There are many things to love about snow sports. The mountain air, the fabulous frozen scenic vistas, the exhilaration of zipping down the trails, and the apres ski camaraderie of friends and family at fireside after a long day on the slopes.

However, the expense of gear (clothes, goggles, boots, skis, poles, etc.), lift tickets, travel and overnight hotels can put a major dent in your checkbook.

There are ways to save. I am a major advocate of early season ski swaps for gear and a season pass purchase in April for the following season greatly defrays the high cost of single day lift tickets and serves as motivation to spend more days on the mountain. Overnight lodging can be tricky, especially during vacation times when the rates go up exponentially.

Sunday River, our nearby big mountain resort, is a little less than a two-hour drive. The cute little village of Bethel, just six miles from the Sunday River lifts, does have a few inns and bed and breakfast hotels that are a little more gentle on the budget than the onmountain lux hotels. Here are some options:

The Sudbury Inn

Phone: 207-824-2174 Rates: $109 weekday, $119 weekends; hot menu breakfast included

This is an old and venerable inn that features in-house gourmet dining from Chef Peter Bodwell in the upstairs dining room and a very lively and fun downstairs pub, called “The Suds.” Beer is celebrated at the Sudbury – it boasts the largest collection of beers west of Portland, 29 in all. The Suds Pub is a cross between a clubhouse and a sports bar. The pub menu features a collection of pizzas, burgers (including a bison burger), and pub apps. Kids are very at home here and local singer/songwriters take the stage on weekends. Convenience and quality of service are the hallmarks here, the rooms are small, but clean and comfortable, outfitted with TV and internet hotspots.

Bet hel Vill age Motel

Phone: 207-824-2989

Rates: Always $60 for a single person and $70 for two

This bargain is located right smack in the middle of the Bethel Village with the grocery story, the post office and numerous eateries only steps away. There are only 10 rooms and they are all located above Ruthie’s Boutique and they more resemble an eccentric chalet than a motel. Ruthie is the affable innkeeper and she has been actively running the place for 40 years. Surprisingly, the accommodations are roomy and all have private baths, TV, and Wi-Fi and a fridge. This is, to my mind, the best lodging value at Sunday River.

Holi dae Ho use B&B

Phone: 207-824-3400

Carpe Diem Rate: $89

Regular rates: $125 to $139; breakfast included

Call for same-day reservations and ask for the Carpe Diem rate and your room charge drops to $89. The Holidae House has been newly renovated in a cheery blue and white, and has a brand new Tennessee couple from Chattanooga running the place since June 1. The Pooles, John and Jeanette, combine a bit of Southern hospitality with New England tradition. And this unique Holidae House tradition is thankfully still intact: The lobby features a table well stocked with brandy, cordials, and port wines. Guests are encouraged to be their own bartender and toast and drink on the house. The rooms are old world Victorian luxury on a reasonable budget.

The Bet hel Hostel

Phone: 207-357-0273

Rates: $35 per person per night

Located in West Bethel, a 20-minute drive from the lifts. This former carpentry and toy workshop has been transformed by an entrepreneurial family into a comfortable hostel that can accommodate 18 guests on a busy weekend. Guests are encouraged to prepare their own breakfast in the hostel’s kitchen. The innkeeper provides fresh organic eggs from the resident chickens. Beginning sometime in February, the family plans to reopen the defunct Sunday River Inn and Cross Country center, located right on the access road minutes from the lift.

The Chapman Inn

Phone: 207-824-2657

Formal Rooms: $89-139

Downstairs Ski Dorm: $35 per person

Vintage Maine lodging in a rambling 1865 family homestead located just off the Village Green at the end of Main Street. Innkeeper Sandra cooks up morning vittles in her cute breakfast room. The ski dorm is most appropriate for scout troupes or those young folks comfortable with summer camp accommodation.

There is a shuttle service, the Mountain Explorer, running from the Village of Bethel to the Mountain on an hourly schedule. It’s convenient to leave your car at your hotel as parking can be a hike from the lift especially during holiday time.

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In last week’s Snow Business, “Ski safe – ski with a friend,” I described the Jan. 9 ski lift stoppage at Sugarloaf as a “lift malfunction.” The problem was actually caused by an electric power supply outage rectified by Central Maine Power.

— Greg Morell is a ski, snowboard and cross country enthusiast. He can be reached at [email protected]