2027 SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION
AROOSTOCK, MAINE
MAINE’ S BEST WINTER: SIX REASONS TO RIDE THE CROWN OF MAINE Aroostook County is Maine’ s Best Winter. With 120 inches of annual snowfall, 2,300 miles of snowmobile trails, and 38 dedicated groomers, the Crown of Maine has earned its reputation as Maine’ s number one snowmobiling destination. And the rest of the country is catching on! Caribou, Maine, was voted the No. 4 Best Winter Wonderland in America by USA TODAY’ s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Known simply as The County, Aroostook is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, bordered on three sides by Canada, and home to some of the widest, smoothest, and most scenic( we’ d say fastest, but safety first!) snowmobile trails in New England. Here are six reasons to put Aroostook County at the top of your must-ride list.
6. BIG MILES, WIDE TRAILS, AND SERIOUS GROOMING
If you’ re the kind of rider who likes to put on serious miles, you’ ve come to the right place. Aroostook’ s 2,300-mile trail network winds through a patchwork of rolling potato fields, frozen lakes, vast forests, and remote northern wilderness. Thirty-eight groomers work throughout the winter to keep trails in prime condition. From wide-open railbed straightaways to winding woodland routes, the changing terrain keeps riders eager for every turn. The Otter Street Park & Ride in Caribou, Maine, provides a modern, central starting point to access the Interconnected Trail System( ITS). This parking area features free public parking, lighting, ramps, and overnight trailer access. Unload your sled, leave the truck behind, and let the adventure begin.
5. SIX CAN’ T-MISS SNOWMOBILING DESTINATIONS
Some rides are worth traveling across the country for. In Aroostook, there are six that belong on every rider’ s bucket list. Ride ITS 81 along the Border Trail in Limestone, Maine, where granite markers separate the United States from Canada. Explore the former Loring Air Force Base by way of Trail 100B off ITS 81. Snowmobilers can ride through this former Cold War military base but must remain on designated, marked trails for the 2027 season.
For big views, head to Number Nine Mountain in Bridgewater, Maine, via Trail 70A, or ride ITS 86 to the Infinity View in Littleton, Maine, where an extraordinary straightaway stretches toward a horizon dotted with the Appalachian Mountains.
Farther north, the International View in Frenchville, Maine, offers sweeping views toward New Brunswick from Trail 81B off ITS 85. For experienced riders seeking a remote adventure, the historic Ghost Trains of the Allagash are another legendary destination, accessible only when designated routes and conditions permit.
4. A SNOWMOBILE CULTURE UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE
Aroostook doesn’ t just have trails. Its communities have built a snowmobiling tradition unlike anywhere else.
Thirty-three volunteer clubs maintain and support the ITS network, with local riders investing countless hours to make each winter better than the last. Stop at a clubhouse for a hot meal, trail advice, or a conversation with colorful locals who make the magic happen. Snowmobilers are welcomed like old friends, and the region really knows how to roll out the white carpet.
3. HEARTY FOOD AND GENUINE NORTHERN MAINE HOSPITALITY
After a hundred-mile day, nothing tastes better than a hearty meal. Aroostook’ s trails connect welcoming small towns, family-owned lodging, and restaurants serving generous portions of local favorites. Think poutine, Acadian ployes, steak-and-potato dinners, and whoopie pies.
Spend the evening swapping stories with fellow riders, planning tomorrow’ s route, and enjoying the kind of hospitality that keeps visitors coming back.
When the sun goes down, look up. Aroostook’ s dark winter skies offer brilliant stars and, when conditions cooperate, the northern lights.
2. A WINTER CALENDAR WORTH PLANNING AROUND
The events and festivals in Aroostook celebrate Maine’ s best winter. Three snowmobile racing organizations bring competitors and spectators to The County: Tame the Track Snowmobile Races, New England XCountry Racing, and North Star Cross Country.
The SnowBowl returns Feb. 26-28, 2027, bringing snowmobile racing and winter festivities to the heart of The County.
Maine’ s Free Snowmobile Weekend on March 5-7, 2027 gives riders with machines registered out-of-state an opportunity to explore Aroostook trails without purchasing a Maine snowmobile registration.
Whether you’ re here for the racing, the festivities, or simply a weekend with friends, winter is always celebrated in northern Maine.
1. THE FREEDOM TO JUST RIDE
The best reason to visit Aroostook is the feeling that comes with having so much wilderness to explore. Even on the busiest winter weekends, there’ s room to ride.
One morning you’ re crossing wide-open fields beneath an enormous northern sky. By noon, you’ re winding through snow-covered black spruce forests, watching for moose, or following a trail along the Canadian border.
For riders who love big miles, beautiful scenery, and genuine hospitality, Maine’ s Best Winter is waiting.
Just one ride and you’ ll see, Aroostook is a place one may simply just be. Plan your vacation at VisitAroostook. com or call Judy for what to see and do at 1-888-216-2463.
32 DECEMBER 2026 | SNOWGOER. COM