Nordic Ski Areas

The following provides highlights, special features and links (where available) for 24 Nordic ski areas in Maine. Many of these cross-country centers offer groomed trails that accommodate skiing and snowshoeing, with some centers offering trails exclusively for snowshoeing.

• A Fierce Chase Cross Country Skiing

  Monson (207) 997-3971 www.afiercechase.com

  Offers over 14 kilometers of trails for novice and intermediate Nordic kiers, and snowshoeing on 14 kilometers of trails. Rentals, lessons, homemade food, a warming hut, trailside benches, pulk sled (a sled designed for cross-country skiers, used to pull children in tow) rentals and guided full-moon wildlife tours are available. Bring your K-9 as we are dog-friendly.

• Beech Hill X-C Ski and Snowshoe Center

  Wayne (207) 685-9281 www.beechhillski.com

  This center offers 11km of wide, groomed trails on 80 acres of varied terrain for intermediate x-c skiing and snowshoeing for all ages. Warming hut and comfort stations. Bring a lunch and enjoy the peaceful Wayne woods. Free hot cocoa and tea. Family atmosphere.

• Bethel Inn Ski Touring Center

  Bethel (207) 824-6276 www.bethelinn.com

  This center is situated at the historic Bethel Inn and offers on-site lodging, 40 kilometers of forest and fairway trails for novice through advanced skiers, as well as snowshoe trails. Rentals, lessons, fireside lounge, sauna, fitness machines, swimming pool, ice skating, sleigh rides, kick sleds and pulk sleds (a sled designed for cross-country skiers, used to pull children in tow) are also available.

• Bigrock Skiway

  Mars Hill (207) 328-0991 www.bigrockmaine.com

  Big Rock has been a downhill ski area since the 1960s, and they now have 40 Kilometers of cross country ski trails as well. A new lodge serves hot food off the grill, homemade soups, sandwiches and snacks.

• Birches Ski Touring Center

  Rockwood (800) 825-WILD www.birches.com

  This resort features cabins and a lodge, with Nordic ski and snowshoe opportunities on 40 kilometers of groomed trails, 50 kilometers of ungroomed trails and an 11,000-acre private reserve. Of special note is a Moosehead Lake trail to legendary Mt. Kineo. Other amenities include a restaurant, outdoor sauna, hot tub, rentals and lessons. Dog friendly.

• Black Mountain of Maine Touring Center

  Rumford (207) 364-8977 www.skiblackmtnofme.org/cross_country.html

  This Nordic ski center offers 35 kilometers of wide tracked trails for all abilities, many hilly and challenging. Snowmaking on 4 kilometers. Alpine skiing is also available. Amenities include rentals, lessons, snack bar, lounge and tubing hill.

• Carter’s X-C Ski Center and Shops

  Oxford (207) 539-4848 www.cartersxcski.com

  Offering 40 kilometers of trails for all levels of skiers and snowshoers, this dog-friendly center also features a snack bar and greenhouse lounge, woodstove and sauna. Rentals, lessons, snowshoe and pulk sled (sleds designed for cross-country skiers, used to pull children in tow) rentals and a ski shop are also available. There are also 55 kilometers of beginner to expert trails at Carter’s Bethel location.

• Coast Ski and Bike

  Alfred (207) 324-8747 www.coastskiandbike.com

  Cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails on over 100 acres of rolling wooded terrain. Family oriented ski center with gently rolling forested trails for beginner and intermediate skill levels. Warming Barn, Rentals, Snacks, Fire Pit, Season Passes.

• Five Fields Farm

  Bridgton (207) 647-2425 www.fivefieldsfarmx-cski.com

  This 70-acre orchard offers 27 kilometers of trails for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowshoers. Of special note is the unlimited backcountry terrain to the top of scenic Bald Pate Mountain and the surrounding 450-acre land preserve. Other amenities include a warming house and rentals. Dog friendly.

• Harris Farm XC Ski Center

  Dayton (207) 499-2678 www.harrisfarm.com

  This 1,000-acre center is operated by a third-generation farming family. Trails include 40 kilometers for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers, with skating lines. Snowshoeing also available. Amenities include a day lodge with woodstove, snack bar, rentals, lessons and ski shop. Dog friendly.

• Katahdin Nordic Center

  Millinocket (207) 723-6305 www.katahdinnordiccenter.com

  Katahdin Nordic is located at the Katahdin Cabins, just ½ mile from downtown Millinocket and 17 miles from the south entrance of Baxter State Park, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. 10 kilometers of groomed trails, cross country ski and snowshoe rentals for adults and children.

• Libby Hill Forest Trails

  Gray (207) 657-2114 www.libbyhill.org

  Libby Hill Trails provide seven miles of walking, hiking, mountain biking, groomed cross country ski, and snowshoe trails in Gray, Maine.

• Lost Valley Touring Center

  Auburn (207) 784-1561 www.lostvalleyski.com

  17 kilometers of cross country ski terrain that begins at their base lodge and meanders through the surrounding woods. Rentals available.

• Maine Winter Sports Center 10th Mountain Center

  Fort Kent (207) 328-0991 www.mainewsc.org

  World class cross country and biathlon center with FIS & IBU trails, lodges with kitchen, locker rooms, sauna and waxing rooms, all groomed and free to the public.

• Maine Winter Sports Center Nordic Heritage Center

  Presque Isle (207) 762-6972 www.mainewsc.org

  World class cross country and biathlon center with 12 kilometers of FIS & IBU trails, a 6,500 sq. ft. lodge with kitchen, locker rooms, sauna and waxing rooms. Open to the public.

• McDougal Orchards Ski Trails

  Springvale (207) 324-5054 www.mcdougalorchards.com

  This center offers 18 kilometers of trails for novice, intermediate and advanced Nordic skiers. Amenities include a bunkhouse, a warming hut with snackbar and rentals for all ages. Dog friendly.

• Millinocket Municipal X-C Ski Area

  Millinocket (207) 723-4329

  This area offers free use of its 40 kilometers of groomed trails for novice and intermediate skiers, as well as its 20 kilometers of backcountry. Of special note is the woodstove-warmed hut offering a great view of mile-high Mt. Katahdin.

• Mt. Abram Ski Resort

  Greenwood (207) 875-5000 www.skimtabram.com

  Mt Abram offers complimentary cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Duane’s Nordic Retreat, the original alpine beginner area at the resort.

• Pineland Farms

  New Gloucester (207) 688-4690 www.pinelandfarms.org

  17.5 km of trails for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers. Visitor’s center with bathroom facilities, snacks and ski tuning facilities. Ski and snowshoe rentals.

• Rangeley Lakes X-C Ski Trails

  Rangeley (207) 864-4309 www.rangeleyxcski.com

  This scenic center offers 35 kilometers of 14&rsqup;-wide skating trails for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowshoers, as well as unlimited backcountry skiing. The ski center is now located at the base of Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort.

• Smiling Hill Farm

  Westbrook www.smilinghill.com

  This kid-friendly 500-acre dairy farm offers 34 kilometers of trails for novice, intermediate and advanced Nordic skiers and snowshoers, as well as marked nature trails. Amenities include lessons, pulk sled (a sled designed for cross-country skiers, used to pull children in tow) rentals, a farm building with snack bar, woodstove, changing area, gift shop and dairy store. Of special note are the sleigh rides and animal exhibits.

• Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center

  Carrabassett Valley (207) 237-6830 www.sugarloaf.com

  This full mountainside resort offers 115 kilometers of groomed trails for all levels of skier and snowshoer (50 kilometers novice, 40 kilometers intermediate, 15 kilometers advanced, 11 kilometers snowshoe). Amenities include trailside lodging, rentals and lessons, a full-service cafe, woodstove, pulk sleds (sleds designed for cross-country skiers, used to pull children in tow) and a chairlift to alpine area base facilities.

• Sunday River Cross Country Ski Center

  Newry (207) 824-2410 www.sundayriverinn.com

  This inn and ski center offers 40 kilometers of trails (with skating lanes) for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowshoers. Of special note is the trail over a covered bridge to a farm day lodge with a snack counter. Amenities include lessons, rentals, sleigh rides and kick sleds. The family-style inn features a sauna and fireplace.

• Titcomb Mountain Ski Touring

  Farmington (207) 778-9031 www.titcombmountain.com

  15 km for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers. Upper intermediate terrain serviced by alpine lift. Warming huts, lodge with snackbar and fireplace, ski rentals.