Clean swells off the ragged coast, snow falling in the mountains, the quiet of a thickly frozen lake, and the warm glow of a fire in a solitary cabin somewhere up north — it doesn’t matter how you do it, to do winter in Maine is to wholly embrace the elements. So don your warmest layers, be they wool or neoprene, find an adventure buddy or three, and head outside, there’s still adventure to be found from mountains to sea in Maine’s coldest season and it’s not to be missed.
Camping/Glamping
When the snow flies, things at the Maine Huts & Trails kick into full gear. At this northwoods nook, winter is prime time for camping at their off-grid eco-lodges and backcountry huts whether you’re looking to unplug in peace or explore their 80-mile trail network at the foot of the Bigelows. For a more relaxed winter glamping experience, head to The Forks where Northern Outdoors’ “adventure resort” offers cushier accommodations with amenities that include a brewpub, hot tub, and game room in a large post and beam lodge. Hundreds of miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobile trails are steps away in this remote corner of the state. Once you choose your adventure, bring along a pair of performance gloves by Mainers for lasting comfort. “We have a history of over 40 years of manufacturing in Maine,” says Ponch Membreño. “We invented and continue to manufacture the world’s best cryogenic glove, which is shipped to every continent in the world directly from Maine and used by NASA.” Find more Maine camping & glamping gear and guides
Biking
Putting your favorite outdoor pursuit on pause because it got cold isn’t exactly what we do here during the winter. Case in point: Inland Woods + Trails offers miles of snow-covered trails groomed to perfection for fat tire biking in a pine-covered pocket of the western Maine mountains. New to the sport? The folks at Summer Feet Cycling continue to operate their popular bike tours of the Portland coast, but opt for bigger and burlier bike tires that can handle ice and snow. And make sure to dress for the weather with Pinebury’s merino wool cycling gear, which are constructed from Nuyarn, a performance wool material that is sustainably-made and designed for both warmth and breathability for year-round riding. Find more Maine biking gear and guides
Fishing
When the lakes and ponds freeze over, anglers pivot to ice fishing in which they drill a hole, set their traps, and hope to hook a big one. This “hard water” fishing can often be a much more leisurely sport that involves a lot of erm…sitting around. Luckily, the makers of Hüga’s heated cushions know that sitting around on a frozen lake waiting for the fish to bite is infinitely better when that seat is cushioned and heated. Better yet, if you hire a seasoned guide through the Maine Professional Guides Association, they’ll deliver the works: an insulated tent, food, fishing gear, a heated cushion or two, and hopefully the thrill of watching your flag go up as the fish dives down into the frigid depths below. While it’s well worth it to go anywhere in Maine, it’s hard to beat a full-day ice fishing excursion with Katahdin in full view up north at the New England Outdoor Center. Find more Maine fishing gear and guides
Snowsports
For East Coast skiers and riders, nothing comes close to a powder day on a pair of skis or snowboards handmade by locals. Amalgam Skis and Winterstick are two such brands—crafting innovative, quality gear from workshops where the mountains are right in their backyard. For winter lovers looking to connect with a community or try something new, Black Travel Maine offers ski weekend packages that includes tours, gear, and premium lodging, while Inclusive Ski Touring gives first-timers a crash course in hiking up and skiing down at spots like local Mt. Abram. Find more Maine snow sports gear and guides
Surfing
“While York thrives in the summer, winter offers a unique opportunity for dedicated surfers. The frigid waters bring incredible swells for those brave enough to tackle them,” says Mike LaVecchia owner of Grain Surfboards, whose surfboard building workshops offer a cozy and fun way to keep the stoke alive on flat days. For all your gear needs, Swell Affair sells cold water surf accessories like petroleum-free, biodegradable wax, while Maine Surfers Union is a hub for Portland-based surfers looking for the best quality wetsuits, boards, and more. Looking for a different type of coldwater community? Two Maine Mermaids offers chilly dips and wild water group events all year-round for those who are cold plunge curious. Find more Maine surfing gear and guides
Hiking
Winter is the perfect season to hire a hiking guide to boost your skills and knowledge of how to best explore Maine’s frosty peaks. Northstar Adventures helps hikers of all backgrounds embrace the wild and even offers the chance to create custom trips to suit your needs. When it comes time to pick your pack, reach for an ultralight and durable bag from Biddeford-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear, who makes bags with specific features to cater to cold weather pursuits like mountaineering, ski touring, and winter day hiking. And of course, a technical yet cozy baselayer like one from Sambob is a must-have for staying dry and warm on winter hikes —bonus points for being handmade in Maine. Find more Maine hiking gear and guides
Kids
Small kids don’t always have to mean small adventures. Teach your kids to embrace the cold Maine winters with initiatives like WinterKids, a non-profit dedicated to getting kids of all ages and walks of life outside when temps drop. Need ideas for the weekend? The Outdoor Movement Project catalogs family-friend hikes all throughout Maine so you’ll never run out of trails to trod. A well-made and colorful apparel from Peace House Studios is the perfect addition to your winter kit (available for both kids and adults) that are designed to grow with you and be recycled at the end of its life cycle. “Children’s clothing is either inexpensive and poor quality or high quality and very expensive,” says Nick Bergmann, “We strive for the middle ground of high quality and moderately priced.” Speaking of life cycle, the Arctic Lynx maternity activewear line makes bump-friendly tops, bottoms, and accessories for moms on the move all year-round. Find more Maine kids gear and guides
Check out the full Adventure Local Maine guide for the best gear, goods, guides, and local intel to get you out there this winter.