Dogsledding - Heywood Kennel, Augusta, Maine

A recent news report provides information on the Heywood Kennel in Augusta, Maine. Read "Mushers bring dog sledding to the masses in Maine", Maine Sunday Telegram, January 26, 2014.

Carter's X-C Ski Center in Oxford, Maine

Read a story on Carter's X-C Ski Center located in Oxford, Maine. See "A delightful day on an Oxford trail", Maine Sunday Telegram, January 26, 2014. Carter's X-C Ski Center is located on Route 26 (on the left as you drive north). It has 40 kilometers of ski trails for the beginning and intermediate level. There are five trails for skiing and one for snowshoeing.

Winter Snow Tubing and Zipline Tours

Maine has a lot to offer in winter sports. Some suggested family fun in the snow can include snow tubing and zipline tours. Read more about both in a recent article entitled "Zipline tours and tubing offer fast fun in Maine", Portland Press Herald, January 9, 2014.

Small Ski Areas in Maine Value Added to Local Communities

Maine used to have a large number of small community-based ski areas; however, a many factors have combined to significantly reduce the numbers. Over 70 Maine ski areas - mostly small operations - have gone out of business since 1970. However, there is a sense that the remaining small ski areas will be able to stay open and possibly see more come back into operation.

The small ski areas that shut down were affected by a number of factors to include increased competition (especially from the bigger resort areas), increased insurance costs, warm winters, and community apathy. Those small ski areas that remain open have found that local community involvement is a big help. Currently the Ski Maine Association lists 12 small ski areas still operating in Maine.

Read more about Maine's small ski areas in "A sense of community keeps central Maine's small ski areas afloat", Morning Sentinel, January 12, 2014.

Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be Filmed

The Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby, which takes place in February, will be filmed by a film company from New York. Details of the filming are sketchy but it appears that the National Geographic Channel has contracted with the film company for the project.  The derby takes place in mid-February. While ice fishing is a big sport for Maine fishermen I am a little skeptical on the appeal to television watchers. I mean . . . really . .. how exciting can that be? Like watching golf I suppose. Learn more in "Reality TV to film not-so-wild world of Maine ice fishing", Portland Press Herald, January 8, 2014.

A Family Blog about Alpine Skiing in Maine

The link below will take you to a super family-oriented blog about Alpine skiing in Maine. The blog provides tips on how to have fun and make skiing as affordable as possible. See the blog at the link below:
www.maineskifamily.com/

Cold Weather Brings Early Ice Fishing Season to Maine

The cold weather in Maine during December and early January has hastened the ice fishing season in Maine. While not all lakes and ponds are frozen - some are - and the ice fishermen are eager to start their season. The ice fishing season in Maine opens officially on January 1st. Read more in "Ice fishing season weeks early on Sebago Lake", Portland Press Herald, January 4, 2014.