Maine Wilderness Lodge Cross-Country Skiing Trip

Activity Description

This trip will include three days of cross-country skiing all based out of the backcountry lodge and bunkhouse you will be staying in. On the first and last day of the trip, you will have the opportunity to ski for between 2-4 hours (since these days include travel to and from the start location of our trip in Freeport). On the second day of the trip, we'll be able to take the full day to get out and explore. On this day you can expect to cover between 8-10 miles and be out for up to 6 hours (including breaks). Each day the skiing will be at a relaxed pace and be appropriate for someone with beginner cross-country skiing experience and in good health, with an average level of fitness.

The ski trails are groomed with tracks set where terrain allows. These trails are relatively flat with most hills having a gradual elevation gain.

Prerequisites

• Previous cross-country skiing experience or introductory-level lesson recommended

Below you'll find more information about this trip and what you'll need to know in order to prepare for your adventure.

Destination/Travel Time

The trip kicks off in Freeport, Maine, at our Paddling Center. Once you’ve met with your guides and fellow travelers, you will travel together to Greenville which is approximately a 4- to 4½-hour drive from the Paddling Center (including stretch breaks).

Accommodations

Lodging for this trip will be at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Medawisla wilderness lodge and cabins. Your accommodations will be in one of the coed group bunkhouses, which will be reserved exclusively for our small group of up to 10 participants and your two L.L.Bean guides. The bunkhouse is heated by woodstove, has electric lights, a shared gathering area, and twin-size bunkbeds. The main lodge is located less than 100 feet away from the bunkhouse. Here you’ll find the dining area, communal gathering spaces, as well as the central bathroom facilities which include composing toilets, hot showers, sinks, and an available wood-heated sauna.  

Connectivity

This is an unplugged adventure. After leaving the Paddling Center, there is no Wi-Fi and limited-to-no cell phone coverage.

Clothing Considerations

Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable in the outdoors. Multiple layers allow flexibility to respond to your activity level and changing weather conditions.

Please avoid bringing all-cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. Synthetic fabrics are best because they don’t absorb water, and they also dry quickly.

For an outer layer, we recommend a waterproof/breathable outer shell. This gear will protect you from the wind and rain and help keep you dry.

Luggage

Each guest should plan on having two bags with them for the duration of the trip. One bag should be a day pack to be carried while hiking/skiing. This can be used to carry a water bottle, extra layer, hat, camera, sunglasses, etc. The second bag should be a medium sized duffle (or similar) to carry your personal items listed on the bring list.

• Day pack
• Waterproof jacket (with hood) and waterproof pants
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Long underwear tops and bottoms (synthetic or wool)
• Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Insulated winter boots to wear at the end of the day
• Synthetic or wool socks
• Underwear
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Sunscreen
• One-quart water bottle or hydration system
• Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler
• Personal toiletries (travel size)
• Compressible pack towel
• Pillowcase

*Synthetic clothing dries quickly and is the best choice for outdoor pursuits. Please do not wear cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you dress in multiple layers, allowing you more flexibility to comfortably respond to the weather conditions and your level of exertion.

• Camera and accessories
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag
• Bathing suit (for wood-fired sauna)
• Cross-country skiing gear†
• Credit/debit cards if you want to purchase alcoholic beverages or merchandise at lodge (no cash sales)

†Please call ahead if you plan to use your own equipment as it must pass inspection by L.L.Bean staff before use. If it's deemed unsuitable, we will provide you with the necessary equipment.

• All cross-country skiing gear: skis, boots, poles, and gaiters
• All meals and snacks
• Headlamp
• Sleeping bag and bag liner
• Pillow
• Group first-aid kit

odprograms@llbean.com | 1-888-615-9979 | HOURS: 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs activities are tobacco- and smoke-free (including electronic smoking devices) in support of a healthy lifestyle and respect for our participants and guests. We thank you for understanding and respecting this policy.

Alcohol Policy

In general, alcohol consumption is not permitted during L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs events for the safety of all participants. However, alcoholic beverages are allowed on overnight trips and may only be consumed in a responsible way after the day’s activities are finished. If participants consume alcohol to excess in the evening and behave in ways that negatively impact their own safety, that of the group or the natural environment around them, our guides will intervene. We hope that we will never have to remove an offending guest from the remainder of a trip to ensure the group’s safety, but we will do so if necessary.

Participants must be 12 years old by the start of the trip, course, or tour; a parent or guardian must participate with anyone 17 years old and younger.

This cancellation policy applies to all trips with lodging.

• Over 60 days prior to departure: All but $200
• 60-30 days prior to departure: 50% of total trip fees
• Less than 30 days or failure to show:  No refund

L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation. All refunds will be in the form of the original transaction. L.L.Bean shall not be responsible or liable for other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of such a cancellation.