Western Maine - The best example of the friendliness of Maine's small mountain skiing communities may have happened in 1950 when lack of snow caused the World Championships for Cross Country Skiing to be moved from Lake Placid, New York, to Black Mountain in Rumford, Maine.

Without enough hotel beds to accommodate the 400 skiers and coaches, Rumford's town manager asked residents to open their homes to the visitors to ensure they would have a comfortable stay. Beds were found for everyone, and locals worked just as hard preparing three race courses less than three days before the start of competition.

Today, Black Mountain is known for having some of the best Nordic ski trails in the East, but it also offers excellent downhill runs for skiers of all ages and abilities. The mountain is one of half a dozen small to medium sized ski areas located in Maine's Western Lakes & Mountains region. These ski slopes offer the same first class trail conditions as the state's big mountains, but the lift lines are shorter and the ticket prices are affordable for the whole family.

Here's more about Western Maine's family friendly ski slopes and the exciting skiing and riding opportunities they offer.

Black Mountain
With a vertical drop of 1,150 feet, Black Mountain offers 20 alpine trails accessed by one triple chair lift, one double chair, a T-bar and a handle tow. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, six trails are lighted for night skiing including Dead Cambridge, one of the east's few double diamond trails open after dark.

For snowboarders, the mountain also has a terrain park with grind rails, a table and a 300-foot long half-pipe. Natural snowfall is bolstered with 90 percent snowmaking, and cross country skiers can enjoy more than 10 miles of groomed trails. The base lodge has a café with snacks and drinks. Visit www.skiblackmtnofme.org or call 207-364-8977 for more information.

Lost Valley
This is the southern-most ski area in the western lakes and mountains region. Lost Valley is where three-time United States winter Olympian Julie Parisien started skiing at age two. The 240-foot Auburn slope has 15 trails, The Beaver snowboard park and Otter Slide terrain park. Lost Valley was the first location in Maine to offer night skiing and the first to cover its trails with man-made snow.
A large base lodge offers a full-service ski shop, rental shop, lobby with fieldstone fireplace, and a kitchen with fresh-made sandwiches, salads, fried foods and snacks. Adults can relax in the Brookside Lounge where live bands play on the weekends. Flex tickets allow visitors to ski or ride by the hour. Log on to www.lostvalleyski.com or call 207-784-1561 for more information.

Titcomb Mountain
Titcomb Mountain, located in the town of West Farmington, is a popular local ski slope that attracts skiers and riders of all ages. The 750-foot slope features 15 alpine trails, a terrain trail for snowboarders, and recently renovated cross country trails covering more than nine miles. Rentals are available for all disciplines.

Trails are serviced by two T-bars and one handle tow. Night skiing is offered until 9:00 p.m., and the mountain has 75 percent snowmaking. The base lodge has a commissary serving warm food. The ski area is near the college town of Farmington with unique shops and restaurants. For more information call 207-778-9031 or visit www.titcombmountain.com

Mt. Abram
Trail names like Captain Peachfuzz and Chicken Chute aren't the only things that make a visit to Mt. Abram memorable. The Greenwood mountain's 40 trails are serviced by four lifts. There are also four terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Night skiing is available on six trails.

A 1,325-foot tubing park, the largest in the state, also operates after dark. Mt. Abram has a day care center, two base lodges with shuttle service, a restaurant, and a bar with live entertainment. This mountain is the closest to Maine's big ski resorts. Check out www.skimtabram.com or call 207-875-5000 for more information.

Spruce Mountain
Despite rising nearly 2,000 feet in the town of Jay, Spruce Mountain has remained a fun, unflashy ski slope for locals and visitors alike. Spruce Mountain has nine trails on 300 feet of vertical skiing. The mountain operates four rope tow lifts and has night skiing. Ski classes are available for all ages. Call 207-897-4090 for more information.

Shawnee Peak
Visitors to Maine's Fryeburg Fair have likely driven by Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, home to Shawnee Peak Ski Area. The mountain has 40 trails, four glades, and offers night skiing on 19 runs - the most in northern New England. Shawnee Peak also has the only lighted half-pipe in the state.

During the day, skiers have scenic views of Moose Pond which borders the mountain. The trails, a freestyle terrain park, Grommet Garden mini terrain park for beginners, and 400-foot half-pipe are serviced by a quad chair lift and three triple chairs. Two base lodges each have cafeteria-style food service, while Blizzards Pub offers full table service and live entertainment. An on-mountain day care is available for children age three months to six years old. To learn more call 207-647-8444 or visit www.shawneepeak.com