RANGELEY — Rangeley Lakes Trails Center offers a unique backwoods trail experience for cross country skiers, snowshoers and winter bike enthusiasts. With commanding views from clearings to deep wood trails, the RLTC offers the ultimate Maine woods winter experience for those that explore winter wonderlands on foot.

The mapped system offers more than 50 kilometers of secluded trails for all levels of skill. For skiers, trails are groomed for both skate and classic Nordic skiing. The center has dedicated snowshoe trails that offer a backwoods adventure unlike any other. There are a variety of loops that offer a choice of trek length, from a quick workout to a day-long adventure. Leashed dogs are welcome on select trails giving dog owners a perfect way to exercise their furry friends in the winter months.

Mountain views from Rangeley Lakes Trails Center. (Photo courtesy of RLTC)

Picnic tables are scattered strategically throughout the trail system. These resting points are perfectly placed for resting, breathing in the fresh mountain air, taking in the scenery and enjoying a winter picnic or thermos of hot chocolate.

What makes the trail system so unique are its special residents who have taken up shelter in custom-built Gnome Homes made by Marty Velishka and his fellow volunteer carpenters.  Inside these Gnome Homes dwell gnomes crafted by Rangeley Lakes Regional School art students. Over 30 gnomes – and counting – reside along the trails. Guest can pick up a Gnome Home Roam map to help them locate each of the homes while exploring the trails.

About 30 gnomes dwell along the trails in Gnome Homes. Can you find them all? (Photo courtesy of RLTC)

The staff at the yurt lodge is helpful and knowledgeable. They are more than happy to assist with fittings for x-country ski or snowshoe equipment, and offer suggestions for routes to match guest ability or available time. The yurt offers food and drink options to help warm and replenish adventurers after exploring the trails.

Winter events are held each year with a focus on each of the activities offered at the center.

Rangeley Lakes Trails Center offers over 50 kilometers of trails for winter fun. (Courtesy of RLTC)

The Fat Bike Loppet Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025

In its 10th year the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet is excited to return. There are long and short course races to test your mettle. The weather and  snow always rules the day, and the goal is to give racers a great surface upon which to race. Sloggy conditions will be avoided to the absolute best of RLTC ability. If the conditions permit a mix singletrack and Nordic trail will be mixed into the course. As usual it will be a good time and there will be no shortage of fun.

Rangeley XC Ski Loppet March 1-2, 2025

Rangeley Lakes Trails Center XC Ski Loppet. ((Photo courtesy of RLTC)

The 30th annual legendary Rangeley Lakes Loppet will be held Saturday and Sunday March 1-2, 2025. Saturday hosts the 50k Freestyle and Sunday hosts the 25k Freestyle, 25k Classic, 10K Classic and 10K and 25k Touring. Two refreshment stations along the course offer cookies, water, and Hammer Heed to help you along the way. Both days feature our famous apres-ski feed, free of charge for all participants! Bring the family for a weekend of winter fun!

Marty’s Moose Dash March 9,2025

Marty’s Moose Dash at Rangeley Lakes Trails Center. (Photo courtesy of RLTC)