SWITCH Winter Guide
Those from away don't understand what winter in Maine is all about. Yes, it's cold. Yes, there's snow. But we Mainers also get to enjoy some of the best outdoor winter sports anywhere and there's a show, fair, festival or music performance to check out nearly every weekend.As your source to entertainment in the Greater Portland area, we're here to help you make the winter months just as much fun as the sunny days of summer. Use our hundred of suggestions for theater, holiday and recreation options and keep cabin fever at bay. And be sure to visit this site again for updated information.
Go to CRAFT FAIRS & EVENTS: FEBRUARY
Go to DOWNHILL SKI RESORTS
Go to CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Go to SNOWSHOWING TRAILS
Go to SNOW TUBING PARKS
Go to OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINKS
FESTIVALS, THEATER & REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE: MARCH
The Odd Couple (Female Version) | March 1, 6-8Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath
$10, $13, $15, Sun. 2:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 pm
"Oscar" is now "Olive Madison" - still a sports nut - and "Felix" is now "Florence Ungar". The two Pidgeon Sisters upstairs become a couple of Spanish Lotharios, the Constazuela brothers. Instead of poker, this group of whacky women play Trivial Pursuit every Friday until Florence has some marital problems and the other girls try to help. Neil Simon penned this hilarious update of The Odd Couple some 15 years after the original and uses the same story line, but with genders reversed. www.chocolatechurcharts.org
Hear ME now! Race | March 1
Shawnee Peak, Bridgton
$100, 8 am-3 pm
Participate in the "Break the Sound Barrier" race and you get a full day lift ticket, a T-shirt, BBQ lunch after the race and two runs down a modified slalom course for the race. Awards will given in the following categories: Fastest Team (Gross & Net Times), Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Fastest Under 14, Most pledges raised by a team. All skiers may ski all trails before and after the race. This event is a fundraiser to help children and adults with hearing loss learn to listen and speak. www.shawneepeak.com/calendar
Pineland Farms Winter Triathlon | March 1Pineland Farms, New Gloucester
$50 individual, $60 relay, 10 am
4K snowshoe run or 5K road run, 10K mountain bike (on roads), 8K cross country ski.
Awards will be given to the top 3 M&F overall, and the top place M&F finisher in each of the following categories: Junior (15-24), Senior (25-44), Masters (45+)_We will also have awards for the top teams (M, F, and Mixed). http://www.tri-maine.com/Races/WinterTri.html
Out of Sterno | March 3-22
Portland Stage Company, Forest Ave., Portland
$13-$36, Wed.-Fri. 7:30 pm, Sat. 4 & 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm
Wide-eyed innocence and perfect pedicures collide in this zany new comedy about life, self-image and the pursuit of a hunky man to call your own. Blissfully happy but ignored by her husband, Dotty timidly ventures into the outside world, where she is swept up in a hilarious whirl of characters and questions about what it means to love and to be a "real" woman. www.portlandstage.com
2009 United States National Synchronized Skating Championships | March 4-7
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland
$25 daily, $60 for all events
Skaters will compete in juvenile, intermediate, junior, masters, senior, collegiate and adult categories. http://www.2009synchronationals.com
"A Powerful Noise": Celebrating International Women's Day | March 5
Brunswick 10, 19 Gurnet Rd., Brunswick
$15-$18, 8 pm
This documentary film will be followed by a town hall discussion with leading experts and celebrity activists simulcast live from New York to more than 450 theaters nationwide. "A Powerful Noise Live" will take viewers into the lives of three women: a young widow in Vietnam, a mother in Bosnia and a matriarch in Mali. During the live event, movie theatres across the country will turn into community forums to look into the problems - and solutions - facing women and girls in the global fight against poverty. www.FathomEvents.com
Wine Dinner | March 5Sugarloaf USA, Carrabasset Valley
$65, 6 pm
It's a five-course meal paired with excellent wine selections at the Double Diamond Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 237-4220 or www.sugarloaf.com
New England Parrothead Convention | March 5-8
Marriot Sable Oaks, South Portland
$55, starts 5 pm, March 5
Local and national talent should include The Calypso Cowboys, The Corona Brothers, The Boat Drunks, comedian Tom Clark, Jim Morris and Big Bamboo. Event will raise money for Special Olympics Maine, Maine Alzheimer's Association, Maine Cancer Foundation and Make-A-Wish Maine. www.phcofmaine.com
First Friday Art Walk | March 6
Portland's Art District & Old Port
Free, 5-8 pm
Visit the many open galleries and business participating in this month's walk. Portland Museum of Art offers free admission during Art Walk. http://firstfridayartwalk.com
Rock Around the World | March 6
Italian Heritage Center, 42 Westland Ave., Portland
$25 in advance; $30 at the door, 7-11 pm
Learn dances from different cultures, enjoy great hors d'euvres, a raffle and a silent auction of multicultural goods and services. This event is a fundraiser for the multilingual programs at Portland schools. Call the Multilingual and Multicultural Center at 874-8135 for tickets or info.
TD Banknorth & Rangeley Lakes XC Ski Loppet | March 7
Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, Saddleback Mountain Road, Rangeley
8 am
These are freestyle 25K or 50K timed and non-timed touring class and race events. There will be lots of food with an awards ceremony following. www.xcskirangeley.com
STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon | March 7
USM Sullivan Gym, Falmouth Street, Portland
$70, 8 pm
The fifth annual event runs through March 8 at 10 am and will include live bands, massages, prizes, food and entertainment. All proceeds benefit STRIVE, a local nonprofit serving teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. www.striverocks.org
Solas | March 8
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
$50, 8 pm
Since its birth in 1996, Solas has been loudly proclaimed as the most popular, influential and exciting Celtic band to ever emerge from the United States. The Solas sound today is anchored by founders Seamus Egan, who plays flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistle, guitar and bodhran, and fiddler Winifred Horan. They are two of the most respected-and imitated-musicians anywhere in acoustic music. www.stonemountinartscenter.com
U.S. Snowboarding 2009 Revolution Tour | March 9-11
Sugarloaf USA, Carrabasset Valley
Price of a lift ticket, all day
The top junior event tour in the country is making its fourth and final stop at Sugarloaf. The tour features competitions in halfpipe, slopestyle and snowboardcross. www.sugarloaf.com
Full Moon Snowshoe | March 10Libby Hill Trails, Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, Gray
$10 donation to Save Libby Hill campaign, 7:30-9:30 pm
Bring a headlamp and snowshoes and discover Libby Hill in the light of a full moon on a leisurely two-hour tour using trails and off trail routes. Advanced reservation only. Register at www.Libbyhill.orgor call Steve McPike at 657-2114. Six pairs of snowshoes will be lent out on a first come, first serve basis.
Hunting Winter Mushrooms | March 11
Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture, 138 St. John St., Portland
Free, 6:30 pm
This class given by Dr. Max Jacobs will discuss several mushrooms which grow all winter long and have medicinal properties. A slideshow and actual specimens are included. There will also be mushroom tea prepared for curious and thirsty participants. Call 774-6251 to register.
Annual Portland Flower Show | March 11-15
Portland Company Complex, 58 Fore St., Portland
$10, Wed. 6-9 pm, Thu.-Fri.-Sat. 10 am-7 pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm
This year's theme is "From the Mountains to the Sea." www.portlandcompany.com
Duncan Sheik | March 12
Port City Music Hall, Congress St., Portland
$15 advance, $18 at door, 8 pm
Nominated for a Grammy for his debut single "Barely Breathing" in 1996, Sheik released his eighth CD this year and makes a stop in Portland to share his tunes. www.portcitymusichall.com
6th Annual Mary's Firemen for a Cure | March 14
Shawnee Peak, Bridgton
$100 per five-person team, 10 am
Teams of five firemen in full turn-out gear race to raise money for breast cancer research. Registration is from 8-9:30 am. Competitors will get a lift ticket, a chili lunch and a raffle ticket for great prizes. Call 647-8444 to register your firehouse. www.shawneepeak.com/calendar
38th Annual Maine Boat Show | March 12-15
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland
$4, $7, $8, Fri. 11 am-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-8 pm, Sun. 10 am-5 pm
In the market for a boat? Find them in all shapes and sizes at this annual event. www.americasbestshows.com
The 13th of Paris | March 13-22
The Public Theatre, Two Great Falls Plaza, Auburn
$10, $16, $18, various times
Vincent has fallen in love. But when his experience of being in love doesn't resemble the romantic ideal he's been expecting all his life, he takes a suitcase filled with the love letters of his grandparents and impulsively travels to Paris in search of the true meaning of love. When he begins receiving romantic advice from a dapper French ghost in a pinstripe suit, he gets an unforgettable lesson in l'amour. www.thepublictheatre.org
One-Act Operas | March 13-15
USM Russell Hall, Gorham
$10 & $20, 7:30 pm
This student production features "Suor Angelica" and Gianni Schicchi," both sung in English.
Jackman Sled Dog Sprint Race Northeast Championships | March 13-15
Down East Sled Dog Club, Jackman
Free, check website for times
This event will attract teams from all over the eastern U.S. and Canada to compete in skijoring, 3-dog junior, 4-, 6- and 8-dog classes and open teams. www.desdc.org
IZSTYLE Winter Tour | March 14-15
Sunday River, Bethel
Sat. 8 am-midnight, Sun. starting 9 am
The tour features concerts and activities aimed at raising awareness of alternative and renewable energy sources. The weekend will feature a special Apres Ski Party with Pete Kilpatrick Band and a Bud Light Concert Series on Saturday evening. http://www.sundayriver.com
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center Inferno | March 15
Sugarloaf USA, Carrabasset Valley
$25 preregistration, $30 day of, call for times
This Nordic race is popular among locals. It starts at the top of the Whiffletree SuperQuad and ends at the Outdoor Center and is open to the public. 237-6830.
Los Lobos | March 15Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
$95, 8 pm
Three-time Grammy Award winners, Los Lobos' music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music. www.stonemountinartscenter.com
25th Annual Reindeer Rock-Off | March 15 & 22
Catherine McAuley High, Stevens Avenue, Portland
Varying admission fees, all day
Competition is open to original high school bands from across the state. In addition to the coveted title of Best Young Band In The State Of Maine, the winning band will win $1,000. Regional and national artists who have come through Rock-Off include Howie Day, Jeremiah Freed and Rustic Overtones. Five bands will be selected to play in the finals on Sunday, April 19.
Mary's Walk and Kerryman Pub Road Race | March 15
Thornton Academy, 438 Main St., Saco $15 walk, $20 run, race starts at noon, walk at 12:10 pm This event benefits the Maine Cancer Foundation.
St. Paddy's Day Celebration with Carol Noonan Trio | March 17
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
$50, 8 pm
Carol and guitarists Kevin Barry and Duke Levine will do a rare trio set infused with an Irish feel www.stonemountinartscenter.com
Natalie MacMaster | March 17
Merrill Auditorium, Portland
$30-$42, 7:30 pm
The fiddling superstar from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, stirs up a rollicking St. Patrick's Day celebration brimming with high-energy Celtic music and step-dancing. A longtime Maine favorite, MacMaster is steering traditional music in exciting new directions, leading the way with Cape Breton-style fiddling fireworks as she takes her phenomenal band on an exploration of her own roots as well as bluegrass, Latin and pop sounds. pcagreatperformances.org
Motley Crue | March 18
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland
$29.50, $49.50, $75, 6:30 pm
The Crue comes back around on its "Saints of Los Angeles" tour with Hinder, Theory of a Dead Man and The Last Vegas. www.motley.com/splash/index.html
Baile! |March 19
One Longfellow Square, Portland
$5, 8 pm
DJ Johnny Mambo offers an "Introduction to the basics of Latin Dancing" from 8-8:45 om, then spins an exciting mix of salsa, cha cha, merengue, bachata, cumbia and more. www.onelongfellowsquare.com
The Passion of the Hausfrau | March 19-April 11
Studio Theater, Portland Stage Company, Forest Avenue, Portland
$18, Thur. & Fri. 8 pm, Sat. 3 & 8 pm, Sun. 3 pm
A new solo comedy that follows the adventures of a Portland mom and would-be writer who discovers her own creative power by embarking on a hilarious and heartfelt journey of mythic proportions. Adapted from Portland's own Hausfrau muthah-zine, a self-published quarterly that chronicles the passion that is parenting, written and cartooned by Nicole Chaison. www.portlandstage.com/StudioSeries.html
Inn on Peaks Island Dining Series | March 20
33 Island Ave., Peaks Island
$45, 7 pm
Tapas & Tango. Learn the forbidden dance and experience Chef Chris Gordon's delicious tapas. Dinner also features specialty Kettle One cocktails. www.innonpeaks.com
(OK, OK. So these last few options are technically spring events.)
Bob Marley | March 20
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
$25, 8 pm
This hilarious comedian is from Maine, but you will know him from his national appearances on the late night Letterman, Leno and Conan shows. He tells all too close to home stories about life in Maine and New England. Adult humor.... not suggested for young'ins. www.stonemountinartscenter.com
Maine Jewish Film Festival | March 21-29 Various locations in Portland $7 adults, $5 kids under 18, check website for times Approximately 20 films from around the world will be show to enrich, educate and entertain a diverse community about the Jewish experience. www.mjff.org
Maine Maple Sunday | March 22
Statewide, check the website for a location near you
Visit a maple syrup farm and see first hand how sap is turned into your favorite sugary topping. There will be plenty of free tastings and other activities. www.getrealmaine.com19th Annual "Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff and Firefighter's Race | March 22 White Cape Lodge, Sunday River Resort, Newry Price of a lift ticket, all day Watch firefighters ski in teams of five in full turnout gear and carrying a firehose as they compete to raise money for Maine Handicapped Skiing. Then, sample chili from the best cooks in the state as they vie for the "Best Chili Cook" prize. Try all the samples and vote for People's Choice. www.sundayriver.com
Maine Short Play Festival | March 26-April 5 St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, Portland $10-$14, see website for schedule The tradition of presenting the best in new one-act plays by local authors continues when Acorn offers a rotating schedule of workshop performances of plays in process. www.acorn-productions.org
DOWNHILL SKI RESORTS
Baker Mountain
Vertical Drop: 460'
Location: PO Box 43; Bingham, ME, 04920
Contact: Ph: (207) 612-9300
More info
Ski runs were established on Baker Mountain in the 1930s. Today its one T-bar lift is run by its pass holders, who volunteer their time. During school vacations the club operates a ski school.
Big Rock
Vertical Drop: 980' Location: P.O. Box 1001; Mars Hill, ME, 04758 Contact: Ph: (207) 425-6711; BigRockMaine.com Trailmap Big Rock offers a variety of trails and lifts for the whole family.
Big Squaw Mountain
Black Mountain of Maine
Vertical Drop: 980'
Location: 39 Glover Road; Rumford, ME, 04276
Contact: (207) 425-6711; SkiBlackMountain.org/
Trailmap
This mountain is in a beautiful setting just north of the Androscoggin River outside of Rumford. From the slopes you can see over the expansive Oxford Hills. Expect few lift lines and uncrowded slopes.
Camden Snow Bowl
Vertical Drop: 950'
Location: 20 Barnestown Road; Camden, ME, 04843
Contact: (207) 236-4418; camdensnowbowl.com
Trailmap
Not only can you have views of the ocean when you ski, this family park offers tubing and a toboggan run.
Eaton Mountain
Vertical Drop: 622'
Location: 89 Lambert Road; Skowhegan, ME, 04976
Contact: (207) 474-2666; EatonMountain.com
Trailmap
The trails are lit for night skiing, and it offers tubing and a terrain park.
Hermon Mountain
Vertical Drop: 350'
Location: Newburgh Rd; Hermon, ME, 04401
Contact: (207) 848-5192; SkiHermonMountain.com
Trailmap
Hermon Mountain is close to Bangor and offers night skiing.The snowmaking equipment covers the trails and halfpipe. There are five tube chutes.
Lonesome Pine Trails
Vertical Drop: 500'
Location: P.O. Box 372; Fort Kent, ME, 04743
Contact: (207) 834-5202
More info
Lonesome Pine promises snowmaking can cover 60 percent of its trails if Mother Nature doesn't provide enough for December holidays. The resort also offers a half pipe and night skiing.
Lost Valley
Vertical Drop: 240'
Location: 200 Lost Valley Rd.; Auburn, ME, 04210
Contact: (207) 784-1561; LostValleySki.com
Trailmap
What Lost Valley lacks in elevation, it makes up for in programs for the whole family - including a weekly teen night. The snowmakers promise total coverage with snow.
Mount Abram
Vertical Drop: 1150'
Location: 308 Howe Hill Road; Greenwood, ME, 04289
Contact: (207) 875-5000; MtAbram.com
Trailmap
Mount Abram boasts the state's longest tubing park in addition to the two terrain parks, arcade, ski shop, Loose Boots Lounge and Restaurant and special events throughout the season.
Mount Jefferson
Vertical Drop: 432'
Location: P.O. Box 35; Lee, ME, 04455
Contact: (207) 738-2377
Trailmap
Jefferson relies on Mother Nature for snowmaking so it's best to call for conditions and hours. The mountain is about an hour north of Bangor and offers views of Katahdin.
Powderhouse Hill Ski Area
Quoggy Jo
Vertical Drop: 215'
Location: Fort Fairfield Road; Presque Isle, ME, 04769
Contact: (207) 764-3248; mainewsc.org
It's a good mountain for beginners. The terrain park has a Natural Half-Pipe, with grinding rails and other natural features.
Saddleback Ski Center
Vertical Drop: 2000'
Location: 976 Saddleback Mountain Road; Rangeley, ME, 04970
Contact: (207) 864-5671; SaddlebackMaine.com
Trailmap
It's one of the biggest ski mountains in the East with upgraded snowmaking and lifts. The base lodge offers gear, food, entertainment and day care.
Shawnee Peak
Vertical Drop: 1300' Location: 119 Mountain Road; Bridgton, ME, 04009 Contact: (207) 647-8444; ShawneePeak.com Trailmap Family run resort located about an hour from Portland offers many special rates throughout the week. They offer night skiing, a racing league and almost total coverage with snowmaking.
Spruce Mountain
Vertical Drop: 300'
Location: Ski Slope Road; Jay, ME, 04239
Contact: (207) 897-4090; SpruceMountain.org
Trail map: Trail map
Jointly owned by the towns of Jay Livermore Falls and Livermore, it is mostly run by volunteers and priced for families. Their snowmaking covers half the trails, and they have night skiing.
Sugarloaf
Vertical Drop: 2820 ft
Location: 5092 Access Road; Carrabassett Valley, ME, 04947
Get their deals: (800) THE LOAF; sugarloaf.com
Trailmap
The biggest big mountain skiing in Maine with 2,800 feet of vertical and plenty of terrain to suit all abilities.The past couple winters have seen increased snowmaking capacity and grooming ability.
Sunday River
Vertical Drop: 2340'
Lifts 4 High-Speed Quads, 5 Quads , 4 Triples, 2 Doubles, 3 Surface
Location: 15 South Ridge Road; Newry, ME, 04261
Contact: (207) 824-3000; sundayriver.com
Trailmap
Choose from more than a hundred trails across eight mountain peaks. Follow the sun from Whitecap to Jordan Bowl for a full, fun day. The River has benefited from the same new ownership that improved conditions at Sugarloaf. This winter, look to cut down your wait time as the Chondola speeds skiers up the mountain.
Titcomb Mountain
Vertical Drop: 340'
Location: Morrison Hill Road; W. Farmington, ME, 04992
Contact: (207) 778-9031; titcombmountain.com
Their snowmaking covers about 70 percent of their trails. You can ski at night on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS
10th Mountain Center
Beech Hill Ski & Snowshoe Center
Bethel Inn Ski Touring Center
Big Rock
Birches Ski Touring Center
Black Mountain
Carter's Farm XC Ski Centers - Oxford
Carter's Farm XC Ski Centers - Bethel
Coast Country Bike and Ski
Five Fields Farms
Fuller Farm
Harris Farms
Mount Abram
Libby Hill - Gray
Mountain Division Trail - Standish
Nordic Heritage Center
Pineland Farms
Rangeley Lakes Trail Center
Riverside Golf Course
Smiling Hill Farm
Spruce Mountain
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
Sunday River Inn XC Ski
Titcomb Mountain XC Trails
Twin Brooks
SNOWSHOEING TRAILS
Libby Hill - Gray
Maine Audubon's Gilsland Farm
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Bradbury Mountain State Park
Hunters Cove Wildlife Sanctuary
Mount Battie
Douglas Mountain Preserve
Day Mountain
Piazza Rock
Pleasant Mountain
Table Rock
Little Bigelow Mountain
Little Jackson Mountain
Mainers know how to make the most of winter weather. Check out MaineOutdoorJournal.com for outdoor adventure ideas. You can write about your own excursions, post photos and find upcoming events too.
SNOW TUBING PARKS
Black Mountain, 39 Glover Rd., Rumford, 364-8977
www.skiblackmountain.org
The Edge Tubing Park opens Dec. 26, hours vary, $10/$16
Camden Snow Bowl, Barnestown Rd., Camden, 236-3438
www.camdensnowbowl.com
Opening early January, 9 am-4 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays, $5/hour
Mt. Abram, 308 Howe Hill Rd., Greenwood, 875-5000
www.mtabram.com
Opens Dec. 23, 11 am-4 pm Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays, $10/$20
Oxford Plains Snow Tubing, Rte. 25, Oxford, 539-8865
www.oxfordplains.com
Opening middle of December, Saturdays, 10 am-9 pm, Sundays 10 am-8 pm, vacation weeks 10 am-9 pm each day, $11/hr-$20/all day
Seacoast Snow Park, Rte. 302, Windham, 892-5952
www.seacoastfunparks.com
Opens Dec. 26, hours vary, $7/$16
Sugarloaf, Access Rd., Carrabassett Valley, 237-6939
www.sugarloaf.com
Check website for details
Sunday River, Sunday River Rd., Newry, 824-3000
www.sundayriver.com
Opening during December vacation, hours vary, $3-$12
OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS