Camden Snow Bowl Maine Archives - Camden Harbour Inn

6 Things to Know for the National Toboggan Championship Race

Posted on December 30, 2021 by camdenharb

One of the biggest draws to Camden, Maine, is the National Toboggan Championship race in winter. It’s an inspiring and unique event that you can’t find anywhere else. The city comes alive during the championships, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Camden, Maine. Furthermore, one of the best lodging options in the city is with Camden Harbor Inn. If you aren’t convinced yet about tobogganing, here are six things that should convince you to visit Camden, Maine, in the winter.

When Is the National Toboggan Championship?

As you can guess, the championship takes place in the winter, typically during February.

Where Is the National Toboggan Championship?

The event always takes place in the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, in the Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Road Camden, ME 04843. The venue is less than 10 minutes away from the Camden Harbor Inn.

What Is a Toboggan?

A toboggan is a long narrow sled that one or more people use to sled down a snowy hill. It’s typically made of wood. The entire toboggan is usually light in weight, and the sled’s front curves up and in toward the rider.

How Many Race Disciplines Are There?

Plenty! 11 disciplines range from traditional time trials to quirky ones. Here’s a rundown: 2-Person Division, 3-Person Division, 4-Person Division, Experimental Division, Fastest Time Overall, Fastest All-Females, Fastest Students, Best Crafted Toboggan, Oldest Team, Best Costume, and Worlds Division.

What Is the History behind the Championship?

The event started in 1991. The original toboggan chute was built in 1936, rebuilt in 1954, and 1990. Since then, it’s been the home to the annual toboggan race championship.

Can I Register for the Championship?

Yep! Read the official rules first, and you can register online. There is a fee to register as well.

Get Ready for the National Toboggan Championship Race Now

Now that you have a basic understanding of the National Toboggan Championship race, you can start planning your Camden, Maine weekend getaway. Outside of the championship, there are countless opportunities for fantastic dining, the best shopping, and hiking. All of this is nearby the Camden Harbour Inn, so you don’t have to think too hard about where and what you plan to do when you stay in Camden, Maine. For more information about the Camden Harbour Inn, please call us at 800-236-4266 or 207-236-4200 or send us an email at info@camdenharbourinn.com.

5 Fun Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails in Camden, Maine

Posted on September 30, 2021 by camdenharb

Maine is a fantastic place for outdoor activities and the state is full of challenging and scenic trails for biking and hiking. So much so that it won’t be hard for you to find a fun path near Camden Harbour Inn. Here are five of the best routes.

Dreadnought Trail

This trail is inside the Camden, Maine, Snow Bowl Ski Area. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding trail to bike through. To get to the start of the course, you can take part in a rugged hike, or a lift will take you to the beginning. This is one trail that shouldn’t be missed.

Mount Battie

Mount Battie is a must-see hiking destination for any visitor to Camden, Maine. The hike is just more than one mile long. Once you reach the end, you will find some spectacular views of Maine. In addition, you will be able to see Camden Harbour Inn from the peak.

Jibe Trail

An easy trail to start on for mountain biking because it’s one of the few paths that starts at a parking lot. It’s a fun track if you are a newcomer to mountain biking. This is one of the more popular trails to ride along because it’s open to hikers and dog walkers.

Maiden Cliff

This Camden, Maine, trail can be exhausting for hiking. However, it remains one of the best ways to see Megunticook Lake. It also is excellent for bird watching. Take this trail as you please because it is a hike you will talk about once you return to the Camden Habour Inn.

Tempest Trail

This is the most challenging mountain biking trail on this list. It stretches a little more than one mile, and you will feel it by the end. It features rock drops, wooden features, and three gravity-fed rock gardens.

Pump the Breaks and Park It at Camden Harbour Inn

We hope you find even more hiking and biking trails to explore in Maine when you stay at Camden Harbour Inn. When you park your bike back at Camden Harbour Inn, you will find a AAA Four Diamond culinary meal at Natalie’s. Call us today at 1-800-236-4266 to book a room or check the availability online.

Alpine Skiing in Maine: a Visitor’s Guide to the Camden Snow Bowl

Posted on February 1, 2021 by camdenharb

Unbeknownst to much of New England, the 100-acre Camden Snow Bowl features some of the cleanest alpine skiing in Maine. Despite its small-town feel, the Snow Bowl boasts more than 20-plus recently-upgraded runs that reach nearly 1,300 feet above the sea. There’s never been a more enticing time to “Ski the Sea,” as packed powder currently sits anywhere from 24 to 30 inches. Start and finish each day of MidCoast Maine exploration and sophistication at Camden Harbour Inn, a Relais & Châteaux top destination that is home to a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant.

The Most Underrated Alpine Skiing in Maine

While the Camden Snow Bowl is one of the oldest ski areas in New England, it remains an underrated coastal attraction. It offers some of the finest alpine skiing in Maine, including 48 well-lit acres of night skiing—a rarity. Over 60 percent of the terrain is deemed “advanced,” so prepare for a challenging, black-diamond experience. Some of the most beloved runs include the “Northeaster,” “Mussel Ridge,” and the “Lookout.” Ultra-skilled skiers can take full advantage of the Snow Bowl’s two expansive terrain parks.

Snowshoeing, Nordic Skiing, and National Toboggan Championships

Most New Englanders know the Camden Snow Bowl as the home of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, nicknamed “Tobogganville.” Tobogganville is home to the U.S.’s last remaining gravity-operated wooden toboggan chute. Near the chute, Nordic skiing enthusiasts will discover pristine terrain via the expansive Kuller Nordic Loop Trail and adjacent Ragged Mountain Preserve, which also features ample acreage for snowshoeing. There’s no shortage of world-class Nordic skiing in Maine’s most romantic bay-side village. Snowshoers will also discover peaceful Hosmer Brook and a hidden trail atop Ragged Mountain.

Opulent, Award-Winning Lodging in Camden, Maine

After a memorable afternoon on the slopes, return to Camden Harbour Inn for a five-course lobster-tasting dinner, complete with a seafood tower for two, Maine oysters, lobster bisque, roasted lobster, fine vino, and more. Natalie’s features a sleek, European-style aesthetic and romantic ambiance. Follow dinner with a relaxing evening in a Penobscot Bay-view suite. In-room amenities range from iPads to BainUltra therapeutic air baths and traditional saunas. The inn is only a short jaunt from the heart of Camden, as well as the historic yacht club.

To book a well-deserved snow-filled escape to Camden Harbour Inn, please check availability online (or speak with a reservationist at 800-236-4266).