CAMDEN

There is finally snow on the ground in the Mid-coast, so it’s finally possible to take the kids out to do something in the snow!

Take a break from the holiday hullabaloo and think about a little trip to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing, or maybe even some tubing, tobogganing, or gentle downhill skiing, all within sight of the ocean.

Snowshoeing and Cross Country

Some of the best (and free!) places to cross-country ski and snowshoe are in the Camden area. If you don’t own equipment, you can rent it from Maine Sports Outfitters, in their Route One store in Rockport. They carry all sizes, including children’s sizes. Once the ice deepens, they’ll also rent ice skates in all sizes.

Snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing are both activities even small children can quickly get the hang of. Make sure you come prepared with snacks, hot drinks in thermoses, plenty of warm gear, including a change of clothes if people get wet, and warm gloves, hats, and scarves. Keep track of the time – things get very cold up in the hills after sundown. And make sure everyone is outfitted with a whistle in case someone wanders off a trail.

1. Camden Hills State Park. Some very nice trails are groomed for snowshoeing. It’s a little harder to negotiate skis through the woods, but there are some open spaces where you can try. Bring your dog along with you for the exercise!

2. Camden Snow Bowl. There are trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing free of charge (but consider a small donation at the kiosk!) at the Snow-Bowl (follow the signs from Route One just north of Rockport). There is a new cross-country ski loop known as 22 Tacks, approximately 3 km (2 miles) long. It may be a bit long for the youngest kids, but nothing will stop you from going along for a little way and turning back. The trailalsoconnectstoa5km loop on adjacent property of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust Ragged Mountain Preserve. The 22 Tacks trail begins at the top of the Toboggan Chute and can be accessed by walking or skiing up to the left (south side) of the Tubing Hill where there is a trail kiosk with map and information. Pets are discouraged on ski trails. If the Snow Bowl is your plan, leave Fido at home. If you want Fido with you, go to the state park or the 4-H camp.

3. Tanglewood 4-H Camp. A great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Tanglewood is situated on the Duck Trap River in a beautiful, forrested 940 acre section of the Camden Hills State Park in the Waldo County town of Lincolnville. Hiking and cross-country ski trails meander through the forest along brooks and streams. In the winter, trails are well maintained for singletrack, backcountry skiing. You can get a trail map at the entrance. Tanglewood is also a great place for snowshoeing and hiking.

Tubing and Tobogganing

Camden Snow Bowl. Bring your snow tubes or toboggan along and take a break by sliding down the tubing hill or the toboggan chute ($5 per hour), which are now open. Pets are discouraged during the winter in some areas, and must be kept on leashes at all times everywhere else.

Downhill skiing

Camden Snow Bowl. Downhill skiing isn’t quite open at the Camden Snow- Bowl (projected opening day is December 20). But recent weather conditions may have changed that. Call ahead! When they are open, it’s the best downhill ski deal in Maine, and certainly the one with the best view – Camden Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean! Full day lift tickets for adults on the weekends are only $35, and there is a break if you get there after 12:30. Kids five and under ski free. Older children and college kids typically qualify as “students”, and their lift ticket is $26 for a full day. There are also discounts for seniors and military personnel, and for groups.

Ski lessons are also available, including lessons for small children for just $25 and beginners for $60 (includes rental and lift ticket).

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