Skiing Duck Escape

Newry sits in the sweet spot of Maine's Oxford Hills - close enough to Sunday River that you can sleep late and still catch morning snow, far enough that you're not paying resort-town prices. Skiing Duck Escape is a two-bedroom apartment designed exactly for that: skiers and hikers who want a real kitchen, working appliances, and the freedom of a home rather than a hotel room.

The property offers 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and the kind of practical setup you actually want after a day on the mountain - a dishwasher, a washer-dryer, a work desk if you're mixing work and play, and a dining area where you can cook or spread out a trail map. There's an on-site restaurant option if cooking isn't your plan either.

Ross, a solo skier from the United States, stayed two nights in late February and gave it a perfect 10. "The place was great and the location to the mountain was perfect," he wrote. One heads-up: the keypad lock had a hiccup on checkout - not a deal-breaker, just something to know going in.

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Purpose-built for the ski crowd. Two bedrooms mean you can bring a friend or split costs with a group. The full kitchen saves you money over six dinners at a lodge restaurant, and the washing machine is invaluable when you're staying longer than a weekend. This is a functional ski base, not a pretty postcard.

Five minutes from Sunday River. Ross confirmed it: the location is "perfect" for mountain access. You're in Newry, not Newry Center, which matters. Minimal drive time in the morning or after a day of skiing or hiking.

Real appliances, real living space. Stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine - the kitchen is equipped like an actual home, not a vacation-rental afterthought. That sofa and sitting area give you a proper place to decompress rather than being stuck in a bedroom.

Smoke-free and secure. Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a carbon monoxide detector are standard - the kind of detail-oriented safety setup that matters when you're renting a place sight unseen.

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Two bedrooms, one bathroom, plenty of living space. The apartment includes linens and a walk-in shower. You'll find a private entrance, which is useful when you're coming back at irregular hours or sharing the property with other guests.

• Two-Bedroom Apartment: Full kitchen, dining area, sofa, sitting area with desk, private bathroom.

One note from checkout: the keypad lock didn't cooperate on the exit survey, though it worked fine on entry. If you're particular about locking procedures, arrive prepared to double-check the mechanism or ask for a backup key.

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Kitchen & Dining: Fully equipped with stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, kitchenware, dining table, coffee machine, and toaster.

Laundry & Cleaning: Washing machine and dryer on-site. Iron and ironing facilities.

Living Space: Dining area, sofa, sitting area with desk, private bathroom with shower, walk-in shower.

Activities & Access: Skiing and hiking directly supported by location and equipment. Private entrance. Streaming service and TV for downtime.

Safety: Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detector, smoke-free property.

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Winter (December–March): Peak season and peak prices. Sunday River is the draw - reliable snow, night skiing, groomed trails. Book early; the apartment fills fast on weekends. Keypad access means no front-desk hassles when you're arriving after dark.

Spring (April–May): Shoulder season. Sunday River closes mid-April, but hiking opens up. Grafton Notch trails are clearing, and the Crooked River is runnable for paddlers. Quieter, cheaper, and more solitude.

Summer (June–August): Off-season for skiing; hiking and mountain biking take over. Rangeley Lakes is 20 minutes away for swimming and lake activities. Full kitchen is convenient for cooking with local produce.

Fall (September–November): Foliage in Grafton Notch peaks in early October. Mountain biking continues. The apartment serves as a home base for long weekends exploring the Oxford Hills backcountry.

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"The place was great and the location to the mountain was perfect."

• Ross, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

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• Sunday River: 5 miles south - the reason most guests are here. 150+ trails, night skiing, full-service village.
• Grafton Notch State Park: 8 miles northeast. Hiking, waterfalls, Old Speck summit, and stunning fall foliage.
• Bethel village: 10 miles south. Galleries, restaurants, Sunday farmers market in season, and the Historic District's brick-and-clapboard charm.
• Artist's Covered Bridge: 3 miles south in Bethel. Historic bridge, easy photo stop, picnic spot.
• Crooked River: Local fly-fishing and canoeing. 2–3 miles in various directions depending on access point.
• Rangeley Lakes: 20 miles west. Alpine scenery, additional skiing at Rangeley, summer lake activities.
• Mountain biking and trail running: Sunday River and the surrounding Oxford Hills have extensive summer and shoulder-season networks.

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Is this near Sunday River?
Yes, Skiing Duck Escape is about 5 miles north of the resort in Newry. You can drive there in under 10 minutes or check conditions and plan your day while having breakfast.

Is the apartment full-sized?
Yes. Two bedrooms, full kitchen with oven and stovetop, dishwasher, washer-dryer, dining area, and sitting area. It's designed for a group or a longer stay, not a tight hotel room.

Is breakfast included?
No, but the full kitchen and coffee machine mean you can make your own. An on-site restaurant is available if you prefer to eat out.

Is there a restaurant on-site?
The property listing mentions a restaurant option, though details are limited. The full kitchen is your best backup.

Can I do hiking from here?
Yes. Grafton Notch State Park is 8 miles away, and the property lists hiking as a supported activity. Crooked River trails and the Oxford Hills network are nearby.

Is there cell service and WiFi?
Not explicitly confirmed in the listing, but Newry has decent coverage. Confirm WiFi availability directly when booking.

What's the checkout lock situation?
The keypad lock is standard, but the solo reviewer noted it was finicky on checkout. Arrive prepared to confirm locking procedures or ask for a traditional key backup.

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