Today I waited for it to warm up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit before cross-country skiing. The forest, covered in powdery snow, was a haven of peace and beauty. As the cold air stung my nose and cheeks, I skied among the trees, across the fresh tracks of snowshoe hares and coyotes, as chickadees chirped in the branches above.
Winter has settled in early in Maine, gifting us with an enchanting white Christmas and cold snaps that slap you in the face as soon as you walk out the door. But I don’t mind.
No one likes to be cold, including myself. Yet winter excites me because, over the years, I’ve come to love so many outdoor winter activities. Ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing — all of these activities require cold weather or snow or both.
Growing up in Maine, I’ve enjoyed many of these winter activities since I was a child. And as an adult, I’ve managed to revive that childlike enthusiasm by getting outside with family and friends. With the right clothing and gear, I’ve found that I can stay warm and comfortable on the coldest of days, especially while exercising.
To help you embrace the wintery weather, too, I thought I’d compile a list of fun outdoor events happening throughout the state in January.
Full moon hikes
Join a group hike by the glow of the full moon on Jan. 2 at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. The $10 program runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and is for ages 14 and up. Full moon hikes will also be offered on Feb. 2 and March 3. Plus, a women’s hike night is planned for Jan. 7. For information, visit pinelandfarms.org and check out their events page under the “Visit Pinelands” tab.
Guided snowshoe hike
Looking for a more challenging adventure? Sign up for the 7-mile guided snowshoe trek near Carrabassett Valley. Starting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 3, the snowshoe leads to Stratton Brook Hut, where an optional lunch will be available to purchase. This event is a part of the Maine Huts and Trails Winter Program Series. For more information, visit mainehuts.org/events.
Bird walks
Birding isn’t just for warm weather. There are plenty of birds to enjoy during the winter. Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth offers weekly bird walks on Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m., led by the incredibly knowledgeable staff naturalist Doug Hitchcox. (I’ve been on one of his bird walks, and it was fantastic.) There won’t be a bird walk on New Years Day, but they start back up on Jan. 8. The walk typically covers 1 to 2 miles, and they’re free. No registration required. For information, visit maineaudubon.org/events.
Farther up the coast, you can participate in the Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure on the
morning of Jan. 17, on the Schoodic Peninsula. This free, self-guided birding event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, starting at the Schoodic Institute’s Gatehouse, where you can find warm drinks, snacks and fun activities. All ages and experience levels are welcome. RSVP at schoodicinstitute.org/event/2026-schoodic-winter-birding-adventure.
Casual ski and snowboard races
Want to test your skills on skis or snowshoes? Saddleback Mountain is hosting its fourth annual Vertical Challenge on Jan. 11, and the races are open to people of all ages and abilities. Racers compete on a giant slalom course, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. For information, visit saddlebackmaine.com/events.
Guided fat bike ride
Join the Carabassett Valley New England Mountain Bike Association (CRNEMBA) and Maine Huts and Trails on a group fat bike ride on Jan. 18 — with the exact route to be determined closer to the date. This ride will lead to one of the Maine Huts and Trails backcountry “huts,” where beverages and lunch will be available for purchase. This is a popular ride, so RSVP at mainehuts.org/event/winter-program-series-crnemba-fat-bike-ride.
Winter photography walk
Explore the beauty of winter and learn about the art of photography from Registered Maine Guide L’aura Bradford at Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden. Bradford is leading photography walks from 2:30 to 4:40 p.m. on multiple dates: Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10. Cost is $12 for Audubon members and $15 for non-members, and pre-registration is required. For information, visit maineaudubon.org/events/photographic-reflections-winter.
Ice fishing derbies
As we draw closer to the end of January, ice fishing derbies begin to pop up around the state, starting on Jan. 24, with the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby in St. Agatha, the Vining Lake Youth Ice Fishing Derby in Cooper and the Operation Reboot Outdoors Great Pond Fishing Derby in Aurora. If you enjoy fishing, don’t miss these community events, full of comradery, competition and exciting prizes. For a list of 2026 ice fishing derbies, visit maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-derbies.html.
Fat bike races
The 10th Annual Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet is scheduled for Jan. 26, at the Rangeley Lake Trails Center, with races beginning at 10:15 a.m. and limited to 80 riders. But you don’t have to race to enjoy the festivities. Afterward, a festival will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and will include fun activities like roasting s’mores over a fire, bike toss, cornhole and fat bike demos. Burgers and dogs will be on the grill as well as an assortment of hot soups and drinks in the yurt. To sign up, visit rangeleylakestrailscenter.org/rangeleyfatbikeloppet.
Science Saturday: Winter animal tracks
Learn how to read animal tracks from Maine Master Naturalist Sally Jones from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 31, at Woodlawn in Ellsworth. During the walk, the group will also discuss three survival tactics: migration, hibernation and resistance. This family-friendly event is the first Science Saturday of the year. The cost is $10. To sign up, visit woodlawnellsworth.org/events.
Moosestompers Weekend
This cherished winter festival in Houlton — running from Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 — features a wide range of outdoor activities, including ice fishing on Nickerson Lake, sledding on Soap Box Derby Hill, ice skating at the John A. Millar Civic Center, fireworks and an antique snowmobile parade. End January with a fun-filled weekend while supporting a northern Maine community. Learn more at visitaroostook.com/event/moosestompers-weekend.
