Dramatic coastlines, stunning scenery, and 18 different ski areas and resorts make Maine one of the country’s most popular ski vacation destinations for families. And, thanks to its status as the northernmost state in the US, Maine’s ski areas typically open in late October and remain open until the end of April. Almost all of Maine’s resorts offer snowboarding, sledding, tubing, skating, and snowshoeing. All provide equipment rentals and repairs, as well as lessons for every age and ability of skier. We’ve compiled details and programs at eleven Maine resorts to help you decide the best match for your family.
Big Rock Ski Area, Mars Hill, Maine
BigRock Mountain boasts northern Maine’s highest vertical slope – almost 1000 ft of continuous vertical drop. The ski area also has a snow-tube park, terrain for cross-country skiing, and several snowshoe trails. A recently expanded lodge, along with BigRock’s small-town atmosphere, attracts families large and small. With 26 trails, two chairlifts, and 80 percent snowmaking, BigRock is a good fit for intermediate skiers. BigRock is located 146 miles north of Bangor via I95 and Route US 1.
Big Rock Ski Area Details for Families
- Stats: 26 runs, 60 skiable acres, and a 1000’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 11% beginner, 75% intermediate, 14% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 100″
- Lifts: 4 -1 triple chair, 1 double chair, 1 surface carpet, 1 snow tube tow
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Multi-week lesson programs available
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 4 and under ski free
Big Rock Ski Area Lift Tickets
- Direct – Big Rock Mountain
- Part of Indy Pass
Big Family Lodging Near Big Rock Ski Area
Big Rock Ski Area Ski Vacation Packages
Big Squaw Mountain, Greenville Junction, Maine
Big Squaw Mountain offers a more intimate skiing experience compared to some of the state’s other resorts, like Sunday River or Sugarloaf. Twenty-eight trails evenly divided among all skill levels makes Big Squaw a popular destination with families. New skiers and kids will find the gentler slopes like the Moxie or Canada Falls just right for their abilities. The mountain also has six black diamond trails for those at the expert level. Big Squaw’s ski and snowboard school caters to skiers of all ages. Getting to Big Squaw takes about two hours and ten minutes by car from both Augusta and Bangor.
Big Squaw Mountain Details for Families
- Stats: 33 runs, 660’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 38% beginner, 38% intermediate, 24% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 136″
- Lifts: 1 triple chair
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Private, Child (ages 7+)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 4 and under ski free
Big Squaw Mountain Lift Tickets
- Direct – Big Squaw Mountain
Big Family Lodging Near Big Squaw Mountain
- Greenville area lodging for big families
- Vacation rentals
Big Squaw Mountain Ski Vacation Packages
Black Mountain of Maine, Rumford, Maine
The only ski resort in Rumford is Black Mountain Ski Resort, which is located only a short drive from the pulp and paper mill that has been the area’s primary employer for over a century. Black Mountain Ski Resort has been owned by several companies during its history, and today it operates as a non-profit organization that is supported by the community and the Angry Beavers. Families can still come here and have a great day out on the slopes. Black Mountain Ski Resort provides a variety of activities besides skiing and snowboarding. Among the activities available are terrain park features like small jumps, rails, boxes, and other elements that are perfect for park lovers. In addition, there is Nordic skating on 17km of trails, which is popular with people of all ages. There’s also a two-lane Edge Tube Park, which is great for thrills.
Black Mountain Details for Families
- Stats: 50 runs, 600 skiable acres, and 1380’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 20% beginner, 20% intermediate, 52% advanced, 8% expert
- Average Snowfall: 140″
- Lifts: 3 – 1 triple, 1 double, 1 surface lift
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Adult, Private, Child (ages 5-6, 7-14)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids K-2 free, Kids ages 5 and under free
Black Mountain Lift Tickets
- Direct – Black Mountain of Maine
- Part of Indy Pass
Big Family Lodging Near Black Mountain
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Black Mountain Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia vacation packages
Camden Snow Bowl, Camden, Maine
A friendly small-town feel, picturesque harbor views, charming inns, and award-winning restaurants make the Camden Snow Bowl one of Maine’s most popular ski resorts. The Snow Bowl’s more than 20 recently expanded runs – eight of which are lit for nighttime skiing – and 1,000 feet of vertical elevation attract skiers of all levels. Located adjacent to the slopes at the Camden Snow Bowl, the municipally owned Jack Williams Toboggan Chute hosts the US National Toboggan Championships each year in February. The Snow Bowl’s location 85 miles northeast of Portland, ME, near Camden Hills State Park, makes it especially popular with family travelers. The Snow Bowl is the only ski area on the East Coast with ocean views.
Camden Snow Bowl Details for Families
- Stats: 20 runs, 100 skiable acres, and 850’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 20% beginner, 70% intermediate, 10% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 70″
- Lifts: 3 – 1 triple, 1 double, 1 surface lift
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Yes
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under ski free with paying adult
Camden Snow Bowl Lift Tickets
- Direct – Camden Snow Bowl
Big Family Lodging Near Camden Snow Bowl
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Camden Snow Bowl Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia vacation packages
Lost Valley, Auburn, Maine
Just outside of the town of Auburn and less than an hour’s drive from Portland, Lost Valley has launched the careers of four Olympians – Julie Parisien, Rob Parisien, Anne-Lise Parisien, and John Bower. Lost Valley’s gentle slopes are perfect for the little ones as well as novice skiers. The resort also features 100-percent snowmaking ability, night skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and 10 kilometers of well-maintained cross-country ski trails. In conjunction with the Central Maine NEMBA and the Perkins Ridge Sno-Travelers, the Lost Valley resort area also offers free access to its fat biking trails.
Lost Valley Details for Families
- Stats: 22 runs, 65 skiable acres, and 240’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 26% beginner, 29% intermediate, 26% advanced, 19% expert. 3 Terrain Parks
- Average Snowfall: 99″
- Lifts: 4 – 2 doubles, 2 surface lifts
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Adult, Private, Child (ages 4-6, 7 and up)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under $10
Lost Valley Lift Tickets
- Direct – Lost Valley
Big Family Lodging Near Lost Valley
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Lost Valley Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia Lost Valley vacation packages
Mt Abram Ski Area & Pike Park, Greenwood, Maine
Mt Abram’s location, just five miles outside of Bethel, makes it a popular destination for families looking for a budget-friendly ski and stay vacation. Day trippers from Portland also like the somewhat quick drive – about an hour and thirty minutes. Mt Abram rarely ever feels crowded thanks to 36 trails spread across 450 skiable acres. And, with a ski school offering instruction for all ages of skiers, along with over seventy percent of the trails geared towards beginner and intermediate-level skiers, Mt Abram has plenty of room for kids and new skiers to earn their wings.
Mt Abram Details for Families
- Stats: 42 runs, 450 skiable acres, and 1150’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 35% beginner, 42% intermediate, 23% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 115″
- Lifts: 4
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Beginner classes
Mt Abram Lift Tickets
- Direct – Mt Abram
Big Family Lodging Near Mt Abram
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Mt Abram Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia vacation packages
Pleasant Mountain, Bridgton, Maine
Pleasant Mountain (formerly Shawnee Peak) has been a go-to resort for skiers since its opening season in 1937. In total, Pleasant Mountain encompasses 47 trails and glades spread out over 239 acres of skiable terrain. With seventy-five percent of its slopes tailored towards the beginner or intermediate-level abilities, Pleasant Mountain attracts families year in and year out. Other family-oriented events throughout the season include a torchlight parade, a cardboard box race, and the annual Spring Fling. Thanks to its location nestled in the foothills of western Maine, Pleasant Mountain offers breathtaking views of the Presidential Mountains.
Pleasant Mountain Details for Families
- Stats: 47 runs, 239 skiable acres, and 1300’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 110″
- Lifts: 6 – 1 fixed grip quad, 3 fixed grip triple, 2 surface lifts
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Adult (age 13+), Private Child (ages 4-6, 7-12)
- Kids Ski Free: 5 and under $15
Pleasant Mountain Lift Tickets
- Direct – Pleasant Mountain
Big Family Lodging Near Pleasant Mountain
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Pleasant Mountain Ski Vacation Packages
Saddleback Ski Resort, Sandy River, Maine
Saddleback offers classic New England skiing, stunning views of the Rangeley Lakes and White Mountain regions, and New England’s highest base elevation. Its 40 acres of beginner terrain, 60 different runs, and six lifts make Saddleback especially popular with families. Saddleback’s Alpine Adventurers program works with kids between the ages of six and seventeen years old. The ten-week program teaches children the fundamental skills of skiing and snowboarding in a fun and safe environment. Saddleback’s location, in the northwest portion of the state, about two and a half hours drive from Portland, makes it a popular weekend getaway or day trip destination.
Saddleback Details for Families
- Stats: 68 runs, 600 skiable acres, and 2000’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 35% beginner, 29% intermediate, 26% advanced, 10% expert, 2 Terrain Parks
- Average Snowfall: 225″
- Lifts: 6 – 4 quad chairlifts, 1 T-bar, 1 moving carpet
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Adult, Private, Child (ages 2-3, 5-17)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under ski free
Saddleback Lift Tickets
- Direct – Saddleback
Big Family Lodging Near Saddleback
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Saddleback Ski Vacation Packages
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, Stratton, Maine
Also located in the state’s western portion, Maine’s best-known resort, Sugarloaf Mountain, boasts 1,240 skiable acres, 162 trails, and gorgeous views of the Carrabassett Valley. And, with its trails almost equally divided by skill level, Sugarloaf offers plenty of fun for skiers at every level. Its ample average snowfall and northern location also allow Sugarloaf to operate longer than almost any other resort on the east coast. The Sugarloaf resort has a licensed childcare facility for kids of 10 weeks to three years of age. Sugarloaf’s sprawling size, extended ski season, and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Portland make it one of Maine’s most popular ski destinations.
Sugarloaf Mountain Details for Families
- Stats: 162 runs, 1240 skiable acres, and 2820’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 23% beginner, 34% intermediate, 27% advanced, 16% expert
- Average Snowfall: 200”
- Lifts: 14 – 2 detachable quads, 3 fixed grip quads, 5 double lifts, 1 triple lift, 3 surface lifts
- Kids Club and Day Care: Sugarloaf Child Care provides quality care for children ages 10 weeks to 3 years in a professional, licensed childcare facility
- Lessons and Ski School Adult, Private, Child (ages 1.5-3, 3-5, 6-14)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under ski for $5
Sugarloaf Mountain Lift Tickets
- Direct – Sugarloaf Mountain
- Part of Ikon Pass
- Part of Mountain Collective
Big Family Lodging Near Sugarloaf Mountain
- Big family hotels and condos near Sugarloaf
- Vacation rentals near the slopes
Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia Sugarloaf ski vacation packages
Sunday River Resort, Newry, Maine
About 20 minutes away from the Mount Abram ski area, the Sunlight Ski Resort attracts families for its gentle slopes and reasonable lift ticket prices. The resort area spreads out across eight peaks and boasts over 870 skiable acres of terrain, of which thirty percent is reserved for beginners. Twilight skiing from December through March, as well as ample space for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing, also makes Sunday River popular with big families. Sunday River also runs several Kids Ski Free Weeks throughout the season.
Sunday River Details for Families
- Stats: 135 runs, 870 skiable acres, and 2340’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 30% beginner, 36% intermediate, 18% advanced, 16% expert
- Average Snowfall: 150″
- Lifts: 18 – 1 Chondola, 4 quads, 5 fixed quads, 3 triples, 1 double, 4 surface lifts
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Adult (age 13+), Private, Child (ages 2.5-3, 3-5, 6-7, 8-12)
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under $5
Sunday River Lift Tickets
- Direct – Sunday River
- Part of Ikon Pass
Big Family Lodging Near Sunday River
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals near the slopes
Sunday River Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia Sunday River Ski Packages
Titcomb Mountain, Farmington, Maine
The Titcomb Mountain resort bills itself as “The Friendliest Mountain Around.” Its location less than 40 miles from Augusta makes it perfect for day trips and short stays. The club-owned Titcomb Mountain Resort has 16 trails in all, which includes a beginner’s trail serviced by a handle tow. Snowmaking covers 70 percent of the alpine trails, and night skiing is available Saturday and Wednesday nights. The resort also lets kids five years old and under, as well as seniors 70 years old and up, ski for free. The resort offers children’s lessons during after-school hours and on Saturdays
Titcomb Mountain Details for Families
- Stats: 16 runs, 45 skiable acres, and 350’ vertical drop
- Terrain Overview: 23% beginner, 25% intermediate, 52% advanced
- Average Snowfall: 85″
- Lifts: 3 – 2 T-bars, 1 Pony lift
- Kids Club and Day Care: None available
- Lessons and Ski School: Lessons available based on instructor availability
- Kids Ski Free: Kids 5 and under ski free
Titcomb Mountain Lift Tickets
- Direct – Titcomb Mountain
Big Family Lodging Near Titcomb Mountain
- Big family friendly hotels and condos
- Vacation rentals
Titcomb Mountain Ski Vacation Packages
- Expedia vacation packages
Compare Maine Ski Resort for Families
| Ski Area | Ski Lessons | Kids Ski Free | Terrain | 2022 Adult Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Rock | Yes | Kids 4 and under free | 11-75-14 | |
| Big Squaw | Yes | Kids 4 and under free | 38-38-24 | $30 |
| Black Mountain | Yes | Kids up to 2nd grade free | 20-20-52-8 | $55 |
| Camden Snow Bowl | Yes | Kids 5 and under with paid adult | 20-70-10 | $35-45 |
| Lost Valley | Yes | Kids 5 and under $10 | 26-29-26-19 | $48-52 |
| Mt Abram | Yes | No | 35-42-23 | $49 |
| Pleasant Mountain | Yes | Kids 5 and under $15 | 25-50-25 | $34-87 |
| Saddleback | Yes | Kids 5 and under free | 35-29-26-10 | $119 |
| Sugarloaf | Yes | Kids 5 and under $5 | 23-37-27-16 | $129 |
| Sunday River | Yes | Kids 5 and under $5 | 30-36-18-16 | $57-122 |
| Titcomb | Yes | kids 5 and under free | 23-25-52 | $27 |
Pin now to your Maine vacation board!
