Shawnee Peak

A small family ski mountain northeast of Fryeburg, known for night skiing and views over Moose Pond.

The mountain has around 44 trails across two peaks, enough variety for beginners and intermediates without overwhelming either. Lift lines are short by regional standards, and the lodge has the relaxed atmosphere of a place that caters to locals rather than destination skiers. Lessons are available and reasonably priced.

Fryeburg is about fifteen minutes from the base lodge, which makes it a practical overnight base. For skiers who want something larger, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are another 30-45 minutes west, with Attitash, Wildcat, and Cranmore all accessible as day trips. Shawnee Peak season typically runs December through March, snow conditions permitting.

things to do sight
A story
Shawnee Peak is the kind of ski area that has largely disappeared from the Northeast -- genuinely small, family-run in feel, and unpretentious about what it is. It offers night skiing on most of its trails, which is increasingly rare in New England, and its position above Moose Pond gives the upper runs a view that bigger mountains would charge extra for.