Remember those magical mornings when you’d wake up to a fresh blanket of snow, race downstairs to see “Snow Day!” on the news, and dash outside for adventures until your cheeks turned rosy pink? That same excitement lives on in Maine’s Aroostook County—the Crown of Maine—where winter arrives early and stays late into April. Visit just once and you’ll see, Aroostook is a place one may simply just be.
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With 120" inches of annual snowfall, this region knows how to deliver unforgettable snow days. Cozy mom-and-pop shops line Main Streets, serving molasses donuts from generations-old recipes and welcoming visitors with warmth. Many motels sit steps from the Interconnecting Trail System (ITS), a network of 2,300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by 32 local clubs. Popular destinations include the former Loring Air Force Base (though for 2026 the Arch Hanger is off limits to snowmobilers), the Border Trail, Number 9 Mountain, and the legendary Ghost Trains of the Allagash. Rentals are easy to find, signage is clear, and locals are always happy to point visitors in the right direction.

If you prefer a quieter pace, snowshoeing reveals scenic views from Aroostook State Park and Haystack Mountain, stretching across the border into New Brunswick, Canada. A rich Nordic ski culture thrives here thanks to Swedish settlers, with 29 groomed trail networks across the region. The world-class Fort Kent Outdoor Center and the Four Seasons Trail Association in Madawaska host events, races, and community ski days, while families enjoy gentle, peaceful loops at Stockholm Landing and Trails or Houlton’s Riverfront Park—sometimes even sharing the trail with passing sled dog teams.
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Downhill enthusiasts can carve their way down three beloved mountains: BigRock Mountain in Mars Hill, Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent, and Quoggy Jo Ski Center in Presque Isle. BigRock boasts the highest vertical drop in northern Maine or the Canadian Maritimes, plus snowmaking, night skiing, and a lively lodge atmosphere (often live music from local musicians is schedules and there is always a local beer on tap). Lonesome Pine offers classic community-ski-hill charm, great lessons, and stunning views of the St. John River Valley (they have rentals and night skiing as well as lodge that features local brews and music). At family-friendly Quoggy Jo, lift tickets start as low as $20, making it one of the most affordable places in New England to learn to ski or ride. Together, these ski areas combine approachable terrain, cozy vibes, and real Maine character—no lift lines exist here.

Before you plan your trip, peek at our Special Offers—packed with ski-and-stay bundles, rental discounts, and seasonal travel deals.

Winter in Aroostook also brings signature festivals that define the season. The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby (St. Agatha, Jan. 24–25) draws anglers from across New England to compete for top prizes on one of the region’s most iconic lakes. Moosestompers Weekend (Houlton, Jan. 30–Feb. 1) packs in outdoor fun with sliding, skating, fireworks, and old-fashioned winter games. Hockey fans fill the St. Agatha shoreline for the Acadian Pond Hockey Classic (Feb. 21–22), while dog mushing enthusiasts gather in Fort Kent for the world-renowned Can-Am International Sled Dog Races (Feb. 28), a bucket-list experience for spectators and mushers alike. The high-energy SnowBowl (Feb. 27–Mar. 1) celebrates all things snowmobile and winter motorsports, and Maine’s Free Snowmobile Weekend (Mar. 6–8) invites non-residents to ride Aroostook’s world-class trails without a registration fee—making it the perfect time for newcomers to experience the thrill.

From festivals and fishing derbies to friendly towns serving poutines, ployes, and needhams, Aroostook County rolls out the white carpet for winter adventurers. Explore Wabanaki baskets, handmade snowshoes, and even Maine potatoes in charming local shops. À bientôt—see you soon—for your Aroostook adventure.

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