The Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce celebrates the region’s appreciation for outdoor recreation by highlighting the many events that make the town a premiere winter destination.

“From our fun-filled event schedule to the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, Rangeley is synonymous with winter fun,” said Judy Morton, executive director of the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “The quaint New England town is surrounded by a true winter wonderland in the western lakes and mountains of Maine. There’s Saddleback, Maine’s third-largest ski resort, which is just 10 minutes outside of town, and offers excellent terrain for beginners and advanced skiers. The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, on the Saddleback Access Road, has 55 kilometers of groomed trails set for cross-country skiing and there are over 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails with trailside dining, lodging, and services available. The Rangeley area also has many marked trails for snowshoeing including numerous trails provided by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.” Morton added that scenic plane rides over the lakes and mountains are also a popular winter endeavor as well.

In addition to outdoor recreation, there are many unique events to enjoy in Rangeley all winter long:

* The annual Snodeo, a snowmobile celebration, held mid-January, is a fun-filled affair with a variety of activities and events scheduled throughout the weekend. The festival begins with the Chili/Chowder Cook-Off showcasing the area’s best restaurants, followed by snowmobile rides and races, a snowmobile stunt show and culminates with a snowmobile parade down Main Street and the popular fireworks display over the lake.

* The annual New England Pond Hockey Festival takes place in early February and celebrates the time-honored New England tradition of pick-up pond hockey. Over 30 teams compete in several divisions including a women’s division. That same weekend Bald Mountain Camps Resort hosts the annual Winter Fly-In and weekend-long events are scheduled. A 3,000-foot runway is plowed on the frozen Mooselookmeguntic Lake in front of the resort, where in 2011, 35 planes and 200 snowmobilers enjoyed a barbeque on the frozen lake.

* In February, the annual Saddleback Mountain Challenge, a seven-mile, 1,800-foot vertical Randonee/Ski Mountaineering Race is held with men’s and women’s divisions. First place winners receive a season pass to Saddleback and all participants can enjoy the Ski Patrol Spaghetti Dinner and celebration in the fireplace room in Saddleback’s post-and-beam base lodge that evening.

* For a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Saddleback offers speed dating on the Rangeley double chair lift. Skiers and riders have an opportunity to meet and enjoy the ride up the mountain together. This quirky event is a great way to meet new friends and, if you are already married, couples can renew their vows at the top of the mountain.

* Another popular Rangeley activity is cross-country skiing and the annual Rangeley Lakes Loppet, held in March at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center. Contestants race on a groomed loop for either 25 or 50 kilometers along the base of Saddleback Mountain, through quiet woods and over frozen lakes. A luncheon is provided by area restaurants at the conclusion of this fun-filled event.

Rangeley’s full events schedule can keep visitors busy, but when it’s time to rest, there’s a host of accommodations to suit anyone’s taste. There are historic inns, lakeside motels, quaint B & B’s, a variety of traditional sporting camps, slope-side condos, and hundreds of rental cottages to accommodate groups large and small.

“Rangeley’s many accommodations are considered an excellent value. In fact, Rangeley is one of the top-five best winter vacation rental values in North America, according to TripAdvisor,” said Morton. “During the midweek periods, many of our accommodations offer three nights for the price of two or other cost-savings offers. Give us a call at the chamber and we can help you find the best lodging for your taste and budget.”

Rangeley’s quaint Main Street has many charming shops offering items from local artists and crafters to clothing to home furnishing and antiques. Morton added that ice skating is readily available courtesy of the Rangeley Skating Club with lighted rinks provided for pleasure and hockey, a warming hut, and the free use of skates.

There are over 20 restaurants in the area offering many specialties from relaxed cafes to elegant five-course fireside dining. Entertainment is provided at many facilities in town such as the new Moose Alley, with family-style entertainment including bowling lanes, an arcade, billiards, and a dance floor.

“There really is an incredible number of events and outdoor activities here in Rangeley,” Morton said. “A family could stay here for a week and never to do the same thing twice. Our community delights in the opportunities winter brings and we certainly enjoy helping our visitors make the most of it.”

For more information on Rangeley events, activities, lodging and dining, visit http://www.rangeleymaine.com/. You can “Like” the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to receive frequent updates on weather, special events and trail conditions throughout the year. The toll-free number for more information is 800-MTN-LAKES.