World Cup Champion Bode Miller honed his skills on Maine’s slopes
during his four years at Sugarloaf Carrabassett Valley Academy.
Seth Wescott's Gold Medal snowboarding training grounds are all
about the Loaf. Although Maine’s big mountains offer plenty of challenge for the
fastest alpine skier in the world, you don’t have to ski like Bode to
experience the best ski trails in Maine. All levels of skiers can take
to the peaks for a peek at the beautiful Pine Tree State.
Presidential Rewards
Shawnee Peak,
in Bridgton, is a primo ski hill for families and shutterbugs alike.
The fact that this was once called Pleasant Mountain Ski Area gives
you an inkling of the gentle tone and trails. The Jack Spratt Trail, located under the summit triple chair, provides a pleasant
cruise with amazing views of Maine's Mahoosuc Range and New
Hampshire's majestic White Mountains. And with Moose Pond below
serving as a frozen reflective pool to the ski area, you might feel
like you are in Lake Tahoe - sort of.
Everyone that skis
Sunday River
should make their way to Jordan Bowl – the furthest west of the
eight-interconnected mountain peaks at this sprawling Maine resort. Be ready for an eye-opening view as the quad chair
crests the last knoll. It’s a stunning but swift scene, as this
high-speed lift zooms along and you must “prepare to unload.” After
you slide safely off the chair, you can click out of your skis and
climb a dozen stairs to the observation deck to properly admire the
Presidential and Mahoosuc ranges – identified on the posted chart.
The cruise down Lollapalooza, a wide undulating beginners’
boulevard that eventually escorts you to the Jordan Grand slopeside
hotel where you can slide into lunch at Sliders, or back to the
chairlift to repeat the experience.
Upper Sunday Punch at Sunday River is one of my personal
favorites. This classic run was part of the original ski area long
before Jordan Bowl was developed. After disembarking from the long,
laid-back ride on the Locke Mountain triple chair, steer straight
ahead and to your right. You’ll be instantly rewarded with remarkable
views off the backside, to Shawnee Peak and Mt. Abram. You can also
glimpse across several peaks that comprise the River Empire, which
encompasses several miles.
Just down the road from The River is
Mt. Abram, a
treasure for young families and frugal skiers. Mt. Abram has a few
dozen fun runs with a playful Bullwinkle theme. One of the most scenic
is Dudley Do Right according to the ski area owner Josh Burns.
“Dudley is a trail for all levels with great views of the White
Mountains and the Presidentials, it is one of our longest trails.
Dudley is the Burns’ family favorite, my 75-year-old father likes to
cruise on it, my wife likes it for the big GS turns she can practice,
and my 10-year-old son likes the Terrain Park on the side,” said
Burns.
Upper Easy Rider at Mount Abram is another peak pick, with
western views of the Presidential Range and a glimpse of neighboring
Sunday River as you work your way down from the scenic summit of this
1,000-foot vertical ski area.
See and Ski
Saddleback
in the Rangeley Lakes Region has the highest base elevation of any ski
area in New England. Saddleback is proof of the theory “the higher you
go - the better the views.” Tri-Color offers spectacular views
of Rangeley Lake and the surrounding northwestern mountains – but you
have to ride the tremulous upper mountain T-Bar to get there.
Novices may prefer riding the more comfortable Royal Coachman Chair
and sauntering down Blue Devil for similar
scenery. Saddleback’s owner Bill Berry (who purchased the ski area
from near closure ) renamed all the trails to reflect
the region’s deep fly fishing heritage.
Last but not least,
Sugarloaf is Maine’s mightiest single ski mountain with epic,
360-degree views, spanning Katahdin to Mount Washington.
It
takes at least two chairlift rides to reach the 4,237-foot summit and
the “top of everyone’s list” trail – Timberline. You can pause
for a break inside the old gondola building (don’t get excited about
anything but the view, there are no services – just a rustic ski
patrol hang out). Timberline is your reward, a tremendously long,
leisurely run with sweeping turns like an Omni Max presentation –
giving the skier an ever-changing panorama.
Timberline is former Maine governor Angus King’s favorite trail. “The
views, particularly to the west from the summit, are fabulous,” said
King. “The slope is just right for the kind of relaxed, wide turn
skiing I like, and it is a long (usually) un-crowded run.”
Timberline is justly marked with a "Kodak photo spot" icon on the
trail map and an “easiest way down” Green Circle to encourage folks of
all abilities to make the trek to the top. Another recommendation is a
break at the cozy Bullwinkle’s mid-mountain lodge for a steaming hot
cocoa and a chewy chocolate brownie.
For the
more adventuresome, Sugaroaf’s legendary snowfields are hallowed
ground with heavenly views and holy guacamole! terrain. From this
northern vantage point, you just might believe you can see forever.
Particularly outstanding are the views of the Bigelow Range, the
mountains that provided the original inspiration for Amos Winter –
Sugarloaf’s founding father. The White Nitro trail is a blast
(if you will pardon the pun), beginning its drop from these summit
snowfields. I should also mention that White Nitro is so blasted
steep, it will take your breath away; just tell your carving
companions that you are admiring the view when they ask why you’ve
stopped.
Maine has over 500 ski trails, each with a unique and ever changing
view. Get out and ski Maine’s high points this winter.
Night Stars
While the view is limited for night skiers, skiing after dark brings a
whole new light to the sport of schussing. Evening tickets are cheaper
and lift lines are nonexistent, since night skiing does not appeal to
“fair weather skiers.”
Trails seem longer and more dramatic in the shadows of the overhead
lights, gone are familiar landmarks. Squeaky sounds of snow underfoot
are more piquant, as your senses are heightened like a cat on a
nocturnal prowl. And the cool dark air you breathe in is far healthier
than the greasy popcorn you might be inhaling if you were at home on
the couch watching the prime time line up.
Shawnee Peak not only has the most lit up trails in Maine, it is the
largest night ski facility in New England with 65% of its terrain
lighted including the Terrain Park and Halfpipe.
With Shawnee’s afternoon groom, evening adventurers are often rewarded
with fresh cord, even after logging a full day at work.
