Two of the four kids home for Maine college break and loaded up the snow skis, boots, poles and headed out!

     We stayed at a newer condo called Birchwood Three, part of the Webber building complex. These units are super..and have everything.

Fireplace, tiled bath, all post and beam and natural woodwork thru out. And nearly 30 inches of new snow swirling, collecting and being groomed over night for our skiing pleasure the next morning.

     The staff that works at Sugarloaf is first class, friendly and down to earth. Had to adjust my skis because one son "borrowed" dad's boots. The tech crew did the operation like a Nascar pit crew with concern about me missing any runs. Offering loaner equipment to get me on the hill which was not needed due to their on the ball helpfulness, quickness.

     If you have never skiied in Maine, head to this mountain and don't be intimidated by its size. There are a slew of lifts for every skill level so you have your own area of the mountain. No matter if you are a black belt double black diamond skier or like to hanging around the easy green and blue square areas.

     Ski lessons available. And the food and entertainment are top notch along with the variety of ski lodging options. You feel rested after only a few days of Maine fresh air in your lungs. The scenery as your lift whisks you up the mountain is incredible and humbling. This winter, experience a Maine vacation to sample out outdoors. Snowmobiling in next door Eustis Maine has some pretty incredible groomed sled trails and many places to stay for that sport too!

     Plan the trip to Maine and make our four season recreation a habit for health, for family fun and to change the scenery of your day to day. Also, don't just think of Sugarloaf or our other mountains for Maine winter recreation. There is a world class golf course, a retirement community and four season activities to keep you entertained and both physically and mentally healthy!

For years, the Rangeley Lakes Region has attracted visitors who yearn for a quiet escape from the faster tempos of regular life. Located 4 1/2 hours from Boston, just travelling here can give one a true sense of "getting away from it all".

Nestled in the western mountains of Maine and off the beaten path, the Rangeley Lakes Region offers an experience that can not be found in the more southern or coastal areas of the state. The terrain here is different - the hills, valleys, and mountains are more numerous. Lakes and ponds of all sizes are found here and the fishing is still the best in Maine.

Perhaps the most impressionable feature of this area is the simple fact that there aren't that many people here. Consequently, fewer of the trappings of contemporary society that assault us in more populated areas are found here.

For those who crave peace and solitude, who revel in the majesty of Nature, and who long for a home or a getaway situated somewhere less touched by civilization, the Rangeley Lakes Region is the place for you.

The Rangeley Lakes include a half dozen large lakes and many smaller lakes and ponds. The larger lakes are Rangeley Lake (6302 acres / 149 feet deep), Mooselookmeguntic and Cupsuptic Lakes (16,359 acres / 132' ), Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes (7751 acres / 108' ), Aziscohos Lake (6872 acres / 60' ), Umbagog Lake (7767 acres / 48' ) which straddles the New Hampshire border, and Kennebago Lake (1764 acres / 28' ). Twenty-five miles to the northeast sits Flagstaff lake (17,380 acres / 48' ).

The two towns at the center of this region are Rangeley and, five miles to its west, Oquossoc. Together, their year round residents barely number 1000. There are, however, ample places to stay in the area and no end to the things you can do all year long - provided, of course, you enjoy outdoor recreation.

Lakefront Locator will get you to available listings in the Rangeley Lakes Area. LakeSmart, is a research tool that will give you important information about area lakes. If you would like to read recent news articles about this region, use our Lake News feature.

And, of course, if you have a question or need a friend in the business let us know. We love Maine's lakes and ponds and want to share them with you.