Skiing the Sea: A Must-Visit Maine Mountain, The Camden Snow Bowl
When most people think of summer in Maine, Camden is one of the first places that comes to mind, with its quaint, walkable downtown, wonderful shopping, and ocean views. We'll be the first to tell you that winter in Camden holds a special place in our hearts, and much of that is thanks to the Camden Snow Bowl. There aren't many places on the East Coast where you can ski with views of the Atlantic, and this one is only ten minutes from downtown. Here's what to know before you go, from the slopes to the famous toboggan races, plus how to plan a weekend around it.
Image by Aaron Snow Photography
What Makes the Camden Snow Bowl Special
The Snow Bowl has been part of Camden life since 1936, and it still feels like it. It's owned by the town, the lodge is a classic A-frame with big windows looking out at the slopes, and the whole mountain has an easygoing, community feel. There are no crowds to fight and no fancy base lodge, just good skiing, friendly faces, and that gorgeous view of Penobscot Bay from the mountain.
If you've been searching for skiing with ocean views in Maine, this is the place.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The Snow Bowl has about fifteen trails and a handful of glades, with plenty of beginner and intermediate runs and a few steeper trails for more confident skiers. Most trails lead right back to the lodge, which makes it easy for families to split up for a few runs and meet back up for hot chocolate.
For anyone new to skiing or snowboarding, the mountain offers lessons and equipment rentals, making it a great place for kids and first-timers to get comfortable on the slopes. Night skiing is another favorite, especially if you've spent the day exploring Camden and want to fit in a few runs before dinner. There's also a terrain park for snowboarders and a tubing hill for those who prefer a different way down the mountain.
More Ways to Enjoy the Snow
Not everyone in your group has to ski, and that's part of what makes the Snow Bowl such a good family stop. There's plenty to enjoy beyond the downhill trails, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the mountain's multi-use trails. These wooded paths are a lovely way to spend a quieter winter afternoon, especially if you're hoping to explore more of Camden's natural beauty.
For a little more excitement, the tubing hill is always a fun option for families and groups of friends. When conditions allow, you can also head out onto Hosmer Pond for ice skating, another favorite winter tradition in Camden.
Image By: Toboggan Nationals
The U.S. National Toboggan Championships
If there's one reason to plan your winter around the Snow Bowl, it's this. Every year on the first weekend of February, the Snow Bowl hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, and it's about as fun as small-town events get.
The racing happens on the Jack Williams Toboggan Chute, a 400-foot wooden chute that dates back to the 1930s and is the only one of its kind left in the country. Teams squeeze onto traditional wooden toboggans, tuck in tight, and fly down at up to forty miles an hour before shooting out across the frozen pond. Hundreds of teams come from all over, and plenty of them show up in costume, so don't be surprised to see a banana or a moose go speeding by.
You don't have to race to enjoy it. Spectators are welcome, and the weekend has food vendors, music, and a costume parade, with a free shuttle running from downtown Camden so you don't have to worry about parking. The event is also the Snow Bowl's biggest fundraiser, so by showing up, you're helping keep the mountain open for the next generation of skiers.
Skiing the Snow Bowl with an Indy Pass
Many of the families who visit us in winter come with an Indy Pass. The Camden Snow Bowl is an Indy Pass partner, which makes it an easy add to your Maine ski trip this winter. Maine has quite a few Indy mountains, including Saddleback, Black Mountain, Mt Abram, Lost Valley, Big Rock, and many cross-country ski destinations.
You can see the Snow Bowl's listing on the Indy Pass resort page. Check there for the latest on how the pass works at the Snow Bowl before you plan your dates.
Where to Stay: Three Sisters House
After a day on the mountain, you'll want a warm place to land, and that's what Three Sisters House is for. It's about a ten-minute drive to the Snow Bowl lifts, and it's just steps from downtown Camden, so a post-ski dinner is a short walk away, with no driving required.
Come back, kick off your boots, light the fireplace, and enjoy the evening. It's the kind of ski weekend we love: cold, bright days on the mountain and slow, cozy nights.
When you're ready to plan, ask us what's open, where to eat, and what the snow is doing that week. We'll know.
Ready to plan your ski weekend? Three Sisters House in Camden is your home base for the Snow Bowl, the Toboggan Championships, and everything winter on the Midcoast.