In western Maine, near the state's border with New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest covers 41,943 acres/16,980 hectares. The forest, about 60 mi/95 km northwest of Portland, is famous for cascading streams and mountain panoramas (you can see Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast U.S., across the border in New Hampshire).
Nearby, still in the White Mountains, is the Sunday River Ski Resort, about 10 mi/16 km north of the national forest (http://www.sundayriver.com). The ski area has eight different peaks with 126 different trails and 17 ski lifts. Most of the trails are for the novice or intermediate skier, although suitable expert runs can be found on White Cap Peak. There's a resort village at its base, and it's close to the delightful town of Bethel (6 mi/10 km south), which is also a popular summer resort. Skiers can choose from a range of accommodations, restaurants, shops and apres-ski activities. In early October, the ski resort is home to the zany North American Wife Carrying Championships. Just as the name implies, contestants carry their significant others through an obstacle course in hopes of winning cash prizes and their wife's weight in beer.
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