To our valued guests, season pass holders, and volunteers: 

We’re excited to announce that Bethel Village Trails will open for winter activities in December! Our planned opening date is December 12th, or as soon as there is enough snow to groom. We want to keep you updated regarding changes due to COVID-19 for the 2020-21 season, and will continue to update this information on our website; we expect it to be a bit of a moving target as state guidelines change. However, our goal is to remain open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking for the season, with full access to all our trails. We believe that these outdoor activities by nature already allow for physical distancing, and that getting out and enjoying the trails will be a welcome and needed option for many people this winter.

We are thick in the process of setting up for opening; here’s what we do know:

• Trails will be open and groomed as in the past. We are hoping for an addition of ski trails to our system this winter, and will keep you posted on that exciting development.

• Day and season passes, rentals, and lesson reservations will all be made online. We will be ready to accept payment and reservations at the window for people who were not able to do that online, but we strongly encourage you to make your purchase on the website (link will be made available when ready). This will reduce time spent outdoors waiting in line and in close proximity to other visitors. Day passes can be picked up at the window at the Trails Center.

• The Trails Center will not be open to the public. We are saddened to have to make this decision, but for the safety of our staff and all guests to BVT, visitors will ski/snowshoe/bike from their cars.

• We are designing small outdoor structures that will provide protection from the wind and cold. These will be located in front of the Millbrook Tavern near the firepits. They will be available for trying on rental boots, taking a little break, and escaping from the wind. 

• Indoor restrooms will still be available. Guests and pass holders will enter through the Millbrook Tavern. 

• Rental equipment will still be available. Rental reservations and payments will be made online, and we will have some type of curbside pick up/drop off. Ski boots will be kept inside to keep warm and handed to renters through a window. Ski packages and snowshoes will be rented for a 4-hour time period. Fat bikes will be rented in 1- or 2-hour periods.

• We will require all guests picking up/dropping off rentals and making purchases at the Trails Center window to wear a mask. Masks will not be required while on the trails, unless guests are within 6’ of each other.  Our staff will always wear a mask when helping guests; please do the same for them.

• We will not offer any indoor storage space--please plan to leave your bags in your car. 

• And finally, we ask that all trail guests adhere to 6’ physical distancing guidelines, stay away if you have any possible symptoms of COVID-19, follow State of Maine visitor mandates, wear a mask when closer than 6’ from others, be kind, and enjoy the trails!

Thank you for your support this winter. We are grateful to be able to offer outdoor recreation as a healthy escape from the pressures we face during the pandemic. Guests will be able to purchase passes and rentals on our new website--we will share as soon as it is ready! In the meantime, season passes can be purchased here. Stay healthy!