In coastal Maine, the cross country ski season can come and go in the course of a week. With the perversity of the weather, today’s crisp, fluffy snow could be tomorrow’s sloppy mess.  

Here, there is no luxury of waiting for the weekend. The time to ski is now. 

Wednesday, Jan. 2, I headed to the Land Trust’s School House Pond Trail on the northern tip of Barters Island. The parking lot was not plowed, but parking along the side of the road was not a problem on this seldom-traveled byway. 

I was the first skier to hit the trail, but a snowshoer with a canine friend had blazed the path before me. With the cold temperatures, snow conditions were perfect and there was plenty of white stuff to cover rocks and other debris.

The School House Pond Trail offers a wide, multi-purpose main path that follows the Barter's Island interior from north to south. 

Narrower side trails stem to the east and west of the main trail. For the beginner, the yellow main trail is the best bet. Go as far in as you like and then turn back.

If you are more adventurous (and skilled), follow the main trail for about a half-mile, then veer to the west (a right off the main trail when heading south from parking lot) to follow the white blazed trail loop back to the parking area. This trail will give you some nice downhill runs. With plenty of soft snow outside of the snowshoer’s tracks, it was relatively easy to slow my skis when needed. 

But be warned: the side trail is much narrower and there are turns on the downhills and some uphill climbs. If all your Nordic ski experience has been on wide groomed trails, this trail may be too great a departure.

It is narrow and there are trees and rocks that must be avoided. I also do not recommend the white blaze trail to the east (to the left of the main trail) for most skiers; it has many sharp turns and abrupt ups and downs. It’s more work than fun.

The School House Pond Trail is often used by snowmobilers and ATV operators, but as of yesterday, January 2, no motorized vehicles had been on the trails.

Share your local ski reports by emailing sumello@boothbayregister.com.

Next up: River Link Trail

Sue Mello can be reached at 844-4629 or sumello@boothbayregister.com