Maine Ski Areas

Copyright: Sunday River Ski Resort On The Mountain

Description - Maine is experiencing its third century of skiing. The first ski season in Maine was 1870-1871. Maine is also the home of America's first ski book, authored by cabinetmaker Theodore A. Johnsen who resided in Portland. Today, Maine skiers can choose from 16 different resorts located throughout the state. Maine's Ski Association offers season passes which allow you to ski any of the resorts during the season. The more popular resorts of Sunday River and Sugarloaf are famous for their championship races, special events and first-class amenities.

Attractions - Sixteen ski resorts are located throughout Maine. The most popular winter destination is the Western Maine Mountains Region. Three thousand foot elevation summits offer fabulous vertical drops amidst gorgeous scenery. Championship trails host special events such as Sunday River's Budweiser Aerial Assault, Mel Jodrey Memorial GS Seeded I, II SR and The Annual Bust N' Burn Mogul Competition. Sugarloaf / USA is host to JIII Elite SG and GS Race Series, Family Fling Weekend and the North America Junior Championships. Saddleback Ski Resort entertains Ski to Cure Diabetes - American Diabetes fundraiser and the MT Dew Vertical Challenge. A smorgasbord of other events at other Maine resorts include Bud Light Boarderfest, MARA race series: SL, Class III, IV and Special Olympics.

Recreation - Downhill skiing is the predominate recreation enjoyed at Maine's ski resorts. Cross-country skiing is offered at several resorts in addition to snow tubing, ski instruction and ice skating. The majority of the resorts are centered around villages which offer lodging, restaurants, nightlife, childcare, ski shops and more.

Climate - The climate in this northern state is cool year round. Summer high temperatures average near 75 degrees F, but often reach 90 degrees in the southern portion of the state. Summer evenings are cool and a sweater is usually necessary. Fall is usually dry with crisp days and cool nights. Expect nighttime temperatures to reach into the high 30s, especially in the northern regions of the state. This weather brings spectacular foliage colors between early September and late October. Winter can be long and gray in Maine, but recreation opportunities abound to beat the cold. Average daytime temperatures from December through March remain close to 20 degrees F. Nighttime temperatures can dip below zero. Spring is usually wet with snowmelt and rains. Moderate temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees F can be expected during the day.

Location - The majority of Maine's ski resorts are found in the Western Travel Region. Several are located in Aroostook Travel Region. Additional, there is a smattering in Down East, Greater Portland, Mid Coast and Southern Maine Travel Regions.

LAT: 45.6447682178
LONG: -69.2138671875