Some people love being cozy when it’s cold and some love the chilling temps and clear skies for exploring in winter, and winter sports in Maine are a great way to fully appreciate both. You can plan a trip to visit Maine in the winter and experience all the fun outdoor activities and then be cozy, and then since you’ll be worn out from it, you can add on some time for relaxation and recovery. We’ve put together a great winter trip itinerary that both gives you the best fun of winter sports AND ways to recharge and take care of yourself as you enjoy Maine in the snow.
I know that not everyone is going to be interested in spending every waking moment exerting themselves out on Maine’s cross country ski trails or snow shoeing in negative temperatures, but take our suggestions and our itinerary to create your own unforgettable winter trip. This snowy itinerary is a great complete plan or starting point for visiting Maine in the winter months and really experiencing the fun of winter sports (with a recovery spa day too!). If you have any questions about our recommendations or locations we like, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to Maine.
Why Visit Maine for Winter Sports?
First off, when I say winter sports in Maine, I’m not talking about all the Olympic level events like bobsledding and luge, but I’m talking about things to do such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling, downhill skiing and of course, apres ski. There are lots of options for where to do each of these, but we’ve found a way to get to experience it all with easy hubs to be based out of so you don’t have to have long driving days to each activity.
Maine is a great winter sports destination because it’s got multiple airports you can fly into (Portland PWM, Bangor BGR, Augusta AUG, and Presque Isle PQI). For our winter things to do we’re keeping it more centralized so Bangor or Augusta are best to get here, but Portland isn’t much further and has a lot more flight options. Once you’ve made it to Maine, you can either rent your winter sports gear from Maine Sport (Midcoast) or on-location at the different activity hubs. You’ll see that an active winter trip to Maine is fun, easy and unforgettable.
What’s the Weather Like in Maine in Winter?
Starting in November, the temperatures in Maine start to drop into the freeze zone and by mid-December there’s been some snow in most parts of the state, with the ski slopes pretty ready for alpine downhill skiing to begin. The snow comes and goes early in the season, but January and February are solidly cold with a good snow accumulation in the Highlands, the places where you’ll likely be going for most of the winter sports.
While it’s likely that visiting Maine in the dead of winter will be a snowy, icy fun experience, there is the risk that a BIG winter storm can hit when you are there. This can impact flights in and out, roads and even whether or not skiing and snowmobiling are available. While the Maine Department of Transportation is fast at clearing major roads and pretty swift with country and side roads, there can still be times where travel is impacted by snow. Still, we don’t let the potential weather woes impact our own trips for winter fun in Maine.
When it comes to daily temperatures, you should expect it to be around 20-30 degrees F daily during the peak winter months, but it can also be much colder. And warmer too randomly. Always plan for colder temps and be excited when things aren’t quite as harsh.
How Cold is it on the Ski Slopes of Maine?
During regular winter days up on the ski slopes of Sugarloaf or Sunday River you can expect to have some breezes and temperatures in the teens and twenties. When you’re up near the summits of the different ski areas, it can be even colder, and you’ll need to be well prepared for it. While each ski area has different guidelines for safety on the mountain when it comes to temperatures, you can expect the ski slopes to stay at least partially open until the temps drop to -20 or in some cases -30. Yes, it can really get that cold and yes, some really hardcore Maine skiers do like to ski in all temperatures.
Packing for Winter Sports in Maine
If you want to travel with your own winter sport gear, go for it! It’s not difficult to check oversized gear, but once you’re in Maine, you’ll need to be sure that you have the right rental car to be able to transport your gear, so plan ahead for that when you’re booking your rental. You can also just rent the winter sports gear you need when you arrive at your different activity locations. In our Maine winter sports trip itinerary below, we recommend visiting both the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) and Sugarloaf Mountain, both of which have the winter gear rentals you may need onsite.
When it comes to the clothing you’ll need to pack, think about dressing in layers every day. You always need a base layer, wool socks and a good winter coat. While snow pants and snow boots aren’t required for all winter sports, I highly recommend them because of the added comfort and safety they offer. I love my snow bibs and ski jackets and even when we’re just out and about in the cold I still dress to be as warm as possible.
Where to Visit in Maine for Snow and Activities
It’s easy to just fly into Portland, Maine and hope for some good local snow and the fun that follows it, but that’s not the best way to go about ensuring you have access to well maintained and snowy Nordic trails or ski slopes, or that you’ll have the chance for snowmobiling. It really is worth it to plan your trip to head north and west into the Highlands. You’ll have the right weather and conditions for winter sports, and then when you’re done it’s easy to head into Augusta for some recovery time. We’ll get into it more below, but the Senator Inn & Spa is the go-to retreat for all kinds of spa and health services, which is ideal after you’ve been really active in the snow for days.
NEOC in Millinocket for Exploring
We’ve gotten to stay at the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) in a variety of seasons, and I must say that it’s a phenomenal hub for winter sports. We like to stay at NEOC when we’re there for outdoor activities because they have great cabins and very nice vacation rentals that accommodate large families, but you can also just visit NEOC for the day and stay near Millinocket. When it comes to a hub for outdoor things to do, NEOC is always a good bet and for winter sports they really have it dialed in. From groomed trails to different sorts of gear rentals, onsite dining and relaxation space, it’s worth driving up to Millinocket to spend time at NEOC.
Bonus: Baxter State Park is right next to NEOC, which means that you continually have beautiful views of Katahdin (the mountain) and lots of wilderness to explore.
Sugarloaf Mountain for Sports
Skiers know that Sugarloaf Mountain is a hardcore skiing destination with some epic slopes and lots of blue and black runs, but it’s actually more than just alpine/downhill skiing. Sugarloaf is the highest ski mountain on the East Coast, so you know it’s also got a large base, and that’s where you’ll find many more winter sports opportunities. Maine is so great for cross country skiing and Sugarloaf leans into it with its groomed Nordic trail system that’s perfect for both beginner and experienced x-country skiers. And they have ice skating and snow shoeing and it’s really an all encompassing destination.
Freeport Area Parks for Quiet Nature
While our winter sports itinerary below doesn’t include staying in Freeport for outdoor things to do in winter, it is a great alternative if you’re unable to go all the way up to Millinocket. Freeport is very close to Portland and has some wonderful natural areas that include both groomed and wild trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s very easy to visit spots like Pineland Farms with their incredible Nordic trail network or Bradbury Mountain State Park with its ski trails and snowmobiling routes. Freeport is a fun winter destination to consider for an alternative plan.
Augusta, Maine for Recovery Time
After spending lots of time tromping through the snow, skiing and being wildly active with winter sports, recovery time is important before you go back to the real world. Augusta, Maine is home to the Senator Inn and Spa, which is the perfect end to several days of exhausting activities. There are other hotels with spas around Maine, but the location and services of the Senator Inn and Spa is ideal. Augusta is halfway between Bangor and Portland, so spending a few nights here with the intent of recovery and rejuvenation is a great way to wrap up your Maine winter sports trip.
Bonus: Augusta has lots of other things to do to, including cute nearby towns like Hallowell and Waterville if you want to spend some time exploring as well.
When to Visit Maine for the Winter Sports
Winter sports like skiing and ice skating need some good solid cold days and weather to be ready for people to enjoy them. While winter weather in Maine sets in around mid to late November, the consistent snow and low temperatures don’t tend to really turn the state into a winter wonderland until January and February. Winter spots need that build up of snow and ice for the best opportunities to explore. For example, if you don’t have really good snow covered pathways, you’re not going to get to go snowmobiling and you really don’t want to.
Snow shoeing can be done once there’s a few solid inches, but at that point you might as well just be wearing snow boots and hiking, so it’s best to enjoy it when you have a foot or more to explore. Ice skating needs to be done in the deepest of freezes or on man-made ice rinks. Wild ice is not typically safe for ice skating until it’s at least 4 inches thick, which means that the temperatures need to have been well below freezing for weeks. Safety first!
Alpine skiing can begin in November if the weather is cooperating. Ski resorts like Sugarloaf, Saddleback and Sunday River have snow making abilities so even if they haven’t gotten several feet of snow yet, they can start making the slopes ready well before the first day of winter. Cross country skiing trails do require natural snowfall, so that typically cannot start until late December.
Maine Winter Sports Itinerary – One Week of Fun!
And now it’s time for our really fun plan for spending a week in Maine enjoying winter sports, the snow, the scenery and finishing with some valuable recovery time. Remember that you should always look at an itinerary as a guide for planning your own trip, as everyone has different interests and energy levels. Our winter sports trip is busy, but really fun and full of adventure. Use it as a starting point for planning your trip to Maine in winter or follow it fully; it’s up to you!
Note: if you want to rent winter sports gear, the easiest option for snowshoes, skates and cross country skis is Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport is the best spot for everything, and one of the only options really. Both NEOC and Sugarloaf Outdoor Center offer rentals as well, but if you’re heading off exploring to your own destinations, you’ll need to rent gear before heading out into the wilderness.
Day 1: Arrive in Maine, head to Millinocket
Fly into either Portland (PWM) or Bangor (BGR) and begin your drive to Millinocket. On the way, don’t forget to pick up your winter sports gear if you need it, but the easiest thing is just to rent the gear when you arrive at the different activity hubs. The drive to Millinocket is really pretty, and once you’re out of Bangor it becomes moose country. Moose are active all winter long and with the snow it makes them much easier to spot since they’re so large and dark.
Before you arrive to NEOC in Millinocket, stop at a grocery store to get breakfast supplies. NEOC has dining on property for lunch and dinner, but you’ll need to plan for your breakfasts. Check in for your cabin or if you arrive too early, start off with some snowshoeing. Snowshoeing in Maine is one of my favorite winter sports because it’s easy, doesn’t take a lot of time to get set up and the physical side of it is like hiking. It’s a great activity to add when you have free time. Once you have access to your cabin at NEOC, get settled in and start enjoying the wintery vibes. You can either cook for yourself if you’ve brought the goods for it, or you can head to either River Drivers or Knife Edge Brewing for dinner.
If you’ve already checked out your snowshoes, at sunset head out onto the frozen lake or Katahdin View trail to take in the evening light and the alpenglow. You won’t be out for too long since it gets dark rather early in the winter, but you’ll love it.
Tip: At the end of the day, make sure you’ve brought any liquids in from your car as they’ll freeze overnight and may make a mess if they’re in glass bottles.
Sleep in: Stay overnight at the New England Outdoor Center for two nights. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the cabin, the frozen lake and all the winter sports activities. Check out reviews of NEOC on Tripadvisor
Day 2: Explore Baxter State Park and the Debsconeag Wilderness
If you’re all about exploring on your own, you have lots of options when you’re at NEOC. The Katahdin Area Trails are all around the NEOC property and connect to other trail systems, perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing or fat tire biking. There are clear signs on the Katahdin Area Trails (KAT( for what sort of winter sports gear belong on which trails, as some trails are groomed for Nordic skiing and others remain wild. If you’d like to go beyond NEOC and the KAT grounds, you can head to the edge of Baxter State Park to where they stop plowing the road, then ski or snowshoe in. The Debsconeag Wilderness is not far either, so it’s also an option for exploring.
The most exciting winter activity to do at NEOC though is enjoying some snowmobiling. Whether you’re a local and bringing your own or if you’re renting one from NEOC, the whole area around the base and Millinocket Lake is awesome for exploring via snow machine. If you’re not experienced, the best way to enjoy snowmobiling is to join a guided tour which covers so much ground and brings you to some incredible views.
While you’re here at NEOC, pay attention to both the weather and the Aurora Borealis forecast. If there is a solar storm going on and no clouds, the view of the Northern Lights over Katahdin is amazing. This is one of my favorite places to see the Aurora dancing, and the winter nights are really wonderful for it.
Sleep in: spend tonight at NEOC and enjoy the cabin, dining in one of the restaurants, and relaxing in the coziness.
Day 3: Winter Sports at NEOC and Sugarloaf
When you wake up, either go for one more short cross country ski on the Katahdin Area Trails or maybe do a little snowshoeing out on the lake. You’ll be glad you did either. If you’re feeling extra energetic or want to try something new, rent one of the fat tire bikes and take a snowy bike ride. Biking with this sort of equipment is very different and quite the challenge, but if you like mountain biking in the summer you’ll like fat tire biking in the snow.
When you’re done with your morning winter sports, return whatever gear you’ve rented from NEOC and get your car packed up, because it’s time for the drive to Sugarloaf for the next leg of your Maine winter sports trip. Since lift tickets are done per day, I would save a little money and not go downhill skiing on your arrival day. Instead, check out the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center for some more winter sports all out of that hub. When you arrive, the lodge has a beautiful view of Sugarloaf Mountain and the frozen ponds, so have a sit and enjoy it or head to the recreation desk and rent some ice skates. The skating rink at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is one of the best I’ve skated on, so take some laps, practice your spins and check ice skating off your Maine winter activities plan.
Once you’re checked into your condo or room at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, either head into the village to find some dinner and a drink or maybe enjoy the hot tub in the chilly winter air. For dinner, you’ll have quite a few options, but I really like the Bag & Kettle. Also, the Red Pony is an awesome hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar with really beautiful drinks, if you’re looking for something to wind down the day.
Sleep in: at the Sugarloaf Mountain resort or down in Carrabassett Valley just minutes away from the ski area.
Book the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel here!
Day 4: Skiing Sugarloaf Mountain
Today is going to be awesome! When you think of winter sports, usually skiing is the first thing that comes to mind so today is going to be so much fun. Sugarloaf is the highest ski mountain on the East Coast, so that means that you’ve got all kinds of runs you can do. The ski lifts open at 8:30 am and you can get a great start on skiing as many runs as possible. The Double Runner is the lift at the base which can connect you to the Skyline, and then ski down to the Timberline to get up to the summit. There is great signage to guide you and plenty of staff around if you need extra direction.
Plan to have lunch during your Sugarloaf skiing at Bullwinkle’s Mid-mountain Lodge. They have a great menu, a full cocktail menu, there is the attached Garage Bar, and then there’s a whole warming space that’s basically a big living room. It’s a good spot to break up your day of skiing at Sugarloaf. The slopes are open as long as the lifts are, which most do their last run at 3:50 pm.
When the day of downhill skiing is done, you’ve got some options. You can enjoy the apres ski activities at one of the bars or restaurants in the village at Sugarloaf, you can hit the gym and sauna (feels great after a day of skiing), or you can enjoy more hot tub time. For a private hot tub instead of the shared hotel or condo ones, there are outdoor hot tubs you can reserve at the Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness Center. Here you’ll also find a large indoor pool, more saunas and a cafe for snacks. Enjoy dinner somewhere in the village and make friends with other Sugarloafers to wind down the day.
Sleep in: same accommodations as the prior day, either at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel or another option in Carrabassett Valley.
Find a Carrabassett Valley stay here!
Day 5: More Skiing, Downhill and Cross Country
Get up early enough to get your stuff packed up before hitting the slopes for one more day of skiing. You can either do a full day or half day on the slopes before calling it. I feel like there’s always the energy for just one more run, but then also if your body tells you no, you should listen to it because SAFETY FIRST.
Before you depart Sugarloaf and head to our next stop, head back down to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Choose one of the winter sports activities you haven’t gotten to do yet here, so either ice skating, cross country skiing or snowshoeing, and have a nice afternoon adventure. The Nordic trails at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center are well groomed and easy to navigate, making it an easy afternoon thing to do before you head to the city.
And now we head to Augusta, Maine to end our really fun week of winter sports and enjoying the snow. We choose to stay in Augusta specifically for the Senator Inn and Spa. This hotel is both charming and a quiet getaway on its own. I like the hotel rooms with fireplaces, but you can book whatever suits your needs. Once checked in, head to the spa area where you’ll find both a very large fitness center and the actual Senator Spa (that’s tomorrow). Enjoy a swim in the beautiful pool, a soak in the hot tub, or more time in the sauna. If your timing is right there are also fitness classes.
Sleep in: stay at the Senator Inn and Spa. You’ll be so glad you did and it sets you up perfectly for a wonderful day tomorrow full of relaxation and recovery.
Book the Senator Inn & Spa here!
Day 6: Augusta for Spa Relaxation
And here we have our main reason for coming to Augusta. After several days of winter sports and wind burn (yes, even the best skiing preparation can do it), today is the day for the Senator Spa. Located directly at the Senator Inn so you don’t even have to step outside into the cold, the spa includes both the full fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub, as well as the sauna and steam room, and then the full treatment area at the spa upstairs.
There are all kinds of spa treatments to choose from and if you’re coming in after a week of snowshoeing and skiing of sorts, you should think about what’s going to feel best for your tired body and skin. If you’re not normally a spa person, it’s okay to ask for recommendations for what will do the most for you. For me, it’s the massage and facial after being out in the cold and wind for a week that I like, and it’s what makes me feel the best and moves me into recovery mode.
After spending so much time outdoors in the cold, as fun as that can be, it’s really nice to have a half day, or even a whole day, inside just relaxing and letting your body recover. Particularly if you don’t ever give yourself time like this, you’ll see that ending with a rejuvenating day at the Senator Spa is the perfect wrap up to your winter sports trip through Maine.
Sleep in: spend one more night at the Senator Inn and Spa so that you can put this travel chapter to bed and be ready to fly back home tomorrow.
Day 7: Wrap up the Winter Sports Maine Trip
Today’s either your departure day or you can keep on exploring. Augusta is a pretty cool small city and the whole area is actually pretty fun. If you want to play tourist, visit the capitol building and do a guided tour, walk River Street and check out the “museum in the streets”, or pop up to Waterville and enjoy the murals, cafes and the Colby College Museum of Art. You can drive a few minutes away to Hallowell for more artsy spots and lots of good food.
If you have a few more days, head on over to MidCoast Maine or down to Freeport and see all the fun you can have there. Maine in winter is so much fun and if you need to add the iconic lighthouses to your visit, just tack on an extra day or two for exploring so more. And there are plenty of opportunities for more snowshoeing and cross country skiing if you keep on roaming around Maine. If you want to stay at the Samoset Resort in the winter, it’s beautiful and quiet, or you can explore and then finish up in Portland. So many options!
I hope you’re encouraged and excited to have a fun winter sports trip to Maine. There are so many great opportunities to have fun out in the snow, and it’s not difficult to coordinate your travel and activities as the weather shifts. If you have any questions about planning your winter visit to Maine or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note so we can help you plan an awesome, unforgettable visit!
