Winter Activities
Winter in Orono is defined by quiet beauty, outdoor adventure, and unmatched access to recreation, often without needing to get in your car. As a premier seasonal destination, Hotel Ursa provides a front-row seat to the best of the Maine winter. Step directly from our doors onto trails perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or a peaceful afternoon of hiking through the snow-dusted pines. Whether you are seeking high-energy exploration or a serene escape, our location offers a seamless connection to the best of winter.
Best Places to Ski
Near Bangor, Maine
Discover a true Maine winter with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy nights. Nearby trails and frozen landscapes invite adventure, while the warmth of Hotel Ursa offers the perfect retreat.
Maine Bound Adventure Center
Guests can take advantage of UMaine’s Maine Bound outdoor rental program, offering skis, snowshoes, and winter gear right on campus.
Plan Your Visit
DeMerritt Forest Trail System
With the UMaine trail system open year-round, winter walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing start directly from Hotel Ursa’s backyard.
Plan Your Visit
New England Outdoor Center
For deeper wilderness exploration, New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) offers guided snowmobile tours and winter outdoor experiences approximately one hour north of Orono.
Plan Your Visit
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
If you prefer a steady pace, hiking in the winter offers a completely different perspective on the Maine woods. The crisp air and muffled sounds of the snow-covered earth create an atmosphere that is unique to this time of year.
Plan Your VisitUniversity of MaineBlack Bears Hockey
Experience the electric atmosphere of the University of Maine men’s ice hockey without ever leaving campus. As a storied Division I program and proud member of Hockey East, the Black Bears have a legendary legacy that comes to life at the Harold Alfond Sports Arena (affectionately known as "The Alfond").
When you stay at Hotel Ursa, you are just a short walk from the rink, allowing you to skip the parking crowds and head straight into one of the most raucous and passionate environments in college sports.
Indoor Recreation & WellnessNew Balance Recreation Center
Balance outdoor activity with indoor comfort at the UMaine Recreation Center, featuring fitness facilities, courts, and open recreation options throughout the winter.
Included in your stay is complimentary use of our on-site fitness center. Guests of Hotel Ursa receive a discounted pass to utilize the New Balance Student Recreation Center located on the UMaine campus for $10 per day. Access to the facility includes the use of:
- A leisure pool with two 25-yard lap lanes, a cortex current pool, a shallow splash area with a fountain, and a 20-person hot tub
- 150+ pieces of cardio and weight equipment
- Three wood floor courts
- A Multiple Activity Courty with a synthetic floor
- Two racquetball courts that are convertible to squash
Explore Orono, And Beyond
Perfectly positioned for both local charm and grand Maine adventures, Hotel Ursa serves as your ultimate winter basecamp. We are the ideal jumping-off point for those heading north toward the rugged beauty of Katahdin and the Maine lake region, or east for a quieter, breathtaking coastal experience in Bar Harbor.
Book your winter stay today and be sure to explore our exclusive packages and specials to make the most of the season.