PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 29, 2025
While many of the more experienced and out-of-state skiers head for the big resorts, thousands of Maine residents, looking for a more cozy, less crowded and less expensive experience, head to one of the state’s smaller ski areas. Some of those are thriving, while some are just getting by. Either way, they face an uphill struggle for survival as they work to stay affordable and relevant as a source of winter fun. In the 1960s, there were dozens of smaller, community ski areas in Maine. Today there are 14, plus a few private ski hills associated with schools. Each year the financial hurdles get higher. Changing weather patterns; more expensive liability insurance, electricity and fuel; and the need for greater snowmaking challenge the affordability of ski areas.