Winter In Maine

After you’ve experienced Maine’s warm, sandy beaches and spent time admiring our brilliant leaves, you’re ready to take the next step in your quest to explore Maine: Visit Vacationland after the first snow falls.

With an abundance of outdoor activities from skiing, sledding and snowboarding to ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skating, Maine offers a flurry of activities, December through March. Try dogsledding even curling — In Maine there are so many reasons to say, “Let it snow!”

Hit the Slopes

Millions will attest to the quality, variety and sheer exhilaration of the skiing experience in Maine – from the outstanding snow conditions to the beauty of our trails to the comfort of our inns and winter resorts. Maine’s ski areas offer top-notch skiing and riding for the whole family, plus Nordic trails and plenty of special events throughout the winter. Ski Maine Association

Nordic Skiing

You don’t have to ride a chairlift to have fun skiing in Maine. We have an extensive network of groomed cross-country skiing trails. Many more miles of groomed and back country trails wind across the state of Maine for the trekker, classical, or freestyle skier. Ski Maine Nordic

Snowmobiling

Gliding down a mountain is one way to enjoy the Maine winter—but there are plenty of other ways. Each year, snowmobilers come from far and wide to experience Maine’s 3,500-mile, impeccably groomed Interconnected Trail System. Beyond that snowy superhighway, there are roughly 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails scattered throughout the Pine Tree State. Maine Snowmobile Association

More Ways to Enjoy Winter

Winter Carnivals: There are all kinds of winter-themed special events and carnivals in Maine. Ice Fishing: When the mercury drops, Maine’s lakes become frozen gathering places to catch pickerel, bass, salmon and trout. Many outfitters provide the guides and the gear to spend a winter weekend on the lake — just be sure to bring lots of warm clothes and good friends! The Maine Professional Guides Association lists hundreds of fishing guides by region and area of specialization.

Snowshoeing: Don’t let a little snow stop you from going for a walk — you just need a few more layers and a (much) bigger pair of shoes! Strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out to a favorite hiking trail or state park. Many Nordic skiing centers also have designated trails for snowshoeing. Wherever you go, there’s nothing quite as peaceful as walking on a layer of freshly fallen snow in the Maine woods.