Bethel

Ski Areas

Bethel Nordic Ski Center. There are about 12 mi of cross-country trails and 3 mi of packed snowshoe trails at this center run out of the Bethel Inn Resort. There are also ski and snowshoe rentals as well as lessons. The Bethel Inn Resort (www.bethelinn.com) has a hotel and town house rentals. 21 Broad St., on the Village Common, Bethel, ME, 04217. 207/824-6276 or. www.caribourecreation.com.

Carter's Cross-Country Ski Center. This cross-country ski center offers about 30 miles of trails for all levels of skiers, lessons, and rentals—snowshoes, skis, and sleds to pull children are available. It also rents lodge rooms and ski-in cabins (trail passes included). 786 Intervale Rd., Bethel, ME, 04217. 207/824-3880 or 207/539-4848. www.cartersxcski.com.

Sunday River. What was once a sleepy ski area with minimal facilities has evolved into a sprawling resort that attracts skiers from as far away as Europe. Spread throughout the valley at Sunday River are three base areas, two condominium hotels, a less costly lodge-style inn, trailside condominiums, town houses, and a ski dorm. Sunday River is home to the Maine Handicapped Skiing program, which provides lessons and services for skiers with disabilities. Rentals, lessons, children's programs, day care, and slope-side dining are all here, too; 16 lifts service 132 trails, five terrain parks, and a superpipe. There's plenty else to do, including cross-country skiing, ice-skating, tubing, and, come summer and fall, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic lift rides. 15 S. Ridge Rd., turn on Sunday River Rd. from U.S. 2, Newry, ME, 04261. 207/824-3000 main number; 207/824-3000 snow conditions; 800/543-2754 reservations. www.sundayriver.com.

Mt. Abram. Family-friendly Mt. Abram, south of Bethel, has 44 trails and glade areas, five lifts, two base lodges, day care, and ski lessons. It's open Thursday through Sunday during the ski season. 308 Howe Hill Rd., turn off Route 26, Greenwood, ME, 04255. 207/875-5000. www.skimtabram.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Dog Sledding
• Multi-sport Outfitters

• Park-Sports/Outdoors
• Ski Areas