Winter in Maine is the stuff of storybooks. Come January, snow transforms the state into a watercolor of blues and whites—a painting flecked with glassy skating ponds and woolly evergreens. Along the coast, snow-crusted lighthouses stand bright against a cornflower sky. Farther inland, thick flurries soften the valleys, fill in the ski trails, and draw adventure seekers from across the country.
Maine is a haven for skiers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers alike—which is why it was Outside’s top choice for our Winter 2025 Editor’s Choice gear test. This past February, our editors and category managers converged upon the Medawisla Lodge for four days of rigorous gear testing in the storied 100-Mile Wilderness. Of course, this area only scratches the surface of world-class winter getaways scattered across the state. Here are our other favorite ways to thoughtfully experience the best of winter in Maine.
Cross-country Skiing
The Outside team quickly fell in love with Medawisla Lodge, which is one of three off-grid lodges nestled within the surrounding 113,000-acre woodland. Each winter, Appalachian Mountain Club maintains more than 80 miles of groomed cross-country trails within the conservation area, which means skiers can find everything from rugged summit tracks to mellow riverside routes.
Looking for something a little less remote? “Shout-out to Carter’s XC Ski Center in Bethel,” says Kelly Bastone, a Maine local and Outside’s cross-country ski gear category manager. “It’s a family-run place that continues into its second generation, and the network is fantastic.” Book a stay in one of the on-site cabins for ski-in, ski-out access.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Maine is home to more than a dozen ski areas, from the iconic, 66-year-old Sunday River Resort to the newly reopened Saddleback Mountain.
“But one of the region’s most snow-sure spots is Carrabasset Valley,” says Bastone. The Valley is home to Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s highest skiable peak. The resort’s steeps have spawned Olympic gold medalists, and its gentler slopes have taught generations of Mainers how to ski. Plus, the nearby Sugarloaf Outdoor Center boasts a robust network of groomed Nordic trails, including a stunning skate-skiing track that traces the river, says Bastone.
Pro tip: Refuel with a signature burrito (or a craft beer) at Rolling Fatties, a family-owned restaurant and bar in nearby Kingfield.
Ice Skating
Backcountry ice skating may be having a moment across the U.S., but Mainers take the sport to a new level.
“There are diehard skaters who create 30-plus-mile circuits out on Sebago Lake,” says Bastone. “But a less-committing option would be to skate the Royal River, where I live.” The river ice isn’t groomed, so consider snow-free days early in the season, and make sure to check the ice thickness before venturing out (you should have at least 4 to 6 inches underfoot). Bastone recommends starting at the Yarmouth History Center and skating northwest for the best ice.
Winter Hiking
To experience the snow-draped magic of winter solitude, head to Acadia National Park and hike or snowshoe up Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the United States to see the sun rise each morning. More seasoned winter travelers should head to Baxter State Park, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and home to some of the state’s most remote trails.
No matter where you go, remember to keep the basic rules of the backcountry in mind. Beyond the Leave No Trace principles of responsible use, tell a friend or family member about your plans and return time. Prepare for variable weather, and pack out what you pack in.
Fat-Tire Biking
Zip through the snow on two wheels at the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, a year-round biking epicenter that boasts more than 30 miles of groomed fat-tire bike trails come winter. (The trails are also open to Nordic skiers and snowshoers, so be prepared to share.) Target a late January visit for the Fat Bike Loppet and Festival, an annual celebration featuring gear demos, games, and a friendly community race. When you’re all biked out, grab a rack of ribs at The Shed, a beloved, rustic local barbecue joint.
Maine. Forged By Nature. This is where the beauty of nature and the muse of creativity don’t just surround you; they become part of you. VisitMaine.com
The post How To Best Explore Maine in Winter appeared first on Outside Online.
