The thing I love most about living in Maine is the changing of the seasons. With every new season comes new activities and I find that very exciting! It keeps life fun and interesting. Contrary to popular belief, Winter is no exception. There are so many activities to keep you warm and busy from December-March. I’m going to outline my top 10 favorite Winter activities below, and I dare you to try one you’ve done before! You never know, you may discover your new favorite activity!

I have categorized the activities by cost, because I feel like that’s the most important factor. So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 Maine Winter activities:

Activities that cost <$50 (per person)

• Hiking

There are hundreds of hiking trails in Maine that are easily accessible throughout the Winter season. Click here to find a trail near you. A common misconception is that you need X, Y, and Z to hike in the Winter. As long as you have warm clothes, comfortable boots, and either snowshoes or micro spikes, you’re good to go! If Winter hiking intimidates you, try going with a friend that has Winter hiking experience or start by only doing trails that you’ve done before. Trust me, you’re going to love it and you’ll be a pro in no time! A few of my favorite Winter hikes are: Bald Pate Preserve, Table Rock, and Gorham Mountain.

• Snowshoeing

You really only need one item for snowshoeing and big surprise—it’s snowshoes! I think it goes without saying that warm clothes and comfortable boots help too. There are SO many places that offer snowshoe rentals for less than $10 so you can travel light. Snowshoeing is super fun because it is age friendly and really easy to learn. And don’t forget to bring a thermos of hot cocoa to keep you warm on the trails! Some of my favorite places that offer snowshoe rentals are Smiling Hill Farm, Pineland Farms, Carter’s XC Ski Center, and Inland Woods and Trails. Or you can bring your own snowshoes to practically any hiking/walking trail and explore for free!

• Sledding

Sledding is probably the least expensive Winter activity. All you need is some kind of sled (they usually range from $5-$20) and a hill! If you are new to the area and don’t know where to go, I would suggest joining some community or social groups on Facebook or other social media platforms and you can get input from your neighbors! Or ask people at the local library, restaurant, gas station, or town office! Locals always know the best spots.

• Skating

Skating is one of my favorite Winter activities! All you need is a pair of skates and some ice. Maine has thousands of lakes and ponds so there is definitely a local spot near you, all you have to do is ask around. Skating on frozen lakes and ponds can be really fun, but be cautious. Make sure you check the ice thickness or ask your local municipalities for the go-ahead before you strap your skates on. And also make sure that you are educated about what to do if you fall through the ice. If you would rather skate on a rink, a quick google search will bring up a ton of options. Some of my favorites are: The Rink at Thompson’s Point, Pineland Farms, Skating Pond in Yarmouth, Sugarloaf Outdoor Rink, and the Waterhouse Pavilion.

• Have a campfire!

Who says campfires are only for the summertime?! Winter campfires are the BEST because you don’t have to worry about bugs or getting too *toasty*. Layer up, grab a few chairs and blankets, cozy up with a nice warm drink, and you’re good to go! Oh, and don’t forget the s’mores. They taste even better in the snow. There are also several restaurants and outdoor centers that regularly have campfires. A few that come to mind are The Oxbow, Fluvial Brewing, Steam Mill Brewing, and The Bethel Inn.

Activities that cost more than $50 (per person)

• Downhill skiing 

Let’s be honest. Downhill skiing is really expensive. Between equipment (owning or renting) a season’s pass (or day ticket) and food, a typical day at a ski mountain can cost hundreds of dollars. Most people can’t afford to downhill ski regularly, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! There are several mountains in Maine that offer discounted or even free skiing on certain nights of the week. They’re typically weeknights, but that comes with the added benefit of skiing on a less crowded mountain. For example, Shawnee Peak offers Sunday night and night skiing tickets for $45, Monday night madness tickets for $27, weeknight ski tickets for $39, and rentals for $40-$50. Not bad at all. Lost Valley has $20 lift tickets on Tuesdays, Saddleback has $49 lift tickets on Thursdays, and Black Mountain has $15 lift tickets on Thursdays. So, if you’re willing to do some research and don’t mind driving an hour or two, you can ski for under $100 per person.

• Cross county skiing 

Cross-county skiing can be expensive if you purchase your own equipment or are regularly using rentals. Cross country skis, boots, and poles can cost several hundreds of dollars. Ski rentals typically cost about $20. That paired with the cost of a day pass can easily add up to $50 or more. That being said, I find cross-country skiing to be so much fun! Some of my favorite places to cross-country ski are: Smiling Hill Farm, Pineland Farms, Inland Woods and Trails, Carter’s XC Skiing, Riverside Golf Course, Black Mountain of Maine, and Rangeley Lakes Trails Center.

• Tubing

I find snow park tubing to be extremely fun, especially at night. It’s great for kids and kids at heart and requires no skill whatsoever. Tickets can range from $20-$50 per person, which can add up quickly if you have a large group of tubers. Some of my favorite snow tubing places are: Seacost Adventure, Lost Valley, Black Mountain of Maine, and Sunday River. Most of these places also offer some kind of snack bar or restaurant where you can warm up with yummy food and drinks before or after.

• Ice fishing

If you love fishing so much that you want to do it year round— good news! You can in Maine! There’s nothing like spending a day out on in the ice with family and friends, waiting for the flags to pop up! Ice fishing begins January 1st and, depending on the weather, typically lasts into March. Licenses are also required for ice fishing. If you are interested in ice fishing, but in need of equipment and lessons, consider contacting a guide or a guide company! The New England Outdoor Center, Maine Professional Guides Association, and Northwoods Outfitters all offer guided ice fishing.

• Snowmobiling

Brap brap brappp! If you can’t tell, snowmobiling is a lot of fun. Arguably the most fun Winter activity. It’s also the most expensive activity. Snowmobiles, helmets, outdoor gear, gas, trailers and trucks to haul everything can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you’re only looking to rent for a day or two—snowmobile rentals are available across Maine for a few hundred dollars a day. Northeast Snowmobile rentals, Northwoods Outfitters, New England Outdoor Center all provide snowmobile rentals.

Regardless of what Winter activity you’re enjoying—always recreate responsibly! This means: carry in and carry out, make smart decisions, and always be prepared. Last but not least, have fun!