Camden Snow Bowl
The USA´s northeasternmost state punches well above its weight for skiing and snowboarding: a diverse array of terrain; get legit vertical; reliable snowmaking; and a mix of big-resort convenience and small-town charm—often without those darn crowds. And there are nearly 20 alpine skiing/snowboarding areas (even more if you count small hills, crosscountry ski centers, and non-lift areas). Here are five standouts:
This classic, quirky gem (top), considered the Maine ski resort area with the most local character - is a municipal area on 1,070-foot Ragged Mountain near the charming coastal town of Camden (pop. just over 5,000), on Penobscot Bay, making it the East Coast´s only ski hill with ocean views (there are a couple of others in California). A drive of just under four hours from Boston and just under seven from New York City, the 105-acre Snow Bowl is spread out over 15 trails and a pair of terrain parks, with a 1,303-foot summit and a thousand-foot vertical drop. It´s considered best for beginners/intermediates and families; advanced skiers treat it as a fun side mission rather than a full “big mountain” weekend. As for the après-ski scene, Camden has more of a more coastal-New-England-getaway feel than ski-bum, with seafood restaurants, wine bars, and harbor strolls.
Bob Travis
Formerly Shawnee Peak, this 1,900-foot mountain near the town of Bridgton (pop. 5,400) in the Lakes Region is a go-to for southern Maine access and night skiing (on half of its trails, the most of any ski area in New England), with a 40 trails plus seven glades and a terrain mix over 249 acres that´s particularly strong for beginners (25 percent) and intermediates (roughly half), yet enough challenge to keep advanced skiers engaged. It´s closer to both Boston - just two hours and 40 minutes - and New York City around six hours away, and like Camden the vibe here is casual and hometown, heavy on divey bars and lakes-region restaurants.
Saddleback Mountain
For many skiers, the more than 600 acres around this 4,120-foot peak hit the sweet spot: big-mountain feel, fewer crowds, and excellent snow near the town of Rangeley (pop 1,200) in the west of the state, 4½ hours from Boston and just over eight from NYC. Its 68 runs, plus glades offer a 2,000-ft. vertical and terrain that´s standout for advanced/expert skiers and snowboarders while still maintaining a friendly learning zone and the northeast´s most extensive beginner terrain, some four miles´ worth. Here, too, evenings in town are low-key and local—think cozy pubs and restaurants rather than a party village.
Sugarloaf Mountain
About an hour south of Saddleback, one of the East´s largest ski resorts marks its 75th anniversary in 2026, its 1,360 acres and 175 trails and glades located next to the tiny village of Carrabassett Valley (pop. around 670), just over four hours from Boston and eight from NYC. With a 4,237-ft. summit and 2,820-ft, vertical, the lay of the land is exceptional for strong intermediates and advanced skiers (long cruisers, plus an above-treeline vibe when the weather cooperates), but there´s still plenty for newbies in the base area. And in the après here you´ll find more of a classic ski-village energy—lodge bars, live music nights, and a “ski hard, hang out harder” feel, in contrast with the quieter hills I´ve listed above.
Sunday River
Yet another one out west, the sister to Sugarloaf 4½ hours south is resortlike and sprawls over 870 skiable acres and 135 trails spread across eight peaks, one of which, has a top elevation of 3,140 ft., and verticals average 2,340 over a terrain that´s very well balanced—great groomers for intermediates, a strong beginner network, and legit steeps/glades for experts. About 3½ hours from Boston and 7½ from NYC, the resort sits in Newry but most of the action is in nearby Bethel (pop. 2,500). which has arguably Maine’s most “full-service resort” scene—lots of bars and eateries, plenty of events, and a lively feel, especially on weekends.
More info: VisitMaine.net, MaineSkiAuthority.com.
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