West Coast Maine

03/31/2023

We all know that it's spring, right? And yet here we are, parading out winter activities like there's no tomorrow! Today, and through the weekend, it's Springfest at Sunday River - a tropical party with live music and more! Free lift tickets (yes, we said free) are yours for the asking at Black Mountain both Saturday and Sunday. And on Sunday, it's cardboard box races and a classic Easter Egg hunt at Saddleback. Talk about a collision of seasons! Check your boots and bindings, grab your bestie, and get moovin'! Photo: Deanna Kersey at Black Mountain.

03/24/2023

Transitions. A time of great opportunity! And so it is with our time between winter and spring. Whether you are looking back at winter, or leaning ahead towards spring, you're sure to find a good time close at hand! A classic herald of this is Maine Maple weekend, so get out and enjoy some sweet offerings at locations region-wide. Also this weekend, celebrations for the whole family await at Family Fun Weekend at Black Mountain in Rumford, Spring Fling at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, the Chili Chowder Cookoff at Saddleback in Rangeley, plus it's closing weekend at Mt Abram in Locke Mills. Check all events here https://westcoastmaine.com/events/, then get your motor in gear!
Maple sugaring photos by Scott Maier, Saddleback photos by Andy Gagne

03/16/2023

Dear friends, devoted readers of, and contributors to West Coast Maine,

After much thought and consideration, we have decided to close the pages of our magazine. We're extremely grateful for all of your support and belief in our publication through the last 10+ years. From our writers, photographers and advertisers, to our partners, vendors and readers, we've built great relationships with you all through our time together!

Our business has flourished with you in the blink of an eye. Collectively, we've produced almost 400,000 magazines, traveled 50,000+ miles, made over 18,000 newsstand connections, edited thousands of pages of copy, and promoted countless businesses, places and exciting things to do in Western Maine between our covers. The journey through Maine has been a tremendous adventure, and we've measured the time spent by the number of friends we've made, not the days and years gone by.

Rest assured, we're not going anywhere, and surely won't be sitting still. Bruce and Adrienne will use their newfound time to continue to grow the business at Frost Farm Gallery, while Sam will further his career and education at Field Electric.

Please stay in touch. We can still be reached at [email protected], and our business phone: 207-743-8616. Our website will also remain active for now, and from time to time, you'll see our presence on Facebook. Stop by 272 Pikes Hill in Norway for a cup of coffee by the wood stove, or a lemonade or beer on the patio. Please stay connected and thank you for being a part of this wonderful adventure!

All the best,
E. Bruce Little, publisher
Sam Little, print and web design

03/10/2023

Great weather and a weekend stretch go hand in hand, and slope-side music seems to be the major player! On Saturday, Hallpass Blue Grass takes the stage at Black Mountain, then Last Kid Picked plays at Mt Abram. The Cardboard Box Race is the event of the day at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, and there's free community skiing at Carter's XC in Bethel. Back at Black Mountain on Sunday, Chicks With Sticks is the one to check out, and the Moose Dash Snowshoe Race in Rangeley on Sunday is a perennial favorite. Also on Sunday, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum opens its doors to Maine residents for free! Get your boogie shoes shined, and grab a friend! Photo by Scott Vlaun.

03/04/2023

Guess the storm wins this time. Stay tuned for a new date...

03/03/2023

We all needed a reminder that "March is a winter month," right? Don't fret - there's still plenty going on! The Legendary Rangeley Lakes Loppet is still on both days, although most racers have moved over to Sunday competition. Also on Sunday, at Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway, check out exciting skijoring competition! And while their biathlon is full, it's great fun to watch and cheer on the competitors. Continuing on Sunday, the Maine Mountain Chamber Music Concert is at Nordica Auditorium in Farmington. Looking ahead to Wednesday next week, join in the Flash Mob for International Women's Day at Ian Factor Fine Art in Bridgton. Scope out all winter events here https://westcoastmaine.com/events/ , and from our tourism partners https://westcoastmaine.com/about-2/tourism-partner/ ,then get your storm gear together! Rangeley Lakes Loppet photo by Ron Kozlowski, courtesy Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

03/01/2023

This is guaranteed to improve, not only your fly tying skills, but your attitude about spring being "just around the corner!"

02/16/2023

Hang on - February Vacation is straight ahead! Kick things off Friday with the Ice Queen Contest at the Bridgton Winter Carnival. Events like ice fishing, rail jam, chili eating, craft fair and more spill into Saturday. The Snowshoe Festival at Roberts Farm Preserve launches the Norway Winter Carnival on Saturday, with events continuing into the week. Sadly, the Sebago Ice Fishing Derby (Sat & Sun) has been cancelled. Mt Abram has a torchlight parade and live music on Saturday, with more to come in the days following. A little further north, Winterpaloozah! takes the stage in Rangeley on Sunday, and the family fun continues! Learn about constellations, galaxies, and much more at The Northern Stars Planetarium at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center on Monday, and keep February Festival at Rangeley's Saddleback Mountain on the 24th in your itinerary for sure. See all events at https://westcoastmaine.com/events/, then get your fanciest boogie shoes shined! Saddleback Maine photo by Andy Gagne.

02/10/2023

Early February's bitter cold behind us, and tons of winter activity still lays ahead! This weekend brings live music to Mt Abram, Blessing of the Sleds to Dixfield, Polar Blast to the villages of Eustis and Stratton, the Flying Moose Classic Half Marathon to the Village Trails, and then Winter Kids Family Day to Carter's XC Ski in Bethel. See all West Coast Maine events here https://westcoastmaine.com/events/, then get your gear loaded in that mini-van! Photo by Ben Tucker.

02/03/2023

Rugged New Englanders - this event is go! Bundle up, stay warm, stay safe! 😎

To all the Pond Hockey Teams... May the odds be in your favor!

Have fun on the ice this weekend and keep warm!

Annual Pond Hockey Festival in Rangeley (FMI Information go to: https://www.rangeleymaine.com/calendar/event/12134)

02/02/2023

Cold on Friday and Saturday, but sweet rewards on Sunday!

In honor of this blast of arctic air, we’re FREEZING ticket prices for Sunday, February 5th at $84❗ 🥶🥶 Temps warm up into the 20s and Sunday is going to be a great day of skiing and riding. This DEEP FREEZE DISCOUNT means you can wait to buy on Sunday and you'll save $35 compared to our normal walk-up rate. So, join us for Sunday hot laps and we’ll see you on the other side of this cold snap.

Shop: https://bit.ly/mainesfavoritemntlifttickets