Winter Activities in MidCoast Maine

Winter is such a special time here in MidCoast Maine! Though the weather can certainly be cold, we relish the chance to enjoy an impressive variety of winter activities. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, ice-skating, ice-fishing and even tobogganing are all possible and easily accessible from the Farm!

Downhill Skiing

The closest downhill skiing is at the Camden Snow Bowl, just 30 minutes from Friendship. The Snow Bowl is a real locals’ mountain, with a cozy vibe and easily accessible slopes. You can seriously just park and walk right up to the lifts. The 1970’s lodge is truly iconic, and the friendly and talented staff make this a great place to get the littles started! And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Snow Bowl’s claim to fame - you can see the ocean from the top of the mountain (the only ski destination on the East Coast to boast such a view)!

And if you’re looking for more serious mountains, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Saddleback all provide top-notch skiing approximately 2 ½ hours from the farm.

Cross-country skiing/ Snowshoeing/Winter Hiking

If cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking are more your thing, there are so many scenic trails to enjoy, both right in Friendship and just outside! Almost right next door to the Farm, we love the trail up to the water through the West Knoll Wildlife Trust as well as the Martin Point Wildlife Reserve, with its 50 acres of beautiful undeveloped forests, wetlands, and stunning ocean frontage just past the Friendship Village. A little further away, Camden Hills State Park and the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson both offer miles of beautiful multi-use trails.

One of our favorite winter daytrips is the newest location of Oxbow Brewery in Oxford. The Beer Garden is right next to an extensive Nordic skiing trail system with beautiful mixed-use trails that run through the fields and forest adjacent to the brewery. Nordic skis and snowshoes are available to rent on site, and you can literally ski right up, and get a beer. How cool is that?!?

Ice-Skating

For rainy winter days, the best indoor skating rink is the MidCoast Recreation Center in Rockport, but our favorite MidCoast skating spots are the numerous lakes and ponds that regularly freeze over, providing nostalgic (and safe!) outdoor ice-skating options! Tolman Pond in Rockport, Hosmer Pond near the Snow Bowl, and Chicawaukie Pond in Rockland are all popular spots, as are the numerous unnamed ponds right around Friendship. Please just be sure to test the ice before you go on it – our typical insurance is to only skate on lakes that are already being enjoyed by the locals!

Ice-Fishing

Another very popular winter activity in MidCoast Maine is ice fishing. With its proximity to the coast and numerous lakes and ponds, the land right around the Farm provides ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills on the ice! You can fish for trout, perch, or pickerel on any of the ponds mentioned above, and the locals are always willing to provide first-timers some guidance. But again, please, please, please (!) be sure the ice is safe before you venture out!

Tobogganing

And finally, one of MidCoast Maine’s most unusual winter activities is riding the Toboggan Shoot at the Camden Snow Bowl. It's the country's only remaining original, gravity-operated wooden toboggan chute. The old-fashioned 400-foot run shoots you out over Hosmer Pond at around 40 miles per hour! It's open on weekends and you can rent a toboggan there (or bring your own if you happen to have one lying around). There's a great short documentary L.L. Bean did on a local team entered in the National Toboggan Championships (held at the Snow Bowl) if you need more convincing!

However you chose to spend your Winter time with us, MidCoast Maine has something very special to offer. And whether you're chasing adrenaline down the slopes, enjoying a contemplative hike through the winter woods, or simply savoring some cozy moments by the fire, Three Sisters Farm offers a peaceful and charming setting in which to enjoy this magical season in MidCoast Maine!