cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Bethel, Maine
Click here for the SkiMaine Association ski areas.
The town of Bethel, Maine is a historic village that offers 130 km of groomed xc ski trails. It is home to three xc centers, The Bethel Resort, Carter's XC Ski Center that provide groomed and tracked trails. Carter's XC Ski Center ranges from trails along the Androscoggin River to the top of Farwell Mountain offering views of the Presidential Range and Sunday River Resort's alpine trails. The trails meander through the woods to a picturesque covered bridge. All centers are canine friendly as are several inns. The family pet is welcome to accompany the visit to Bethel but some restrictions or trail fees may apply.
The Bethel Resort trail network is groomed and run by the Inland Woods & Trails organization and the trails at the resort traverse the golf course offering vistas of the surrounding mountains. There is rental equipment for XC skiing, snowshoeing and fatbiking at the Bethel Resort. Lessons and guided snowshoe tours are available, too.
Bethel was settled in 1774 and it has retained its small town lifestyle. One will not find nationally recognized retail or restaurant chains in Bethel village or any red traffic lights, either. Besides xc skiing and snowshoeing at groomed Nordic ski centers, there's dogsledding trips and snowmobile rentals available. Many of the businesses in Bethel including the xc ski centers below organize special events on winter weekends and vacation weeks to encourage people to get out and enjoy the snow.
The Mountain Explorer is a free shuttle that links the xc ski areas, the village and Maine's largest alpine ski area, Sunday River in Newry, ME. The access road to the alpine ski area has restaurants and Main Street has many of the area's shops and restaurants, the Bethel Inn Resort as well as the Bethel Historical Society's Museum of Regional History and the Broad Street National Historic District. Check directly with the inns or other lodging establishments found at the Bethel chamber's Web site.
The Bethel Resort trails groomed by Inland Woods & Trails are behind the Bethel Inn, and they connect with 35 km of the organization’s marked and groomed trails. Rental gear and lessons are available at the Bethel Resort. If you’re a novice XC skier, this is a great place to learn as many of the field trails are quite gentle with mountain vistas. A special package includes the trail fee and entrance to the outdoor heated pool, sauna, and fitness center. There is a health club, spa, pub, and a restaurant at the Inn.
The Carter's XC Ski Center (207-824-3880, www.cartersxcski.com) in Bethel has beautiful views of the Mahoosuc and Presidential mountain ranges, and the land has been in the Carter family for generations. Carter's XC Ski Center in Bethel is on 1,000 acres and has 55 km of groomed trails and 3 lodges. For a full page of info click Carter's XC Ski Center.
Bethel is 70 miles northwest of Portland, ME and 15 miles from the New Hampshire border. It is where US Route 2 and Maine Routes 5 and 26 converge.