This winter has been especially cold and snowy — but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck inside. From our followers, our community, and inspired by everything Southern Maine has to offer, here’s a bucket list to help the season fly by.
Maine’s winter days may be cold and dark, but there are still new opportunities for adventure, and in true Husky fashion, we’re not hibernating — we’re leaning in.
Most of these activities are accessible via the free Husky Line or Greater Portland METRO (free with your USM ID).
1.
Lace up for ice skating around Southern Maine
There are plenty of options near USM:
USM Ice Arena
Stay close to home — open skate hours at Gorham campus (hyperlink here) are perfect for a quick skating session. Skate rentals are available and the ice is always freshly groomed.
Thompson’s Point
Head to Thompson’s Point for outdoor skating with city skyline and river views (especially lovely at sunset). The rink is open Friday-Sunday.
Deering Oaks Park
Walk to Deering Oaks Park from Portland campus and skate under the stone bridge and twinkling lights. Fun fact: Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington skated on this very pond during the filming of “The Preacher’s Wife.”
Lee Twombly Pond
The Lee Twombly Pond in Falmouth offers free outdoor skating on natural ice — about 15 minutes from Portland campus. It’s a gorgeous spot surrounded by trees and maintained by the town.
Always check ice conditions before heading out, and bundle up!
2.
Watch the sunrise or sunset on a snowy beach (extra points for lighthouse views)
Snow on the beach — not just a Taylor Swift song — it’s also a Southern Maine specialty:
Portland Head Light at sunrise
Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth (15 min from Portland campus). Watch waves crash against snow-covered rocks with Maine’s most iconic lighthouse. Free and open year-round. Wear boots with good traction — those rocks get icy.
Mackworth Island at sunset
Take the Route 1 bus toward Falmouth, walk the bridge, and catch the sunset over snowy Casco Bay. The island has a 1.5 mile perimeter trail open year round that weaves through the woods and along the rocky shore — perfect for a sunset winter walk with friends.
Bonus: Mackworth Island is home to a whimsical fairy house village — try building a mini igloo fit for a fairy to add to the collection!
Kettle Cove
Pack a thermos of hot apple cider and head to this rocky cove in Cape Elizabeth. Grab a spot at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water, explore the tidepools (you’d be surprised what’s still active in the cold water), and watch the sun dip behind the coast.
Popham Beach
Worth the drive — about an hour north in Phippsburg, this is a full-day adventure up the coast. The vast, wild beach is perfect for a long winter walk, with wide-open sand, icy shoreline and the chance to spot wildlife when the beach is nearly empty.
3.
Try out new sledding spots
Challenge: Conquer 4 hills by spring! Perfect for solo adventures, friend groups, or family outings.
Eastern Promenade
Take METRO Route 5 to the East End and sled down the iconic hill facing Casco Bay, with ocean and island views the whole way down. It’s one of the most scenic sledding spots in the city, and afterward you can warm up with coffee or hot chocolate at a café on Munjoy Hill.
Bailey Hall hills
Conveniently located on USM’s Gorham Campus, the hills behind Bailey Hall are perfect for spontaneous sledding sessions between classes or after a snowfall. Just grab a sled, head outside, and enjoy some snow-day fun without leaving campus.
Fort Williams Park
Sled with lighthouse and ocean views at Fort Williams Park, one of Southern Maine’s most iconic spots. The long, open hills make it great for groups of all ages, and building jumps!
Pineland Farms
Pineland Farms offers long, rolling hills that are great for sledding, plus there’s plenty of room to spread out. Make a day of it by pairing sledding with other winter activities, like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the farm’s trails, then warming up with a hot drink from the market.
Payson Park
A favorite local Portland sledding spot, Payson Park has the perfect hills for quick runs and casual fun. It’s centrally located, close to public transit, and perfect for a snowy winter afternoon without going far.
4.
Grab a hot coffee and donut from The Holy Donut, then walk the snowy Old Port
Hit up The Holy Donut (maple bacon and dark chocolate sea salt are hard to beat), then wander through the Old Port’s cobblestone streets on a snowy day. Window shop, check out the waterfront, and have your Hallmark movie moment. Take METRO to the downtown Pulse station. Even better if it’s actively snowing.
5.
Visit a Maine island in the off-season
Take the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island for a quiet, cozy escape that feels worlds away but is just a quick ride from Portland. Grab hot cocoa for the ride, bundle up, and enjoy Casco Bay views. Once there, wander snowy island roads, check out frozen coves, and soak up the off-season calm before catching the ferry back. A peaceful escape whether you’re going solo or bringing the family.
Winter mornings in the Old Port, done right.
Feat. The Holy Donut’s dark chocolate sea salt
6.
Catch a hockey game
Some easy ways to get your game on:
Cheer on the Huskies
Nothing beats live hockey on a cold winter night, and you won’t have to go far to enjoy it. Head to the ice rink on Gorham campus for home games and watch your fellow students battle it out on the ice. Check the athletics schedule and bring friends — the student section gets loud!
Maine Mariners game
Wanting to step it up with pro hockey? Head to Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena for a Mariners game. The ECHL is a step below the NHL but the energy is just as intense and tickets are much more affordable ($15-20).
7.
Ski or snowboard at a Maine mountain
So many ways to shred:
College New England Pass
The New England Pass, which gets you access to Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Loon Mountain ski resorts, offers a heavily discounted College Pass for those enrolled in at least 9 credits. Learn more here. If you think you’ll want to ski at least 4 or 5 days at any of those resorts — it’s worth it.
Mt. Abram
Don’t want to commit to a season pass? Just over an hour from Portland, Mt. Abram offers $42 day passes and a perfect mix of beginner and intermediate trails. With smaller crowds and shorter lift lines, you get more time carving turns on the snow.
Camden Snow Bowl
About 1.5 hours north of Portland, Camden Snow Bowl provides an experience you won’t get anywhere else — skiing with stunning ocean views. Quintessentially Maine, it’s a perfect mix of scenic beauty, beginner and intermediate-friendly trails, and smaller crowds for a lovely winter day on the slopes.
Lost Valley
Want to stay local? Lost Valley Ski Resort is just 30 minutes from Portland — it’s another affordable and convenient way to hit the slopes.
8.
Cross-country ski, snowshoe or walk the Eastern Trail
Rent or borrow gear and hit the trail — it stretches from South Portland all the way to Kittery. Flat and beginner-friendly — go as far as you want.
Other great spots:
Sebago Lake trails
Just minutes from Gorham Campus, the Sebago Lake trails offer an easy way to cross-country ski or snowshoe without leaving town. Glide through quiet woods and enjoy the snowy lake views in winter. Make it a quick afternoon or a full-day adventure.
Pineland Farms
With 20+ miles of groomed trails, Pineland Farms in New Gloucester is perfect for a full day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing for all ages. Full- and half-day passes are available — bring a sled for some extra thrills and treat yourself to a warm snack from the farm market afterward.
White Mountains
About 1.5 hours from Gorham, the White Mountains are a chance to take on a big adventure and enjoy some epic winter views. Trails range from easy hikes to challenging treks, and the snowy peaks, frozen waterfalls, and summit views make it worthwhile — perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape.
9.
Hit First Friday Art Walk and visit PMA for free
First Friday of every month: Portland Museum of Art offers free admission from 5-8 p.m. Walk the Arts District galleries on Congress Street, and browse pop-up artist tables and local vendors. Take the Husky Line to METRO Pulse downtown. Dress warm and make it a gallery-hopping adventure.
10.
Step out for live music you haven’t heard before
Explore Portland’s thriving music scene (All accessible via METRO):
Crewe Center
The Crewe Center offers world-class acoustics and performances ranging from classical ensembles to contemporary student shows. It’s a great spot to experience music up close without leaving campus.
Portland House of Music
This eclectic venue features local artists and touring bands, giving you a chance to discover new sounds and enjoy vibrant, energetic shows in a casual setting.
One Longfellow Square
Cozy and intimate, One Longfellow Square is perfect for catching small-scale performances where the music feels personal and the atmosphere charming.
State Theatre
For bigger shows and touring artists, the historic State Theatre downtown offers a classic concert experience with beautiful art deco architecture and larger-than-life performances.
Portland Symphony Orchestra
Curious about classical? With the student pass at just $30, you can attend unlimited concerts all season. From classical favorites to contemporary pieces, it’s an accessible way to enjoy world-class orchestral music.
Port City Blue
A small, relaxed venue for jazz nights (21+), perfect for winding down a winter evening with friends while enjoying live music from local artists in a cozy setting.
Check out venues on social media for student discount nights and last-minute shows.
Honorable Mentions
Winter evening in Freeport
Grab hot cocoa, stroll through the village with its twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere, check out the giant boot at L.L.Bean (open 24/7!), and soak up some classic New England winter charm. It’s fun for everyone, whether you’re going with friends or family — there’s something for everybody. Just 20 minutes from Gorham or Portland.
Book a yurt weekend at Frost Mountain
Gather some friends, fully unplug, and tell stories around a cozy fire. About 40 minutes from Gorham.
Explore Portland’s vintage and thrift scene
Hunt for treasure from East End to West End. Hit them in order: Ferdinand, Drift Collective, Little Ghost, Portland Flea-for-All, Open House, and Weekend Vintage for secondhand finds and local art.
Catch cheap movies on Tuesday nights
The Nickelodeon in Portland offers half-price tickets on Tuesdays. A great way to support a local business and have a night in from the cold.
Looking for more inspiration?
Southern Maine offers endless opportunities for adventure, both on and off campus. Whether you’re looking for student-approved favorites or want to stay updated on what’s happening each month, we’ve got you covered.
