Global Adventure - Cross-country Ski & Snowshoe in Maine

Start:  Portland, Maine 8 AM February 15, 2015.  

Drive to West Branch Pond Camp, and spend February 16-20 skiing or snowshoeing to and around Little Lyford Pond Camp (2 nights) and Gorman Chairback Camp (3 nights) before returning to Portland, arriving at about 6PM on Feb 20.

End: Portland, Maine 6PM February 20, 2015.

Download the itinerary.

Trip Preview: Monday August 4, 7 PM Mercer Island Library

Itinerary Highlights: Escape to the tranquility of mountain lakes, flowing rivers, and spectacular waterfalls in the heart of an untouched Maine wilderness. We will depart from Portland, Maine, and drive to West Branch Pond Camp, a traditional Maine Sporting Camp, family owned and managed since 1910.  Eric will have your cabin warm and will be preparing a great dinner. As you wait for dinner, you can go ice-skating and dog sledding.  In the morning, with gear on the shuttle, we will don skis or snowshoes to follow the Pleasant river trail to the second lodge, Little Lyford Pond Camp (LLPC) where we will spend 2 nights.  The snow is very dry and the groomed trails hold up well even when there are many days of clear blue skies and sun.  We will stop along the river for lunch, to admire the ice formations over the river and possibly see some animals coming to the river for water.  At LLPC you can cross country ski on the many trails which range from easy to difficult, ice skate or snow shoe up Laurie’s Ridge. After warming in the wood fired sauna, you can go to the lodge for a wonderful dinner.   When we leave, we will travel along the Pleasant River on the groomed lodge to lodge trail to Gorman Chairback Camp.  While there for 3 nights, you can again choose from many possible activities including winter hiking up Third Mountain on the Barren-Chairback Ridge or exploring Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine.  We will XC ski or snowshoe to the winter parking lot for the ride back to Portland, Maine.

Time of Year:   The trip is offered during what may be winter break for families with children.

Lodging: Will be in bunk-houses. Towels and wool blankets are provided.  Light-weight sleeping bag, duvet or sleep-sheet is needed.  Upgrades to small log cabins or wooden cabins each with a wood stove, rocking chair- are available.  Those with CPAP machines please contact leader.

Food:   Multi-course dinners and hearty breakfasts.  Materials to make your lunches or custom prepared lunches will be provided.

Leader’s Experience:  Patti is the director of the winter sports program at Meany lodge.  She teaches XC skiing, DH skiing and snowshoeing at Meany Lodge.  She has led many Mountaineer’s trips in Europe and hiking trips to New Hampshire and Maine.  In  January 2014 she XC skied and snow shoed this trip.

Participant Requirements:   Must be a current Mountaineers member with waiver on file.  Must enjoy snow, sun, XC skiing. Snow-shoeing . Must be active and in condition.

Trip Price Detail:    $950 including all lodging, meals and gear shuttle, land transportation from Portland, Maine to camps and return, tips and Mountaineers administrative fee are included.

Registration Instructions:  Please complete the application form and email it to the leader. Please call The Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 to pay a $400 deposit in order to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on December 15, 2014.

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee. Once airline tickets have been purchased by the group, refunds are possible if group size is greater than 6 and the request is made before Dec 15, 2014.  Maximum number is 9+ the leader.