{"id":64586,"date":"2023-01-02T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=64586"},"modified":"2023-01-03T09:41:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T14:41:49","slug":"how-to-winter-in-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/how-to-winter-in-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Winter in Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Winter in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From sleigh rides and romantic dinners to saunas and snowmobiles, this roundup of seasonal activities and package deals will keep you engaged all winter long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Genevieve Walker
Photography by Peter Frank Edwards and Nicole Wolf<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue: January \/\/ February 2023<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maine\u2019s winters are storied, and not just because they\u2019re cold. (If you\u2019ve ever spent time in the Midwest, you\u2019ll know Maine has it pretty good.) But in Maine the season lasts, the snowfall is plenty, and the daylight hours are few. The trick to winter here is to plan: get the right boots, gloves, and a proper hat, and build extra time into your commute for salting, shoveling, and running the car five minutes before you hit the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s just the short term. Long-term plans are about optimizing (or reframing) the months of deep darkness, because once the early seasonal festivities are out of the way, that\u2019s when winter in Maine really begins. In January, February, and March it\u2019s time to ski, skate, snowmobile, and snowshoe; to cut holes in the frozen lakes to fish, mush dogs across snow-padded trails, and cozy up under blankets on the seats of horse-drawn carriages. Unlike other famous winter destinations, if you\u2019re here in February, you\u2019re guaranteed the kind of chill that warrants a sauna and drinking mulled cider by a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upside is there\u2019s so much to experience, you\u2019ll have a hard time packing everything into one season. To help narrow down your winter-weather to-dos and to kick-off your long-term planning, we\u2019ve rounded up some of the Pine Tree State\u2019s most popular activities and winter events, along with a selection of our favorite cozy lodges and package deals. This is winter in Maine, after all \u2014go enjoy yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snowmobiling 101<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Each winter, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Maine to glide, skate, or motor their way across the frozen landscape. Motoring, in particular, is wildly popular. The snowmobile\u2014a motorized sled guided by ski-like feet\u2014allows its pilot to cover a ton of ground, and unlike other wintry pastimes, doesn\u2019t require hills, lifts, or frozen ponds. Snowmobiling is so beloved, in fact, that it\u2019s considered a lifestyle. The state\u2019s consistently heavy snowfall (albeit less reliable these past few years), its robust network of trails, and 280-plus dedicated clubs make Maine the place to go for anyone looking to spend months in the snow, slipping between pines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have a snowmobile, you can rent from one of the state\u2019s many licensed operations, found on the Maine.gov<\/a> website. The licensing of renters helps to ensure rider safety while funneling funds to the upkeep of miles of trails. The Interconnected Trail System<\/a>, or ITS, is a network of 4,000 \u201cprimary\u201d miles that link to another 10,000 for a total of 14,000 miles of track to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aroostook County, Maine\u2019s northern \u201chunting-cap-shaped\u201d region (look at a map\u2014you\u2019ll see) that abuts Canada is snowmobile central. Other hotspots are Moosehead Lake and Kennebec Valley, where Coburn Mountain calls to the more experienced riders capable of climbing 3,700 feet to its summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New to the sport? Sign up for a safety course listed on Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife\u2019s Programs and Resources page<\/a>. Visit the Maine Snowmobile Association<\/a> (MSA)\u2019s site for a downloadable safety pamphlet, and hire a guide or book a package that includes oversight by an expert. You can start your research by looking up a club in the area you\u2019re hoping to visit, also available via the MSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snowmobiles are not without their detractors. Among the complaints are noise and environmental pollution as well as disruption to animal habitat. But there are things you can do to minimize impact, like staying on marked trails and avoiding aftermarket add-ons that change emissions. All of this is part of being a good snowmobiler. The ground rules, as the MSA states, are: \u201cRide to the right. Ride sober. Ride at a reasonable speed. Stay on the marked trails. Use hand signals. Ride defensively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Not 100 percent comfortable with hiking alone in Maine in February? It\u2019s true, ten minutes standing in the snow staring at a map makes your toes numb (and the cold kills phone batteries pretty quick). Consider working with a recreational guide. A licensed guide knows what permits you may need as well as how to properly outfit for the journey, mitigating time-consuming guesswork in the field. More than that, guides bring you closer to the experience you\u2019re after, which, as anyone who has hunted adventure can attest, is never exactly as the books, magazines, or internet say it\u2019s going to be. MaineGuides.com<\/a> is a good place to start looking for an expert in pretty much any outdoor activity you\u2019re hoping to tackle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lodges + Packages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Yes, you love to ski and snowmobile and ice skate. You\u2019ve always wanted to sit in one of those huts on a frozen lake like the guys in Grumpy Old Men<\/em>, catching fish through a hole, but equal to this is your desire to relax in a rough-hewn cabin next to a fire and read the hardback you bought at the airport. If this is you, consider the package deals offered by numerous hotels and resorts throughout the state. Not only do you get a cute place to stay, but you\u2019ll also be connected to reputable guides who know the area and get premium access to gear rentals at some hard-to-beat prices. Here are a few good ones, for starters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxurious<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pineland Farms, New Gloucester<\/a>
<\/strong>This sprawling, working farm offers a quaint, comfortable, village-like experience. Wander through multiple gardens, check out the market, and stay in one of three guesthouses equipped with everything you need for a quiet, stately retreat. There\u2019s also access to trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as nearby gear rental, with day and season passes available. Sledding and skating on the farm\u2019s 100- by 50-foot rink are free. Hot drinks and bites to take out are available in the Welcome Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inn by the River, The Forks<\/a>
<\/strong>This picturesque, white-paneled inn is set in Maine\u2019s premier snowmobiling country. Choose from one of ten rooms in the inn or one of six winterized cabins. Hunt and snowmobile with a guide, and fuel up on-site. The inn partners with the Coburn Summit Riders Snowmobile Club and 201 PowerSports. Enjoy a proper meal and a drink at the inn\u2019s restaurant and pub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carter’s XC Ski, Bethel<\/a>
<\/strong>For the backwoods experience \u2014think \u201cglamping at a cabin\u201d\u2014check out Carter\u2019s XC Ski, where the family-run and operated establishment manages a series of off-the-grid but well-curated and photo-ready cabins accessible by ski or snowshoe. Rentals, passes, and lessons are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adventure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moose Mountain Inn, Greenville<\/a>
<\/strong>For great package deals, head to central Maine\u2019s Greenville and the Moose Mountain Inn, a hop and a skip from Moosehead, the second largest lake in New England. The inn is a tidy, two-story, motel-like strip with rustic decor. Choose from one of many deals, like two nights\u2019 lodging plus a choice of two activities: a guided hike on snowshoes to a waterfall; a half-day, two-person snowmobile rental (pay extra to make it a guided tour); or a guided ice-fishing trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rugged<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New England Outdoor Center (NEOC), Millinocket<\/a><\/strong>
The NEOC lodge is situated on Millinocket Lake and faces Maine\u2019s highest peak, Mount Katahdin, making it a perfect base camp for adventure. Choose from a series of winter-ready cabins, whether an eco-build or traditional log. Bring a group, plus your dog (for a $20 fee). There\u2019s also an on-site restaurant and access to cross-country skiing, fat-tire bike, and snowshoe trails as well as ice fishing. If you\u2019re looking to snowmobile, book a package that combines a cabin with rentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Winter Festivals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Snodeo<\/a>
<\/strong>Based in Rangeley, this three-day event held in January is put on by the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club. Though 2023 programming is still to be determined, it typically includes snowmobile races, stunt snowmobile riders, parades, fireworks, food, and the attendant partying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snowshoe Festival<\/a>
<\/strong>On the Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway, the festival is set to launch on February 18th this year, with events spanning to the 25th. Though the lineup is still in flux as of this writing, you can expect activities like \u201ca race to pancakes,\u201d skijoring, sledding, a fat bike race, and, new this year, snowshoe yoga. Of course, a lot will depend on how the winter unfolds, but if the weather holds, there will be ice skating on the lake, too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Valentine’s Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For you disbelievers, consider this a culturally sanctioned excuse to get away from everyone except your spouse, partner, or special friend, or even by yourself, to eat a good meal (including chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine) and stare at a fire. Here are a few ideas to get you going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February is for lovers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visit Kennebunkport\u2019s entire-town celebration of the red and chocolate holiday. Last year, establishments participated in all kinds of ways, from dance parties at bars to spa and hotel packages. Check kennebunkportmainelodging.com<\/a> for 2023 programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horse-drawn sleigh rides<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several farms throughout the state offer romantic rides in horse-drawn buggies. Check out the Deepwood Farms carriage<\/a> that leaves from the Bethel Inn or from Goranson Farm in Dresden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog sledding for two<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s right: Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience<\/a> offers a dog-sled trek by a snowy lake that ends with a fire, \u201cseating for two,\u201d cookies, and cocoa (and for $135 extra, a charcuterie board).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romantic dinners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The possibilities are endless if what you\u2019re after is dinner by a fire with a view of ice crystals hanging from eves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For straight-up Romance with a capital R, book a dinner at the Lovell Inn<\/a><\/strong> in Lovell to enjoy a fine meal replete with \u201csoft lighting and an original wood-burning fireplace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re after classic fine dining in a picturesque New England village, try Paul\u2019s Steak House<\/a><\/strong> in Boothbay Harbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for exceptional (and award-winning) local cuisine and contemporary atmosphere? Check out Wolfpeach<\/a><\/strong> in Camden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner on a boat? Go to DiMillo\u2019s<\/a><\/strong>, where an old-school red sauce establishment meets the Old Port. DiMillo\u2019s offers a special Valentine\u2019s Day menu and wine list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go rustic at the White Barn Inn Restaurant<\/a><\/strong> in Kennebunkport, where you can dine in yes, a barn, albeit a well decorated one featuring a picture window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saunas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Winter is hard on the body. Daylight hours are scarce, and aside from the lucky few who are skiing daily or weekly, the rest of us are scraping by on our exercise mats and treadmills. The dry heat of heaters and stoves does its own damage. Few things combat these realities like a good sauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destination Health<\/a>
<\/strong>This infrared sauna in Bar Harbor is a different experience than the traditional wooden room version but is no less effective or enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington Baths
<\/a><\/strong>Portland\u2019s slick contemporary experience for all genders. There\u2019s also a cafe with post-sweat snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richmond Sauna and B&B
<\/a><\/strong>A Richmond B&B that opened in 1976 and offers the rustic, Finnish style experience\u2014wood-fired sauna, hot tubs, and a swimming pool. Note: This is a traditional, clothing-optional situation. Evening sauna is included in a stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driftless Sauna<\/a>
<\/strong>Based in Saco, this reasonably priced mobile sauna can be rented for the day, the weekend, or an entire week. It\u2019s probably the best thing anyone with a winter birthday could possibly add to their party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Native Sauna<\/a>
<\/strong>A luxury mobile sauna experience, choose to rent a 13- or a 20-foot sauna or a wood-fired hot tub, and build onto the experience with Atlantic cedar camp chairs, robes, towels, and even a moveable firepit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After Dark<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not afraid of the dark? Good, because the sun sets around 4:30 p.m., which means long shadows and dinner vibes start at 3:30, and there\u2019s a whole lot of \u201cday\u201d to go after the sun sets. Check out opportunities for guided night-sky-viewing walks through organizations like the Western Foothills Land Trust<\/a>, and full moon tours led by Carter\u2019s XC Ski<\/a>. There are also winter running clubs led by Fleet Feet<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t

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