Nestled in Western Maine’s Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain is a skiing and snowboarding destination with more than 600 acres of developed trails ranging from beginner slopes to certified double black diamond routes. The rugged, snow-capped mountain is the third-tallest point in Maine, and from the summit, you can admire a 360-degree view of the sprawling oaks that cover the state’s western mountains.

Although skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities here, you can also experience the Maine wilderness at a slower pace. Snowshoe and hiking trails will take you through miles of aromatic fir trees. Along the way, you may just come across some of the wildlife native to the area, such as white-tailed deer, red fox, moose, or wild turkey.

The most popular time to travel to Sugarloaf is between winter and early spring, when you can explore numerous outdoor activities or hit one of the festivals hosted in town. During the holiday season in December, there’s a tree-lighting festival featuring live music and a fireworks display. Music lovers visit the mountain in February, when artists from all over the Northeast perform in the Fire on the Mountain Festival, dedicated to one of the US’s finest jam bands.

The temperate summer months offer a climate perfect for biking, horseback riding, and hiking. There are plenty of hiking options for all skill levels here, from a gentle stroll on the West Mountain Falls Trail to a more intensive overnight trip on the Appalachian Trail. Thrill seekers can take a zipline over the canopy for an adrenaline-filled, bird’s-eye view of the mountainside.

Birders will want to visit the mountain during spring or fall to spot migratory songbirds, including warblers and cuckoos, which fill the forest with their calls and songs.

Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum

Located in the nearby town of Kingfield, this museum tells the story of Maine’s connection to winter sports. Learn about the history of Nordic and alpine skiing through exhibits that showcase artifacts, photographs, and works of art. Vintage skis, jerseys from Maine’s top athletes, and amusing magazine ads from decades ago showcase the design side of these sports as well.

Stanley Museum

The Stanley Museum in Kingfield is dedicated to the Stanley twins, who invented the first steam-powered car, known as the “Stanley Steamer.” Operating out of a former schoolhouse, this historic museum commemorates the family through photography, art, and well-preserved steam automobiles. There are also exhibits that showcase the work of another notable Stanley, the twins’ sister, whose photographs documented early-20th-century rural American life.

Sugarloaf Outdoor Center

The largest Nordic center in Maine, the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is a year-round hub for Sugarloaf Mountain activities. In the winter, the outdoor center boasts a professional-sized ice-skating rink and offers opportunities to rent snowshoes and cross-country skis. In the summer, the center is the gateway to nearly 80 miles of mountain biking trails.