For people who say they hate winter, Jeremy Petrocelli, owner of Backwoods Snowboards & Skateboards in Auburn, has a surefire way to make it through the season of snow, cold, wind and ice.

“Just do something to get outside,” said Petrocelli, sharing his enthusiasm for outdoor winter activities. “If you have something to get involved in, the winter isn’t so bad. And, besides, we can all gain from getting some exercise.”

Whether it is downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, there’s plenty of opportunity in Maine to embrace the fields of snow rather than cursing the accumulated white stuff.

Petrocelli’s store caters to snowboarding, a unique combination sport with elements of skiing, surfing and skateboarding.

“The typical snowboarder is usually a male between the ages of 15 and 30, though women have discovered the sport and I often see snowboarding families,” said Petrocelli. “But people of any age can enjoy the sport.”

Petrocelli said that a basic package for a snowboard, shoes and bindings can range from $299 to $399 which may include new or used equipment. He boasts that his shop accepts used equipment “in trade” from customers looking to upgrade their equipment as they become more involved in the sport.

Only a few miles from Petrocelli’s store, central Mainers can find a wonderland of winter fun at Lost Valley Ski Resort. Tad Bettcher, snowsports director at the slope, recommends that people sign up for lessons if they are considering a new winter activity, like downhill skiing.

“You can sign up for a two-hour lesson that includes equipment rental for $60,” said Bettcher, in a program offered for all ages. “You’ll learn basic skills of turning left and right and how to stop. You also get an introduction to the chair lift.”

In addition to the basic lesson, Lost Valley offers private lessons, group lessons, and multi-week lessons for all ages. Programs range from the “Mighty Mites” that teach four- to six-year-olds how to ski as well as junior through teen programs of instruction.

“After taking the ‘Learn to Ski’ class, many people take the six-week adult lesson program to become more experienced,” said Bettcher.
Lost Valley also offers equipment rental for snowboards, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing that includes the full package to get one ready for the slopes.

About 60 miles from Lost Valley, winter enthusiasts can experience the likes of Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, one of Maine’s premiere facilities that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. With a non-stop season of themed activities, 132 ski trails, 16 ski lifts, extensive network of snow making capabilities, a myriad of onsite lodging, and a vibrant network of ski instruction, Sunday River is a prime destination for winter activity. Traditionally, Sunday River is the first ski area to open on the East Coast. This year, it opened on weekends October 14 with a daily schedule starting on November 12.