Looking to hit the ski slopes or snowshoe trails during your Moosehead Lake getaway? Great idea! Moosehead Lake is a winter sports paradise with options for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In fact, Greenville even has its own ski area – Big Moose Mountain!
As I am sure you can imagine, Moosehead Lake sees plenty of snow every winter, making us a popular destination for a variety of winter sports. People travel from all over to enjoy the area’s skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing. Heck, come at the right time and you can even watch dog-sledding and skijoring!
Snowshoers and cross-country skiers will find a variety of excellent options all around the Greenville area. In fact, on of the more popular options is just 10 minutes up the road from The Lodge. Lily Bay State Park offers approximately 7 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that lead through woodlands overlooking the lake.
When it comes to alpine skiing and snowboarding, the answer is Big Moose Mountain.
Big Moose Mountain
Big Moose Mountain Ski Area, located just 5 miles north of Greenville, is a historic ski resort overlooking Moosehead Lake.
Originally known as “Big Squaw Mountain,” the ski area opened in 1963 and, by 1967, was the second largest in Maine. Today, the ski area, renamed Big Moose Mountain, is a locally run, 501c(3) non profit ski area but that’s just about all that has changed. The trails remain much as they were in the 1960s, retaining that classic, New England feel.
Big Moose Mountain currently offers lift service on a triple chair to the 27 trails, beginner to advanced. They also provide a beginner conveyor lift for newer skiers. The northeast facing slopes provide amazing views of the lake and the skiing is fantastic. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy the 6 mile, figure 8 system of groomed trails – and the back county is open, too.
Stop by the full-service, Big Moose Ski Shop for rentals and tune-ups of skis, boots, snowboards, and other gear. You can also sign up for a variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons.
Hungry? Swing by the Big Moose Lodge snack bar and grill for traditional American ski mountain grub. Options include wings, burgers, salads, hot cocoa, beer, wine, and lots more. You’ll also find live music in the Big Moose Lodge, every Sunday through the end of March. Great fun!
Best of all, Big Moose Mountain ski area is just a little over 15 minutes drive from The Lodge at Moosehead Lake Inn & Restaurant. Spend the day having fun on the slopes then it’s just a short drive to the comforts of your room at our Greenville inn. The makings of a perfect day.
Visit the Big Moose Mountain website for hours, online ski reservations, and more information. You can also find the ski area on Facebook.