To the Maine tourism industry, November through March is “the quiet season.” Summer and fall visitors have gone home. Mainers continue life as usual, but there’s a little less hustle and bustle.

But a winter vacation in Maine is perfect way to experience the state’s beauty in a whole new way. Opportunities abound for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating and hiking during the winter. The ocean views in Midcoast Maine are just as stunning in winter – some would say better- as during any other season. Yes, it can be cold, and certainly this year there is plenty of snow.

The Hidden Valley Nature Center, about 11 miles north of the Newcastle Inn, is beautiful place to explore during a winter vacation in Maine. More than 20 miles of ski trails weave through the center’s grounds. Some of the trails are lightly groomed during the winter to ensure the best cross-country skiing in Midcoast Maine. You can rent snowshoes at the center, and if you’ve got your hiking boots, the trails are open for walking, too.

The Camden Snow Bowl Ski Area is a community-owned recreation area near Camden, Maine, about 30 miles north and east of the inn.  From the 1,300-foot summit of Ragged Mountain, skiers can see the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, visitors to the Snow Bowl can use the snow-tubing slope, ride the 400-foot toboggan chute and ice skate on Hosmer Pond. The ski area is being renovated before the start of the 2014 season. The project includes improvements to ski trails and lifts and new snowmaking equipment. The ski trails are groomed daily. The Snow Bowl is typically open for skiing Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, holidays and local school vacation days until 4 p.m. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except for holidays and vacation weeks).

Another benefit to a winter vacation in Maine is lower, off-season rates at the Newcastle Inn. Room rates are at their lowest from November through April and if you make a reservation for two nights, you save 10% off the posted rate each night. If you reserve for three or more nights, the discount increases to 15% off each night. Make your reservation today and experience MidCoast Maine’s Quiet Season.