Chasing the Slopes

Bethel sits at the gateway to some of Maine's most consistent ski terrain, and Chasing the Slopes is built for the kind of trip where a group actually wants to stay together. Five bedrooms and three bathrooms means you're not splitting hairs over sleeping arrangements - or fighting for shower time at 7 a.m. The house reads less like a hotel and more like a lodge someone built for friends, with a full kitchen, sauna, and enough outdoor space to actually gather when you're not on the slopes or hiking.

The property pulls from an unusual play book for Maine ski country: it's spacious without being ostentatious, equipped without feeling sterile, and positioned close enough to Sunday River and the surrounding White Mountains to get there without a long drive. Mountain views come standard. So does the ability to cook.

★★★★ · Property pending first guest reviews

Built for groups who actually want to share a kitchen. Five bedrooms and three full bathrooms take the logistics friction out of a ski trip or extended family gathering. The full kitchen - complete with dishwasher, microwave, stovetop, oven, and every piece of kitchenware you'd need - means you're not eating every meal out. A dining table seats the whole crew. Laundry and dryer on-site mean you can run a multi-day trip without overpacking.

Sauna and outdoor space for après-ski. After a cold morning on the mountain, the on-site sauna is the kind of amenity that makes people remember a place. The terrace, balcony, and patio space give you room to spread out, and the BBQ facilities mean someone can grill while others warm up inside.

Mountain views and pet-friendly access. The balcony and terrace both frame the surrounding peaks. If you're traveling with a dog, the property welcomes them - a detail that rules out a lot of standard hotels in ski country.

Hiking and fishing nearby. Bethel is ringed with trails that climb into genuine mountain terrain. The nearby lakes and streams support both casual and serious fishing. The property acknowledges both; mountain views are built in, and fishing is a listed activity.

The house holds five bedrooms across its layout, giving you flexibility for couples, families, or groups. Linens are provided. Interconnecting rooms are available if you need to keep children or teenagers in adjacent spaces - a practical detail for larger families. Each bedroom has a private bathroom between them (three total), which matters more than it sounds when you're managing a morning schedule.

The living areas include a sitting room with sofa and desk, plus the dining area off the kitchen, so you're not all stacked on top of each other in the evenings.

Spa & Relaxation · Sauna

Outdoor & Grounds · Terrace, Balcony, Patio, Outdoor dining area, Mountain views, Outdoor furniture, BBQ facilities

Kitchen & Dining · Full kitchen with dishwasher, refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, coffee machine, toaster, dining table, kitchenware

Entertainment & Tech · Streaming service (Netflix and similar), TV, Private entrance

Practical · Washing machine, Dryer, Laundry service available, Private bathroom in each bedroom, Free toiletries, Heating throughout

For Families & Pets · Children's playground, Pet friendly, Interconnecting rooms available, Fishing nearby, Hiking trails

Winter (December–March). Peak season for obvious reasons - Sunday River is 20 minutes away and runs a full ski season. Snow reliability is solid in this part of the state. The sauna becomes a real fixture of the day. Expect the house to be booked months in advance.

Spring (April–May). Shoulder season. Snow lingers on high terrain; the playground and outdoor space get real use as the weather softens. Wildflower hiking starts in mid-May.

Summer (June–September). Full green season. Hiking is at its best in July and August. Mountain biking trails open. The outdoor dining area and BBQ get constant use. Fishing season runs strong through September.

Fall (September–October). Foliage arrives late September and peaks around mid-October. The balcony views shift to color. Fewer crowds than winter, but the sauna is less essential. Plan for warm days and cool nights.

How many people can this accommodate? Five bedrooms and three bathrooms support groups of 10–15 people comfortably, depending on how many children you're traveling with. The living areas are spacious enough that people aren't sharing couches at night.

Is breakfast included? No. The full kitchen is provided so groups can cook their own breakfasts and lunches, which usually costs less and works better for groups with different schedules.

How far is it from Sunday River ski resort? About 20 minutes drive from the base of Sunday River. Direct access makes it realistic to ski mornings and return to the house for a midday break.

Are pets welcome? Yes. The property is pet-friendly, which is notably generous in ski country. Confirm pet size or type when booking.

Is there a sauna fee? No. The sauna is included in the rental price. It's one of the few heated water amenities available without additional cost.

What's the nearest airport? Augusta State Airport is 55 miles away (about 75 minutes drive). Most guests flying in use Portland International (PWM), which is roughly 90 minutes south.

Can you do laundry? Yes. Washing machine and dryer are on-site, which is essential for groups staying longer than three days.