Since its creation, Greenwood’s Mt. Abram has been one of Maine’s premier community slopes. For nearly 60 years, the area has been an important part of the constellation of Maine areas. While things looked a bit dire in the 1990s (the resort was foreclosed on twice), Abram has been on an upward trajectory since new owners arrived in 2008. Since purchasing the area, co-owners Rob Lally and Matt Hancock have put loads of time, money and energy into improving the resort. With an emphasis on green energy and sustainability (demonstrated by things like high-efficiency snowguns, a “biomass” heater in the lodge, free car-charging stations and a solar power array), they’ve modernized Abram and put it back on the map.

Five lifts service Abram’s nearly 50 trails, and the mountain’s split character – the slopes are separated into two distinct parts, a main mountain in front of the lodge and the beginner-friendly Westside – makes it feel much larger than it is. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to take in all that Abram has to offer.

Abram doesn’t compete with biggies like Sunday River and Sugarloaf to have the longest season in Maine, but a good snow year means a respectable few months. Typically, the season runs from December to March or even April. If you can, time your trip so you can take part in one of Abram’s monthly Full Moon Hikes. The events encourage skiers to hike up to Abram’s summit in the moonlight, ski down under the stars and then party at the Loose Boots Lounge in the base lodge. There are two hikes left this season, scheduled for Feb. 27 and March 19.

Three runs not to miss:

• Rocky’s Run. Cut during the late ’70s, Rocky’s Run is a double diamond, and likely the toughest trail on the hill. Unrelentingly steep with rock bands that make rollers under the snow, it’s as good a challenge as any at Abram.

• Skyline Drive. In contrast to Rocky’s, Skyline Drive is a gentle cruiser on Abram’s western boundary with spectacular views of Maine’s western mountains. The wide trail feeds skiers down to the base of the Westside area, where two lifts and the base lodge await.

• The T-Bar Line. Unlike many ski areas, Abram allows visitors to ski the T-Bar line when the lift isn’t running. Cutting down the guts of the mountain, the trail is bracingly narrow and straight as they come.

As far as food goes, the base lodges (both Main and Westside) have charming, homey cafeterias that offer the fresh-off-the-grill sandwiches and hot soups you’d expect to find at a community slope. The Loose Boots Lounge, upstairs in the main lodge, has a larger menu. The aforementioned staples are there, too, alongside with pizza, burgers, entrees and a full bar.

Abram also is one of the few Maine resorts that offers a signature beer. Brewed by Portland’s Gritty McDuff’s, Abram’s Red Ale is a traditional Irish red ale that’s full-bodied and satisfying – especially after a long day on skis. It’s often served on a nitro draught a la Guinness, providing a smooth, creamy head. You can find it on draft at the Loose Boots Lounge in the base lodge and, occasionally, at Gritty’s other three locations in Maine. Also nearby is Norway Brewing Company, which plans on opening this spring on Main Street in Norway.

At Abram, there’s not a whole lot of nightlife to speak of. The Loose Boots Lounge does stay open late – it advertises itself as “Western Maine’s most fun bar” and offers lively entertainment, but it’s the only game in town. Nearby Bethel and Sunday River have more options.

Other than skiing/boarding? Like many Maine ski areas, Abram has a slope devoted to snow tubing. At more than 1,300 feet, it actually holds the distinction of Maine’s longest tubing park. Accessed via the Flying Squirrel lift, the tubing park is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and vacation days. There’s also a network of Nordic trails at Abram’s base. The majority of these are on Duane’s Retreat, an area originally developed in the ’60s as a group of beginner trails. The lift servicing the trails was pulled out and the trails repurposed to service cross-country skiers.

And while Abram doesn’t run any lodging of its own, AirBnB lists a number of places to rent that are practically on the slopes. As is often the case with the site, you can find everything from cheap single rooms to full homes and cottages overlooking North and South Ponds. If you’re more interested in traditional lodging, nearby Bethel has every budget covered. The Chapman Inn is a particular gem, with tastefully-appointed rooms and gourmet breakfast.

Abram’s price is competitive with Maine’s other community resorts (and cheaper than the marquee spots), but a few deals can make the trip even cheaper. A Thrifty Thursday ticket is only $25, which is $30 less than the typical day pass. Carload Friday means $89 buys lift tickets for everyone that can fit in a car. If you’re planning on spending a lot of days at Abram this spring, consider the Coupon Books, which buy 10 tickets for $440 – a 20 percent discount. Abram is also one of the resorts on online ticket discounter Liftopia.com, which is currently listing day tickets for up to 60 percent off (depending on the day).

Josh Christie is a freelance writer and lifetime outdoors enthusiast. He shares column space in Outdoors with his father, John Christie. Josh can be contacted at:

joshua.j.christie@gmail.com