Emily Allison of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt., makes her way down the trails at Pineland Farms last February.

If you enjoy superbly groomed tracks winding through shadowy stands of fragrant evergreens and sun-splashed hardwood groves, and ski trails undulating over pastureland dotted with scenic farm buildings, then come to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester this winter for a day of cross-country skiing. As you gaze out over rolling pastures from the edges of secluded forest sanctuaries, you might think yourself in Vermont, or as you penetrate the quiet reaches of sylvan hollows you might as well be tucked into the cocoon of the White Mountain National Forest on the Maine-New Hampshire border. Instead, you are only 10 miles from L.L. Bean in Freeport. The 25-kilometer trail system at Pineland was designed by seven-time Olympian and noted trail designer, John Morton. For golfers, this is akin to golfing on a course designed by Robert Trent Jones.

TERRAIN AND TRAILS

All the ski trails were created with the realities of terrain and skiing dynamics factored into the layout. Wide, banked downhill turns assist skiers in maintaining safe control. On the Gloucester Hill Loop, a particularly steep downhill section has an orange safety net strung along the edge of the trail should skiers lose control, and veer off the trail toward the woods. The groomed trails feature a single set track for classic skiing and an exceptionally wide skate lane. For safety purposes, the trail network operates as a one-directional system, and is clearly marked so at all trail junctions. The trail system starts within the cluster of red brick buildings formerly known as the Pineland Center. Founded in 1908 as the Maine School for the Feeble-Minded, the facility closed in 1996, dispersing its 1,500 residents back into the community. In June 2000, the Libra Foundation of Portland purchased the campus and undertook an extensive renovation of existing buildings. In the process, it also created self-sustainable farming operations as well as construction of a world-class equestrian center. The decaying Pineland you might remember from 10 years ago is hardly recognizable now. Today it is a beehive of activity and positive energy all surrounded by beautiful forests and pastures. On a clear day from the front porch of the Visitors Center, you will enjoy eye-popping views of Mount Washington towering to the west, boldly shimmering in white.

FROM NOVICE TO EXPERT

Pineland has trail loops matching all ability levels, from novice to experts. The 1.4-K Arsenault Pond Loop and 4.8-K Oak Hill Loop are the only portions of the system with a gentle gradient suitable for beginner skiers. The six other loops are best-suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. The Pineland Farms campus sits on an expansive plain overlooking the Royal River Valley. If you decide to ski loops to the north of campus, you will be encountering a twisting maze of challenging downhill and uphill trails. Skiers need to be confident and skilled at maintaining complete control on steep terrain in all snow conditions. Pineland is popular with secondary school and college ski teams as well as area fitness buffs and citizen racers. For beginners this may sound a bit intimidating, but there is ample flat terrain around the campus proper and east of Route 231 to delight those who wish to just meander along on their skis, and stop often to scan the open fields for wild turkeys and gliding hawks; search the hardwood forest for downy and hairy woodpeckers; and in the pine, fir, and hemlock forests, listen for the winter mating calls of chickadees and nuthatches. On the Oak Hill Loop we stopped to examine an impressive pile of white shavings and chips at the base of a dead beech tree. As we carefully sifted through the pile we noticed fragments of insects and worms in the chips, a reminder that a good meal comes in all forms and from an amazing variety of places.

WELL-MARKED TRAILS

All trails are clearly marked. At every trail intersection, easy-to- read signs are posted. The trail map clearly identifies the difficulty of each trail: beginner, intermediate, advanced. All action begins at the Visitor Center, open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ski shop is on the lower level. A daily trail pass is $12 per adult, $8 for seniors (55 and over). Children 6 and under ski free. Season passes are also available, with special rates for students, seniors and families. Ski rentals are available, as are private and group ski lessons. Call the ski shop at 688-6599 or check out their Web site at www.PinelandFarms.org for more details and daily ski conditions. The Visitors Center offers a free viewing of a fascinating 10- minute video on the history of Pineland and the farming tradition that is being preserved today on the 5,000-acre site. The retail shop in the cozy lounge area contains a variety of Maine made wares and specialty items. Foley's Bakery creates aromas that will have you fast tracking down to their shelves teeming with fresh breads and irresistable baked goods. A large cafeteria in the Commons Building serves breakfast and lunch, offering many fresh items grown or created by the agricultural component of Pineland Farms. There is enough going on at the campus core that you might be tempted to ski just an hour, and instead hang out all day at the Visitors Center. There are countless beautiful spots to check out on the trail system. The bench for two near Morty's Drop on the River Loop provides a sheltered haven to soak up the noonday sun. This is a great spot to work on your "Florida" tan and to snooze a bit. For skiers who love a dark, secluded forest, the Hemlock Loop is a must ski destination. The eerie darkness of the stands of large hemlock is in sharp contrast to the brilliant white carpet of pastureland surrounding the grove. At the beginning of the Oak Hill Loop there is a magnificent view out to Hill Farm and the sprawling Equestrian Center. The Fire Pit area adjacent to Arsenault Pond, just a few minutes from the ski shop, is surrounded by a magnificent grove of tall white pines. Be sure to stop and listen to the song of the wind. Yes, while skiing out your back door is fun, skiing at Pineland is exceptional. Expert ski grooming, and artistically created trails make every day at Pineland a good day for skiing. Consult the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (Map No. 5) for help in getting to Pineland Farms. From Exit 63 of the Maine Turnpike in Gray it is a 10-minute drive via Route 115, the Depot Road, and Route 231. Note: Pineland also features trails specifically designated for snowshoers and rents snowshoes as well. Michael Perry is the former director of the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools and founder of Dreams Unlimited, specializing in multi-media programs about the outdoors. He has been cross country skiing for over 30 years and skis on average 100 days a winter.