Get Outside

Ritual & Remedy

Winter adventuring, whether it’s your jam or not

words by wilson cramp
photography by alex wentworth

Hello again, Maine. I hope you all had a chance to get outside during the fall season and maybe even took my recommendations from the last issue on where to bike, hike, and raft.

We’re now looking at the snowy season in Maine—the time of year that ushers in a whole new lens to see endless places to explore like a big snow globe. If you are one of those who prefers to hunker down during these next few months, I hope to inspire you a little to take a chance on getting outside this year. All it takes to start winter adventuring is a set of base layers, an extra pair of mittens, and sturdy boots to start your search for tranquility and majestic beauty. And I’ll add a thermos of hot coffee.

I really appreciate this time of year because it allows us to enjoy places typically overrun with tourists and RVs. As soon as the temperature drops below freezing, Acadia National Park and surrounding Downeast towns turn into serene ghost towns. The crowded constant motion and bustling summer streets turn into quiet oases.

Take a drive around, or even better, tie on some snow shoes, snap into cross-country skis, or grab a fat bike and enjoy views from the infamous carriage roads and see them in a way most people never get a chance to.

Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake freeze over, the leaves drop and allow undisturbed views out toward the Cranberry Islands. My favorite is Day Mountain because it’s a carriage road that actually summits a mountain, which is rare for most of the trails in Acadia.

However, if sliding around with a little more velocity is your jam, you must experience the down-to-earth vibe that Black Mountain of Maine (BMOM) delivers in Rumford.

Most people will scoff at the idea of driving past Sunday River or just keep truckin’ uptah Sugarloaf or Saddleback. But hiding in plain sight is one of t he most rewarding mountains I’ve ever had the pleasure to ski and ride on.

Black Mountain of Maine offers 600+ acres with something for everyone. A nonprofit ski resort means that the normal confines of a corporate mountain are out the window. BMOM offers a laid-back atmosphere, and they even still give physical tickets on a wicket (I just confused all of the younger generation of skiers).

Everything about this place is overflowing with genuine people and experiences. My favorite part is the volunteer glade-cutting crew who coined themselves the "Angry Beavers" and cut the most excellent glades all over the mountain.

Another unique aspect of BMOM is that they have a dedicated uphill trail. So those who like to "earn their turns" can skin up the mountain completely separated from the downhill trails, making for an amazing trek in the woods. The Last Run Pub in the lodge’s loft delivers some hearty meals and some nice frothy beverages at the end of the day.

“If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.”

With snow becoming less common in Maine—but the same blistering cold temperatures—we have been getting some seriously grand ice skating conditions. One of the wildest experiences I’ve ever had is ice skating on the Royal River in Yarmouth. Go to Play It Again Sports or the Portland Gear Hub to get some second-hand ice skates, then head up to Yarmouth by the Historical Society.

When conditions allow, you will be able to easily slip onto a corridor of ice that extends north for miles, like a highway of slick ice when there’s no snow cover. And if you’re ambitious, you can make a day of skating from East Elm Street all the way to the Route 9 bridge.

Wilson says to be sure to purchase an uphill ticket from Black Mountain of Maine before tackling this backcountry route in Rumford. I hope these suggestions inspire you to step outside your (warm) comfort zone, put soup season on hold, and get some crisp air circulating through your lungs. After all, before you know it, the black flies will be out again, mud season will paint our cars brown, and the fresh smells of flower buds will scent the air.

Enjoy what’s out there, and remember to have as much fun as you can while helping others have as much fun as you’re having.

Wilson says to be sure to purchase an uphill ticket from Black Mountain of Maine before tackling
this backcountry route in Rumford.