Best Family Ski Resorts in Maine

Maine is a skier’s paradise for those who love to cruise and rip. Ski resorts in Maine range from larger resorts like Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, with more than 150 named trails, to smaller mountains with less than a dozen acres of terrain. Big or small, ski resorts in Maine are great for families!

The 12 biggest ski resorts in Maine are:

Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine has terrific runs and a beautiful view.

All the ski resorts in Maine offer things that will appeal to skiers of all levels. There is a wide variety of things to see and do at a ski resort, depending on where you go, and if you aren’t a skier, then they have activities that will appeal to you as well. You can find snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing, or sit and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Family Skiing in Maine

Mainers love big ski resorts as much as anyone. This is why, for weekend skiing, residents of the Pine Tree State return again and again to two mountains that offer that most elusive of family ski days: a quality, affordable one.

Tucked in the foothills of the western Maine mountains, Pleasant Mountain (formerly Shawnee Peak) and Mount Abram can’t compete with New England’s mega-resorts for scale or luxury amenities. But they also don’t seem too fussed about trying. Instead, skiing at Mount Abram and Pleasant Mountain feels like a throwback to the more modest days of the ski industry, when a mountain’s main attraction was the opportunity to spend a day making turns without breaking the bank.

At 1,300 vertical feet, Pleasant Mountain has a few extra turns than Mount Abram’s 1,150 vertical feet. Shawnee’s main lift, the Summit Triple, services most of the mountain’s terrain, which is skiable for all abilities from top-to-bottom. The separate Sunnyside area opens more challenging terrain for the more adventurous, including gnarly glades and bump runs for the experts. There’s something for everyone.

Mount Abram Ski Resort – A Closer Look

Mount Abram, just outside Bethel, is a charming resort, and the atmosphere pays tribute to the purity and affordability of old-school ski resorts. A visit to Mt. Abram this year is a chance to escape the hustle of daily life and fully immerse yourself in Maine’s authentic skiing and riding experience.” Add in insanely low prices, their friendly staff, and fantastic snow-packed terrain. Mount Abram is a great and affordable ski area fiercely beloved by skiers and riders throughout the Northeast.

Mount Abram boasts terrain like Pleasant Mountain to keep skiers of every ability interested. But Mount Abram’s learner’s area stands out especially for family friendliness, with its lodge and parking lot serving as the perfect base camp for families with little ones (or anyone new to the snow). The large central fireplace in the learner’s lodge also provides the ideal spot for kiddos to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

The mountain at Mount Abram is a beautiful place for first-timers and more seasoned skiers and riders. There are more than 550 acres of terrain, over 1,000 feet of vertical, a handful of lifts, and more than 40 trails to explore. The runs are varied, and there is plenty of terrain to suit all ability levels, 28% of the mountain is excellent for beginners, 48% is suitable for intermediate levels, and 24% is ideal for advanced skiers and riders. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers love the jib park and the spectator-friendly Freestyle Park, which houses tons of hits and natural features suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.

There are lots of ways to save money on a Maine ski vacation, no matter where you go.

Mount Abram also runs one of the best ski schools in the area. They offer private, semi-private, and group skiing, telemark, and snowboarding lessons. Instructors are carefully trained, and classes are catered to individuals’ abilities and stamina. They have a great assortment of learning to ski or ride packages, including lessons, tickets, and rentals.

How to Save Money on Maine Skiing

Ski trips cost money! They’re always worth it, but it can be challenging for the college kid, a family, or the budget shopper to spend hundreds of dollars on one or two days of skiing. There has to be a way to spend less money on roughly the same experience, right? Yes, there is. In fact, there are several. Here are a few.

Lodging

Many ski resorts offer hostels or other places to sleep on site for highly reduced prices. However, this option is often a unit shared with hardcore skiers. Some people also consider renting a house on or near the slopes for a weekend. This option would be much more comfortable, but you’ll have to bring quite a few people with you to keep the prices reasonable. Instead, consider checking the area for budget or low-cost hotels. These can be a happy medium, providing good comfort without costing very much. Bring a few buddies and split the bill for an even lower rate.

Equipment

Ski gear is costly when purchased from a store in town. You can try buying it used, but used gear previously fit someone else. So it probably won’t be as comfortable for you. Also, there’s no way of knowing what the equipment has been through or how long it will last. Instead, consider renting ski equipment. If you’re looking to save a few more dollars, check the area for rental companies. They may charge less than at the ski slope.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets aren’t strictly optional on a ski trip, but they don’t have to be expensive. If you have extra time or live nearby, check out the pricing before you go. You may find it much cheaper to do a couple of night skiing sessions than one whole day. You also may find that discounts are offered on a specific date, or one day a week. Purchasing your tickets online in advance can save you up to 35% off the regular ticket prices at the window. Buying online can help you keep some cash for the rest of the trip.

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