Trail Distances and Routes
AMC’s unique lodge-to-lodge ski trail network provides groomed, but untracked, backcountry skiing between AMC’s three Maine Wilderness Lodges and partner West Branch Pond Camps. All four locations offer dinner, breakfast and trail lunch, hot showers, and private cabins or shared bunkhouse space. A daily gear shuttle allows skiers to travel light between lodges.
The AMC has two winter parking lots: one serving Gorman Chairback and Little Lyford, the other serving Medawisla. West Branch Pond Camps is drive-in accessible and has its own parking lot. Heavier gear (sleeping bags, additional clothing, toiletries, and snowshoes) is left in sheds at the winter parking lot. AMC staff will shuttle this gear by snowmobile to your destination or between camps. Skiers can plan a multi-day route that returns them to their car, or can arrange for a shuttle van operated by Northwoods Outfitters than runs between parking lots and Greenville, enabling a multi-night outing between three or four lodges.
Distances from the winter parking lots to the lodges are approximately 10.9 km (6.8 mi.) to Gorman Chairback, 9.8 km (6.1 mi.) to Little Lyford, and 8.9 km (5.5 mi.) to Medawisla. Trails between the lodges range from 14.2 km (8.8 mi.) to 10.3 km (6.4 mi.). Each lodge offers additional ski and snowshoe trails, totaling 150 km (93 mi.), so guests may wish to spend more than one night at each lodge to explore the surrounding areas.
Transportation and Start Times
Guests should plan to be on the trail no later than noon in order to get to each lodge before dark and in time for dinner at 6 p.m. From Greenville, plan 25 minutes to get to the winter parking lot for Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback; 50 minutes to get to the winter parking lot for Medawisla and 55 minutes to West Branch. Guests taking the passenger shuttle between parking lots are required to meet at Northwoods Outfitters at 12:30 p.m. for trips to Medawisla and West Branch.
Equipment
You will be skiing in a remote, backcountry setting, and will likely encounter few—if any—other people during the day. AMC does not regularly patrol the trails. Your party should be self-sufficient and prepared for full winter conditions and changes in weather. Each person should bring a trail map and compass and know how to read both, extra fleece layer & socks, face/eye protection, waterproof shell, headlamp, waterproof matches, medications, lunch & hot beverage. You will also want to bring at least one sleeping bag, stove and first aid kit for your party. See our recommended winter gear list; you will also receive a “what to bring” list with your reservation. Again, heavier gear like sleeping bags, towels, snowshoes, and boots can be put on the gear shuttle.
Due to the varying conditions of backcountry trails, including ice, you may want to consider using backcountry touring skis with at least a partial metal edge. Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville rents backcountry ski equipment (866-233-1380).
Current Conditions
Current road and trail conditions for AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges are posted daily. You can also contact AMC’s Greenville office for information on local roads and trail conditions (207-695-3085).
Reservations
AMC Reservations can arrange for your gear shuttle, passenger shuttle, and stays at any of the four lodges on the lodge-to-lodge ski route. View rates and make a reservation >>
