The Best Part of Winter in Maine
With some of the finest mountains in the Northeast and plenty of options for exploring, Maine is essentially a winter playground. Those of us that have made our home here know well that the name “Vacationland” doesn’t just refer to the adventures of the summer. When the temperatures start to drop and the snow starts to fall, we bundle up and get ready to enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer. Between winter camping, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding, there are plenty of choices for outdoor entertainment here in Maine.
In our experience, it’s hard to beat the feeling of strapping on a pair of skis for a day and heading out onto the trails or slopes. With 18 alpine ski resorts and hundreds of miles of cross country tracks, there are more options than one can hardly hit in just one season. This is one of the many reasons that Winter in Maine never gets old - even for those of us that have lived here our whole lives, there are options on options to explore, with something new always around the next bend. A free afternoon can turn into a casual day trip to one of the state’s smaller, more accessible mountain. On the flipside, when it comes to really pushing the limits, experiences like the 100 Mile Wilderness Lodge to Lodge trails offer even the most seasoned outdoorspeople a new challenge.
“I love being outside skiing, whether touring or ripping down Maine Western Maine mountains! Growing up in Central NY forced me to learn to play outside no matter what the weather was!” - Ashley Lapoint, Events Coordinator
“Whether you’re up in the mountains or exploring the valleys, I’ve never run out of fun times to be had with friends here during the winter” - Parker Olen, VP of Brand Strategy
Spotlight: Sugarloaf Mountain
Nestled in the incredibly scenic Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain is a long time favorite of the Mast Landing crew. Maine’s largest ski mountain features incredible views and a fun-loving, easy-going off-the-slopes culture.
The Mast Landing team has been honored to partner with some of the local spots around Sugarloaf Mountain over the years, sending our beers up north to be enjoyed after a long day of fresh powder runs. It doesn’t hurt that it gives the many skiers on our staff another excuse to head to out a little early on a Friday and grab some weekend runs.
One of our favorite spots to unwind after the boots come off is The Rack BBQ. With a cozy, rustic vibe, and a great crowd always hanging out, it’s a no brainer choice for food, beers, and awesome nightlife that rivals the best any ski town in the Northeast has to offer.
When it comes to our beer of choice during the winter months, the answer might depend on who you ask on staff, but Fresh Powder is certainly an MLBC favorite when the snow starts to fall. This double dry hopped IPA is only brewed during the colder time of year, and we designed it to hit the perfect balance of juicy & refreshing to satiate the palate as soon as you get in the door from a long day outside. Simcoe, NZ Cascade, Motueka, and Experimental HBC 630 hops highlight a recipe that is as fluffy as the first snowball in a blizzard.
Whether you’re a lifelong Mainer or new to wintery climates, we hope you get out there and see all the greatness the region has to offer this Winter! Some of our favorite resources for planning an adventure can be found below. Enjoy!