Top 5 Places to Cross-Country Ski in Maine
Do you enjoy skiing on well-groomed trails surrounded by mountains and snow-covered trees? Are you tired of long lift lines, crowded slopes, and overpriced tickets? Then, it may be time to ditch the downhill ski’s and try cross-country skiing! Cross-country skiing, commonly referred to as Nordic Skiing, has a lot in common with Alpine Skiing. It provides scenic views, adrenaline rushes, and relieves stress—but is a lot more enjoyable and less expensive.
In this blog post, I will be sharing my top five favorite places to cross-country ski in Maine. These ski centers are all highly rated, due to their trail quality and amenities. I’ll also be sharing some insider tips so you can make the most of your visit!
Roberts Farm Preserve (Norway, Maine)
Cost: Free
Located just outside of downtown Norway, this preserve is home to 25km of groomed nordic skiing trails that range from beginner to difficult. The trails wind through beautiful forest, providing fantastic views of Norway Lake. They have an adorable warming hut that is open daily for when you need a break from the cold. They also have snowshoes and ski rentals for use by donation only.
Insider Tips
Best nearby breakfast: The Lake Store, Daddy-O’s Diner
Best nearby lunch: Amato’s, Cafe Nomad
Swap your ski’s for snowshoes and to enjoy the dog-friendly trails with your pup!
Best time to visit is mid-week or early morning
Inland Woods + Trails (Bethel, Maine)
Cost: $24/day for adults, $16/day for kids
The trail center is located at the Bethel Resort and offers nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. They have 25km of trails that wind around Mill Brook and through dense forests. Inland Woods + Trails works hard to provide smooth skate lanes and high-quality tracks for classic skiing. They also offer equipment rentals, informative ski lessons, and seasons passes.
Insider Tips
Best nearby breakfast: Gemini Cafe, Cafe DiCocoa
Best nearby lunch: Millbrook Tavern, Le Mu Eats
The dog days loop is dog-friendly, as are the snowshoe trails
After your ski, buy a pass to the Bethel Resort Health Club and unwind in their outdoor heated pool
Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (Rangeley, Maine)
Cost: $24/day for adults, $18/day for kids
Located at the base of Saddleback Mountain, the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center offers a beautiful multi-use trail network that provides stunning views of the Rangeley Lakes Region. They have over 50km of recreational trails, winter equipment rentals, and delicious food and drink in their heated yurt lodge.
Insider Tips
Best nearby breakfast: The Rangeley Inn, Classic Provisions
Best nearby lunch: Sarge’s Pub, Furbish Brew House
Guided tours and group lessons are available
Dogs are allowed on Geneva Loop and Lake Trail
Download the WinterKids app to get a free kids day pass with the purchase of an adults day pass
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center (Carrabassett Valley, Maine)
Cost: $30/day for adults, $20/day for kids
Just down the road from the infamous Sugarloaf Mountain is Maine’s largest Nordic center—the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. The Outdoor Center is home to a Nordic retail shop, rental center, and the Bull Moose Cafe, all surrounded by the most picturesque trails in New England. Trails are open 9-5:00p.m. daily and they have 50km of groomed classic and skate skiing trails.
Insider Tips
Best nearby lunch: Bull Moose Cafe (on-site)
Group and private ski lessons are available
Save money by buying a nordic activity pass, which includes skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing!
Fort Kent Outdoor Center (Fort Kent, Maine)
Cost: $18/day for adults, $12/day for kids
The Fort Kent Outdoor Center is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Northern Maine. The center, managed by the local community, provides cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails as well as equipment rentals and the lodge has a cozy fireplace, making it the perfect home base for Winter adventures.
Insider Tips
Best nearby breakfast: Rock’s Family Diner
Best nearby lunch: Swamp Buck Restaurant
Check out their well-maintained sledding hill!
Outdoor center offers youth and young adult ski training programs
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Embracing the beauty of Maine on ski’s is an experience everyone should have at least once. Now that you have the inside scoop on where to ski, it’s time to plan your ski-cation! If you need more Maine skiing tips and recommendations, you can find them all here. Head on over to our itineraries page to check out our detailed weekend itineraries.
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With love,
My Maine
