Getting There -- Downtown Bethel is a simple turnoff from the intersection of two busy roads, Route 26 and U.S. 2. Get there from Portland or Boston via the Maine Turnpike (I-95), taking exit 63 ("Gray") and heading west on Route 26 for about 1 hour. From New Hampshire, drive east of Gorham on U.S. Route 2 for 20 to 30 minutes.

There's a very helpful free shuttle, the Mountain Explorer (tel. 207/784-9335), between downtown Bethel and the ski resort. It runs on Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until just before Christmas, and then daily until early April, from around 6:30am to midnight.

Visitor Information -- The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 30 Cross St., Bethel, ME 04217 (tel. 800/442-5826 or 207/824-2282; www.bethelmaine.com), has offices at 8 Station Place, behind the movie theater. It's open Monday to Friday until 8pm, Saturdays to 6pm, and Sundays to 5pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.