Maine’s Snowiest Cities You Need To Visit This Winter
Picture yourself standing in a town where snow blankets everything like frosting on a cake, and winter feels like pure magic. Maine has some of the snowiest cities in America, where you can experience real winter wonderlands with epic snowfall totals.
I’m taking you through incredible spots where the snow piles high and the winter adventures never end!
1. Caribou
Up in the northern corner of Maine sits a city that gets buried under more snow than almost anywhere else in the state. Caribou receives an average of over 110 inches of snow each winter season. That’s taller than most adults standing up!
You’ll find endless opportunities for snowmobiling across miles of groomed trails that connect to regional networks. Ice fishing is super popular here too.
The community embraces winter with festivals and events that celebrate the snowy season instead of hiding from it.
2. Chisholm
Nestled in Franklin County, this tiny spot transforms into a winter paradise when the flakes start falling. Snow totals here regularly exceed 100 inches annually. Local residents have perfected the art of living with serious snowfall.
Cross-country skiing becomes the favorite pastime once winter arrives in full force. The rolling terrain creates perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Building snow forts reaches championship levels here since there’s always plenty of material to work with!
3. Presque Isle
Known as the Star City, this northern Maine gem averages around 110 inches of snowfall every year. Winter sports enthusiasts flock here for the reliable snow conditions. The city maintains excellent winter recreation facilities that stay busy all season long.
Nordic Heritage Center offers world-class cross-country skiing and biathlon training facilities right in town. Snowshoeing trails wind through beautiful forests nearby. Hot cocoa tastes even better after spending hours playing in all that glorious white stuff!
4. Calais
Sitting right on the Canadian border, this eastern Maine city gets hammered with lake-effect snow from nearby waters. Annual snowfall totals often surpass 95 inches here. The St. Croix River creates stunning winter scenery when ice forms along the banks.
Downtown shops stay cozy and welcoming even during the biggest snowstorms. Sledding hills around town get packed with families on weekends.
The international bridge connecting to Canada looks absolutely magical when covered in fresh powder and twinkling lights!
5. South Paris
This charming Oxford County village receives impressive snowfall totals that average around 85 inches each winter. Victorian-era buildings look like postcard scenes when draped in snow and icicles. Main Street transforms into something straight out of a holiday movie.
Mount Mica and the surrounding hills provide excellent terrain for winter hiking adventures. Sledding spots are plentiful throughout the area.
Local coffee shops become gathering places where everyone shares stories about the latest snowstorm while warming up!
6. Lisbon Falls
Where the Androscoggin River creates beautiful waterfalls, this town also creates impressive snow totals each year. Average annual snowfall reaches about 80 inches here. The falls partially freeze in winter, creating incredible ice formations worth photographing.
Historic mill buildings look especially dramatic when outlined with snow and icicles hanging from the rooflines. Skating on frozen ponds becomes a favorite weekend activity.
The town maintains great sidewalks so you can walk around safely even after major snowstorms!
7. Steep Falls
Don’t let the small size fool you because this Cumberland County spot gets seriously buried each winter season. Snow accumulation averages around 75 inches annually here. The name fits perfectly when you’re climbing snowy hills after a fresh dumping!
Backcountry skiing opportunities abound in the surrounding forests and hills. Snowmobile trails connect to larger networks throughout the region.
Building snowmen becomes an art form since the snow quality here packs perfectly for creative winter sculptures!
8. South Windham
Located near Sebago Lake, this community experiences enhanced snowfall from lake-effect weather patterns. Annual totals typically reach around 70 inches. The proximity to Portland makes it a convenient escape for serious winter enthusiasts.
Ice fishing on nearby lakes becomes incredibly popular once the ice reaches a safe thickness. Trails through conservation lands offer peaceful snowshoeing experiences.
The combination of small-town charm and significant snowfall creates the perfect winter getaway destination!
9. Old Town
Famous for canoe manufacturing, this Penobscot County city also manufactures impressive amounts of snow each winter. Average snowfall reaches about 80 inches annually here. The University of Maine nearby adds youthful energy to winter activities.
The Penobscot River creates beautiful winter vistas when partially frozen with snow-covered banks. Sledding hills around town stay busy with college students and families alike.
Local restaurants serve warming comfort food perfect for refueling after outdoor winter adventures!
10. Ellsworth
Serving as the gateway to Acadia National Park, this Hancock County hub gets substantial snowfall, averaging 70 inches yearly. Winter transforms the town into a cozy New England scene. The downtown historic district becomes especially picturesque under fresh snow.
Nearby Acadia offers winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities that few visitors experience. Cross-country skiing trails wind through pristine landscapes.
Hot beverages from local cafes taste extra delicious when sipped while watching snowflakes fall outside the windows!
11. Fort Kent
At Maine’s northernmost tip sits a town that truly understands winter, with snowfall exceeding 110 inches most years. The Canadian border runs right through town, doubling the winter fun. International snowmobile trails connect both countries for epic riding adventures.
The Lonesome Pine Trails system offers some of the best cross-country skiing in the entire state. Winter carnivals celebrate the snowy season with competitions and community events.
Fort Kent proves that embracing winter makes it way more enjoyable than complaining about it!
