Miles and miles of exceptional cross country skiing trails are scattered across every county of Maine. Whether you’re looking to take a break from alpine skiing and xc ski in a mountain valley or glide over some farmland further to the south, this list has an option for you!
1Carter’s XC Ski Center (Bethel, Maine)
Experience a taste of everything at Carter’s, including large flat areas for beginners, winding forest trails for the moderately skilled and many downhill sections for the most fit nordic skiers among us. Stunning views all around, too!
2Nordic Heritage Center (Presque Isle, Maine)
Ski with the best of the best! Over 20 Olympic and Paralympic athletes train at this location in Maine. You can even take to the trails for some lamp-lit night skiing.
3Pineland Farms (New Gloucester, Maine)
Looking for space? Try the 5,000 acres of rolling farmland. Trails are incredibly well maintained, with food and a warming hut close by! Don’t miss this one.
4Sugarloaf Outdoor Center (Carrabassett Valley, Maine)
Discover that the Loaf has a lot more to off below the mountain! With the most miles of groomed trails in Maine, this location also has tremendous variety. Kid-friendly trails and the most difficult climbs: you can find it all in one place. Tons of other amenities around too.
5Harris Farm (Dayton, Maine)
A classic family-friendly spot close to most in southern Maine, this location is even dog friendly during most snow conditions. Glide through pastures and around barns and make sure to grab a few bottles of flavored Harris Farm milk before you leave!
6Acadia Carriage Roads (Mount Desert Island, Maine)
Avoid the crowds by visiting Acadia in the winter! The scenic carriage roads that once were patrolled by horse drawn carriages (hence the name) are level and wide with gradual slopes. Cross country skiing is a great way to get around MDI!
7New England Outdoor Center (Millinocket, Maine)
Looking for perfectly groomed trails, beautiful views and a nearby restaurant all in the heart of Maine? Look no further!
If you’d rather ice skate, check out this list of the best outdoor rinks in Maine!
What do you think of this list? Did we forgot your favorite xc skiing trails? Tell us in the comments below!
Rangeley Lakes Trails Center in Rangeley, on the side of Saddleback! Legendary area, the best Nordic grooming in the state and you can’t beat the views. Dedicated snowshoe and fat tire bike trails.
Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford. Great trails. Awesome lodge.