Winter Friendly Activities to do in Maine

Our recommendations for fun winter and/or holiday activities that take advantage of Maine weather (or avoid it!)

BY AZLINE MAURAIS and HANNAH MUELLER, STAFF WRITERS

With the winter season coming quickly we decided to recommend winter-friendly activities for SHS students to try this holiday season. Below there are some different categories for each person’s idea of fun.

For the Snow Lovers:

Skiing & Snowboarding

Sugarloaf is a common attraction for people in Maine who want to hit the slopes and enjoy the powder. Weekend ticket prices range from 100 dollars to 130 dollars and are about three hours. More information can be found here.

Sunday River is the sixth-largest ski resort in Maine located 2 hours away from Sanford. With 8 peaks, it is one of the most popular mountains to travel to. The ticket prices range from 100 dollars to 105 dollars for teens. More information can be found here.

Gunstock is located roughly an hour away in Gilford, New Hampshire. With lift tickets for teens ranging from $63-75, it is one of the more affordable locations near Sanford. They also provide a unique night skiing experience where tickets range from $39 on Tuesday and Thursday and $47 on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays as it is not available Sunday, Monday or Wednesday.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a fairly common activity during the winter in Maine. Some of the best places to ice fish in Maine include your local Number One Pond, Littlefield Pond, and Moose Head.

Ice Skating

Number 1 pond is a very good location to also go ice skating if you’re interested. It is very easy to access since the perimeter has a wall surrounding it so you’re able to get on the ice.

Tubing

Gunstock also has tubing along with their skiing. Tickets for tubing at Gunstock for All Ages are $36 per person and with the ticket it is a 2 hour session. More information can be found here.

For the Indoor Folks:

If you’re an active person but not a fan of the snow, these options may be for you:

Salt Pump Climbing Co. Indoor rock climbing

In Scarborough, Maine there is an indoor rock climbing facility called Salt Pump Climbing Co. The Adult Day pass is only $20! Their current hours are Monday-Friday 12pm-10pm, Saturday is 10-8pm, and Sunday is 10-6pm. More information and holiday hours can be found here.

Happy Wheels Roller Skating

In Westbrook, Maine there is a recently opened up Happy Wheels. They are open daily and December School Vacation hours are 1-4pm. There are also special hours on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8pm and ending at 10:30pm. Admission is $10 and rentals are $4. More information can be found here.

For the Shopping Lovers:

Freeport Outlets

In Freeport, there are many options for shopping and dining. Stores and restaurants include American Eagle, The North Face, Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro, and more! More information can be found here.

The Maine Mall

In Portland, Maine the Maine Mall is the largest in the state. There are many stores and a large food court inside of the mall. There are also stores and restaurants surrounding the Maine Mall so there is easy access to more activities. Information about the Maine Mall can be found here.

The Kittery Outlets

From Sanford, Maine to the Kittery, Maine Outlets it is about 40 minutes away, not too far! The outlets are within walking distance of each other and there are a variety of stores to choose from. The Outlets hours everyday are 9AM-7PM.

Family Activities:

Gardens Aglow Nov. 19 – Dec. 31

Take a drive through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, all lit up it will make you feel like you are in a winter Wonderland! Get tickets for the BotanicalGardens soon!

The Lights at Whitney Farms Nov. 25 – Dec. 31

In Oxford, Maine Whitney Farms has a light display that is synchronized with music, concessions with food and drinks, life sized gingerbread house, and picture taking with a vintage sleigh. The Lights are open 5pm-9pm with an entrance fee and more information can be found on their Facebook Page.

The Polar Express Nov. 25 – Dec. 31

In Portland, Maine you and your family hop on a vintage train to the “North Pole”. The train recreates the holiday story, “The Polar Express”. Cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas Carols, and a souvenir bell are included in the train ride. Information and tickets are available here.

These were just some of the many activities to do this holiday season. There are many other ways to get into the holiday spirit such as making gingerbread houses and watching Christmas movies with some nice hot cocoa.

Regardless of winter activities, we wish all of our readers happy holidays!