How to Dress for Cross-Country Skiing in Maine: Winter Gear & Clothing Tips
Whether you’re looking to prepare for an upcoming cross-country ski trip or trying skiing for the first time, you’ve come to the right place! MyMaine has 20+ years of cross-country skiing experience and we’re ready to share all our secrets on staying warm!
In this blog post, we provide insider tips and tricks for staying warm and comfortable while cross-country skiing. We’re going to teach you what layering is and why it’s important, share some links and discount codes for our favorite cross-country clothing, and divulge some of our favorite cross-country ski centers.
Base Layers
A “base layer” is the very first layer of clothing that you put on (after undergarments) that sits on top of your skin. It creates the “base” of your outfit and can make a huge difference in regulating your temperature and keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Outdoor clothing companies sell base layers in three different weights: lightweight, mid-weight, and heavy weight. Lightweight base layers are typically used in shoulder seasons, like Spring and Fall. Mid-weight and heavy weight base layers are typically used in Winter.
Let’s talk fabrics. Quality base layers are typically made from a blend of merino wool or polyester. There is an age-old saying “cotton is rotten” which basically translates to you should never wear cotton as a base layer, because it absorbs moisture and does not dry quickly, which can lead to hypothermia.
Here are a few of my favorite base layers:
Lightweight
REI Lightweight Base Layer Top
REI Lightweight Base Layer Bottom
Stio Lightweight Base Layer Top: Men’s Women’s
Stio Lightweight Base Layer Bottom: Men’s Women’s
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Mid-weight
REI Mid-weight Base Layer Bottom
Stio Mid-weight Base Layer Top: Men’s Women’s
Stio Mid-weight Base Layer Bottom: Men’s Women’s
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Heavyweight
Mid Layer(s)
On top of your base layers, wear one or two more insulating layers to help keep you warm. If you’re skiing in warm, sunny temperatures (over 20 degrees F) and/or will be sweating a lot, you may only need one insulating layer. If you are skiing in cold weather (under 20 degrees F) and/or will be moving slow or stopping a lot, then you may need two insulating layers.
Opt for pieces of clothing that have some kind of insulation, like a down vest, warm fleece, down jacket, or a thin wool sweater.
Here are a few of my favorite mid layers:
Stio Down Jacket: Men’s Women’s
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Outer Layers
When cross-country skiing, the purpose of the outer layer is to provide a little more warmth while also keeping you protected from the wind and snow. Avoid bulky winter jackets or snow pants—instead, wear thinly insulated jackets and pants that are wind and water-resistant but also breathable, so you don’t get overheated.
Here are a few of my favorite outer layers:
Stio Rollick Hooded Jacket: Men’s Women’s
Stio Figment Jacket: Men’s Women’s
Stio Environ Anorak Jacket: Women’s
Stio Pinedale Pant: Men’s Women’s
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Hats and Gloves
On warmer ski says, you’ll want a lightweight hat and pair of gloves— if anything at all. On a colder day, you may want an insulated hat or balaclava and a warm pair of gloves. Hats and gloves help hold in a lot of warmth, so whichever you decide to wear can play an important role in how warm or cold you are while skiing.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Lightweight
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Mid-weight
*Stio discount code: MYMAINE to get 10% off
Tips for Staying warm While Skiing
Start cold
A good rule of thumb when doing high-intensity activities is to start by wearing minimal layers and then bring extra layers you can put on when needed. This will prevent you from sweating excessively and having to stop to take layers off while skiing.
Dress in light layers
For skiing, a base layer, mid layer, and an outer layer should be plenty of clothing. Avoid bulky, heavy clothes! Winter temperatures make us want to bundle up but you have to fight that instinct, as skiing will warm you up very quickly!
Eat a warm meal before skiing
Filling your stomach with a warm, hardy meal before doing a high-intensity activity is always a good idea. This will help provide your body with energy.
Stop for snacks
During your ski, stop for snacks and water! This will boost your metabolism, which will help keep your body warm.
My Favorite Cross-Country ski Centers
Maine is home to so many beautiful mountains and valleys, making it an ideal landscape for cross-country skiing. There are cross-county centers and trails in every region of Maine, but here are a few of my favorites:
Roberts Farm Preserve (Norway, Maine)
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.
Inland Woods + Trails (Bethel, Maine)
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.
Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (Rangeley, Maine)
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.
Pineland Farms (New Gloucester, Maine)
Pineland Farms offers a variety of cross country ski trails for beginners and seasoned skiers. Their 30km of groomed trails wind through rolling hills, forests, and open fields, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor recreation. After skiing, be sure to stop by their market for a delicious lunch.
Fort Kent Outdoor Center (Fort Kent, Maine)
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.
Click here for more information about my favorite cross-country ski centers.
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.
Interested in more insider Maine skiing tips and recommendations? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
