Some would say that Maine has the best of both worlds, being a coastal state and having access to mountains. Each November, when the cold weather arrives, residents of the Pine Tree State hang up their beach towels and summer fishing gear in exchange for skis and boots.
Bangor, a city in eastern-central Maine, is a place that is rich with things to do in the winter, including a variety of snowsports and nearby ski resorts. This inviting little town, with a population of less than 33,000, is the perfect location for a trip up to the cold country during the holidays. Consider these ski resorts near Portland, Maine, if visiting the southern part of the state.
The majority of the ski resorts near the city are smaller in size and provide a more intimate experience while still offering high-quality runs. The prominent resorts considered to be more of a “ski destination” are located towards Maine’s western part and a little further to drive to. Even though they are across the state from Bangor, they are still less than three hours away!
Here are the nearest ski resorts near Bangor, Maine in order of driving proximity:
New Hermon Mountain – Hermon: 12 miles | 20 min
Just minutes from downtown Bangor, New Hermon Mountain Ski Area is a winter haven for residents and visitors alike. No one feels left out or behind at this resort as there are slopes for all skill levels. Additionally, snow tubing routes are available for anyone who’s not interested in skiing or snowboarding.
New Hermon boasts affordable ticket and pass rates, allowing for more people to have the chance to enjoy a little outdoor fun. The resort has 70 skiable acres with total snowmaking capabilities, ensuring that there is always plenty of fresh powder. Their 20 runs are evenly divided between skill levels and the resort’s vertical drop is 350 feet.
Night skiing is available at New Harmon on half of its terrain and ski school and equipment rentals are accessible on-site. Overnight accommodations and dining options are located just a few minutes away in Bangor.
441 Newburg Rd, Hermon, ME 04401 (Map) | (207) 848-5192
Eaton Mountain – Skowhegan: 49 miles | 50 min
Eaton Mountain is less than an hour away from Bangor and showcases classic New England-style ski slopes. The facility has been family-owned for over 12 years and the owners strive to keep the ski area appropriate for all ages and budgets.
Eaton Mountain has 130 skiable acres with a base elevation of 80 feet, a summit elevation of 700 feet, and a vertical drop of 620 feet. There are 18 runs in total, with 25% for beginners, 40% for intermediates, and 35% for advanced, making this is resort very family-friendly.
In addition to their slopes, Eaton Mountain Ski Area is also home to a snow tubing park. The Eaton Mountain Lodge is a great place to stop for a quick snack or hot meal, but there are additional options in the central area of the resort’s town, Skowhegan. Eaton Mountain also has night skiing on half of its terrain and equipment rentals and accommodations are available in town.
89 Lambert Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976 (Map) | (207) 474-2666
Mt. Jefferson Ski Area – Lee: 61 miles | 1 hour
Mt. Jefferson isn’t a vast ski area, but it’s been open for half a century and is ideal for a quick day trip to get some exercise outdoors. Locals consider this ski resort incredibly underrated as its natural and undeveloped land showcases New England’s natural beauty.
Mt. Jefferson’s skiable terrain is modest, totaling 12 acres with 12 runs, the longest one being 0.3 miles. This ski area is geared towards experienced skiers and snowboarders, with half of the runs rated expert. Unfortunately, Mt. Jefferson does not have a ski school but equipment rentals are available.
Additionally, there are overnight accommodations in the town of Lee, where the base of the ski area is located. While this resort may not be one with all the bells and whistles, there’s something to be enjoyed at a place that focuses on the basics of snowsports. Thanks to this resort’s simple structure, guests can experience a downhill environment in its most natural form.
744 Winn Rd, Lee, ME 04455 (Map) | (207) 738-2377
Titcomb Ski Resort – Farmington: 89 miles | 1.5 hours
Titcomb Ski Resort is proud to be an organization run by a family of ski enthusiasts who welcome their community to come and make this resort their second home.
Titcomb Mountain has a vertical drop of 350 feet due to its base elevation of 400 feet and a summit elevation of 750 feet. There are 16 runs comprised of mostly beginner and intermediate trails on its 45 acres of skiable land. This part of Maine gets an average of 85 inches of snow each year, however, Titcomb Mountain can make snow for 75% of its terrain.
The lodge is cozy, homey, and a great little spot to get a hot drink or have a homecooked meal before or after hitting the slopes. This resort is where the whole family can find something to do and allows night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well as cross country skiing.
Children enjoy spending time at this resort as there are ski and snowboard schools on the mountain. Lessons are available after school and on Saturdays. Additionally, equipment rental is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis at the Northern Lights Rental Shop.
180 Ski Slope Rd, Farmington, ME 04938 (Map) | (207) 778-9031
Sugarloaf – Carrabassett Valley: 102 miles | 2 hours
Visitors to Sugarloaf Mountain will be in awe merely at the sight of the mountain, which is nestled in western Maine. All of the fixings for a perfect ski destination vacation are right here at Sugarloaf, which includes incredible on-site lodging options, a wide variety of snow activities, and numerous dining choices to suit every appetite on the mountain.
Sugarloaf’s terrain is incredibly diverse, making it an extremely inclusive resort for all levels of riders. The resort’s 1,240 acres have snowmaking capability on 618 of them, and when all guns are on, they produce 48,000 pounds of snow in just one minute. However, this resort does receive an average of 200 inches of snowfall annually.
Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort has 162 runs with a summit elevation is 4,237 feet and a vertical drop is 2,820 feet. The 13 lifts at “The Loaf” include five double lifts, three fixed-grip quads, two surface lifts, two high-speed detachable quads, and a triple lift.
Terrain parks, ski and snowboarding lessons, and daycare are a few of the other amenities at Sugarloaf. While it hasn’t been officially labeled as the east coast’s best ski resorts, we challenge you to find a better one.
5092 Access Rd, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 (Map) | (207) 237-4201
Saddleback Mt. – Rangeley: 120 miles | 2.5 hours
Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort will reopen in winter 2020 after being closed for five years, and they’re coming back with gusto!
The resort has always been popular among ski enthusiasts, as it rates third-best in the state behind Sugarloaf and Sunday River. With a new quad lift, an upgraded lodge, and new snowmaking capabilities, Saddleback Mountain is excited to offer affordable ticket prices as a welcome back to visitors.
Saddleback has five lifts on the property that can bring as many as 4,200 guests per hour up the mountain. With 100 skiable acres and the ability to make snow for 85 of them, this resort is set up well for providing a good experience for all. The evenly divided 66 runs are split between beginner, intermediate and advanced trails.
Saddleback Mountain has a 2,000-foot vertical drop, with a base elevation of 2,120 feet and a summit peak of 4,120 feet.
The upper mountain is only accessible using the Kennebago Chair Lift and offers some of the most challenging terrains to experienced athletes. With this resort having the highest ski elevation in New England, visitors are able to view the Rangely Lakes and White Mountain.
Currently, there aren’t any accommodations right on site, so plan to stay in the Carrabassett Valley or Wilton area. Bangor is also less than three hours away, making Saddleback Mountain a viable option for a day trip of skiing or snowboarding.
976 Saddleback Mountain Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970 (Map) | (207) 864-5671
Sunday River Resort – Newry: 143 miles | 2.5 hours
Proudly being one of Maine’s biggest and most visited ski resorts, Sunday River is a popular place for ski enthusiasts and families to enjoy a winter vacation with many on-site places to stay. There are plenty of things to do both at the resort itself and the nearby ski village, Bethel, providing several locations to grab a bite to eat and rent any equipment that you may need.
Eight peaks make up the 870 skiable acres at Sunday River, and night skiing is offered on 140 acres. The resort has an impressive snowmaking ability, capable of covering over half of the terrain at 10,000 pounds per minute. Of the 135 runs, intermediate ones make up most of the trails followed by beginners but don’t worry, they also have advanced and expert slopes.
The 18 lifts at this resort can bring up to 32,900 people up the mountain per hour, making this a consistently active resort. There are also 300 acres of glade skiing at Sunday River for the adventurers, plus several other areas to explore within their boundary-to-boundary policy. Sunday River is a family-friendly resort, and if little ones are too young to hit the slopes, a daycare center is available on the mountain.
15 S Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 (Map) | (800) 543-2754
Powderhouse – South Berwick: 173 miles | 2.75 hours
Step back in time with a visit to Maine’s southernmost ski resort. Built in 1939, with a truck and tow rope, Powderhouse Hill has been serving the ski community for nearly 80 years. South Berwick, the town that Powderhouse is in, owns the ski area and operates it with a volunteer ski-club.
Lift tickets at Powderhouse Hill are very cheap, and there’s a small lodge at the base that has a snack stand and woodfire grill. Having just five skiable acres means there isn’t much room for more than its three runs geared for beginner and intermediate skiers. However, there are a few glades mixed in that guests with more experience can enjoy.
Powderhouse Hill’s base is at an elevation of 120 feet and only doubles its height to the summit of 240 feet, meaning the vertical drop is 120 feet. While Powderhouse Hill might not be a reason to visit Maine, it’s certainly one that can provide a lovely afternoon on some laid-back slopes on a weekend or day trip for visitors already in the area.
South Berwick, ME 03908 (Map)| (207) 384-5858
Those are the top ski resorts around Bangor, Maine! Have a terrific time skiing the slopes of the Northeast!
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