For outdoor enthusiasts, Maine is a winter sports mecca. Our selection of world-renowned downhill resorts and expansive cross country-trails makes skiing Maine a joy – but that’s not all. We’re also home to excellent snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, ice climbing, and so much more.
People approach winter in a variety of ways. Some of us enjoy spending the season snuggled up with a good book, good friends, and warm drinks before a blazing fire. Others prefer to get out into the literal thick of it, enjoying the winter wonderland on skis, skates, or a sled.
Here at Captain Nickels Inn, we totally understand both views. Sitting by the fire, enjoying the wintry views with a hot drink sounds lovely. We’ll be happy to set you up to do just that – and wait until you see our views!
If, on the other hand, busting some powder is more to your taste, you’ll be happy to learn that our Maine Coast bed and breakfast is surrounded by all manner of winter sports opportunities.
Skiing Maine
When it comes to skiing, Maine knows no bounds with some of the best alpine skiing and x-country skiing in the nation. Once the snow flies, opportunities are seemingly everywhere.
For guests of Captain Nickels Inn interested in skiing Maine, we suggest nearby Camden Snowbowl, an easy 30-minute drive from the inn. Camden Snow Bowl is a community-owned recreation area offering downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, rentals, and more. It’s also a tobogganing hot spot and home to the annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships. Visit www.camdensnowbowl.com for more information.
Cross-country skiers will want to consider skiing the trails at Acadia National Park. Not only is the scenery spectacular but the Acadia Winter Trails Association grooms Acadia’s carriage roads for both classic and skate skiing every year. You haven’t really skied until you’ve skied the cross country trails of Mount Desert Island.
Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Ice Climbing, & More
Skiing and snowboarding are great fun but they’re not the only winter sports you can enjoy during your Maine getaway.
Snowshoeing is another popular pastime here in Maine and a fantastic way to get out and enjoy winter’s white blanket. One of the most popular and stunning Down East snowshoeing spots is Blue Hill Mountain.
Here, snowshoe enthusiasts enjoy well maintained trails running alongside streams, through forests, up mountains, and along the coast. Blue Hill Mountain is located in Hancock County, about a half-hour’s drive from the inn, an ideal day trip destination.
For the truly adventurous, there is ice climbing. Equinox Guiding Service offers full and half day ice climbing courses in Acadia National Park, Camden Hills State Park, and Grafton Notch State Park. Equinox provides a guide, all the gear you need, and any training you require. Exciting fun!
Then again, perhaps you’re after something a little more down to earth. If that’s the case, may we suggest a day trip to Rockland, Maine. Not only is Rockland a picturesque and quintessential MidCoast Maine town, it’s also home to the MidCoast Recreation Center, which offers public ice skating during the winter months. Strap on some skates and glide around the ice to your heart’s content.
Whatever tickles your winter fancy – skiing, skating, climbing, or cozy couch surfing – Captain Nickels Inn is here to help. Just let us know and we’ll see what we can do to get you pointed in the right direction. See you soon!
Updated February 2024