An impending snowstorm usually doesn’t thrill many people. But in Aroostook County, some folks couldn’t wait for the major winter storm that forecasters said would be arriving on Thursday.
Snow has been hard to find this season. Caribou saw only 17.2 inches of snow in January, which is nearly 8 inches below normal, according to the National Weather Service.
But that’s all slated to change Thursday, when the major storm sweeps through Maine. The weather service’s Caribou office issued a winter storm warning for parts of Aroostook, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. Forecasters predict anywhere from 8 to 18 inches, with higher amounts in the St. John Valley.
Tourism, lodging and other businesses in The County thrive when there’s snow on the ground, as snowmobilers from across the state and beyond flock to the 2,300 miles of trails. Last year was devastating because of snow shortages, and this year started out looking similar. But on Wednesday, with continued cold temperatures and the flakes coming a day later, the mood among the snowmobiling community was decidedly upbeat.
Outside Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage Lake, about 15 snowmobiles filled a section of the parking lot. One group had already sledded 41 miles that morning, and all said they were excited for more snow.
“After this weekend, I think the trails will be the best they’ve been in years,” Jake Jandreau of Vero Beach, Florida, said. “I grew up here. I hadn’t been snowmobiling in 16 years, so I came up.”
Jandreau’s aunt, Ida Charette, used to be the head cook at Dean’s, he said. He plans to spend a few weeks in the area.
Sandy and Mike Patrick of Palmyra said about 70 percent of the trails are good, but the rest are a little thin and need some more snowpack.
Wednesday was their first foray into the Portage and Eagle Lake area, Mike Patrick said. They sledded in Fort Kent earlier in the week and will head to Weston Saturday for a few days. They’re happy to be out riding and are making the most of it, he said.
Inside at Dean’s, more than a dozen snowmobilers streamed in for lunch. Owner Dawn Bernier was happy to see the crowd.
Last year was horrible for business, and things are falling behind this year as well, but there’s still time to make it up, she said. A couple of good storms should do the trick.
The continued cold spell has helped the trails, she said. There may not be much snow, but what there is has stayed put because it’s been so cold.
“I also think people [are] just going to take the good and the bad right now, because they want to ride,” Bernier said. “I’m a sledder myself and have been out a few times, and was surprised at how good the trails were actually holding up.”
Across the street at another iconic Portage hangout, Coffin’s General Store, business has picked up in the last couple of weeks since at least a little more snow has fallen, employee Kara Jacques said.
Still, it’s been hard for local businesses and the entire tourism economy without the normal amount of snowmobilers. Jacques hopes Thursday’s storm will help.
“The last couple of winters have been pretty crappy, in general,” she said. “If we can get some more snow, then it will help the economy, that’s for sure.”
Coffin’s, which also has gasoline, is often a pit stop for snowmobilers as they travel. Many sledders who’ve traveled to The County this year are those who canceled their plans last year, she said. The coming snowfall should bring even more people.
It’s just in time for February vacation next week, traditionally the best week of snowmobile season, Bernier said.
“Once we get some snow this weekend, this place is going to be hopping,” she said.
