The Best Skiing in Maine and New Hampshire

Winter Skiing Maine & New Hampshire is nothing short of magical. For travelers staying at the historic Center Lovell Inn, the region offers some of the best ski mountains in New England—whether you’re seeking family-friendly slopes, big-mountain challenges, or cozy après-ski charm. Conveniently located near the Maine–New Hampshire border, our inn puts you within easy reach of five outstanding ski resorts, each with its own unique character.

Hands down, the best skiing in Maine and New Hampshire includes big mountains like Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Pleasant Mountain in Maine, and King Pine, Cranmore Mountain and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire.

ski resort new hampshire, skiing new hampshire, ski mountains near me, ski areas in new hampshire

Here’s a Closer Look at the Top 6 Ski Resorts in Maine & New Hampshire


1. Pleasant Mountain (Formerly Shawnee Peak) – Bridgton, ME

Pleasant Mountain Skiing in Bridgton, Maine
Pleasant Mountain Skiing in Bridgton, Maine
  • Best For: Families, night skiing, and skiers of all levels.
  • Details: Founded in 1938, Pleasant Mountain is Maine’s oldest ski area and beloved for its welcoming atmosphere. With 40+ trails, 225 skiable acres, and the largest night skiing program in New England, it offers fun well into the evening.
  • Amenities: Six lifts, terrain parks, ski school, rentals, and Blizzards Pub for après-ski.
  • Distance from Inn: 15 minutes.

Check out our page: Pleasant Mountain vs. Sunday River: Which Mountain Should You Pick?


2. Sunday River – Newry, ME

Sunday River Ski Resort
Sunday River Ski Resort
  • Best For: All-around resort skiing with modern amenities.
  • Details: One of the largest resorts in the Northeast, Sunday River spans eight interconnected peaks, offering 870 skiable acres, 135 trails, and a 2,340-foot vertical drop. Known for its snowmaking power and reliable conditions, it’s a destination in itself.
  • Amenities: High-speed lifts (some with heated seats), ski-in/ski-out lodging, multiple dining options, terrain parks, tubing, and après-ski nightlife.
  • Distance from Inn: 40 minutes.

Check out our page: Pleasant Mountain vs. Sunday River: Which Mountain Should You Pick?


3. Sugarloaf – Carrabassett Valley, ME

Sugarloaf Mountain Maine
Sugarloaf Mountain Maine
  • Best For: Advanced skiers craving a big-mountain experience.
  • Details: Boasting the highest summit in Maine and over 1,200 skiable acres, Sugarloaf is a skier’s paradise with glades, moguls, and the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East.
  • Amenities: A vibrant ski village with lodging, dining, après-ski spots, and year-round events.
  • Distance from Inn: 2 hours.

Now for the Best Ski resorts & Mountains in New Hampshire


4. Cranmore Mountain Resort – North Conway, NH

Cranmore Mountain Resort
Cranmore Mountain Resort
  • Best For: Families and those who love ski-town charm.
  • Details: Located just outside North Conway Village, Cranmore offers 170 acres of skiable terrain and 56 trails, paired with a lively après-ski scene in one of New Hampshire’s most charming mountain towns.
  • Amenities: Tubing park, kids’ programs, rentals, lessons, and Cranmore’s Mountain Adventure Park for year-round fun.
  • Distance from Inn: 35 minutes.

5. King Pine – Madison, NH

King Pine – Madison, NH
King Pine – Madison, NH
  • Best For: A classic New England resort with diverse activities.
  • Details: A part of the historic Purity Spring Resort, King Pine has been family-owned for over 100 years. With gentle slopes, glades, and a terrain park, it’s perfect for families and beginner-friendly skiing.
  • Amenities: Cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cozy resort lodging.
  • Distance from Inn: 45 minutes.

6. Wildcat Mountain – Pinkham Notch, NH

Wildcat Mountain – Pinkham Notch, NH
Wildcat Mountain – Pinkham Notch, NH
  • Best For: Advanced skiers and those who love breathtaking views.
  • Details: Known for its rugged terrain and spectacular vistas of Mount Washington, Wildcat Mountain offers a thrilling ski experience with one of the longest vertical drops in New England at 2,112 feet.
  • Amenities: Classic New England trails, a base lodge, and proximity to Jackson and North Conway après-ski spots.
  • Distance from Inn: 1 hour.

Why Stay at Center Lovell Inn?

After a full day on the slopes, retreat to the Center Lovell Inn, a historic 1803 farmhouse inn offering:

  • Warm hospitality with a nod to New England tradition.
  • Cozy common rooms with fireplaces and mountain views.
  • Modern comforts like fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and air conditioning.
  • An honor bar for après-ski cocktails and wine by the fire.

Whether you’re chasing first tracks at Sunday River, teaching the kids to ski at King Pine, or making turns under the lights at Pleasant Mountain, the Center Lovell Inn is the perfect home base for your Maine ski vacation.

👉 Book your winter stay today at Center Lovell Inn and experience the best of Maine skiing with comfort, charm, and convenience.

🍽️ Check-out our CuratedFood & Beverage Guide for Lovell, Fryeburg & Bridgton, Maine

Top