Mt. Abram History
Nestled in the shadow of Sunday River, Mt. Abram has been a hallmark of classic New England skiing since its opening in 1960. Founded by local logging brothers Norton, Stuart, and Donald Cross, the mountain began as a modest ski area with two slopes serviced by a 1,000-foot T-Bar. In addition to skiing, the early years featured skating and tobogganing, creating a hub of winter recreation for the local community. Mt. Abram officially opened on December 11, 1960, and was formally dedicated that Christmas Eve.
In its second season, Mt. Abram expanded to the upper mountain with the installation of the Maine T-Bar, offering trails that doubled the mountain’s vertical and length. Over the next decade, the mountain continued to grow, adding a beginner area in 1965 and installing the region’s first chairlift in 1970, making it a pioneer in the greater Bethel area. These developments positioned Mt. Abram as a destination for families and adventure seekers alike, fostering a reputation for offering authentic and accessible skiing.
Mt. Abram Today
Today, Mt. Abram is much more than a ski area—it’s a community cornerstone. Through the work of nonprofits like the Mt. Abram Ski Club and Friends of Mt. Abram, the mountain has remained committed to making skiing and snowboarding accessible to all. Programs like the Local Student Access Program provide free season passes to youth in the area, ensuring that every child in the community can experience the joy of winter sports. This dedication to affordability extends to Mt. Abram’s ticket and rental pricing, with some of the most competitive rates in the region.
Mt. Abram Bike Park
Beyond the winter months, Mt. Abram has become a year-round destination, thanks to its ever-expanding Bike Park. Since its opening in 2020, the park has grown into one of the region’s premier mountain biking destinations. A dedicated trail-building team works tirelessly to ensure a robust progression of trails, catering to all skill levels—from beginner to expert. Riders can start on beginner trails like George’s Jungle, move on to intermediate trails such as Whiplash and Grease Slapper, and then take on advanced and expert terrain on Mainside, including black and double black trails like Ghoster, PB&C, and Bedrocker.
The Mainside trail network, introduced in 2022, features three summit trails and offers the most advanced riding experience to date. Recent projects include the advanced jump line “Maine Line,” completed in Fall 2024, and a full rework of the beginner-friendly “George’s Jungle.”
With a mix of beginner trails and adrenaline-pumping intermediate options like “Whiplash” and “Grease Slapper,” the park offers something for everyone.
