Hit the Slopes
Celebrate winter on downhill skis
Story & Photos By Aislinn Sarnacki
A few years ago, I decided to learn how to downhill ski, and I was hesitant. Cautious. Perhaps even dubious. In my mid-30s, I was worried about falling and hurting myself. I was also concerned that I’d reinforce the adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Nevertheless, carrying a pair of rental skis, I showed up to a one-on-one lesson at Sugarloaf, one of Maine’s largest and most popular ski mountains. And to my delight, I actually had fun. I didn’t crack a rib tumbling down the mountain. I didn’t even bruise my dignity.
With the help of an experienced instructor, I learned all sorts of new tricks, like how to slow down by nearly kissing the front tips of my skis together until they formed a triangle. In the skiing world, we call this “pizza,” and if you do it, everyone thinks you’re cool. (Just kidding, but it works.)
Now I’m hooked. I can only safely ski on green (easy) and blue (moderate) trails, but that’s enough speed and excitement for me. I’m sure I look clumsy zig-zagging down the slopes, but I’m having fun, and that’s what’s most important about skiing, I’ve learned. People are out there to have fun, embrace the snowy landscape, and celebrate winter. I think the sense of community and positivity at ski slopes is even more appealing to me than the actual activity.
There is a downside. Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive. I suggest renting skis or a board to start out, then checking out local ski swaps and consignment shops for discounted, used equipment. Online marketplaces can also be useful for finding used, local gear, but do your research before committing to a purchase. And remember, wearing a helmet is a must.
Small, local mountains tend to have lower chairlift costs than big ski resorts, and some places offer discounts to Maine residents on certain days of the year. It’s often less expensive to ski midweek and for half days, which is plenty long when you’re just starting out.
During my brief time as a skier, I’ve visited several downhill ski destinations in Maine. Each has its own character and charm. Here are a few of my favorites so far.
Big Moose Mountain Ski Area
“Ski the view” at this locally-run ski spot, which overlooks Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountainous wilderness. Currently, the mountain features just one chairlift, which carries skiers to about 2,900 feet above sea level — a 1,700 vertical drop to the base lodge. From there, skiers can choose between blue and green trails.
The summit of Big Moose Mountain is at about 3,200 feet above sea level, and the upper portion of the mountain doesn’t currently have chairlift access. However, skiers can gain access to the mountain’s upper trails by backcountry skiing or purchasing a $50 ticket for a snowcat ride.
The base lodge is cozy, with foldout tables and chairs set under string lights. A snack bar offers a wide variety of ready-to-go food and drinks, including grilled cheese and hot chocolate. What more could you ask for?
Lift tickets are $50 for adults, $45 student for students (first grade through college), $10 for the beginner area, free for kindergarteners and younger, and free for skiers who are 70 and older. Tickets are $5 off if purchased online. A variety of season passes are also available for purchase. Full ski rental set up is $40 for adults and $35 for students.
Big Moose Mountain Ski Area is located at 447 Ski Resort Road in Greenville Junction. For more information, visit skibigmoose.com.
Camden Snow Bowl
Located on the east side of Ragged Mountain in the Camden Hills, this ski area is unusual because it offers skiers the opportunity to ski while looking out at the sparkling water of the ocean. It also offers night skiing.
Last winter, I went on a double date at the Snow Bowl, and as far as dates go, it was quite affordable – just $34 a person for skiing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tall lights bathed the slopes in light, and at the base lodge, we enjoyed a varied menu that included hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, poutine, sandwiches, and salad bowls, plus a variety of beverages (including the adult kind).
The slopes are owned by the town of Camden and operated by full-time town staff. Its history stretches back to 1936, when it opened during the Great Depression and solely operated by volunteers using donated material.
The Snow Bowl also features a hill for tubing, a chute for tobogganing, and trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Full day lift ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week. It’s $51-60 for adults and $43-$52 for youths and seniors. The beginner area is just $15. Season passes are also available for purchase. Rental ski packages are $40 for adults, $35 for youths (ages 6-18), and $25 for children (ages 5 and under).
The Camden Snow Bowl is located at 20 Barnestown Road in Camden. For more information, visit camdensnowbowl.com.
Hermon Mountain Ski Area
A beloved downhill ski mountain for those in the Bangor area, Hermon Mountain has been a family-owned and operated ski area for over 40 years. It’s a gathering place for the community — a winter playground with a lot to offer.
With a base elevation of about 100 feet and a summit elevation of 450, this ski area has a vertical drop of just 350 feet. Nevertheless, you can cover a lot of ground if you just keep catching the lift.
Since this mountain is on the smaller side, it’s a wonderfully non-intimidating place to learn skiing. They offer group, semi-private, and private lessons for all ages and skill levels. And if you decide that skiing isn’t for you, then you can grab a tube and fly down their 600-foot tubing slope. There’s also a rink for ice skating.
Full day passes are $60 for adults on weekends, $45 for adults on weekdays, with a discount for juniors. Half-day weekend passes are also available for $45, and night skiing is available on the weekends from 4 p.m. to close for $35. Season passes are also available for purchase. Rental ski packages are $35 for a half day and $40 for a full day.
Hermon Mountain Ski Area is located at 441 Newburgh Road in Hermon. For more information, visit skihermonmountain.com.
Sugarloaf
If you’re looking to experience the festive atmosphere of a big ski resort, Sugarloaf is a blast. With 15 lifts and 176 developed trails and glades, this ski area is expansive, with plenty to offer skiers of all skill levels.
Topping off at 4,237 feet above sea level, Sugarloaf is one of Maine’s tallest mountains (only 14 reach above 4,000 feet tall), and it’s the only lift-assisted above-tree-line skiing in the East. The views are incredible.
This mountain will forever be special to me because it’s where I learned to ski. From my experience, their ski instructors are top notch. I also enjoy this mountain because it features green trails that stretch from almost the top of the mountain to the bottom, which means I can truly explore the mountain but feel safe as a beginner.
A little village at the base of the mountain features restaurants and shops where you can warm up and relax. Live music is common in the evenings. Nearby, hotels and house rentals abound, so you can make a full vacation of it.
Lift tickets are cheaper if you buy them far in advance. Full day lift tickets typically range from $50 to $80, though during peak times, they can reach up to $145. Children, teens, and seniors receive discounted prices. Maine residents also typically receive discounts on Wednesdays. A variety of season passes are also available. Rental ski packages are $65.
The Sugarloaf ski area is located at 5092 Sugarloaf Access Road in Carabassett Valley. For more information, visit sugarloaf.com.
