A Guide to the Best Ski Resorts in Maine

When you think of East Coast skiing, you probably only think of Vermont, maybe New York. However, Maine, and New Hampshire have some of the best ski mountains within the entire Northeast. Which is what I wanted to discuss in this article. Here are you will find the best ski/snowboard mountains in Maine.

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This post is all about the different ski resorts in Maine.

Ski Resorts Maine:

1. Sunday River

Okay, starting off with a bang, with one of the largest ski resorts in Maine, Sunday River. Sunday River is QUITE the mountain! It has 8 different mountain peaks, 135 trails and glades, 5 terrain parks, and a 2,340ft vertical drop, it’s like skiing out west. Here is a map of their trails. Also, it is apart of the epic, Ikon Pass. It is located in, Newry, Maine, which is a great place to stay. Portland, Maine, is also a great place to stay, however, Portland is a little over an hour and a half to the mountain (almost 2 hours). Augusta, ME or Gorham, NH (the Top Notch Inn) are both good places to stay at as well. Gorham is about 40 minutes from the mountain, while Augusta is a little over an hour away. Also, if you want to store your bag, they have multiple spaces outside, that you can put your boot-bag in.

My Dad and I have been to Sunday River and although it was big, it was not in the best condition when we went. There was straight ice underneath the snow, when it had just dumped snow. Also, the gondola was not running when we went there, due to one of the cables falling off the previous day. So, this didn’t land us with the best first impressions of Sunday River. Now, I don’t want this deter anyone from visiting the mountain, but I did want to be honest, that sometimes bigger isn’t always better. And don’t be surprised if you run into the same problems, as my Dad and I did.

2. Saddleback Mountain

Okay, second on our list, Saddleback Mountain. Saddleback has 440 acres of skiable acres, terrain parks, Casablanca glades, groomed cruiser trails, there’s something here for everyone. Located in Rangeley, Maine, Rangeley, is about 2 and a half hours from Portland, Maine. This mountain is broken up really nicely, with the top being strictly black diamonds, the mid mountain being blue squares, and the lower mountain being green circles or beginner trails. While there are beginner runs at the bottom of the mountain, I really only recommend solid intermediate to expert skiers visit this mountain. Most of the trails are blue or blacks. Thus, you won’t have a good time at this mountain if you are a beginner.

3. Lost Valley Ski Resort

Lost Valley Ski Resort, is the next on our list. It is one of our smaller mountains on the list, but still has a lot to offer. It has 10 different glades (mostly expert) with about 30 different other trails. Lost Valley is located in Auburn, Maine. Portland, is about, 45 minutes away. You could stay at either city, but Portland has much more to do. This is a good ski resort for beginners and budgeters.

4. Sugarloaf Ski Mountain

Sugarloaf is a MASSIVE mountain. Is apart of the Ikon Pass. It is located in the Carrabassett Valley, apart of Maine’s Western Mountains. Sugarloaf has 162 trails and glades, 1,240 acres of skiable land, mostly intermediate and advanced terrain, and a 2,820ft vertical drop. SO much to ski or snowboard! It is only 6 minutes from Bigelow, ME, which I recommend staying at. In addition, it is Maine’s largest ski area and one of the most expensive.

5. Shawnee Peak Resort

Shawnee Peak is next on our list, again it is one of our smaller mountains, but is the only mountain (on this list) that offers night skiing. Also, it is the oldest ski resort still operating in Maine. It offers 40 trails, 7 glades, 3 terrain parks, and only an hour from Portland, Maine. It is located in Bridgton, Maine, which you could stay at, but I recommend Portland, because there is much more to do.

Hermon Mountain Ski Resort

Hermon Mountain is next on our list, and is again, one of our smaller mountains, but still offers really cool trails. There are 20 different trails, mostly advanced terrain, and a tubing park. This mountain has a great mix of beginner, intermediate and expert rated trails. Located in Hermon, Maine, it is about 2 hours from Portland. So, I suggest staying in either Hermon, or Bangor, Maine, if you plan on skiing here.

7. Black Mountain Ski Resort

Black Mountain is next on our list, and is also the last mountain on our list. It offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing along with Alpine skiing. Black Mountain has 22 different trails, 5 glades, and tubbing. It is located in Rumford, Maine, which is where I would stay, if you are planning on skiing here. Portland, the next biggest city is a little over an hour and a half away.

Overall Thoughts about Maine Ski Resorts

Some more great, smaller mountains to ski at in Maine are Pleasant Mountain, Mount Abram, and Titcomb Mountain. Maine has a lot of smaller mountains that are great to visit, however, the main three, big, mountains are Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Saddleback.

And that wraps up our list for skiing/snowboarding mountains in Maine. I hope you found some cool new places for you to visit. And hopefully you can get out and ski or snowboard soon. Thank you for reading and take care!