Shawnee Peak

Even before the Shawnee Peak ski area opened in January of 1938 (the winter venue is Maine's oldest major ski resort), several groups were developing the northern slopes of Pleasant Mountain. From those humble beginnings, this winter recreation venue has grown into a facility with the latest in industry standards (think RFID ticketing) while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

Interstate motorists can use I-95 to get into the region before transferring to roadways like US Route 302 that take them to the resort area. Nestled on the western shores of Moose Pond places the ski venue in Bridgton, Maine. Anybody flying into the region will likely use Portland International Jetport, 41 miles away.

An Oldie but a Goodie

The Shawnee Peak ski area has been maintained as the oldest continuously open ski resort in the state for a reason. Sitting on the northern slopes of Pleasant Mountain makes the venue the highest point in Cumberland County and a perfect location to collect the heavy snow each year. It has an average annual snowfall that sits around 110 inches. An elaborate snowmaking system provides additional coverage over 98-percent of the mountain, keeping visits memorable between dumps with a consistent snow base.

Shawnee Peak lodging includes the Sunnyside Lodge, the Peak House, Tuckerman's Cabin, and the Northridge Yurt. Quick stops at the Donut Shack offer something warm and filling, but three other locations offer either pub or cafeteria dining as well as a place to relax. Rental equipment is available in person, with annual additions keeping visitors on the latest ski or snowboard technology.

As a registered facility of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-E) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), guests receive quality instruction from a trained professional at the Shawnee Peak ski resort. Those in the know will also appreciate that the winter venue is a Burton Learn to Ride Center. That means skiers and snowboarders will receive proper assessment and fundamentals as they begin their lifelong skiing or riding journey. Those wanting advanced instruction will find that classes cater to their level, increasing their performance on the slopes.

Pleasant Mountain Skiing and Riding

Pleasant Mountain has a summit of 1,900 feet. The Shawnee Peak ski area has a base elevation of 600 feet, giving visitors a 1,300-foot vertical drop to work their way down. Just under 250 skiable acres are open for explorations, with nighttime skiing possible over much of that area. Beginners and experts alike have plenty to do with 40 trails, seven glades, and three terrain parks available for use.

Guests at the Shawnee Peak ski area are welcome to travel Uphill, as long as they abide by the venue's Uphill rules. Many sections off-trail have snowmaking equipment on the ground, which is probably the most common hazard on Pleasant Mountain. Shawnee Peak provides a northeast exposure with blue-rated intermediate skiing and riding covering half the runs. The remaining trails on Shawnee Peak divide evenly between green-rated beginner runs and black diamond-rated advanced runs.