Many of us know Mt. Abram as simply a place that we pass on our way to Sunday River. A few short miles from Bethel, the tempting network of snow covered trails are clearly visible as you drive by on Route 26,yet I had never ventured to the Mountain. That all changed this past week as this robust friendly mountain has converted me into a fan.

This is a fun Mountain with a light heart. For starters, I happen to be a huge Rocky and Bulwinkle fan. I loved the show as a kid and welcome the chance to savor the reruns whenever available. Here at Mt. Abram, Rocky and Bulwinkle rule. Virtually all the trails are named after the satirical cast and characters that made that show such
a cartoon favorite. You have to chuckle when you ski down “Fractured Fairy Tales” and “Frostbite Falls,” or jump into the lift called “The Way Back Machine.”

This is a very family-friendly mountain that welcomes first time skiers, prides itself on its ski school (Nicknamed “Wassomatta U”), and has a first class Race Program for Middle and High schoolers. On the day of my visit, the entire Marshwood High School Ski Team from
South Berwick was out on the Mountain prepping for one of their upcoming competitions. The Race Staff at Mt. Abram includes former U.S. Ski Team coach Tim La Vallee and World Cup finalist Julie Parisien.


The overall staff, from the boot fitters in the rental office to the independent owner, Matt Hancock, are an affable hospitable team of well wishers dedicated to friendly helpful service. Hancock, a longtime patron of the Mountain, became its owner three years ago at
the age of 33. He has upgraded the snowmaking system, instilled a youthful enthusiasm to all operations, and has a one-acre solar energy field of green power production in the works that will serve as a model for other resorts.

The Mountain itself covers over 600 acres with a Vertical Drop of 1,187 feet. The 44 trails are serviced by five lifts -- 42% are Green, 32% Blue, with the rest Black and Double Black. For the more advanced skier the “Zephyr Glades” that squeeze between the wide open trails of “Boris Badenov” and “Dudley Do-Right” will challenge you to pull a rabbit out of your hat.

The big news at Mt. Abram is this weekend’s (Jan. 21-22) grand opening of the “Boneyard.” The Boneyard is a terrain park designed for the “Not-too-Nervous” crowd that can rock the jumps under the lights until 8 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. This weekend’s on-mountain party will christen the Boneyard with live music, burgers,
dogs, cocoa & drinks, and thrills for the riders and spectators.

Apres Ski at Mt. Abram begins and ends at the Loose Boots Lounge in the lodge. Here the bartenders can quaff you a mug of Abram Ale, a handcrafted brew specially made by the folks at Gritty’s to celebrate the Mountain’s 50th birthday. It’s a red amber that you’ll remember.
The food at Loose Boots is hearty after-ski fare. I can personally recommend the Steak Burger as a joy of beef feast that will keep the burger romance alive and well on your plate.

Lodging and dining spots are also available in Bethel. A ski and stay package at Bethel Inn Resort, renown for their gourmet chef, is something to consider. Their Family of Four Weekend Retreat is a vacation special. It includes: a four course dinner, eight breakfasts, and two nights of lodging for the family and eight lift tickets at Mt. Abram. The Inn features a 92-degree outdoor pool, a
hot tub, fitness center, ice skating, an on-property 42-K
cross-country course, and in-room fireplaces. For info on this package, call the Inn at 207-824-2175.

Other economy specials are the Thursday two-for-one lift ticket price and the Bargain Basement special--all can ski for free after 3 PM on Thursdays. If you suit up and are ready to go right at 3, you can enjoy skiing for the last 90 minutes of the day -- on the house.

Friday’s special: A full carload of folk can ski for just $75.

At Mt. Abram’s peak there is an Ice Cave. In this unique
top-of-the-Mountain retreat, you can enjoy a hot cocoa, beer or wine, and even book a private function. The Ice Cave is the destination of the monthly moon hikes. Each Saturday before the Full Moon, a band of snow revelers brave the weather and hike to mountain peak for a lunar
party. There they toast the moon and then ski down to the base--their skis and poles have thankfully been ferried up by the lift. This is the kind of fun activity that captures the spirit of Mt. Abram.