If a winter vacation seems like a perfect way to get away in the colder months, but you’re not sure what types of activities will appeal to you and your family, you’re in luck. A winter vacation in Maine is an ideal opportunity to experience the recreation, sports, and traditions that keep New Englanders happy and occupied during the region’s longest season. While it’s likely that a few common winter activities come to mind when you imagine the snowy scenes of a Maine winter, there are a few ideas that might surprise and entice you enough to start planning your own Maine winter vacation.
Hit The Slopes
No activity epitomizes classic New England winter fun than skiing. Whether you’re a daredevil with the skills and courage for downhill skiing, or you prefer to traverse the trails with a day of cross-country skiing, you’re bound to have a great time. Skiing dates back to both native Americans and early settlers who used the skis to get from place to place despite deep snow. Today, skiing combines the fun of playing in the snow with the beauty of snowy mountains and the comfort of relaxing downtime in the lodge. If you’re considering Maine for your winter vacation, you can rent your ski equipment and experience this activity for yourself.
Relax at the Spa
After a long day of skiing, nothing relaxes the body and mind like time in the spa. As long as you’ve chosen a Maine boutique hotel with a spa on site, you won’t need to go back out into the cold to rejuvenate with services like couples massages, facials, and more. If the winter weather has you feeling chilled to the bone, a hot stone massage is just what you need. A spa technician will heat smooth stones and place them on your back, legs, and any other muscles that are feeling sore or strained from your other winter adventures. No matter which services you choose, a day at the spa will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more winter fun.
Attend a Winter Festival
Since winter in Maine attracts visitors from all around, countless festivals and winter carnivals take place around the region. In Camden, Maine, locals and tourists alike look forward to Winterfest, a gathering centered around the US National Toboggan Championships. Beyond watching these traditional sleds zip down an icy slope, Winterfest also offers ice carving, snow castles, an ice festival, and even a polar plunge where the most daring individuals jump into Maine’s frigid waters for charity. Whether you choose to participate in the many Winterfest activities or you choose to simply watch and enjoy, you’ll feel like a local at this fun and frozen festival.
Try Snowshoeing
The winter sport that allows for participants to enjoy the unmatched peace and solitude of a snow covered forest also dates back thousands of years. Snowshoeing, unlike skiing, involves gentle steps along the top of the snow, rather than sliding through it. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts and those who prefer gentle activities, snowshoeing is a perfect opportunity to spend time outside without disturbing nature or dealing with crowds. Since snowshoeing takes place on trails through Maine’s dense forests, it’s common to see animals like white-tailed deer, rabbits, and even the occasional moose.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Once you’ve experienced Maine winter activities outdoors, it’s time to head back inside to experience the fine dining and expertly prepared cocktails that can only be found in a 5-star restaurant. When you choose the Camden Harbour Inn as your home away from home during your winter vacation, stunning meals, and memorable drinks are just a few steps from your room. No matter which activities you choose to participate in during your stay, you can relax and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying at the finest luxury bed and breakfast in New England.