+SKI+RIDE+DRINK+TOKE
+SKI+RIDE+DRINK+TOKE
+SKI + RIDE + DRINK + TOKE
Stocking up for pre- and aprés-ski activities in out-of-the-way places
WORDS / SAM PFEIFLE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Everyone knows about aprés-ski activities. Heck, half the reason most of you go to the mountain is so you’ll have a good excuse for a beer afterward.
But we’ve also seen what’s littered underneath the chairlift as we ride up, even at 9 a.m. — all sorts of evidence that plenty of people like to enjoy a pop and a puff before and during the ski and ride experience as well.
So:
A: Stop throwing your cans on the ground under the lift! If we see one more Fireball mini lying in the snow, we just might lose it. Just put your empties in the trash cans at the top of the mountain, or stow them in your backpack, and don’t be a dink.
B: This is what edibles and vape pens are for! Watching y’all struggle to do the cupped hands, lighter, don’t-drop-your-gloves things is downright anxiety inducing. Stop it.
And if you’re going to imbibe on the mountain, might we suggest you do it with some local products at some local mountains and with a bit of style? Natty Lite isn’t doing anything for your turns, we can assure you.
To help you out, we’ve put together some handy listings of great breweries and cannabis shops that are within easy pick-up distance of some of Maine’s awesome community mountains, a little off the beaten path and maybe with fewer fellow skiers and riders. It was the least we could do. At some of these cannabis shops, you’ll need a medical card. We’ve indicated where that is the case.
BAKER MOUNTAIN, MOSCOW
www.baker-mtn-ski-tow-club.business.site/
Operating via volunteer power only, and featuring a tow rope to get you up the hill and nothing more, you’ll need to make sure you bring some durable gloves if you don’t want your best pair to get torn to shreds.
Kennebec River Brewery
1771 Route 201, The Forks
207-636-4466
www.northernoutdoors.com/kennebec-river-brewery/
With beer only available on site, you’ll find everything from a refreshing Whitewater Wheat to creamy Penobscot Porter. And you can book a snowmobiling trip while you’re there.
Norridgewock Springs [Medical]
8 Waterville Road, Norridgewock
207-634-2170
www.norridgewock-springs.business.site/
Not only do they offer $7 pre-rolls of delicious indoor like Agent Orange, there’s also a Dunkin’ Donuts right across the street. Handy!
BIGROCK, MARS HILL
Not only has Bigrock just opened a brand-new terrain park, but this is one of the few areas in the world where you can ski in the shadow of giant windmills. Trippy stuff.
Northern Maine Flower [Medical]
540 Main Street, Presque Isle
207-760-7015
Do they have a web site? They do not. Do they have some lovely flower, concentrates, and edibles? The do! Maybe try a Wednesday trip up north — they offer 12% off concentrates all day. Plus, it’s right next to City Hall. That’s kind of fun.
Northern Maine Brewing Company
22 Main Street, Caribou
207-469-3031
www.northernmainebrewingcompany.com/
Make sure you leave time for a bite, as this is a full-service pub with plenty of great menu options. As for beers, we recommend the Skidder Grease, an extra stout featuring chocolate rye.
BLACK MOUNTAIN, RUMFORD
Maybe the best vertical-per-dollar ratio in Maine, Black Mountain has great deals and some great steeps if you find a local to give you a heads up. Plus, the side mountain is among the best places to learn, anywhere.
207 Farms [Medical]
29 Main St, Dixfield
One of the most truly local medical shops in Maine, they’ll also sell you organic fertilizer straight from their farm. Look for short runs of fun strains and alternative edibles, with everything completely sourced on site.
Ambition Brewing
295 Main Street, Wilton
207-578-0229
They bill themselves as the smallest brewery in Maine, but they live up to their name, with some truly interesting brews. Big question: Do you want to know what the Derivation Porter, modeled after Moxie, actually tastes like?
CAMDEN SNOW BOWL, CAMDEN
While this place may not be known for the steeps and deeps, it’s the only ski area we can think of with an ocean view from the top. It’s truly resplendent on a sunny day.
Blaze Brewing
5 Bayview Landing, Camden
207-944-8723
One of four Blaze locations throughout the state, this is the most eclectic, a mixture of brewery and sushi restaurant, featuring an Asian fusion menu and some interesting can options, from the Bailey Boy Brown Ale to the Backshore Kettle Sour that comes in at a sessionable 4.2%.
Maine Marijuana Shop
1 Priest Road, Northport
207-930-5430
www.sweetreliefshopthemaine.business.site/
Paired with the Sweet Relief medical dispensary, this is the sort of roadside shop where flower comes in big glass jars and the edibles come and go, but you’ll always be met with a smile and an attempt to please.
LOST VALLEY, AUBURN
This ain’t your granddaddy’s Lost Valley. Recent years have seen big improvements, with a new chair and nine new gladed trails cut with advanced skiers in mind. And can you say, “Tube Park”?
Lost Valley Brewing Company
Right in the basement of the Lost Valley ski lodge
207-689-7615
www.lostvalleyski.com/lost-valley-brewing-company/
We did say that Lost Valley has made lots of improvements lately, no? Well, this “nano brewery,” which produces three barrels at a time, just opened in 2018 and is putting out one interesting brew after another. The Otterslide IPA is the flagship, but also look for blondes, Belgians, and blueberries.
Strawberry Fields Apothecary [Medical]
44 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston
207-420-8440
www.strawberryfieldsapothecary.shop/
A well-established medical shop, Strawberry Fields is known for its family-friendly vibe and attention to detail. They carry Mighty Viking gummies and Lit Girl cookies and have a strong selection of flower, featuring Blue Cheese and Bubblegum.
MOUNT JEFFERSON, LEE
Among the most truly out-of-the-way ski areas in the country, Mt. Jefferson isn’t really close to anywhere, so make sure you call ahead, but if the lifts are running, you’ll be doing unfettered laps all day.
New England Reserve [Medical]
983 Stillwater Avenue, Old Town
207-817-0518
This close to Maine’s college town, it’s unsurprising that this dispensary is among the state’s most creative and varied. From Stones Throw flower, to in-house strains like Frosted Cherry Cookie, they’ve got a big selection, and the THC honey and “elixer” are mouthwatering.
Marsh Island Brewing
2 Main Street, Orono
207-942-7678.
Make sure to swing by the tasting room and pick up a four-pack of their creative cans. The Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout is rich and creamy, while the Puckercrush Blackberry Lemonade will cleanse your palate with a citrusy finish.
NEW HERMON MOUNTAIN, HERMON
Another great bargain, adults ski for just $30 and there’s night skiing galore. This is a great spot to grab some morning turns to catch a bunch of corduroy and then call it a day at lunchtime, too.
Firestorm Cannabis Company
1172 Hammond St, Bangor
207-922-2917
One of the largest selections you’ll find in Maine, Firestorm is currently the northernmost adult-use shop, too. You’ll find a ton of pre-rolls to choose from, and lots of Green Alien edibles.
2 Feet Brewing Company
80 Columbia Street, Bangor
207-573-1979
You’ll find a classic brew pub here, with locally sourced ingredients and an emphasis on home cooking. Vegan corn chowder, baked fried green beans, and sticky fingers all taste just like mom used to make. And they augment their beers with things like the Hagrid, a hard butterscotch seltzer, and a big list of local wines.
POWDERHOUSE HILL, S. BERWICK
This is about as local as it gets. You don’t pay much (just $5), but you also only get a rope tow and whatever grooming the all-volunteer workforce can put together. And it can get crowded on the weekends. Try this joint with a lot of patience on a Friday and cross your fingers.
Green Truck Farms [Medical]
19 Buffum Road Unit 6, North Berwick
207-756-4420
This place is known for its terrific edibles, tasty and punch-packing. We’re especially fond of the macaroons, but don’t miss the gummies either. And, of course, you’ll find a big selection of locally produced flower.
Corner Point Brewing Company
341 School Street, Berwick
207-432-1095
A tap room where you might be able to score a hotdog, this spot is known for some great labels and original creations. Hit the Straight Outta Berwick for an in-your-face IPA; try the Aroma Joe’s Porter for a pick-me-up.
TITCOMB MOUNTAIN, FARMINGTON
Why keep driving to Sugarloaf or Sunday River, when Titcomb is right here in Farmington? They’ll tell ya they’re the friendliest mountain in Maine, and we won’t argue. At 350 feet of vertical, it’s not big-mountain skiing, but you can find some steeps and there are cross-country trails for days if you want to burn some real calories.
Caniba Naturals [Medical]
232 Broadway, Farmington
207-578-2102
If you’re in a hurry, this is a great spot, with an excellent online store and easy ordering for pick-up. Plus, the selection is deep, given they’ve been around for so long. Look for the Humboldt Lemon shatter and their homemade Chem 91 rosin.
Tumbledown Brewing
805 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington
207-949-0697
Order ahead for pick up here, too, and make it an easy pop through Farmington. One of the rare spots still offering growlers, Tumbledown has its flagship Tumbledown Red, with dark-roasted malts, and fun offerings like the Thoughtbridge Berliner Weisse, where they change around the fruit accents depending on the season.
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