Here are a few tame trails in Maine’s snow country that are picture perfect. You can admire the view along your way down, without worry of any daunting drop offs or man-size moguls.

Presidential Rewards
Shawnee Peak, in Bridgton, is a primo ski hill for families and shutterbugs alike. The fact that this was once called Pleasant Mountain Ski Area gives you an inkling of the gentle tone and trails. The Jack Spratt Trail, located under the summit triple chair, provides a pleasant cruise with amazing views of Maine's Mahoosuc Range and New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains. And with Moose Pond below serving as a frozen reflective pool to the ski area, you might feel like you are in Lake Tahoe - sort of.

Everyone that skis Sunday River should make their way to Jordan Bowl – the furthest west of the eight-interconnected mountain peaks at this sprawling Maine resort. Be ready for an eye-opening view as the quad chair crests the last knoll. It’s a stunning but swift scene, as this high-speed lift zooms along and you must “prepare to unload.” After you slide safely off the chair, you can click out of your skis and climb a dozen stairs to the observation deck to properly admire the Presidential and Mahoosuc ranges – identified on the posted chart.

The cruise down Lollapalooza, a wide undulating beginners’ boulevard that eventually escorts you to the Jordan Grand slopeside hotel where you can slide into lunch at Sliders, or back to the chairlift to repeat the experience.

Upper Sunday Punch at Sunday River is one of my personal favorites. This classic run was part of the original ski area long before Jordan Bowl was developed. After disembarking from the long, laid-back ride on the Locke Mountain triple chair, steer straight ahead and to your right. You’ll be instantly rewarded with remarkable views off the backside, to Shawnee Peak and Mt. Abram. You can also glimpse across several peaks that comprise the River Empire, which encompasses several miles.

Just down the road from The River is Mt. Abram, a treasure for young families and frugal skiers. Mt. Abram has a few dozen fun runs with a playful Bullwinkle theme. One of the most scenic is Dudley Do Right according to the ski area owner Josh Burns. “Dudley is a trail for all levels with great views of the White Mountains and the Presidentials, it is one of our longest trails. Dudley is the Burns’ family favorite, my 75-year-old father likes to cruise on it, my wife likes it for the big GS turns she can practice, and my 10-year-old son likes the Terrain Park on the side,” said Burns.

Upper Easy Rider at Mount Abram is another peak pick, with western views of the Presidential Range and a glimpse of neighboring Sunday River as you work your way down from the scenic summit of this 1,000-foot vertical ski area.
 
See and Ski
Saddleback in the Rangeley Lakes Region has the highest base elevation of any ski area in New England. Saddleback is proof of the theory “the higher you go - the better the views.” Tri-Color offers spectacular views of Rangeley Lake and the surrounding northwestern mountains – but you have to ride the tremulous upper mountain T-Bar to get there.

Novices may prefer riding the more comfortable Royal Coachman Chair and sauntering down Jitterbug to Blue Devil for similar scenery. Saddleback’s owner Bill Berry (who purchased the ski area from near closure three years ago) renamed all the trails to reflect the region’s deep fly fishing heritage.

Skiing The Penobscot Trail at Big Squaw is like being on the top of Maine itself. So far north it borders massive Moosehead Lake, this old-fashioned ski area has blast from the past prices and blow you away views of Maine’s largest lake and Maine’s highest peak - Mount Katahdin. When the summit chair doesn’t operate, plenty of downhill devotees hike up for the scenic run down. That should give you an idea of how worthwhile the vertical and the vistas are at this low-key, high-country mountain. Legendary ski trail designer Sel Hannah called Penobscot his best work because of the lake views and the classic New England trail style.

Lookout at Camden Snow Bowl is "where the mountains meet the sea." Where else in the world can you view the Atlantic Ocean from a ski trail? This friendly community-operated area in Camden offers a glance out to sea, so it is worth schussing for that alone. The fact that the Snow Bowl is very affordable and located in such a charming seaside town are added bonuses.

Another popular community area, Black Mountain, in Rumford, installed a chairlift to the summit last season, so now skiers and riders can enjoy lofty views of the pastoral River Valley as they ski along the intermediate Upper Androscoggin Trail.

Head-Swiveling Panorama
Last but not least, Sugarloaf/ USA is Maine’s mightiest single ski mountain with epic, 360-degree views, spanning Katahdin to Mount Washington.

It takes at least two chairlift rides to reach the 4,237-foot summit and the “top of everyone’s list” trail – Timberline. You can pause for a break inside the old gondola building (don’t get excited about anything but the view, there are no services – just a rustic ski patrol hang out). Timberline is your reward, a tremendously long, leisurely run with sweeping turns like an Omni Max presentation – giving the skier an ever-changing panorama.

Timberline is former Maine governor Angus King’s favorite trail. “The views, particularly to the west from the summit, are fabulous,” said King. “The slope is just right for the kind of relaxed, wide turn skiing I like, and it is a long (usually) un-crowded run.”

Timberline is justly marked with a "Kodak photo spot" icon on the trail map and an “easiest way down” Green Circle to encourage folks of all abilities to make the trek to the top. Another recommendation is a break at the cozy Bullwinkle’s mid-mountain lodge for a steaming hot cocoa and a chewy chocolate brownie.

For the more adventuresome, the ‘loaf’s legendary snowfields are hallowed ground with heavenly views and holy guacamole! terrain. From this northern vantage point, you just might believe you can see forever. Particularly outstanding are the views of the Bigelow Range, the mountains that provided the original inspiration for Amos Winter – Sugarloaf’s founding father. The White Nitro trail is a blast (if you will pardon the pun), beginning its drop from these summit snowfields. I should also mention that White Nitro is so blasted steep, it will take your breath away; just tell your carving companions that you are admiring the view when they ask why you’ve stopped.

Maine has over 500 ski trails, each with a unique and ever changing view. Get out and ski Maine’s high points this winter.

Night Stars
While the view is limited for night skiers, skiing after dark brings a whole new light to the sport of schussing. Evening tickets are cheaper and lift lines are nonexistent, since night skiing does not appeal to “fair weather skiers.”

Trails seem longer and more dramatic in the shadows of the overhead lights, gone are familiar landmarks. Squeaky sounds of snow underfoot are more piquant, as your senses are heightened like a cat on a nocturnal prowl. And the cool dark air you breathe in is far healthier than the greasy popcorn you might be inhaling if you were at home on the couch watching the prime time line up.

Shawnee Peak not only has the most lit up trails in Maine, it is the largest night ski facility in New England with 65% of its terrain lighted (19 of 40 trails) including the Terrain Park and Halfpipe. With Shawnee’s afternoon groom, evening adventurers are often rewarded with fresh cord, even after logging a full day at work.

Black Mountain in Rumford offers six trails under the lights Thursday - Saturday nights.

Camden Snow Bowl has night skiing Thursday and Friday.

Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan is open for night skiing every night in season on the 622-foot vertical hill.

Lost Valley located in the Lewiston Auburn Valley has evening skiing Monday through Saturday. Saturday Teen Night is popular with the next generation.

Mt Abram is open for night skiing Friday and Saturday nights peak season, with a special night racecourse set up for evening leagues.

Titcomb in Farmington is a happily humble family area open Friday nights.

Big Rock in Aroostook County has 65% of its terrain lit for night skiing including a terrain park and halfpipe, and a special Thursday “Night Lights” race league.
 
All Photography by Greg Burke
 
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