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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
at Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center in
Carrabassett Valley, Maine - 5092 Access Road,
Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
The
Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center (207/237-6830, http://www.sugarloaf.com/nordic_center.html)
is the largest and most complete xc ski area in Maine, with 100 km of
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. This
destination resort has trails through hardwood and evergreen forests,
around bogs, along a river and on a golf course. Great early season
snow and one of New England's longest ski seasons.
The center also has a lighted Olympic-sized outdoor skating rink and the 6,000-square-foot lodge is solar-heated with a giant fireplace, a south-facing deck, and food and drink at the Bull Moose Bakery and Cafe, a locals’ favorite. The cafe features fresh baked muffins, hearty soups, stews, and huge sandwiches.
There are headlamps available for skiing the trails at night. Sugarloaf has a newly built trailside warming hut, which is a good destination point. This is known as one of the best xc facilities managed by an alpine ski resort.
Sugarloaf is the
second highest peak in Maine. Favorite
trails include the Narrow Gauge trail, which is a 5.5 km riverside trail
on a former rail line that spans the distance between Bigelow Station
and Carrabassett Valley Village. Trail # 51 (the Haute Route) is a newly
constructed 10 km trail that climbs to over 2,400 feet on Burnt Mountain
traversing through peaceful old growth forests and offers breathtaking
views.
Group and private lessons are available, as are equipment rentals. The
all-day trail fee is $16 for adults, $12 for ages 13–18 and $12
for ages 6–12 and 65 and older. Multiday ticket holders may exchange
a day of downhill for a day of cross-country including trail fee, lesson
and equipment. Exchange tickets at the guest services desk in the base
lodge.
There is a special "Nordic Ski and Stay Package" for $49 per person that includes overnight lodging at the Sugarloaf Inn, trail pass, group lesson and use of the Sugartree Sports and Fitness Club. CCSAA member