BETHEL’S WINTER BOUNTY

            Alpine skiers know that Bethel is the home of Sunday River Ski Resort. This skiers’ Mecca was established by the town’s community development corporation forty-five years ago.  Nordic skiers know that Bethel is Maine’s cross-country ski capital.  Three Nordic centers offer many kilometers of groomed trails along with backcountry skiing in the White Mountain National Forest.  Snowmobilers know that Bethel is the crossroads to miles of groomed trails in western Maine.  And, the whole world knows that Bethel holds title to the Guinness Book of Records’ World’s Tallest Snowman.  The community built the towering 113’ 7” snowman in 1999.  (Yes, he melted.)

            Combine these well-known winter activities with the little-known (two more alpine ski areas here – Mt. Abram Family Resort and Black Mountain of Maine), sleigh rides at Nordic centers, snowtubing at Mt. Abram, Sunday River, and Black Mountain, sled dog trips along the Bear River, horseback riding at the base of Sparrowhawk Mountain, snowshoeing and ice climbing in the Mahoosuc Mountains, ice fishing on Songo Pond, and Bethel becomes the outdoor winter capital of Maine.

            Winter travelers will not be left out in the cold.  The region boasts 5000 beds!  Find them in over fifty-five lodging properties.  There are slopeside hotels and condominiums, classic country inns, charming B&B’s, and modern motels.  Town restaurants serve a variety of cuisine – American, French, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Korean, Japanese, vegetarian, and even vegan – casual to elegant!  Shopping, antiquing, touring an early 1800’s period house, playing laser tag, or taking in a matinee at the four-screen cinema are some of Bethel’s winter indoor options.

            Events emphasize the best of winter.  In early December, the historical society hosts “Christmas with the Masons,” to experience Christmas as celebrated in the early nineteenth century.  Also early in December, there is the Taste of Bethel to sample area restaurants varied cuisine, a theme wreath silent auction, a Christmas fair and tea at the Congregational Church, Christmas tree lighting and arrival of Santa on the town common, wagon rides through the village, Santa Sunday at Sunday River Ski Resort.  There is always a Living Nativity pageant on the town common sometime before Christmas.

            On New Year’s Eve, the Bethel Historical Society presents its “New Year’s Bethel” celebration with a variety of live entertainment throughout the historic town. Fireworks brighten the New Year’s sky at The Bethel Inn Resort and Sunday River Ski Resort.

            Sunday River Ski Resort fills www.bethelmaine.com’s winter events calendar, but Mt. Abram Family Resort, Black Mountain of Maine, and the Nordic ski centers host events, races, tours, and equipment demos, also.  Pubs offer evening entertainment and fireworks are other winter highlights.

            For a calendar of events, lodging and dining information, and community map, contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-442-5826 or online at www.bethelmaine.com.

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