Planning a trip to Bethel

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.