Whether gliding through the white stillness of a spruce forest or listening to a winter sparrow, Nordic skiing is a way to feel the reverence for nature that is so much a part of the Maine experience . Sunday River's ski center has 40 groomed trails and 30 ungroomed backcountry paths for those who want a more rugged experience.
Many centers also offer amenities such as saunas, ice skating and fitness centers.
The Birches Ski Touring Center in Rockwood offers unlimited backcountry skiing on Moosehead Lake and throughout an astonishingly beautiful 10,000-acre reserve. Nordic skiing isn't reserved for full-blown touring centers. Many towns and private property owners offer their own cross-country trails , which generally means less traffic. Always check with a property owner first. State and national forests are alsoa great place to get away from crowds and often feature excellent winter wildlife viewing.