Ski resorts in Maine that host summer activities and events offer an opportunity to get out and enjoy the mountain regions for a day or a vacation. The big three resorts — Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Saddleback Mountain — combine activities, events, dining and lodging for a more complete experience.
A handful of smaller ski areas are more suited for day visits, offering mountain biking, hiking and a few other activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. Some resorts are in close proximity to established outdoor recreation adventures, or leisure-oriented activities like sightseeing and shopping.
Lodging is generally less expensive, except for peak holiday weekends.
Lost Valley Ski Area, Auburn
Walk, run and hike Fridays starting at 6 p.m. for the free Trails on the Valley, with three levels of difficulty available for participants.
The Lost Valley Brewpub is open Tuesday-Friday 4-9 p.m., where guests can enjoy beer, food, trivia nights and live music and events.
For more information, go to lostvalleyski.com or call 207-784-1561.
Mt. Abram Ski Area and Bike Park, Greenwood
The mountain bike park and main lift are open Thursday-Sunday through Sept. 1, and Friday-Sunday, Sept. 2-Oct. 13. Fee charged. Go to mtabram.com or call 207-875-5000.
Titcomb Mountain, Farmington
Titcomb Mountain offers summer mountain biking. Donations accepted.
For more information, call 207-778-9031 or go to: titcombmountain.com/the-mountain/mountain-biking
The Camden Snow Bowl, Camden
The Camden Snow Bowl is owned by the town of Camden and operated by the Camden Parks and Recreation Department.
Hiking and mountain bike trails are at the ski area and surrounding areas, including Camden Hills State Park, Fernald’s Neck Preserve and Bald Mountain Reserve.
Hiking trails in the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area offer incredible views of Penobscot Bay; there is access to Hosmer Pond with boat launch and swimming dock.
Some fees at park entrance. For more information, call 207-236-3438.
Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley
The mountain bike park is serviced by lift starting July 3, with scenic lift rides offered on Sundays ($25 unlimited rides). THere is also hiking, fishing, golf, boating at nearby lakes and rivers. There is dining and lodging with Sunday Brunch at The Nest (reservations required).
Cheap Trick will be in concert at Saddleback Mountain July 27.
For more information, go to saddlebackmaine.com/ or call 207-864-5671.
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley
Summer at Sugarloaf offers a lift-serviced downhill mountain bike park, golf, disc golf, hiking and shopping.
Scenic lift rides start July 4, running Friday-Sunday (tickets $20 online, $25 in person).
There is an anti-gravity complex with skate park, trampolines, climbing wall, basketball, track and gym. Along with dining, lodging and live music.
For more information, go to www.sugarloaf.com/summer-activities or call 800-843-5623.
Sunday River, Newry
Sunday River features hiking, mountain bike trails, golf, spa, lodging, dining (golf club seasonal), water sports, kayaking/canoeing, axe throwing, archery, live music, cornhole, fireworks, and shopping.
Scenic lift rides begin July 3, running Thursday-Sunday ($29 choice of Chondola or six-person open-air chairs).
There is a full calendar of events starting July 3, including Ruff Mountain with Seacoast Dock Dogs, July 12-13; the Tough Mountain Challenge Weekend, July 25-27, and the Mini Mountain Challenge for Kids, July 27.
For more information, go to sundayriver.com or call 800-543-2754.