See Maine from a different angle this winter
WRITTEN BY KATIE SMITH
Whether you’re an experienced snowmobiler, a beginner, or thinking you’d like to see what all the talk is about, with over 14,000 miles of trails, Maine is one of the best places to ride. This is all thanks to private landowners, snowmobile clubs, and the volunteers who donate their time to keep the trails groomed.
If you’re a veteran snowmobiler, you already know that from December to March snowmobiling is an amazing opportunity to see Maine in a whole new way. And if you’ve never tried the sport, here are a few things every beginner should know.
Chris Carroll, an avid supporter of the sport and a snowmobile-safety advocate, says one of the first things beginners should know is that it can be hard to get your feet wet — but don’t let that discourage you. The gear is expensive and snowmobiles aren’t always easy to insure. But if you’re willing to make the commitment, there are tons of resources available to you.
“Trails are well marked, well maintained, and the snowmobile community takes safety very seriously,” Carroll said. “If someone wants to try, there are so many people who’d love to help them.”
Carroll is passionate about snowmobile safety. “These machines are dangerous if used improperly,” he said. “Use caution, ride safe, ride right (to the right of the trail), and slow down. It’s important to know where you’re going, and tell someone where you’re going. A helmet is a must, and ride to the skill level of the people in your group. And never, ever drink and drive your snowmobile.”
The sense of community seems to be everyone’s favorite part of snowmobiling. It takes lots of hard work from volunteers, and thanks to that snowmobiling is the largest tourism industry for Aroostook County.
“Snowmobiling can bring a great sense of community; the land owners work with the MSA (Maine Snowmobile Association) as well as all the clubs to make snowmobiling possible in Maine,” Carroll said. “It really is an amazing community.”
The best way to stay up-to-date on the trails and conditions is by joining the Maine snow reports and snowmobile trail conditions Facebook groups.
Maine winters are long and cold, and snowmobiling is a wonderful outlet and way to enjoy all of Maine’s snowy beauty. If you’ve never come down a trail on a cold day with snow stacked on the tree branches, and the sun shining through, you haven’t seen the best of Maine, says Carroll.
“It’s not about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the trail, stopping and talking, and enjoying Maine’s beauty,” Carroll said.
Where to Ride & Rent
Snowmobilers across the board agree that Aroostook County has the best snowmobiling in the Northeast.
Aroostook Valley Trail offers 28 miles of groomed trails that connect Presque Isle, Caribou, Washburn, Woodland, and New Sweden. Riders can view the Aroostook River, stunning woods, and various streams.
Dean’s Motor Lodge, located at 2075 Portage Road in Portage, has a big snowmobiling community. On any given day in the winter, you’ll see more snowmobiles than cars in their parking lot.
Shin Pond Village, at 1489 Shin Pond Road in Mt. Chase, is another crowd favorite. As a full-service outfitter, they have snowmobiles to rent as well as helmets and other gear.
The Sled Shop Inc., located at 108 Maine St. in Presque Isle, is known for its amazing staff and inventory.
Birch Point Inn in Island Falls is a great place to rent a cottage and a sled, making for a snowmobiler’s dream weekend.
For more ideas, check out the map of Maine’s Interconnected Trail System (ITS) at mainesnowmobileassociation.com/the-its-map.
