We got lucky!  14 inches of snow nine days before the start of February vacation and then came the Maine Snowmageddon! It was way too much of a good thing for shovelers, but all the kids in my neighborhood were very happy to play in the snow and have a day off from school. This is what is known as snow-motivation for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing. 

Unfortunately for parents and those of us on a modest income, the rates on lift tickets, hotels, and even a cup of hot cocoa reach their peak during these 10 February days along with the traffic at the lift lines.  

However the lift tickets at Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford remain constant.  It is a $37 a day lift ticket with $20 rentals. Night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays till 9 p.m. along with snowshoeing, XC skiing and Snow Tubing.  This is a mid-sized mountain with a speedy lift and a nice family vibe. Their newish lodge features the Last Run Pub with live music and theme parties. Sunday, Feb. 19 is an “Island Fever Party” with music by “Chicks with Sticks” from 2 to 5 pm.  

Shawnee Peak has some good news. During vacation week you can get rentals, lift ticket and a two hour lesson for $80. Monday Night Madness starts at 3:30 pm and runs till the 9 pm close, lift ticket only $19. You can book an overnight stay at the close-by Noble House B&B and in the evenings catch a movie at my very favorite movie theater,” The Magic Lantern.” It is a fun way to finish off a ski day with a movie and dinner at the Magic lantern Pub. It is a three-screen movie house and during vacation week the movies are Lego Batman and John Wick 2. For kids 12 and under and seniors a movie ticket is $6 and adults are $7.50. Each of the three theaters has a 21-plus balcony for bar drinks.  

Sunday River has a Vacation Week Ski and Stay package at two of their hotels, the more modest Snow Cap Inn for $149 or the Jordan Grand for $169.  The Jordan Grand has an indoor/outdoor pool, a steam room, sauna, and three eateries, the Northern Lights Cafe, Sliders Pub, and the Grand Avenue Cafe. The Jordan Ski and Stay includes a full Hot and Cold Breakfast Buffet. Their posh lobby has a huge fireplace for relaxation, a game room with Ping-pong and billiards, and a smores party every Friday night, so the $20 extra dollars goes a long way. The package includes Breakfast, lift ticket, and hotel. It does have a two-day stay minimum. Special events during vacation week include fireworks, live music, night skiing every night from 4 to 8 pm, and snow tubing till 9 pm. If you are just looking for a day pass lift ticket, buy online and save 30%. 

The mighty mouse of our region’s ski hills is Wolfeboro, New Hampshire’s Abenaki Ski Area. In operation since 1936,  the charm of that bygone era is still very much alive but the new Lodge is only in its second season and it is comfy. Here lift tickets are only $17. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays the lift ticket remains the same $17. Abenaki Ski Area is community owned and operated. Although a mere mogul of a hill, it does offer five trails from Novice to Expert with some glades, night skiing, a terrain park, a rope tow, and an adjacent ice skating arena. 

A true vintage ski experience is to be had at Abenaki.   Abenaki is a survivor. In Maine’s ski history alone, over 50 community ski areas have closed over the years. Most were small Mom and Pop operations that catered to the neighborhood kids and beginners. But tiny can be fun.  

 Skis, boots and poles are $12 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. For complete information on the Abenaki Hill call 603-569-5639.

Cross Country rentals can be had at nearby Nordic Skier Sports on 47 North Main St.  just off the trail. The shop is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.  Classic Ski rental, boots, poles, skis is $15 a day and Skate Skis are $20 a day. The XC trail pass is $12. A complete line of all XC accessories is available at the shop, including snowshoes which are also available for rent. For more info on XC rentals and skiing call 603-569-3151.  

The Cross Country trails wind through scenic farms and woods and right by the Abenaki Lodge. XC skiers enjoy great views of Lake Winnepesaukee that stretches out in grand open vistas right from the trail.  

To my mind, cross country skiing is a lot like jogging, it’s a great workout and a terrific way to lose a few extra pounds.  But when the snow is fresh and abundant and the weather is pleasant, it’s a great way to enjoy the winter scenery and the fresh air.  

Pineland Farms XC Ski Center is north of Portland, just off Exit 63 of the Maine Turnpike. A terrific lodge with a great cafeteria, a fresh food market, an expansive set of trails, and a full service rental center make this option very desirable.  

Harris Farm XC is hard to find as it is off the beaten path, but is very relaxed and pastoral. It is quiet, and the traffic on the trails is very light. If you like privacy and winter meditation without the bells and whistles, this could be your ticket. I like the trails that meander through the woods. This is a no frills XC experience, however there is an upstairs warming hut at the registration and rental center that does have a $2 hot dog machine and some hot cocoa. Trail pass is $15.

The Harris Farm is a quiet pastoral playground of scenic splendor that lends itself to the contemplative appreciation of winter’s natural beauty.  For more information call Dixie Harris or Rachel Harris at 207-710-1540 or 499-2678. Harris Farm is located at 280 Buzzell Road in Dayton, Maine, a short drive from Portland, Biddeford/Saco, and Kennebunk. Buzzell Road is off route 35.  

Whatever is your snow pleasure, skiing, snowboarding, xc schussing, tubing, sledding, or sitting fireside drinking cocoa and just soaking up the scenery, celebrate our season of snow.    

— Greg Morell’s  Snow Business Column seeks to encourage outdoor winter recreation.  You can contact him at Morell.Gregory@gmail.com