• Growing up: Saddleback in Rangeley is maturing from a small operation to a more complete resort, with a new lodge featuring a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Still in the family price range.

• Downhill and cross-country: If you go to Black Mountain in Rumford, bring nordic as well as alpine skis. Black's well-groomed loops of nordic trails ribbon the woods at the base of the alpine hill. Night skiing. New lodge a real plus too.

• Best snow machine: Shawnee Peak in Bridgton puts the snow back almost as fast as you ski it off. Where else can you get a $12 lift ticket? Monday Night Madness 4-9 p.m.

• Friendly and informal: Titcomb Mountain in Farmington. Good destination for beginners and families, and 15 miles of X-C trails on site. Check out the old ski collection in the homey little lodge.

• Most challenging terrain: Olympic snowboardcross champion Seth Wescott calls trails on Maine's tallest ski mountain home. Sugarloaf USA in Carrabassett Valley has some of East's most challenging terrain, full-service lodge and alpine village at the base.

• Big and broad: Sunday River in Newry has eight interconnected mountain peaks featuring 128 trails. Convenient from Boston area. More than 1,750 snow guns ready to fire.

• Snug and compact: Former alpine Olympian Julie Parisien cut her teeth on this little gem. Lost Valley in Auburn reminds her of hidden little ski areas that dot Europe. Fully lighted for night skiing; lots to offer junior skiers.

• Most northerly: Big Rock in Mars Hill backs up to Canadian border in northern Maine; also neighbors the region's largest wind farm. Night skiing and new tubing park this season. Another of Maine's family-friendly ski areas.

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IF YOU GO

• SKI MAINE: www.skimaine.com/ or 207-761-3774.

• SKI VERMONT: www.skivermont.com/ or 802-223-2439.

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Associated Press Writers Ross Sneyd in Vermont and Glenn Adams in Maine contributed to this story.