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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. For a full page of
info about Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center
click here.
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
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
