HIT THE SKI SLOPES - BUT NOT JUST FOR SKIING!
Skiing is the obvious option when visiting our ski mountains, but they also offer snowshoeing, fat biking, ice skating, concerts, good food and more. The Rangley Lakes area has so much to offer from winter sports to awesome breweries! Check it out.
Fat Biking
At The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center
If cycling in winter sounds a little nuts, that’s because you haven’t yet gotten hooked by the incredible thrill of rolling through the snowy landscape on a pedal-powered fat bike. The extra wide, knobby-grippy tires keep you on track, offering a great way to see the area trails. If you’re familiar with the sport, be sure to check out the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet this winter Rangeley Lakes Trails Center.
For more information, trail passes, or rentals, contact Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, (207) 864-4309.
Ice Skating
The Rangeley Lakes Region is home to many lakes and ponds where you can ice skate throughout the winter. Come enjoy free skating and even free loaner skates courtesy of the Rangeley Skating Club. The not-for-profit club maintains a public skating rink and warming hut on Haley Pond, behind the Ecopelagicon Nature Store on Pond Street. There’s even lighting for night skating, and you’ll find free-use skates for all ages at the store during business hours (donations very welcome!) Rangeley is also home to a very active pond hockey scene. The Annual Rangeley Pond Hockey Festival draws folks from all over Maine. Learn more and register a team here.
For more information, contact Rangeley Skating Club: 207-864-2771
Nordic Skiing
The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center is a true gem, located just off the Saddleback access road. Volunteer maintained and operated, RLTC offers 50 KM of nordic ski trails and snowshoeing trails with groomed and natural surfaces. The trails range in difficulty from easy to intermediate and advanced terrain. Some of the trails are dog friendly! RLTC hosts a variety of fun races throughout the winter season such as the Rangeley Loppett with freestyle, burnt kettle classic and tour divisions. If you get the chance to explore, be sure to check out the trail that leads down to Saddleback Lake for an incredible view of the mountain and don’t miss the gnome village tucked away in the woods. Check out the trail map here.
Snowmobiling
Ask any New England snowmobiler to name their favorite snowmobiling destination, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear the word “Rangeley.” With 170-miles of impeccably groomed trails that connect to a massive interstate network, it’s no wonder why. Bring your own sled or rent from a local outfit; either way, be prepared to experience winter in a whole new way.
For trail information, contact Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club.
Local snowmobile rentals: https://www.rangeleysnowmobiles.com/
Snowshoeing
For many, the go-anywhere stability and choose-your-pace of snowshoes is the key to unlocking winter’s charm. If this sounds good to you, head over to the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, which offers snowshoe rentals and access to their 50 KM groomed trail system, along with ungroomed snowshoe-specific routes. Enjoy many quiet and scenic routes. In Rangeley, Oquossoc and the surrounding towns, the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust also has snowshoe-friendly trails throughout the area, many with scenic views of Rangeley Lake. Check out these trails here.
Uphill Touring
Before there were lifts, there were rope tows and before rope tows, people hiked to snow covered mountain tops to earn their turns. For many years, people have climbed Saddleback to take in the spectacular views and make nice turns down the natural snow pack. Saddleback supports the community of skiers and riders that choose manpowered fun and winter exploration
Passes will be $25 for a day pass. You can purchase a day pass here. If you are a season passholder, uphill access is included. You can rent equipment at Saddleback too.
Camden Snow Bowl
TUBING AND TOBOGGAN RIDES
The Jack Williams Toboggan Chute is a handmade wooden trough, flooded with ice, with an outrun at the end onto Hosmer Pond.
ICE FISHING
Kennebec County has endless options for ice fishing spots. If you're feeling confident or want a challenge, you can join a derby and win some prizes too. Bring your ice skates, hockey gear, snowmobiles, four wheelers or even fire pits out on the ice for extra fun.
A FEW LOCAL EATERIES IN THE RANGLEY AREA. After all that play time, you’ll be hungry!
SNOWMOBILE TO YOUR FAVORITE PUB IN RANGLEY!
Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub
When the locals are looking to take a load off after a hard day of work or play, chances are pretty good they can be found at Sarge’s Pub & Grub. This is the place for well-crafted pub fare, a wicked diversity of adult beverages, and a come-as-you-are vibe that makes everyone feel at home the moment they walk through the door. Local menu favs are the crock of French onion soup, buffalo wings and the Matt Franco burger – a fresh burger topped with Swiss cheese, Applewood bacon, tomato, and onion on grilled garlic bread.
Furbish Brewhouse & Eats
Situated directly on Rangeley’s Main Street across from the Town Park, Furbish Brewhouse & Eats is a great place to gather and watch a small slice of the world walk by, as you enjoy a slice (or three!) of their wood-fired pizza, wings, a tall pint, or any number of tasty apps. Enjoy the spectacular view of Rangeley Lake included free of charge. In the warmer months, Furbish has a lovely outdoor patio area.
Portage Tap House
With tons of local beers on tap, a full bar, amazing wood-fired pizza, and lots of chef’s daily specials, the Portage Tap House is a great place for a relaxed outing with friends and family. It’s well worth the 15 minute drive from downtown Rangeley to the village of Oquossoc to experience this gem. Come hungry and don’t miss the nightly specials.
ADD BOWLING TO YOUR LUNCH!!
Moose Alley
Whether you’re looking to bowl a few rounds and enjoy some apps or sit down for a hearty brunch, Moose Alley has so much to offer. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner with a full bar and a café area where you can get a giant latte, espresso, smoothies and bakery items. Take a seat in the cozy chairs around their indoor firepit and relax with friends. On weekends, there’s usually live music. Moose Alley has great apres vibes and fun for the whole family.
SEE A PERFORMANCE OR SHOW There are some great dinning options in these areas too!
Lots of great plays and local restaurants
A local staple in the Lewiston/Auburn area. Also by a lot of great restaurants including the famous Baxter Beer Co
You can always travel to Portland for a good show and really awesome food options. Plenty of shopping and outdoor activities too!
SEE A COMEDY SHOW AND GET SOME LAUGHS
Lewiston
A casual venue offering stand up performances by local and traveling comedians. Good laughs and good drinks has gotten mean a good time.
Portland
A compact comedy club offering open mic nights for aspiring comics in an addition to touring headliners.
Not a venue, but a hilarious comedian who's a wicked funny Mainah. If you want to learn Maine culture, or laugh your ass off because you're from here and get it, you need to see him and he’s always touring. Guaranteed laughs!
TRY YOUR HAND AT ART CLASSES!
Manchester
Try your hand at glass art. This place offers awesome classes. They have one night or 8 week courses. They have beautiful pieces for sale and just about any glass art supply you would need.
Try some pottery classes!
