Winter Activities

Nordic SKIING

The area offers 13.3 km (8.2 miles) of world-class groomed Nordic ski trails. Snowmaking on and lights on 2.5km of trail. Daily grooming. Lights for night skiing. Open to season pass holders and ticketed skiers from 8am -9pm all week long.

DOWNHILL SKIING

New for Winter 2021-22: We’re installing a small rope tow on the lower portions of the historic Colby Ski Area. The rope tow will serve learn-to-ski terrain and a small terrain park. Click here for more information.

Backcountry skiing (uphill, skinning, alpine touring, telemark, etc.) is welcome on the slopes of the former Colby Ski Area. Several of the old trails have been kept clear, and volunteers maintain several glades on the hill. Access is at your own risk. When traveling uphill, please follow the route indicated on the winter trail map.

Fat Biking

Fat bikes are welcome on the groomed ski trails but need to avoid trails when snow conditions become soft. Bikers using the groomed ski trails must purchase a day ticket or season pass.

Biking is permitted on ski trails only in hard packed snow conditions. Please use your judgment to keep trails in good condition and safe for all.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an ideal way for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy winter’s beauty, get some fresh air and stay active. Quarry Road's beautifully wooded trails meander along Messalonskee Stream, up and down rolling hills and around open meadows just minutes from the center of Waterville.

Quarry Road is a perfect destination for families, schools, clubs and other groups who want to enjoy snowshoeing as a fun winter activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Check our trail map for trails designed specifically for snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is permitted on singletrack trails and footpaths, but not on the groomed ski trails. (Except where a singletrack or footpath crosses a ski trail.)

A limited number of loaner snowshoes are available at the Welcome Center Yurt, where they may be borrowed free of charge.

SLEDDING

Quarry Road Trails is closed to sledding. (Per Waterville City Council Order #241-2021, adopted November 22, 2021.)

We encourage sledding at these nearby locations, which have safer runouts away from buildings and vehicular traffic:

  • North Street Park North Street’s broad slope is easily accessible to sledders of all ages, and is adjacent to both the Judge Morton A. Brody playground and the Alfond Youth and Community Center. (1.4 miles away)

  • Green Street Park Also known as Sherwin Hill, there is plenty of room for sledding on the slopes encircling this broad, bowl-shaped park in Waterville’s South End neighborhood. (3.1 miles away)

  • Mayflower Hill (Colby South Lot / Rugby Field) Sledders will enjoy the slope near the new rugby field at Colby just off Mayflower Hill Drive. Parking on weekends is now possible in the new South lot on Alumni Drive, and trails to the Perkins Arboretum are close by. (2.2 miles away)

Dog Walking

Dogs are allowed on Quarry Road itself, and on designated dog walking trails, but not on the groomed ski trails. (Waterville’s Animal Control Ordinance states that dogs must be on a leash or under control by personal presence and attention at all times.)