How to Go Skiing in Eaton Mountain, Maine

Eaton Mountain's motto is "Big Mountain Skiing at Small Mountain Prices." It is located in the Kennebec River Valley near Skowhegan, Maine, not far from Bangor. Over a dozen ski runs range in difficulty from scenic cruises to intense plunges. A small, family-friendly ski area, Eaton Mountain has a 700-foot vertical drop and more than 100 acres of skiable terrain.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid credit card

Plan Your Ski Trip to Eaton Mountain

1. Find and reserve a room online at the Maine Tourism Association Web site (see Resources below), or give them a call at [phone].

2. Book a room at any of the local motels, which have prices ranging from budget to inexpensive. Though these aren't chain establishments, they do offer standard amenities, such as Internet access and cable television.

3. Try a charming bed and breakfast in a local home. This kind of lodging can be surprisingly inexpensive.

4. Cruise down Route 95 from Bangor, the nearest large city. Or take a longer trip up Route 95 from Portland. Either way, turn north on Route 201 for seven miles, then right on Route 23 and right on Route 2 West.

5. Mark your calendar for student night on every Monday evening, and family night every Tuesday. Get a special price on those nights if you are a student or bring a family!

6. Ski frugally. This really is the place for winter fun on a budget. Check it out by downloading a PDF of Eaton Mountain rates at the resort Web site (see Resources below).

7. Find out if there is snow by calling [phone] (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). This number is not to book your ticket-you pay at the mountain. You can also check online for current ski conditions (see Resources below).

Enjoy Your Ski Trip to Eaton Mountain

8. Win the race with your dazzling ski abilities. Every winter, Eaton Mountain holds the Sno-Cross Series races.

9. Relax and have a drink or a meal at the Bear Trap Restaurant and Lounge. Check the events schedule for the live band of the week.

10. Save the hassle of hauling equipment in your car. Rent what you need at Eaton Mountain.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your room reservations online. Many places offer Internet specials that include lift tickets and meals as a part of a package deal.
• Eaton Mountain features natural snow only. Make sure there is snow before you go by logging onto the SkiReport Web site (see Resources below).
• Eaton Mountain doesn't have a ski shop. You can rent equipment, but you can't purchase skis, snowboards or other gear.