Invite 109 // Dec 10

So I guess it's winter, huh?

For winter lovers, like me, this time of year is welcomed with open arms, but for a large number of people, winter brings dread.

It's harder to love than summer. In some ways, it's an acquired taste. It requires a level of borderline delusion and self-trickery to get out the door sometimes.

But over time, as you figure out what's fun about being outdoors in the winter, your outlook changes. For me, that meant discovering cross-country skiing, which has become my go-to activity. But I'll just as happily strap on snowshoes, microspikes, or skates, depending on the conditions.

This is the part where you might say, "I don't have gear, skills, or friends who would do that." Heard.

Allow me to address as many barriers as I can and get you hyped on winter.

There isn't snow: Try ice skating, winter hiking, or find a place with snowmaking like Quarry Road Trails. Also, Portland Nordic is installing snowmaking at Payson Park.

I don't have gear: Check sponsor below or head to any number of venues that offer affordable or free rentals, like Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway. Check with your local library too.

I don't have the skills: Join one of the many classes, courses, or intro programs, like those offered by Inclusive Ski Touring or Hidden Valley Nature Center.

It's hard with kids: I haven't navigated this myself, but Winter Kids has a great collection of resources, ideas, and discounts.

I don't have a car: Admittedly limiting, but it's possible to string together outings on public transit like Amtrak, Metro Breeze, or the Lakes Region Explorer. Joining an outdoor club like AMC Maine or the Kindling Collective makes finding carpool options easier.

It's expensive: Yes, a weekend at Sugarloaf might be, but your local land trust preserve, outdoor skating rink, or municipal golf course xc ski area are all free. Try a community-operated downhill ski area like Titcomb Mountain, Mt. Abram, or Black Mountain for better deals. L.L. Bean's Winter in Maine is a good resource, too.

I don't know where to go: Email me, and I'll hit you with some recs

See you out there.

✌️ Max

Don't let a lack of gear keep you from getting outside this winter. Maine GearShare offers winter gear rentals, including snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots, skates, tents, and more. Reserve any day of the week and pick up during open hours, or at your convenience from our new after-hours shed. Every rental subsidizes access to gear for schools, youth programs, and underserved groups. ​ Reserve at www.mainegearshare.org/public-rental​

Reach 900 Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities.

Farm to Fire Yoga

Sat, Dec 13 | Gorham | Paid

Brace the cold for a 45-minute outdoor yoga flow followed by a cozy gathering by the fire for soup, snacks, and a seasonal beverage.

​Learn more​

​

Winter Wildlife Hike

Sat, Dec 13 | Old Town | Paid

Explore winter wildlife during a guided hike at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, where you'll look for animal tracks and learn about their winter adaptations, with free snowshoes available if needed.

​Learn more​

​

Portland Bike Party: Christmas Ride

Fri, Dec 19 | Westbrook | Free

Celebrate the season with a festive bike ride through Portland, where participants are encouraged to deck out their bikes in holiday flair.

​Learn more​

​

Skate with Santa & Friends

Sat, Dec 20 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Skate with Santa alongside other family-friendly activities and holiday cheer hosted by the Cape Community Arena.

​Learn more​

​

Boothbay Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

Sun, Dec 21 | Boothbay Harbor | Free

Enjoy the winter solstice with a self-guided lantern walk at Oak Point Farm, featuring a 1/2 mile trail illuminated by lanterns and views of a tidal cove.

​Learn more​

​

Harpswell Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

Sun, Dec 21 | Harpswell | Free

A similar event, a few peninsulas down the coast, with a lantern walk, campfire, and hot cocoa to stay warm.

​Learn more​

​

Vigorous Tenderness: Winter Solstice Concert

Sun, Dec 21 | Bath | Donation Based

An immersive outdoor concert celebrating the winter solstice, with performances scattered along the banks of the Kennebec River.

​Learn more​

​

Christmas Break Learn to Ski & Snowboard

Mon, Dec 29 - Thu, Jan 1 | Auburn | Paid

Sign your kids up for four days of ski or snowboard lessons at Lost Valley over the break, where expert instructors guide beginners through the basics, and lift access allows for all-day practice.

​Learn more​

​

Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Gardens Aglow | Wed, Nov 26 - Sat, Jan 3 | Paid​

​

Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Turkey Burner - Fri, Nov 28​

📝 Six Rivers NEMBA Fall Trail Cleanup - Sun, Nov 30​

📝 Baxter Race League Meetup - Tue, Dec 2​

📝 Full Moon Guided Hike - Thu, Dec 4​

📝 Winter Migratory Bird Walk - Thu, Dec 4​

📝 Owl Prowl - Fri, Dec 5​

📝 Scarborough Marsh Full Moon Walk - Fri, Dec 5​

📝 Millinocket Marathon & Half - Sat, Dec 6​

📝 Ugly Sweater 5K & Merry Mile - Sat, Dec 6​

📝 Full Moon Dip - Sun, Dec 7​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

​