Skiing
Skiing in Maine is defined by deep snow, crisp mountain air, and a sense of adventure that runs as deep as the state’s rugged reputation. If you haven’t figured it out already, this is not Vermont. And while the communities are just as welcoming, what you won’t find are hour-long lift lines or lodges packed to the brim.
and Snowboarding
Here, you don’t need a Prada ski suit or Gucci goggles. The best skiers reach for their old parkas and well-seasoned gear. Because most of the time it’s just you and the mountains. From quiet, tree-lined glades to steep alpine drops, Maine offers something for every type of skier—plus an après-ski scene with live music, great food and drink, and a laid-back vibe you’ll wish you’d discovered years ago.
For those in the know, Rangeley makes the perfect home base. It’s close to three incredible resorts. Just minutes away is Saddleback, loved for its backcountry feel and prime spot along the Appalachian Trail. Head a bit east and you’ll find Sugarloaf, legendary for its vast terrain and huge vertical drops. To the south, Sunday River delivers big-mountain energy with expansive trails and a lively resort scene. Each mountain has its own personality, and together they make this area of Maine a true skier and snowboarder’s paradise.
High above the Rangeley Lakes, where snow-draped evergreens meet endless sky, Saddleback Mountain rises with quiet majesty. Here, the rhythm of winter comes alive across 68 diverse trails, welcoming skiers and riders looking for their own version of snowy goodness.
A resort at the heart
of Rangeley
From steep, thrilling glades for the bold, to wide-open cruisers for beginners, there’s terrain suited to all abilities. Ascend effortlessly on a mix of lifts that will whisk you up the mountain, including a high-speed quad, T-bar, triples and even a double chair preserved to honor the mountain’s soulful charm.
The Base Lodge hums with family-friendly energy—hearty fare, warm fires, and the buzz of a day well spent. Higher up, the Mid-Mountain Lodge offers a chic, European-inspired escape, where rustic beams meet sleek touches and panoramic views pair perfectly with a glass of wine or espresso. It’s a vibe all its own.
Ascend effortlessly on a mix of lifts, including a high-speed quad, T-bar, Triples and a few double chairs that preserve the mountain’s soulful charm. Looking back, is magic, you’ll get spectacular views of Saddleback, Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic lakes.
As the sun sets and skiers make their way down the mountain, Saddleback’s main lodge lights up. The après ski scene comes alive with live music, craft beer, and the easy laughter of kindred spirits. This is winter, elevated to its best level.
For the past three years, Saddleback has won the “Best of Maine” award for skiing and snowboarding by Down East Magazine. Saddleback can also say it takes much of its power from a solar farm they installed in 2021, making their green initiative go further than almost any other resort in the USA.
A second
World Class Resort
only 25 miles away.
Tucked into Maine’s Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain is the state’s largest ski resort and a favorite among skiers and riders for its expansive terrain and vibrant mountain culture. Just over an hour from Rangeley, Sugarloaf offers 162 trails and glades across 1,240 acres, with terrain suited for all abilities—from mellow greens to challenging steeps and back-country adventures on Burnt Mountain.
Snowboarders and freestyle skiers will find excitement all over Sugarloaf, but especially their terrain parks, which feature jumps, rails, and jibs for all levels, maintained by a top-tier crew.
At the base, a welcoming ski village atmosphere comes to life with shops, cafés, and cozy spots to unwind. The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel offers slope-side lodging with stunning views. Après ski is lively and local, with live music, craft beer, and warm fireside vibes.
The mountain appears akin to a volcano in the Pacific Northwest as it rises out of the Carrabassett Valley. This resort can claim the largest continuous vertical in the east at 2,820 feet.
Opening in 1953, Sugarloaf boasts an average of 200 inches of natural snow each year and robust snowmaking, making for a long and consistent season.
The drive from Rangeley to Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Maine’s most scenic stretches. Winding through forests, past quiet lakes, and over rolling hills, the route offers a peaceful transition from Rangeley’s charm to the energy of Sugarloaf. It lies roughly a 40‑minute drive (about 25 miles) north of Rangeley, nestled in the scenic Rangeley‑Stratton region. Travelers pass through small towns and expansive wilderness, with moose sightings not uncommon.
While Maine’s peaks may not match the height of those in Colorado or Utah, Sugarloaf delivers a true big-mountain experience—minus the over-the-top cowboy or faux mining town décor. There’s no gimmick here—just honest, world-class skiing and riding, served up with some Maine authenticity.
Only an hour from Rangeley.
Resort in Maine
Another world class
Sunday River Ski Resort, nestled in the mountains of western Maine, stands out as a world-class destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With 870 acres of skiable terrain, 135 trails, and a vertical drop of 2,340 feet, the resort offers expansive options from gentle beginner slopes to thrilling expert glades and parks.
Known as a rider’s mountain, Sunday River delivers adrenaline and flow, yet it’s equally beloved by families for its friendly vibe, reliable snowmaking, and excellent ski schools.
The resort’s fun-loving spirit is felt everywhere—from the lively après-ski scene at places like the Matterhorn Ski Bar, to the slope-side lodges that blend comfort with convenience.
Whether you’re warming up at South Ridge or relaxing at the Jordan Hotel, you'll find welcoming energy and top-tier amenities.
Santa Sunday at Sunday River is pure holiday magic. Hundreds of skiers and riders dressed as Santa Claus hit the slopes, creating a joyful sea of red and white. With festive spirit, charity fundraising, and early-season snow, it’s one of the mountain’s most beloved and whimsical annual traditions. It gets bigger every year.
Founded in 1959, Sunday River has grown into one of the East Coast’s premier resorts by combining adventure with hospitality.
Its close proximity to Rangeley—just over an hour's drive—makes it a perfect pairing for those exploring Maine’s winter wonderland. What makes Sunday River truly special is its sense of place: a mountain that feels like home, where every turn and toast celebrates the joy of being on snow.
Sunday River is more than a ski resort—it’s a place where memories are made. With its vibrant community, welcoming spirit, and commitment to adventure, Sunday River captures the essence of winter in Maine.