Mainers love their cross-country (also called “Nordic”) skiing. In addition to downhill ski mountains that also offer cross-country trails, numerous Nordic (cross country) touring centers specialize in the sport, offering equipment, lessons, racing, and special events. Maine’s Nordic centers offer 550 kilometers of trails. Nordic skiing also may be done at state parks and public land conservation areas. Cross country skiing is done on groomed trails or more-rugged backcountry trails. Two popular forms of the sport are classic Nordic skiing in tracks and skate-skiing, where the skis are employed in large, gliding motions.
A great resource for cross country skiing along with other outdoor adventure sports is Maine Huts & Trails, which offers hut-to-hut skiing opportunities. Ski Maine Association, which works mostly with downhill ski areas, has a page for Nordic Centers that lists cross country ski areas and their snow conditions. The Nordic Heritage Sport Club in Presque Isle stands ready to help novices or experience cross country skiers get onto the snow. Many Nordic ski areas welcome snowshoeing and also rent equipment for that activity.
524 Saddleback Mountain Road Rangeley, ME, 04970 Phone: 207-864-4309
Skiing on year-round trail system in backcountry conditions near Saddleback Lake
Intervale Road Bethel, ME, 04217 Phone: 207-824-3880
55 km of beginner to advanced Nordic trails
20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME, 04105 Phone: 207-781-2330
Nordic skiing and snowshoeing allowed on year-round walking trails; snowshoes, only, for rent.
Route 167 five miles east of Presque Isle Presque Isle, ME, 04769 Phone: 207-762-6972
Cross country and snowshoeing trails; rentals; night skiing until 8:30 p.m.
118 O’Roak Road Corinth, ME, 04427 Phone: 207-285-0099
32 kms of cross-country (Nordic) skiing; dogs are welcome; equipment for rent
39 Glover Road Rumford, ME Phone: 207-364-8977
Downhill ski area offers cross-country skiing & snowshoeing on groomed trails
21 Broad Street Bethel, ME Phone: 207-824-6276
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing next to the inn; ice skating; equipment and pulk sled rentals
1029 Central Street Millinocket, ME, 04462 Phone: 207-723-4329
Town-operated ski area with groomed and back country trails
5092 Access Road Carrabassett Valley, ME Phone: 207-237-2000
125 trails; 29 glades; 3 terrain parks, snow tubing; night skiing; cross-country; 1,230 acres of skiable terrain; 2,820-foot vertical drop; 618 acres of snowmaking coverage
33 Paradis Circle Road Fort Kent, ME, 04743 Phone: 207-834-6203
Private club offers several loops of trails; dogs are welcome
32 Farm View Drive New Gloucester, ME, 04260 Phone: 207-688-4539
Working and demonstration farm offers trails for cross-country and snowshoeing; lessons; rentals
20 Barnestown Road Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: 207-236-3438
Nordic trails are an Alpine ski area
420 Main Street Oxford, ME, 04270 Phone: 207-539-4848
30 km of groomed trails; snowshoeing; rentals
200 Lost Valley Road Auburn, ME, 04212 Phone: 207-784-1561
Cross country (Nordic) skiing leaves from downhill ski area base lodge; equipment rentals
23 Skiway Road Newry, ME, 04261 Phone: 207-824-2410
1 Birches Road Rockwood, ME, 04478 Phone: 207-537-7305 Toll-Free: 800-825-9453
40 miles of groomed trails; rentals; dogs welcome; overnight camping on trails; also ice fishing and snowmobiling
280 Buzzell Road Dayton, ME, 04005 Phone: 207-499-2678
Skiing & snowshoeing at dairy farm; 30 km of trails; warming lodge; rentals
Route 107 Bridgton, ME, 04009 Phone: 207-647-2425
Skiing and snowshoeing in apple orchard and on logging trails; equipment rentals