Experience Maine Winter 2017

Experience

MAI N E A GUIDE TO WINTER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WINTER 2017 A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Thursday, December 21, 2017

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Winter 2017

Bigrock Mountain preparing for new ski season

BY MELISSA LIZOTTE

T

he start of the winter sports season in Aroostook County has been known to bring many people outside to take advantage of activities that the time of year has to offer. At Bigrock Mountain Ski Area in Mars Hill, General Manager Travis Kearney and his team have spent much of the past few months tracking weather patterns and getting ready to introduce new adventures to ski enthusiasts.

Kearney said that the past several years have resulted in some of the most successful ski seasons at Bigrock. Last winter brought lots of natural snow and colder temperatures, which produced some of the best trail conditions of any season.

Every year Bigrock trail groomers begin covering at least 80 percent of the ski area with artificial snow in preparation for their opening weekend. This year the opening day is set for Saturday, Dec. 16. If temperatures remain in the 20s at night, as they have thus far, and no snow freezes on the

ground, Kearney’s staff typically starts making snow after Thanksgiving and continues until Christmas.

“Right now this is optimum weather because it’s cold and there’s no snow blanketing the ground, which means that the ground will freeze,” Kearney said.

“When the ground temperatures are really warm it’s difficult to make snow.”

Cold temperatures remain important throughout the month of December because Bigrock crews prefer to operate their snow machines 24/7, allowing them to open in time for the local schools’ Christmas breaks. Visits during

that period usually make up 25 percent of Bigrock’s income for the season.

“Our scheduled opening is Dec. 16. We like to give our members a set date, but if we can open earlier than that we will for sure,” Kearney said. “During December we only open on the weekends until school break because we’ll still be making snow during that first week.”

The Bigrock workers have been busy preparing new trail features in addition to the more traditional offerings.

They recently added sections called “glades” where they thin out the wooded areas so that there’s no underbrush be-

Last winter brought lots of natural snow and colder temperatures, which produced some of the best trail conditions of any season.

neath the trails. Skiers can move through the woods from one trail to the next.

Trail groomers also have expanded existing features such as the terrain park and snowtubing. The terrain park is devoted to freestyle skiing such as jumps and rails that have become popular with young adult skiers. Bigrock offered snowtubing for the first time last winter. The family activity proved so successful that they spent the summer rebuilding and redesigning the 800 foot long tubing park.

“We started out with 100 tubes and we’ve added 25 more this year because we consistently sold out on the weekends,” Kearney said.

On Feb. 19 and 20, 2018, Bigrock will host the Class B Alpine State Championships.

All Maine high school Class B downhill ski teams will participate. Kearney also hopes to host a snowmobile hill climb on Saturday, March 31, or Sunday, April 1, 2018. He said that the event could attract between

Winter 2017

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500 to 1,000 spectators and competitors. Last year Bigrock cancelled the snowmobile hill climb due to a rapid spring snow melt.

In May, Presque Isle-born philanthropist Mary Barton Smith, the widow of the late Silicon Valley executive Rodney Smith, donated $350,000 to Bigrock, which is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Staff used the money to buy safety gear and a new toboggan for the ski patrol and more rental equipment and gear for lessons. Kearney is grateful for sponsorships from local companies, which are a major reason why the ski area continues to open annually and keep prices stable.

“We haven’t raised our prices in three years. With our Ski for Life program, children get a discounted rate — $15 instead of $49 to $59. That’s $5 each for their ticket, rental gear and lesson,” Kearney said. “It’s probably the most affordable learn-to-ski program in the industry.”

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Fresh tracks on Bigrock Mountain.

PHOTO BY ERIC HENDRICKSON

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Winter 2017

Experience Maine with these fun winter events JANUARY SNODEO

Multiple venues in Rangeley rangeleysnowmobile.com Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club presents this event with helicopter flights, marshmallow roasts, casino night, a chili-chowder cook off and, of course, snowmobiles and snowmobile events (poker run, demo rides, radar runs and more).

WINTERKIDS WINTER FESTIVAL Payson Park, Portland winterkids.org Sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating and more at the annual Winter Festival. Also, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, raffles, and giveaways.

WINTERFEST SOUTH PORTLAND

Wainwright Recreation Complex and Mill Creek Park, South Portland See Facebook for more info

BRADBURY MOUNTAIN SNOWSHOE SERIES

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal

Municipal Ice Rink and Wentworth Field, Municipal Drive, Scarborough

trailmonsterrunning.com/bradburysnow

scarboroughmaine.org

Events in Jan., Feb., and March, including a 3-mile race in Jan. and a 5-miler in March.

Events like the Ice Cube Hunt, Snow Sculpture Contest, Milk Jug Curling, and Hula Hoop Challenge. The ice rink will also be open for skate and free hot chocolate and refreshments will be on hand.

LOBSTER DIP 2018

The beach in front of The Brunswick, Old Orchard Beach somaine.org People have been turning up for the last 30 years to raise money by plunging into the frigid ocean here on New Year’s Day. A post-dip party includes buffet, live music, and cash bar.

WINTER TRAILS DAY

Various locations around Maine wintertrails.org Winter Trails Day is a national effort to encourage people to get outside by offering free intros to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing lessons and rentals. Various participating venues.

Winterfest starts with a skating party at Mill Creek Park. On Saturday, the festivities move to Wainwright Recreation Complex with a chili-chowder contest, horse-pulled wagon rides, ice skating, snowboard demos, snowshoeing, food trucks, and fireworks.

STARLIGHT SNOWSHOE TOUR

AUBURN WINTER FESTIVAL

An all-inclusive snowshoe trek under the stars—LL Bean provides the equipment, and refreshments after. The tour is guided and the terrain is beginner and family friendly. Tours run throughout the season.

Various locations, Auburn auburnmaine.gov

Sledding, snowmobile rides, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, ice sculptures, torchlight parade, music, and more.

LIBERAL CUP BIATHLON

Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson hvnc.org/biathlon-2 This annual biathlon is open to skiers and shooters of all levels—novice included.

(There’s gear you can borrow, and you’ll go through a gun safety session before heading out). Afterwards, enjoy beer and hot toddies.

WINTERFEST SCARBOROUGH

LL Bean’s Fogg Farm, 11 Desert Road, Freeport llbean.com

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE

Randall Orchards, Randall Road, Standish prlt.org/events Meet at the farm at sunset and head out to explore the 500-acres of conserved orchard and forest while watching the full moon rise.

The guided trek ends with hot cider from apples grown and pressed onsite at the orchard.

BIDDEFORD WINTERFEST Various locations in Biddeford See Facebook for more info An ice-carving show, “Winter Wonderland” art show, sledding hill, ice skating, performances, and more.

KENNEBUNK WINTERFEST Various locations in Kennebunk kennebunkmaine.us

FEBRUARY WINTERFEST SCARBOROUGH

Municipal Ice Rink & High School Sports Complex, Scarborough

Figure skating performances, fire jugglers, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, soup tasting contest, and the Cabin Fever Book Sale at the library.

WHITE GRASS MUSIC & TELEMARK SKI FESTIVAL Mt. Abram, Greenwood

scarboroughmaine.org

bethelmaine.com

Bring your skates for Scarborough’s Annual WinterFest event. Snow and ice competitions, bonfire with s'mores, raffles, silent auction, and fireworks.

A bluegrass festival in the snow. Live bands, telemark race, demos, lessons, and more.

Lift tickets required for demos and lessons.

BRUNSWICK LONGFELLOW DAYS Multiple venues in Brunswick brunswickdowntown.org Month-long celebration includes activities like community poetry, lectures, tours, dining events and films.

CAMDEN WINTERFEST Various locations in Camden

camdenmaineexperience.com Ice carving, polar plunge, snowboarding demos, free family demos, “Frost Heave Challenge” and more.

2018 U.S. NATIONAL TOBOGGAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Camden

camdensnowbowl.com/ toboggan-championships It’s right there in the name—the best of the best in U.S. toboggan teams battle it out in the frigid climes of Camden.

8th ANNUAL SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL Roberts Farm Preserve, Norway wfltmaine.org The Snowshoe Festival features snowshoe walks, 5k and 10k snowshoe races, snowshoe games for the whole family, and a Valentine’s Day Dance.

WINTER CARNIVAL AT GILSLAND FARM Gilsland Farm, Falmouth maineaudubon.org Outdoor activities including a scavenger hunt, story walk, snow science station, and giant snow shelter. Snowshoe rentals, arts and crafts, snowy owls interactive display and more.

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ICE BAR AT BRUNSWICK HOTEL & TAVERN

TAKE IT OUTSIDE FAMILY FUN DAY AMERICA’S MATTRESS RACE

acadiawinwterfestival.org

thebrunswickhotelandtavern.com

The Acadia Winter Festival features workshops and activities in Acadia National Park and Schoodic Point including winter art exhibits, water birds in winter, backyard birding, cross country skiing, adventure movie, show shoe tracking, live music, lumberjack show, dutch oven cooking and more.

An ice bar and drink luge plus live entertainment and food from the tavern.

MAINE LAKES WINTER CARNIVAL

Includes an ice bar, fire pits, and an indoor lounge to warm up and hang out. Open to the public, 21-plus. Fun attire encouraged.

ACADIA WINTER FESTIVAL

Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor

Highland Lake and other locations, Bridgton mainelakeswintercarnival.com

Includes a kids fishing derby, horse drawn carriage rides, magic show, and fireworks, plus snowmobile rides, a polar dip, and dogsled rides.

OOB WINTER CARNIVAL

Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach More info on Facebook Sledding by the ocean down Old Orchard Street, ice bowling, pony rides, cotton candy, kettle corn, a pub crawl, and more.

ANNUAL FAMILY FUN DAY Shawnee Peak, Bridgton shawneepeak.com Events include a scavenger hunt, snow sculpting contest, pie eating contest, family obstacle course, skillet toss, sack rack, tug of war and more.

Inn at Brunswick Station, Brunswick

ANNUAL ICE BAR & LOUNGE

The Chalet at St. Joseph’s College, Standish sjcme.edu

SNOWMAN ADVENTURE RACE Riverside Golf Course, Portland snowmanadventure.com A two-person relay combining running, biking, and downhill sledding.

GREAT MAINE OUTDOOR WEEKEND All over the state

greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org Events around the state and throughout the weekend including winter hikes, owl watches, ice skating and film screenings, winter backpacking and snowshoe adventures, and more. Many events are free.

WINTER WILDLIFE DAY Wells Reserve at Laudholm wellsreserve.org

ANNUAL WINTER FAMILY FUN DAY

Celebrate the wildlife of southern Maine with live animals, guided walks, crafty projects, and fun in the snow.

visitaroostook.com

CARIBOU WINTER CARNIVAL & SNOWMOBILE FESTIVAL

Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle

Participate in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sled rides, guided nature walks and more.

Caribou

cariboumaine.net Skiing, performances, dinners, dances, snowmobile drag racing, parades, bonfires, family events, fireworks and more.

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Mount Blue State Park, Weld

Shawnee Peak, Bridgton

maine.gov

shawneepeak.com

Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands hosts winter family fun days at different parks all winter. Enjoy cross-country skiing, sliding, snowshoeing, ice skating, tote sled rides, hayrides, and nature walks. Lunch generally provided, warming hut, and free equipment loans.

Mattresses of all sizes take to the mountain at Shawnee Peak. Prizes awarded for fastest, most uniquely decorated, etc.

PISGAH HILL FULL MOON TREK Pisgah Hill Preserve, Dougherty Road trailhead, Pownal rrct.org Climb a half a mile to the summit of Pisgah Hill Preserve through the setting sun to witness the rising of the moon. Bonfire, roasted marshmallows and camaraderie await. Make your way down under the light of the moon. Bring headlamps, blankets, and snowshoes (weather depending).

MARCH WINTERKIDS DOWNHILL 24

MAINE MAPLE SUNDAY All over the state

mainemapleproducers.com Sugar houses and farms around the state will be open and offering free maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and more.

ANNUAL CAN-AM SLED DOG RACE Fort Kent

can-am.sjv.net One of the most challenging sled dog races in the eastern United States.

Plans and circumstances sometimes change—Bangor Daily News makes no guarantee of the events listed herein. Check websites for specific event dates and pricing.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley winterkids.org/downhill-24 Remember when you were a kid and you could spend hours repeatedly doing the same fun thing over and over and over?

The Downhill 24 is kind of like that, except with skiing. Teams will compete to ski who can squeeze the most run in 24 hours.

DID YOU KNOW…?

Maine is the birthplace of the truck snowplow (patent #US1550574 A) and the earmuff (patent #US188292 A).

The largest recorded snowman ever built was in Bethel, Maine, in February 1999. The 113-foot, 7-inch snowman broke the previous record held by Yamagata, Japan, at 96 feet and 7 inches.

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How to prep your furry friends for Maine winters T

he colder months are approaching, and it’s not uncommon to see your focus on diet and exercise decrease. The same goes for your furry friends during the cooler seasons. To keep your pup healthy this winter, it’s important to establish proper nutrition habits which start by feeding your pet right.

“Whether it’s the increase in holiday parties or the decrease in temperature, healthy eating routines typically fall to the wayside during winter – for humans and pets,” said Dr. Jeff Weber, veterinarian and an IAMS spokesperson. “In addition, it’s common for pet owners to stay indoors and out of the cold weather, which can negatively affect the daily activity and exercise required for dogs.”

Despite all the distractions and temptations of the season, it’s important to keep your dog on a steady diet that includes high-quality ingredients, each serving a purpose in his or her overall health.

“I recommend looking for a dog food with high-quality ingredients,” Dr. Werber said. “I like dog foods with quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals for your pets to stay healthy and active during the winter months.”

Werber said the correct diet can help you see the following visible differences in your dog:

Healthy skin and coat: A rich source of omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat promotes excellent skin and coat health.

Healthy energy:

A customized protein and carb mix contributes to healthy energy levels.

Healthy digestion: Beet pulp helps maintain intestinal health and aids his or her ability to absorb nutrients.

Heading into the colder months it’s also important to sustain your active habits.

Bundle up, head outside and let a highquality diet fuel both you and your dog to make the most of the colder months.

Despite all the distractions and temptations of the season, it’s important to keep your dog on a steady diet that includes high-quality ingredients, each serving a purpose in his or her overall health.

Winter 2017

For family-friendly adventure, try these Maine winter activities M

any people may run indoors when the temperatures outside approach or dip below freezing. But the truly adventurous see no reason why a little cold weather should keep them cooped up indoors for months at a time.

There are many ways to prevent “cabin fever” from setting in here in Maine. Families looking to get some quality time outdoors together this winter can enjoy a host of activities in the great outdoors, even if the temperatures are a tad on the chilly side.

Sledding: Sledding may remind adults of their childhoods and turn kids’ snow days into fun afternoons they’ll never forget. Kids can seemingly ride their sleds and toboggans down snowy hills all day long, but even parents get a kick out of racing kids downhill or sharing a sled with their youngsters. While older kids can typically handle sleds on their own, parents should ride along with toddlers to prevent falls and handle steering duties. When sledding, keep a close eye for any signs that suggest kids might be getting too cold, such as shivering or clothes that are soaked through.

Snowshoeing: Did you know that many retailers sell snowshoes for children as well?

While snowshoeing can be physically demanding, it’s also a fun way for families that enjoy walks together to continue those traditions even in the winter. Make sure kids are bundled up, paying extra attention to their footwear. Kids will enjoy snowshoeing more if their boots are both comfortable and capable of keeping their feet warm.

Snowman building: Perhaps no outdoor winter activity is more conducive to family fun than building a snowman. The season’s first substantial snowfall provides the perfect opportunity for parents and their children to start building some snowmen.

While it’s unlikely to find its way onto any gym schedules, building a snowman provides a great workout. Lifting snow is great strength training, while pushing snow to form Frosty’s body is a great way to get in some cardiovascular exercise.

Skiing and snowboarding: The earlier youngsters start skiing and/or snowboarding, the more likely such activities will prove second nature. Many resorts offer skiing and snowboarding lessons to kids and adults, so parents can book weekend getaways for the family to nearby resorts and foster a love of winter sports in youngsters.

DID YOU KNOW…?

The average snowflake falls at about 3 mph.

Maine’s record daily snowfall was 22.3 inches on Dec. 17, 1970.

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