Mt. Abram

Local skiers and snowboarders have been enjoying the slopes at Mt. Abram Ski Resort since it first opened in 1960. Situated north of Greenwood, Maine, the small year-round venue offers guests a relaxed atmosphere and New England powder four days a week. It is also worth noting that the venue books live performances throughout the year as well.

The ski venue is north of Portland, Maine, with I-95 being the closest Interstate highway far to the east. US Route 2 runs to the north of here and accesses Maine State Highway 26 at Bethel. Visitors flying into this part of New England can use Portland's International Airport before transferring to ground transportation.

A Warm Experience

New England has a tradition with skiing, including apres-ski after the day is over. The alpine trails, off-piste exploration, and racing also help make the Mt. Abram Ski Resort a favorite for more than one generation of local skiers and riders. That does not mean it is a serious affair around here, as visitors carve fresh tracks down runs with names inspired by the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon.

Open on Thursdays through Sundays, Mt. Abram Ski Resort offers its services and slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Anyone needing overnight lodging will find accommodations off-slope, but they will find a warm atmosphere to relax in at the Loose Boots Lounge. Where the Mt. Abram Ski Resort stands out is its "Learn to Ski & Ride" terrain, as well as the Ski School, making it a winner for New England's beginners and casual snow hounds.

The Ski School offers hour-long private lessons, with the ability to expand the session into a semi-private affair for up to five people. Group lessons are available and will separate into first-timers, beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers/riders looking to grow their skill-set. Family lessons will provide instruction for three to five people over 1.5-hours. Park rats in the 14 to 18 age bracket can participate in the Junior Instructor Program (PSIA/AASI-sanctioned) that builds the skills ski and ride instructors need.

Time to Carve Tracks

Lodge and lessons aside, skiing and snowboarding are what bring guests to the Mt. Abram Ski Resort. Average annual snowfall reaches up to 125 inches in this part of New England, and the winter venue is equipped with snowmaking machines to help supplement those totals. January is a good month for storm dumps, so many people plan their trips around that time of year.

A 1,150-foot vertical drop creates potentials down the alpine slopes at the Mt. Abram Ski Resort, which helps to shape the terrain ratings also. While 20-percent of the named trails are gentle enough to be rated as green for beginners, over half the mountain has a blue rating that experienced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy. The remaining terrain at the Mt. Abram Ski Resort rates as a black diamond for advanced skill levels (with lower Rocky's run rated as a double diamond). Mt. Abram Ski Resort has four lifts to move ski bums uphill.