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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
in the Western Maine Region
The town of Bethel, Maine offers 120 kilometers of groomed xc ski trails and is home to xc ski areas Sunday River Inn, Bethel Inn and Carter's XC Ski Center. In 1999, the town, which is known as the Cross Country skiing capital of Maine, set the record with the Guinness Book for the World's Tallest Snowman, a towering 113 feet, 7 inches. Indoor activities abound also with shopping and antiquing to taking in a matinee movie or playing laser tag. For more info contact the Bethel Chamber of Commerce at (800) 442-5826 or on the Web at www.bethelmaine.com
The Sugarloaf USA Outdoor Center (207-237-6830,
www.sugarloaf.com/nordic) is the largest and most complete Nordic center
in Maine, with 105 km of xc ski trails groomed with double tracks and
lanes for skating. Most of the trails are well suited for beginners
and intermediates. The center is off Rte. 27, south of the resort access
road. Three trails reach it from the resort’s lodging facilities
and the village area. The center also has a lighted Olympic-sized outdoor
skating rink and a 6,000-square-foot lodge with a giant fireplace, a
south-facing deck, and food and drink at the Klister Kitchen, a locals’
favorite.
Group and private lessons are available, as are equipment rentals. Multiday
ticket holders may exchange a day of downhill for a day of cross-country
skiing including trail fee, lesson and equipment. Exchange tickets at
the guest services desk in the base lodge. CCSAA
member
Click here for the Maine Travel Maven for everything Maine with the "Travels With Hilary" blog at http://hilarynangle.wordpress.com/
Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (207-864-4309, www.rangeleyxcski.com) has moved to Saddleback Mountain alpine ski area in Rangeley with 35 km of groomed trails for classic and skate xc skiing in the scenic western mountains and lakes region of Maine. There is a permanent yurt lodge, a snack bar and xc ski equipment rentals available. There is a full range of services in the town of Rangeley. The ski club that operates the center is raising funds to build a new lodge.
Black Mountain of Maine Touring Center (207-364-8977) is in Rumford, ME offering 35 km of groomed xc ski trails associated with an alpine ski area. There are xc ski equipment rentals and lessons. Tubing and a snack bar also available. CCSAA member
Five Fields Farm (207-647-2425, wwwfivefieldsfarmx-cski.com) in South Bridgton, ME has 27 km of groomed trails and unlimited ungroomed backcountry trails on Bald Pate Mountain. There are xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available. CCSAA member
