Maine Activities Guide 2022-23

hike up South Moat

pictured is photographer Garrick Hoffman at the Summit. Photo by Matt Levesque

PORTLAND

LOOKING FOR SOME WINTER FUN IN PORTLAND? Pull on your long johns and embrace the invigorating fresh air.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should check out the trails at Mayor Baxter Woods, Capisic Pond Park, Riverton Trolley Park, and Evergreen Cemetery Woods. Follow the trails from Oat Nuts Park to the Presumpscot River Preserve and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Presumpscot Falls. And for groomed crosscountry classic and skate skiing trails, check out the Riverside Snow Park at Riverside Golf Course. Riverside Snow Park also has hills for snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. The same is true near the Back Cove at Payson Terrain Park. And Eastern Prom Hill is a great place to sled, tube, telemark ski, cross-country ski, and snowshoe. Sharpen your blades, lace up your skates, and take a spin on the ice at Deering Oaks Park, Nason’s Corner/Breakwater School Pond, Payson Park and Riverside Snow Park.

KON ASIAN BISTRO HIBACHI BAR is an upscale Asian restaurant with a new, modern flair and provides a truly amazing dining experience. Their entertaining hibachi tables feature delicious, high-grade entrée combinations, including sushi, sashimi, hibachi, chicken, shrimp, steak, calamari, salmon, filet mignon, lobster tail, scallop, and tuna. Menu options offer a wide range of Pad Thai, teriyaki, tempura, sushi and sashimi rolls, sushi bar entrées, General Tso chicken, fried rice, fried udon, soups, salads, and beef selections.

WORKOUT FITNESS STORE sells top-quality home and commercial fitness equipment. They offer great service and advice to help you meet your fitness goals and turn your home into a great fitness experience. Try their equipment in store before you buy it. They have catered to all levels of abilities for more than 30 years and provide top-quality products that offer the latest technologies to improve and protect your body.

Photo courtesy Michael Leonard

Maine Diner and Remember the Maine Gift Shop

With eight million customers and counting, and raves from their Phantom Gourmet appearance, the MAINE DINER has been serving delicious food for nearly 40 years. In the summer of 2010, The Maine Diner hit another milestone as they were featured on the Food Network program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." In addition to breakfast served all day, the extensive menu selections include daily specials made fresh to order. Enjoy chowders and stews, salads, seafood and steaks, comfort foods, burgers, and sandwiches. Be sure to save room for fresh desserts, made on site by their own baker!

Be sure to visit the REMEMBER THE MAINE GIFT SHOP located next to the Maine Diner. In 1997, the gift shop opened its doors to offer customers an assortment of gifts from America's favorite diner. Since opening day, Remember the Maine has grown to include gifts not only from the Maine Diner, but Maine memorabilia, collectibles, postcards, gourmet food, and so much more— something for everyone.

Try Winter Under Canvas in One of Maine's

Cozy Yurts

If you spend the colder months wistfully glancing at your camping gear and dreaming of nights close to nature, you’ve been missing out on a winter adventure that encapsulates all the best elements of camping without the fear of frostbite. Explore a plethora of yurts available to rent all across Maine. Made from a circular-shaped wooden latticework, covered in canvas and typically featuring a woodstove and chimney, the traditional yurt originated from Central Asia, where nomadic groups from Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey created the structure – then

covered it in animal hides – as a hardy yet moveable dwelling to traverse the steppes. The modern iteration can be found tucked away in nature all over Maine, providing an elevated kind of camping experience thanks to its roomy interior and heating capabilities. Many rentals across the state also enjoy proximity to the ocean or a trail network, offering the opportunity for winter walks, snowshoeing, and crosscountry skiing before you settle into your digs for the night.

Even with a stove and a bed, you’re still just a sheet of canvas away from

nature. Many yurt rentals will require you to light and maintain your own woodstove. Therefore, it’s essential that at least one member of your party has a working familiarity with wood-burning stoves. Once the stove is burning efficiently, you should stay cozy inside the structure. Nonetheless, it’s smart to bring your headlamps, camping gear, potable water, and your warmest clothing – even if it’s just so you can step outside and marvel at the brilliance of the night sky in winter.

(continued on next page)

Story by SAISIE MOORE

Photo courtesy Maine Forest Yurts

Birdsong Yurt Woodstock

$250-$265 per night

Perched on a granite outcrop overlooking the winter forest, Birdsong Yurt is a four-season yurt that melds the appeal of the great outdoors with some seriously luxurious amenities. Located in Woodstock and surrounded by mountains, including the far-off lights from Mount Abrams ski slopes, Birdsong is a romantic getaway for any sporty couple in search of winter adventure. The interior is a study in modern-rustic chic, complete with sliding barn doors, sage green kitchen cabinets, and mid-century furniture. “Guests staying at Birdsong yurt in the winter can expect a quiet and cozy stay,” said owner Shari Kilton. “We have a full kitchen and bathroom – so there’s no running out in the cold to an outhouse!” With a pellet stove, a kingsized bed, a television, and WiFi access, Birdsong ensures there’s no sense of “roughing it” for a night. But, that’s not all. Step outside and take your pick whether to admire the panoramic views from the raised deck, fire pit, or – most decadently – the hot tub. After a long day on the slopes of Mount Abram or Sunday River, there’s no sweeter place to return.

Maine Forest Yurts Durham

$150 per night

A family of winter enthusiasts can find all the activities and accommodations they could imagine on the banks of Runaround Pond in Durham. Maine Forest Yurts operates a year-round campground with four large yurts and more than 100 acres of wilderness just waiting for exploration. Pack your cross-country skis and snowshoes and hit the trails or glide across the pond on skates. No matter how you spend your time, the comforts of either Fisher Ridge, Hemlock Ridge, Hideaway, or Zen Den yurts will welcome and warm you after a long day in the crisp winter air. Each yurt comes fully furnished with a kitchen, composting toilet, and woodstove amenities. The simple and spacious interior is laid with pine flooring and furnished with bunk beds, a futon, and a dining table. The setup is dog-friendly, so the entire family can vacation together.

Sugar Ridge Yurt Hidden Valley, Jefferson

From $96 per night

Tucked away on a ridge in the forested preserve on the banks of Little Dyer Pond, Sugar Ridge Yurt is one of a handful of rustic cabin and tent sites

managed by the Hidden Valley Nature Center. A thousand-acre parcel of contiguous forest, Hidden Valley is an important site of environmental education and recreation in Midcoast Maine, hosting student research, sustainable forestry, and avid trail runners. An overnight stay at Sugar Ridge offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of this landscape. The yurt is accessed by a half-mile walk or ski along groomed trails through woodland and along waterways. The yurt setup contains four bunk beds, making it the perfect affordable winter escape for a group of friends in search of a quiet night in nature. Just make sure you come prepared: the woodstove is the only heat source and amenities are limited to an outhouse. Those willing to tough it out will be rewarded with a night sky that is free from light pollution and a perfect winter morning waking up among evergreens and the snow.

Frost Mountain Yurts Brownfield

$125 to $140 per night

Frost Mountain owner Scott Moulton describes a stay in his six all-season yurts as “camping at its finest,” allowing you to enjoy the outdoor experience without “lugging in any of the equipment.” Located on 57 acres of wooded hills just south of Fryburg and a short drive from Mount Washington Valley, Frost Mountain has six pet-friendly yurts tucked away among the trees. Each includes three bunk beds and two pull-out couches, making them well-suited to larger groups. The yurts are well stocked with a woodstove, gas stove and grill, and kitchen utensils should you feel like rustling up a feast, although you’ll need to be comfortable without running water and electricity (gas lamps provided). Once you’re settled, you won’t need your car to access winter activities. Frost Mountain includes a private network of XC ski and snowshoe trails, as well as “great sledding in the field through the apple trees,” according to Moulton. “We’re also directly connected to the international snowmobile trail network that is open to skiers and trekkers for longer loops.” Only one mile down the road you’ll discover the trailhead for

The traditional yurt structure creates a cozy circular sanctuary. Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Peary Mountain and a panoramic view of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.

Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Southwest Harbor

From $181 to $221 per night

Experience Mount Desert Island from a different perspective. Acadia Yurts combines earthy accommoda-

tions with the luxury of a wellness center, featuring onsite massages, a yoga room, an infrared sauna, and even a floatation room! Opt for ultimate comfort with Acadia’s exclusive 30-foot yurt, resplendent with colorful furnishings and generous amenities, including both an enclosed and a lofted bedroom, full kitchen, and bathroom – and perhaps most luxurious, a dishwasher. Alternatively, there are four 24-foot

yurt rentals that certainly won’t make you feel like you’re slumming it. Each has room for four people, as well as a full bathroom and kitchenette. Located in the heart of Seal Cove, you’re just minutes from the coast and all of the vistas and natural glory that MDI has to offer.

Maine Winter Festivals

Carnaval Maine

Portland, Maine

Check website for 2023 dates

www.carnavalme.com

This fledgling festival aims to bring some spice to the depths of winter in Maine. Located on the Eastern Prom, Carnaval hosts outdoor live music, food trucks, and libations from Maine’s best breweries to warm your soul during winter.

Gardens Aglow, Coastal

Maine Botanical Gardens

Boothbay, Maine

November 19 – December 31, 2022

www.mainegardens.org

Bask in the brilliance of more than 750,000 LED lights strung and sculpted throughout the grounds of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Even while most of the plants are dormant, the

ambitious displays light up more than 14 acres of gardens – all ready for your exploration.

Christmas Prelude

Kennebunkport, Maine

December 1 – 11, 2022

www.christmasprelude.com

The holiday season starts in style at the long-standing Kennebunkport winter weekender. Experience Santa Claus arriving by lobster boat, wine tastings, and as much festival shopping as your credit card can handle.

Winterfest Weekend

Newry, Maine

December 17 – 18, 2022

www.sundayriver.com

Celebrate the start of snow season at Sunday River with a full weekend of slopeside activities, including the offi-

cial Sunday River birthday party, visits with Santa Claus, and a torchlight skiing parade. The festivities mark the launch of twilight skiing nights, when you can carve the slopes under a canopy of stars.

Winter Harbor Music

Festival New Year’s Celebration

Winter Harbor, Maine

December 31, 2022

www.winterharbormusicfestival.org

Soak in some culture and soaring operatics when you ring in the New Year at the Schoodic Arts for All center. The WHMF will host a performance of “Die Fledermaus (The Bat)” along with refreshments to mark the final moments of 2022.

Premium yurts include a full bath and kitchen, WiFi, and generous amenities. Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

AYW hosts yoga classes, sauna, and massage services to elevate the yurt experience. Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Birdsong Yurt boasts an expansive view across Maine's lakes region toward the slopes of Mount Abram's ski area.

Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

SAISIE MOORE is a freelance writer and editor living in Portland, Maine.

XC Skiing From Tractors to Tracks: at Maine Farms

For many folks, being outdoors is more of a lifestyle than simply a hobby. There is something sacred about embracing the elements, despite the season. Fortunately, in Maine, there’s always something to do outside. As the summer dew starts to solidify to fall frosts, people need to start thinking about the best ways to keep warm during winter. Staying active is one of the best ways to do that, especially via cross-country (XC) skiing, which is an excellent cardiovascular exercise.

Also referred to as “Nordic skiing,” cross-country skiing offers Mainers and visitors an opportunity for a more casual experience than downhill skiing, depending on where they live in the state. Downhill skiing, or “Alpine skiing,” can entail long drives and lodging expenses, making it more of an excursion than an afternoon activity. And not everyone lives next to a ski mountain; however, the chances are higher that a XC trail system is much closer. As agriculture yields to a wintery wonderland, several Maine farms welcome people

on their properties to enjoy the fields, trails, and even a warm beverage or a meal.

Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, well known for its quality milk, offers XC skiers of all levels 25 kilometers of trails. According to their website, the system consists of “steep drops at ‘Holstein Hill,’ gently rolling fields, and old winding logging roads.”

Opened in 1720, Smiling Hill farm began welcoming XC skiers in the 1990s, and when conditions are favorable, the skiing is lovely. After a snowfall of four inches or more, the farm grooms its trails into two tracks to allow for optimal classical XC skiing, when one's skis move back and forth driving forward from the hips. There is also “skate skiing” when the skiers move their feet as if ice-skating or rollerblading, utilizing the ungroomed portion of the trail. They offer equipment rentals and have partnered with Winter Kids to allow parents to use the app to get discounts for their kiddos. Their Ice Cream Barn is open year-round from

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and their lunch café is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving up sandwiches and hot chocolate. Just what you need to top off a good day of skiing.

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester offers an extensive trail system with equipment rentals and private ski lessons for varying levels. Their superb café and market serve as a great place to warm up, dry off, eat, and then stock up on fresh meat, cheese, and produce.

Maine Outdoor Wellness Center in Turner is a non-profit organization partnered with Nezinscot Farm that offers XC skiing on an extensive trail network across 300 acres. They offer a few basic rental options and operate on a donation basis, but check the website for more details. The non-profit honors Roy Varney, the family’s son, who died in a farming accident in 2019. Varney was a two-time state champion in XC skiing at Leavitt High School.

At one time XC skiing was much more prolific than today, partly due to warmer temperatures. Preston Noon, Operations Manager from the New

Story by J.G. BREERWOOD

England Nordic Skiing Association, (NENSA) said, “XC Skiing is difficult for farmers to sustain over multiple years of light snow. Even Pineland, with some of the best trails around, still has trouble with snow. Portland Nordic, a volunteer skiing organization, is working on getting snowmaking at their location at Riverside.” According to Noon, there once were more than 200 Nordic ski centers in New England. Today, it’s

almost 10 percent of that.

Smiling Hill Farm also has had a similar experience. “As a kid, I remember having boatloads of snow!” said Hilary Knight, Smiling Hill’s Barnyard Manager. “Now, we get rain. We had many recent winters where we didn’t open for more than a few days at a time. Mother Nature is not always on our side, unfortunately.”

These challenges make it all the

more important to get out and hit the trails after a heavy snowfall. XC skiing is such a great way to keep yourself active and witness the pristine beauty of winter.

J.G. BREERWOOD teaches English and Creative Writing at Lewiston High School and published his first novel, Sinking Dixie, in 2020. He welcomed his daughter Elsie to the family in June.

Groomed trails at Smiling Hill Farm make for great classical XC skiing.

Photo courtesy Smiling Hill Farm.

A snowshoer enjoying the trails. Photo courtesy Smiling Hill Farm.

Detroit-style Pizza and a New Kitchen Mark a Turning Point for Foundation Brewing Co.

At the height of the pandemic when most bars and restaurants were struggling with reduced capacity— some even shutting down— the co-founders of Foundation Brewing Co. in Portland were going in the opposite direction—making plans to open a new kitchen on the brewery’s premises.

“I’ve always baked as a hobby and was stress baking at the time,” said co-founder John Bonney. “My wife, Tina and I grew up in Detroit, and I started making Detroitstyle pizza, which is square.

My kids love it and we began thinking of an original menu around it.”

After almost nine years in the brewing industry, Foundation’s co-owners— two couples, John and Tina Bonney and Joel and Christie Mahaffey—envisioned adding a kitchen to their brewery at One Industrial Way. “We are always looking to create way for people to have more fun, hang out, and enjoy themselves,” said Bonney.

As it turns out, the pandemic changed how

people visited breweries during 2020-2022 with patrons looking to settle down in one place, have more of a casual experience, and take their time. Foundation has a big outdoor space where people could socially distance, yet congregate with their own “pod” of friends. Bonney said for a long time, the brewery has had good relationships with food trucks, but that the logistics were sometimes difficult to manage. During the last two years, Foundation’s owners solidified plans to put a kitchen in place—hoping, with a crystal ball, that the pandemic would wind down enough to open it. The timing turned out to be perfect. The kitchen has been now been open since

the last week of August and it’s a business model that works, given how the industrial park is set up, with people wandering in after brewery-hopping.

Back to their unique pizza. Neopolitan woodfired pizza is fairly popular already in Maine but Detroitstyle is cooked in a pan. One hallmark is that the cheese— mozzarella brick cheese and cheddar—melts down all the sides of pizza, so you have a crunchy, crispy, cheesy outer crust. The sauce is a little bolder and added after cooking the pizza, which brings out a brighter flavor.

“Christie and Joel are vegetarian, so we wanted to honor that ethos building from original Detroit-style as

FOUNDATION BREWING COMPANY, located in the renowned Industrial Way neighborhood of Portland, Maine, focuses on exploring the full breadth of the brewing styles, something they call Full-Spectrum Brewing. From big hopforward IPAs and jammy fruit beers to traditional lagers and barrel-aged beers, their goal is to provide a varied and layered craft beer experience. Looking to bring more food choices to the industrial neighborhood, Foundation opened a kitchen that specializes in square Detroit-style pizza at the brewery in 2022. With a large outdoor patio and a cozy on-site tasting room, Foundation is a welcoming oasis on Industrial Way, the birthplace of generations of great Maine craft beers.

the hallmark of our menu,” said Bonney. “Eventually, we added a Greek pizza, a Bahn Mi, and the popular Buffalo chicken.”

Bonney said that their IPAs pair very well with the flavors of Chorizo pizza and the light, clean fruitness of the Kolsch pairs nicely with the spiciness of the pepperoni pizza.

“We’ve been getting great feedback on it,” he said.

The Kitchen is open Thursday-Saturday (12 to 8 p.m.) and Sunday/Monday (12 to 6 p.m.). The kitchen stops taking orders 45 minutes before closing time. Last call is 15 minutes before close. The Tasting Room is additionally open on Wednesdays from 12 to 6 p.m. (without pizza). For more information visit: www.foundationbrew.com

THE GREAT LOST BEAR has become a Portland institution since opening in 1979. The Bear is located about two miles from Portland’s touristy Old Port but well worth the journey across town to the mysterious Woodfords Corner. The Great Lost Bear features an enormous, eclectic family-friendly menu with something for everyone, all served in an entertaining atmosphere. They have added more taps as new breweries open throughout the Northeast. Now, with the craft beer revolution in full throttle, GLB offers an amazing selection of hard-to-find beers with most of them brewed in Maine. Come taste some of the freshest local beer around at the GLB!

As MASON’S BREWING COMPANY closes out their sixth full year, they are extremely grateful for the support of the local craft beer community and humbled by how far their brewery operations have come. Through Mason's extensive distribution, their brand has expanded into five other New England states (NH, RI, MA, NY, NJ) and they have sent beer across the pond to Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Scotland, England, and the Netherlands.

Mason’s has recently announced they are breaking ground on their new location on the Androscoggin River in Auburn and plan to open late fall, 2023. To friends, family and the craft beer community, Mason’s Brewing Company says “THANK YOU!”

I 'm home!

Story & Photo by J.G. BREERWOOD

My first home brewing attempt was a disaster. Long story short, I created beer bombs that exploded all over the house, due to my ignorance of priming sugar amounts, correct bottling vessels, and proper sanitation. I’m surprised that the experience didn’t curtail my emerging passion once and for all, but my curiosity was kindled.

The Joy of Home Brewing Mead

Mead, or “honey wine,” is what I enjoy homebrewing most these days. It predates agriculture before we had vineyards or fields of grain. Typically associated with Vikings and Saxons, the earliest account of mead dates back to 7000 BC in China. Once cultivation became the norm, picking grapes or plucking wheat from the field was preferable to scavenging the forests for beehives, not to mention the bee welts one would get in the process. Interest-

ingly, being the oldest beverage in the world, mead is still rather nebulous among consumers. Even people who don’t drink alcohol at least know what wine and beer are.

Many people have said that mead is difficult to brew, given its tendency to stall fermentation. I have not had a batch stall on me yet because I use a yeast nutrient to help keep things going. Honey, as delicious as it is, lacks the nutrients that liquified grain has, so the yeast eventually crashes if you don’t pitch extra nutrients. You’ll need a lot of honey, so make friends with your local honey producer. You’ll need two to three pounds of honey per gallon desired, so making five gallons of mead will require a whopping fifteen pounds of honey!

After you mix the honey and water, bring to a boil for five to 10 minutes to kill any organic material. While brewing beer, the liquified grains, or wort, is boiled for an hour. But, with mead, the wort is already processed,

Making Mead on the Moons in Maine!

At Run Amok Mead, we start with honey, add other delicious and delightful ingredients, and turn it all into an amazing taste experience.

thanks to the busy bees. You can store mead in large bottles with swing tops or Grolsch-style bottles, that can be reopened several times, which frees you from the cumbersome cases of 12-ounce beer bottles that you need for beer. It is common to use champagne or wine yeast, especially if you want a dry mead. I’ve used them for years; however, recently, I used lager yeast, slowly brewing it in the basement at 57 degrees. Deliciously sweet and crisp!

I find that I have more freedom with making mead than beer. I can just put some random ingredients together and create something delicious. When home brewing beer, I’m usually limited to a target style. For example, I would be disappointed if my attempted American IPA tasted more like a British bitter. With mead, I have a general vision of what it will taste like, but I’m never discouraged if it isn’t exactly what I planned.

One advantage to home brewing is that you are in charge. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want it to be. You can have a miniature brewery

At RUN AMOK MEAD, we start with honey, add other delicious and delightful ingredients, and turn it all into an amazing taste experience. With no two alike, each batch is handcrafted, then fermented and aged in stainless steel, making for a clean, clear fermentation, along with brilliant clarity and color.

Complex flavor profiles from the honey combine with the richness of fruits, or the stand-alone statements of herbs and spices, to produce a drink unlike any other. Every honey is unique and every mead showcases its ingredients in its own fashion. Probably the oldest fermented beverage known to man, mead is one of the most diverse libations available.

You’ll find us on the Internet and social media as @runamokmead, and we’d like to invite you to come by and Run Amok with us in West Gardiner, Maine! Because you know… what could possibly go wrong!?

Mead brewed with cherries and lager yeast. Sweet and smooth.

or a meadery in your garage with all the bells and whistles. Or, you can have a five-gallon bucket and reuse a few water jugs.

As a former professional brewer whose duty was to meticulously monitor all the details, I like to keep it simple with brewing mead. Sometimes less is more. And, the less technical I make it, the mystery feeds the curios-

ity that keeps it exciting. I make sure everything is sanitized and then let the yeast take it from there. Sometimes, I’ll admit, I won’t even know the alcohol percentage. Less science, more magic.

Every homebrewer has a unique story of how he or she got started; however, we all possess a common curiosity that we cannot ignore. The more we explore that curiosity, the more con-

nected I feel to the craft and even to my Anglo-Saxon ancestors. And, that has been addictive, regardless of the ABV.

J.G. BREERWOOD teaches English and Creative Writing at Lewiston High School and published his first novel, Sinking Dixie, in 2020. He welcomed his daughter Elsie to the family in June.

Roop Recommends

A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FOUNDER OF ROOPERS BEVERAGE

By the Roopers' Staff

Love Freely, Give Often, and Always Pay it Forward

Here's to Stephen R. Roop, a man of honor, courage, generosity, and grace. One who is loved greatly, who loved for free, and will live on in all our hearts forever and always...

He was a man who built an empire with little to nothing, yet he possessed something much greater than material wealth. We're not talking about passion, compassion, or soul, although that was a big part of who he was. We're talking about something bigger than that, even bigger than life. The spark in his eyes that no one could put into words,yet everybody saw. The vivacity for life and love for people that ran deeper and longer than any river ever could. Steve Roop, man of the hour, fearless leader, community giver, builder of dreams, was dedicated, not only to the building of his vision with the construction of Roopers Beverage and Redemption in 1992, but also a builder of people, all people whom he crossed paths with. He was the father of good deeds and caretaker to his staff and loved ones, which was far more than could ever be counted by anyone other

than himself because he never forgot a single soul. Never.

Steve Roop was so generous to the community and local nonprofit organizations as well as to his employees and all people in need. Money was never a priority for him, only a tool to help others.

Jesse St. Laurent, President of Roopers, is now following in the footsteps of his father-in-laws’s loving nature, by caring for his staff and the local community with consistency and passion. He writes:

"Steve Roop was so giving on levels, not caring about himself, but also trying to make everyone around him feel better. I believe Steve had an inner civic duty to give to those without, whether it was financially, or just a kind word of wisdom.

Giving back helps others, which in turn, helps you: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I believe Steve knew that giving was life's greatest lesson. You can pay it forward to people around you: children, grandchildren, and employees and all of us need to watch and listen. We

take ourselves too seriously and need to become beginners. Watch, listen, learn, and help when our community needs us.”

Stephanie Roop St. Laurent, Steve’s adored daughter, has now joined her husband in the beverage industry and taken over ownership of the Roopers business. She reflects on her father’s legacy and writes:

"My dad was so much more than Roopers...Roopers gave him the venue to do so much good but the truth is that's just who he always was. Keeping his legacy alive will be a daily challenge Jesse and I take on to show our children and community how much love, integrity and true kindness was wrapped up in Pappi. His goal was to make someone smile and love everyone for free...always!”

Roop recommends that we all be a little kinder, laugh a little more and make someone's day better. Help keep his legacy alive by passing it along to someone in need. All gestures, big and small, make this world a better place. God knows that’s what Steve did.

Brewery Insurance Program from Acadia Insurance

As a microbrewer, your products are unique — a reflection of you and your tastes. At ACADIA INSURANCE, we offer targeted insurance programs combined with local claims and loss control services that set us apart from the competition. Our Brewery Program is formulated for all of your major property and casualty exposures, with specialized coverage designed to help you protect your livelihood in the event of an unexpected loss, including:

• Key Employee Replacement Expense

• Tank Leakage or Collapse

• Equipment Breakdown

• Processing Water Loss Extra Expense

• Food and Beverage Contamination

Why Choose Acadia Insurance? As one of the largest writers of breweries in Maine and New England with more than 90 brewery customers, we have focused expertise in your industry and in providing customers with the insurance products, expertise and service to help customers manage their exposures. For more information about Acadia’s program, or for a quote, contact your local independent insurance agent or visit ACADIAINSURANCE.COM

Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to applicable underwriting guidelines and the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued.

BAKER NEWMAN NOYES (BNN) is committed to the continued growth of the craft brewing industry. BNN’s experienced professionals provide proactive and customized tax, assurance, and business advisory services to breweries and distilleries of all sizes across New England. We help navigate complex financial reporting requirements so you can stay focused on perfecting your craft. Learn more about the firm at www.bnncpa.com.

MAINE BREW & BEV GUIDE

TASTING ROOM DIRECTORY

Note: Information is accurate at time of printing. Before heading out please check ahead to confirm.

It’s the most wonderful time...for our beers!

Maine winter. These two words bring to mind different things to different people, but to us at Sebago Brewing they mean: winter beers! Our most popular classically seasonal beer is definitely Slick Nick Wicked Winter Ale. It became an instant favorite as soon as we started brewing it in 1998. Slick Nick’s rich, malty, and full-bodied flavors are accentuated by sweet and toasty aromas – a go-to winter beer that stands out from the holiday spiced-ale crowd.

Originally brewed for our 20th anniversary, Bog So Hard is a celebrated seasonal highlight of our barrel program. This Saison is fermented with the juice of hundreds of pounds Maine-grown cranberries and then aged in pinot noir and gin barrels for more than six months. With the aroma of oak and tart cranberry notes, Bog So Hard is perfect for holiday tables...and firepits and friends’ living rooms.

Our critically acclaimed Barleywine is the pinnacle of our barrel program. This highly anticipated beer is aged for a whole year in bourbon barrels and has a bold flavor, rich character, and an incredible aroma. Did you know that Barleywine continues to mature in the can? Safely stored in a beer cellar, your 2022 Barleywine might even taste better in 2023! Not that we have ever waited that long...

All three beers are available on draft, in growlers, or in cans at all four Sebago Brewing locations while supplies last. (Slick Nick in 16-ounce cans, Bog So Hard in 12-ounce cans, and Barleywine 2022 in single 12-ounce cans.)

To find out more about these and Sebago Brewing’s small-batch beers, visit sebagobrewing.com.

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS.

OUR SELECTION IS OUTTA THIS WORLD!

rich merlots, this store provides them! From a smooth vodka to a warm whiskey, browse them at the U.F.O.! This remarkable store not only offers discount beverages but also great prices on cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products. Labeled the “Wine Capital of Maine,”

expanded in 2015 to add the Craft Beer Runway, which leads to the Lost Moose Campground tasting center where wine and beer tastings are held. The U.F.O. also supplies a selection of cold wine and beer for the customer’s convenience. Visit us at 639 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) in Naples.

U.F.O. Hours Sunday–Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Check out our website at www.umbrellafactoryofmaine.com and like us on Facebook!

The Umbrella Factory Outlet (U.F.O.) is located in the Shop 'n Save shopping center on the corner of Routes 302 and 35 in Naples, Maine. The U.F.O. offers more than 2,500 square feet of liquor, wine and craft beer choices. It is an agency liquor store, offering more than 1,800 liquor, 1,900 wine, 800 craft beer, 180 nips/pints and 150 cider selections! From hard apple cider to seasonal brews, you’ll find them here! From fruity rieslings to

the store

Peace of Mind Preserving Your During Winter Hikes

With Daylight saving time and another harsh Maine winter soon upon us, maintaining your mental and physical well-being will be crucial. Though we are lucky enough to live in a state that provides an array of outdoor opportunities, it can be all too tempting to hibernate indoors when the days become shorter and temperatures start to dip below freezing. And while there are plenty of mindfulness activities that people can practice while cozying up inside, implementing these practices outdoors can boost your mentality, energy, and overall health and happiness. Fortunately, during the cold months, Maine transforms into a frozen playground that is home to a variety of nature preserves, offering accessible, snowy trails to keep you moving and mindful through the winter.

Mill Brook Preserve Westbrook, ME

Located in Southern Maine, this five-mile trail system features a brook that is well known for its annual migration of alewife fish. The trails run through a variety of landscapes, including both wooded areas and open fields. Since this preserve has a healthy dose of hills, don’t forget to pack your snowshoes or spikes, especially if there is dense snow or ice.

MINDFULNESS TIP: Attentive Breathing

Due to a few steep inclines, this hike may entail some more intense breathing, which is a perfect focal point for maintaining presence while you’re outside. Pay attention to the way your breathing changes as you tackle an

incline and notice the way it regulates as you continue on with your journey. When breathing, try counting your in breath and out breath so that they are consistent. Inhale on a count of five while filling your belly and exhale on a count of five by pulling your belly button to your spine. Additionally, try to keep your posture steady and tall with your shoulders back on each breath.

Big Falls Preserve New Gloucester, ME

Maintained by the Royal River Conservation Trust, this 40-acre preserve is located in New Gloucester, near the Auburn city line. This preserve is home to a unique ecology that features an array of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and deer. During winter months, trail goers might encounter otter slides

Story by NOELLE AUGER

Snowshoeing Warren Woods in Scarborough.

Photo courtesy Scarborough Land Trust

along the frozen streams. In addition to wildlife, this preserve has a variety of historic features that you can stop and observe along your hike, including a hand-built chapel, a 19th-century stone bridge, and an abandoned 1947 Plymouth.

MINDFULNESS TIP: Express

Gratitude

Stopping to observe historical features provides a space to pause and express gratitude to yourself and your surroundings. Think about the amount of time that has passed since these features were built and appreciate the fact that you are here to see it today. As you come upon these features, ruminate on the things in your life that you are grateful for, and make a short list in your head, or write it down. Let each stopping point present itself as an opportunity to express the many moments, people, and things in your life that bring you joy.

Warren Woods Preserve Scarborough, ME

Located off of Payne Road in Scar-

borough, this trail system is accessible and perfect for a low-key winter trek. According to the Scarborough Land Trust, this 258.5-acre property is home to a variety of natural features, including open fields, mature woods, streams, and wetlands, and a rare pitch pine bog. The 1.4-mile trail system can be done in a loop and will take you through open fields as well as wooded areas.

MINDFULNESS TIP:

Check In With Your Senses

Find a few stopping points along the trail and pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. It might even be helpful to bring a small notebook so you can write out your experiences. Diving into your senses enables you to be present in your environment and provides you with opportunities to clear your mind of its usual chatter.

Witherle Woods Preserve Castine, ME

This two-mile hike is located on a 185-acre forested preserve and the trails are regularly groomed by local volunteers. This is yet another trail sys-

tem that features archeological structures which were left behind by troops from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. If you take the Indian Trail, you’ll be greeted with scenic water views of the Penobscot Bay.

MINDFULNESS TIP:

Stop and Notice

This preserve features stopping points that outlook the Penobscot Bay and Camden Hills. Take a moment at these scenic spots, and think about a goal or a desire, and a simple pathway to achieve these goals. You may even want to think about what you want out of the hike- are you looking to stay more present? Are you hoping to reconnect with yourself? Be intentional about your pausing moments, and make sure your thoughts are productive and positive.

For more information on access to preserves during winter, visit your local land trust’s websites before heading to the trails.

Northern fish viewing pool in winter. Photo courtesy Presumpscot Regional Land Trust

Big Falls frozen/icy waterfalls. Photos courtesy George Estabrook

NOELLE AUGER is freelance writer and educator living in Southern Maine.

Welcome to BETHEL

The centerpeice of winter sports is Sunday River, with eight mountain peaks connected by 135+ trails and glades that are accessed by 15 lifts. It’s a family-friendly place, where kids love the slope-side entertainment and snow tubing at South Ridge and teens appreciate the six terrain parks. Crosscountry skiers find trails and equipment right in town at

Bethel Nordic Ski Center, at the start of 30km of classic and skate tracks, through forests and across fields with views of the Mahoosuc Mountains. Miles of snowshoe trails and a skating rink make this a one-stop winter recreation center. Plenty of scenic trails are available, too, for those who prefer to explore the woods and fields on a snowmobile.

events | Bethel

Be sure to check activitymaine.com for the most up-to-date information.

DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17: Country Christmas in Bethel – Experience the Christmas Season in the postcard-perfect village of Bethel. Shop locally, meet Santa, enjoy the lights, take in a performance, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Bethel village – all FREE! Meet on the corner of Church Street and Main Street, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. bethelmaine.com/country-christmas, 207-824-2282

JANUARY 1: 37th Carter’s Last Stand Carter’s XC Ski Center – Ring in the New Year with a Nordic ski or snowshoe! Log your kilometers with Strava and post to social media with our specific tags to be entered to win a prize. Also log the most KM on our trails that day and win a prize! Prizes will be given to top 3 finishers! cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880

JANUARY 2: Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation – Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation offers adaptive ski, snowboard and snowshoe lessons and volunteer opportunities at Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain, Mt Abram, Black Mountain of Maine, Sugarloaf, and Saddleback on a number of days throughout the winter season starting on January 2, 2023. For more information contacts at info@maineadaptive.org or 207-824-2440.

FEBRUARY 3-5: Pride Weekend Sunday River . Our LGBTQ weekend features stellar skiing and riding, special events, including a themed party, fireworks, and après-ski socials. In association with The OutRyders, New England's largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

MARCH 31 – APRIL 2: Spring Fest at Sunday River . Spring Festival is a celebration of the return of spring, complete with a huge toutdoorl party, concerts, and great spring skiing and riding. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

For rooms, dining and an après-ski scene in one place, The Sudbury Inn (thesudburyinn.com), is a family-friendly inn with a French bistro and lively Suds Pub, featuring more than 29 beers on tap. The free Mountain Explorer (mountainexplorer. org) shuttle takes skiers right to Sunday River and home again, so you can leave your car right at the inn.

No winter getaway is complete without some quality après-ski time. Check out Rooster’s Roadhouse, a chef-owned casual restaurant and pub, located just one

mile outside the village of Bethel. Their pub fare includes Rooster’s char-grilled halfpound burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, buffalo wings, nachos, wraps and specialty pizzas. The upstairs pub sports a full bar, local beer on tap, an excellent wine list, multiple TV’s, and Free WiFi.

As you can see, there’s plenty of winter fun in Bethel; stop by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce (bethelmaine.com) at Station Place in the center of town to learn more or call (207) 8242282.

Mt. Abram is geared up for the season with new expansions, operational upgrades and more winter recreational opportunities for adventure seeking guests this Winter! Snowmaking has begun and with cooperating weather, opening day is targeted for December 17, and will open for Christmas week. Mt. Abram lifts run weekly from Thursday through Sunday.

$35 LIFT TICKETS INCLUDING WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS!

made possible by the L.L.Bean’s Winter Across Maine partnership

• $99 Carload Fridays (seat belts required)

• $19.60 Maine Day every Thursday (excluding holidays)

• $5 Uphill Tickets made possible by the L.L.Bean's Winter Across Maine Partnership

EXPANDED COMMUNITY PASS PROGRAM

All residents of SAD #44, including private and home-schooled students, are eligible for free season passes. Deadline is January 31, 2023; FMI mtabram.com. This offer is provided by an initiative started by Mt. Abram and supported by the Friends of Mt. Abram and Mt. Abram Ski Club.

ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2022-23

• Upgraded snowmaking system: New pipes and equipment will make an immense improvement in snowmaking quality and efficiency.

• Additional community terrain park: Outfitted with a rails, jibs, and jumps.

• Mini-T-Bar is Back: With substantial upgrades to system.

• Uphill Expansion: Ski touring and split-boarding are a rapidly growing sector in the winter outdoor recreation industry and Mt. Abram is committed to embracing trends that will grow and evolve with the uphill community. (See Inclusive Ski Touring below).

OFF-MOUNTAIN AMENITIES & UPGRADES

• Expanding Parking: Provides extra room for customers to have their own space on arrival and departure.

• Live Music Every Thursday & Saturday at the Loose Boots Lounge

Inclusive Ski Touring offers group programs every weekend January - March. This season they will be offering a weekly Women’s Program and Sunday Program as well as a bi-weekly Intro to Backcountry Program rotating with a DEI focused program to provide opportunities to underrepresented individuals. Find out more information on their programs at www.inclusiveskitouring.com.

Photo courtesy Mt. Abram

Photo by Andy Gagne Photography

Photo by Andy Gagne

Carter's X-C Ski Center, Inland Woods + Trails

Bethel Village Trail System & STEAM MILL BREWING

Story & Photos By CAREY KISH

Situated along the placid Androscoggin River and surrounded by rugged peaks, Bethel is often referred to as “Maine’s most beautiful mountain village”—and it’s easy to understand why. Outdoor enthusiasts certainly know Bethel as a year-round hub for recreation: hiking, paddling, and mountain biking in the summer to downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Bethel sports two cross-country ski centers with miles of wonderfully groomed and tracked trails for classic and skate skiing and plenty of outstanding scenery to match.

WHEN-YOU-GO RESOURCES

X-C SKI: Carter’s X-C Ski Center www.cartersxcski.com

Inland Woods + Trails www.woodsandtrails.org

BREW:

Steam Mill Brewing www.steammillbrew.com

Carter’s XC Ski Center is home to 55 kilometers of cross-country ski trails on 200 acres sandwiched between Farwell Mountain and the Androscoggin River. Family-owned and operated since 1991, Carter’s features lovely skiing over the open fields and through the tall white pines of the intervale or on the slopes of the hardwood hillside. The trails are open for snowshoeing and fat biking, too.

At the historic Bethel Inn Resort in the center of town, Inland Woods + Trails’ Bethel Village Trail System features 24 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and another nine kilometers dedicated to fat biking and snowshoeing. The pretty trails wind through

open grounds of the Bethel Country Club and along the wooded valley of Mill Brook. Kick and glide to the top of Grover’s Grind for nice mountain views. And when you’ve enjoyed your share of fun and exercise on the snowy tracks, there are refreshing craft beer and delish eats at a wildly popular brewery close by for après-ski.

Steam Mill Brewing takes its name from the location of an old steam mill in the mid-1900s and the neighborhood where friends Scott Fraser and Brent Angevine began homebrewing after college. Years later in 2018, when the pair of locals opened their brewery and taproom in downtown Bethel, it was the realization of a long-held dream.

Using locally sourced ingredients, Steam Mill produces a great lineup of brews with names inspired by local landmarks, such as the C-Surplus IPA, Alder River Red, and Intervale Ale. Last year, having outgrown its original space, the brewery moved to a larger venue on the road into Sunday River Ski Resort. The warm and spacious new brewpub has a large bar, beer garden, elevated pub fare, and, of course, the same great beer.

The Bethel Village Trail System at the Bethel Inn Resort, Inland Woods + Trails maintains 24 km of trails for X-C skiing and another nine km devoted to snowshoeing and fat biking.

After three years in Bethel village, Steam Mill Brewing moved to a new, larger location on the way into Sunday River Ski Resort.

CAREY KISH of Mount Desert Island is an avid X-C skier and beer drinker and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England (available February 2023)

“When you’ve enjoyed your share of fun and exercise on the snowy tracks, there are refreshing craft beer and delish eats at a wildly popular brewery close by for après-ski.”

GET OUT AND CLIMB THIS WINTER!

“The learning curve for ice climbing is easier than rock climbing because you can put your crampons and ice axes almost anywhere,” said Tierney, who has been guiding and teaching ice climbing since the 1980s. He has even taken clients to western China to tackle first ascents of difficult ice climbs and mountain peaks. Tierney is one of 80 fully-certified international mountain guides working in the US (IFMGA) and the only one residing in Maine.

If you are interested in learning to ice climb, instruction is essential. Hiring a professional guide is the surest and fastest way of learning to ice climb safely. Tierney's school, Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School, offers daily instruction in Acadia National Park, Camden Hills, and the Sugarloaf and Sunday River regions as well as over the border in the White Mountains. The school is fully accredited by the AMGA to provide rock, ice, mountaineering or backcountry skiing instruction or guiding. Start swinging those ice tools today!

ICE-CLIMBING COURSES WINTER 2022-2023

KATAHDIN TWO-DAY WINTER ASCENTS $400

– January 14–15 & 28–29

– February 11-12 & 25–26

– March 11–12

– or by Private Arrangement

MT. WASHINGTON ASCENT $280

Mt. Washington, New Hampshire

Call for availability (207) 866-7562

Half- or Full-Day of Ice Climbing in Grafton Notch State Park, White Mountain National Forest, and other areas throughout Maine.

Call for availability (207) 866-7562

Mountain guide Jon Tierney believes that anyone who likes being outside in winter and has a reasonable degree of fitness can be successful climbing ice.

From Top to bottom, photos by: Bill Wood, Seth Fischer, Andrew Krause, Chris Bartram.

RANGELEY & the

HIGH PEAKS

WINTERPALOOZAH! 2023

Join us for a fun-filled day of winter activities and competitions for the whole family! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more info. FMI: fb.com/rangeleywinterpaloozah

Nestled at the base of Saddleback Mountain in Maine’s western mountains, the RANGELEY LAKES TRAILS CENTER has something for everyone. In the winter months, with more than 200 inches of annual snowfall, skiers, snowshoers, and fat tire bikers savor our meticulously groomed trails. We are building a worldclass, multi-use trail system, check out our web page and find out how you can help. See you on the trails! www rangeleylakestrailscenter org

THE RANGELEY INN is located in the center of Rangeley, just a short drive to Saddleback Mountain for alpine skiing or to the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. The hotel has direct access to snowmobile trails and parking for trailers.

Renovated accommodations are available in the historic inn or at the Haley Pond Lodge on the waterfront. All rooms feature a private bathroom, satellite TV, WiFi, and a coffee maker. Choose from rooms with one king bed or two queen beds, or suites with one or two bedrooms. Some rooms offer a minifridge and microwave.

Sit down to a relaxed breakfast in the elegant historic dining room or warm up by the fire in the rustic tavern. Take a stroll down Main Street to a number of local shops, galleries, and eateries. If you’re packing for an excursion, Rangeley’s shops feature a variety of items to suit your needs.

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and with 10 of Maine’s highest peaks within reach, this world class four-season town comes alive with winter events!

Photo courtesy Cheryl Barker

Thanks to its perfect location at the gateway to the best alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing in Maine, it’s not surprising the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) boasts several successful intercollegiate Snow Sports programs: Alpine Skiing (Giant Slalom and Slalom), Freeskiing (Rail, Slopestyle, Skiercross), Nordic Skiing, and Snowboarding (Rail, Slopestyle, Snowboardcross). During the summer and fall months, UMF Snow Sports team members were putting in their dry-land training and are now out on the snow across the Northeast doing what they love.

Over the past several years, the University of Maine at Farmington varsity Snowsports programs have quietly become a national powerhouse. The teams are based at both Sugarloaf and at Farmington’s Titcomb Mountain.

For his efforts, Andrew Willihan, UMF Director of Snowsports and head men's and women's Alpine coach, was named the 2022 U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) National Coach of the Year. He also received the Eastern Region Coach of the Year award in 2018.

DOMINATING THE SLOPES

Willihan, a 2006 UMF graduate, completed his sixth season at the helm of the men's and women's Alpine teams. He oversees all UMF ski and snowsports programs: Men's and Women's Alpine, Nordic, and Snowboard / Freeski.

His efforts in recent years to improve the caliber of UMF's training and competition opportunities at Sugarloaf has positioned UMF’s teams for great achievements – now and into the future.

Last season, Farmington sent four competitors to the USCSA National Championships at Lake Placid, New York. Ryan Brueninghaus, Samuel Scheff and Carson Theriault, combined to finish sixth in the men's Freeski team combined -- UMF’s best showing in men's Freeski at the USCSA national championships. And Women's Nordic skier Mullein Francis finished 27th among individual competitors at the Nationals.

On the Alpine slopes, four UMF skiers Simon Spear, Abbey Landry, Zach Berliner and Jacob Roy took AllReynolds Division honors, with Berliner finishing seventh in the Giant Slalom at

the USCSA Eastern Championships at Sugarloaf.

With 1,600 students, UMF is a small college, but it has long been a powerhouse in the collegiate ski and snowboard scene, providing its student-athletes the opportunity to compete on a local, regional, and national level. For ski and snowboard minded students who want to compete at a collegiate level, the University of Maine at Farmington provides a nationally recognized college education at a competitive price, while training and racing at the best resorts in the Northeast.

MAINE'S FAVORITE MOUNTAIN

SADDLEBACK STATS: IT ALL ADDS UP TO A SKIER & RIDER PARADISE

• 2,000 Feet of Vertical

• 4,120 Feet Top Elevation

• 600+ Skiable Acres

• 88 Acres of Glades

• 68 Runs

• Longest Run 3.1 Miles

• Lifts: 4 Quads, 1 T-bar Surface Lift, 1 Moving Carpet

• Snow making covers 85% of trails

As the largest independently owned mountain in the East, Saddleback has grown its reputation for exceptional snow, some of the best terrain, and friendly, laid-back culture.

Since re-opening in 2020, Saddleback has invested more than $30 million dollars in mountain improvements, including new lifts and groomers, snowmaking infrastructure, a renovated base lodge, and a new Mid Mountain Lodge.

THE YOUNGEST LIFT FLEET IN THE EAST SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS

Upon re-opening in 2020, Saddleback unveiled a new highspeed Doppelmayr Rangeley Express Quad that whisks skiers and riders up the mountain in just under five minutes at full speed. In preparation for this season, work is underway on the construction and installation of a new quad that will serve the Wheeler Slope. Saddleback has also added a new Doppelmayr T-bar surface lift, moving carpet, and a rope tow. Saddleback is expanding the ski area's snowmaking fleet to make more snow in a shorter window of time with the latest industry leading snow making equipment that now covers more than 85% of trails.

APRÈS & EVENTS

January 8: The Vertical Challenge – a series of free casual ski and snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the Northeast. Skiers and snowboarders are divided by gender and age to compete for medals in each category. Attendees enjoy a festival element, featuring snowy activities for all ages.

February 24: February Festival – a fun-filled day with family-friendly events, including music, a bonfire, fireworks, and the stunning Torch Light Parade.

April 7–9: Spring Bash – the annual blast from the past is back!

With more than 40 acres of gentle beginner terrain, our instructors will have you smiling at every turn as you glide down greens like Smelt Streamer, ride the new Mollychunkamunk moving carpet, or hit the Happy Garrison Glades. No matter what your level, we will make learning fun.

• Ski & Snowboard Lessons

• Season-Long Weekend Programs

• Race Programs

• Clinics & Guided Group Tours

Demand is high, so book your lessons in advance. To speak with our Ski & Ride School, call 207-864-5671 Ext. 139 (desk team).

The Roger Page Snow School at Saddleback

The Largest Independent Ski Resort in the East

SUPERIOR SUPERIOR

Maxine Presto, a Triple Crown hiker, pauses to take in the scenery.

Photo: Garrick Hoffman

Story by GARRICK HOFFMAN

According to conventional wisdom, the best hiking season runs from May through the end of October. It’s warmer, visually spectacular, and attracts the most amount of in-state and out-ofstate visitors, so it’s got to be better, right?

From this hiker’s perspective, not quite.

I have reached the point where I don’t even hike anymore in spring or summer. Fall is an exception (how could one not love autumn hikes, with crisp conditions, bedazzling foliage, and no humidity?) Instead, I have completely fallen in love with winter hiking, for a number of reasons.

Picture going out on a trail walk in the winter the day after a fresh coating of snow to see the way the sun illuminates the snow on the tree branches in such a way that it practically glows. That’s what winter hiking will offer you as you ascend a mountain.

Now, envision rolling your ankle

from all the rocks, crevices and divots in the trails. Hiking in the winter is actually easier for this reason, as the snow fills in all the gaps and makes finding purchase easier on your feet, particularly with sturdy winter boots or snowshoes.

Perhaps the best reason to hike in the winter is that there’s something so serene and peaceful about it. It’s quieter, less crowded. While everyone heads to the ski mountains on the weekends, often you’ll have the trails to yourself. True, many a hiker still ventures to the mountains in the winter, but it simply does not compare to the scale of people during the typical hiking season from spring to fall. With a solo hike through the hushed woods, you’re guaranteed tranquility and solitude. But, hiking in the winter can actually provide a bit of thrill as well, especially when you’re traversing an ice-capped ridgeline or racing against the very limited daylight hours. This is why greater caution must

be taken while hiking in this season. The beauty of winter hiking is that you find yourself walking through a transformed landscape. I truly love hiking on a snowy path and feeling as though I’m immersed in a bonafide winter wonderland, with fresh snow all around me. Or seeing the breath of my hiking companions illuminated by the sun as we make our way to the summit. Reaching the summit and marveling at all the snow-capped trees and surrounding mountains - it’s always something to behold.

And if none that entices you, maybe this will: no bugs!

So gear up with all your best winter outdoor wear, slap on a pair of microspikes, and go hit those snowy trails!

GARRICK HOFFMAN is a freelance writer, photographer and actor based in Auburn. Visit his website at GarrickHoffman. com, and follow him on Instagram at @ garrickhoffmanphotography, and on Facebook at @ Garrick Hoffman Photography.

TOP LEFT: Descending a mountain comes with stellar views in the winter. Photo: Garrick Hoffman TOP RIGHT: The author saunters around an icy summit. Photo courtesy Matt Levesque BOTTOM LEFT: Snowshoes are essential when "breaking trail" after a snowstorm.

Photo: Garrick Hoffman BOTTOM RIGHT: A gregarious "gray jay" perches on the hand of a hiker. Photo: Garrick Hoffman

MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM's camps offer the perfect combination of play and learning. Fun and play and having time and space to be kids, combined with special STEM labs and explorations and creative art and building activities: that’s what Maine Discovery Museum camps are all about!

RAE ANN RICE, HOME MORTGAGE SPECIALIST WITH CMG FINANCIAL has been assisting folks for nearly a decade through the process of purchasing or refinancing their homes. Her professional expertise, compassion and drive will turn your needs into a reality. You can reach her at 207-974-8996 or rrice@cmgfi.com.

TheNaturalFit

Get your outdoors on.

Want a college where you can combine academics with the active outdoor lifestyle? That’s Farmington. Near Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Saddleback, the University of Maine at Farmington is smack in the middle of some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the northeast. And we're located near epic hiking, rafting and kayaking. If you love the outdoors, this is the perfect place to be.

Partnering with Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Titcomb Mt. and others, the University of Maine at Farmington offers a unique Outdoor Recreation Business Administration major (ORBA) and an Alpine Operations Certificate. Both provide real-world, hands-on outdoor experience and valuable professional contacts in the outdoor recreation and skiing industry — including internships. Maine’s ski areas and mountains serve as your classroom lab. Come visit us on your next trip to the mountains.