top of page
Search

Maine Winter Racing 2026: Toboggan Championships, Skijoring Events & High-Speed Fun

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Jan 15
  • 4 min read


Maine Winter Racing 2026: Toboggan Championships, Skijoring Events & High-Speed Fun

Maine Winter Racing 2026: Winter Racing Thrills in Maine

Maine’s winter isn’t just about snow-covered trails and frozen lakes—it’s also home to some of the most exciting and uniquely Maine winter racing events in the country. From gravity-defying wooden toboggan races at the Camden Snow Bowl to adrenaline-pumping equine skijoring competitions where horses pull skiers at full speed, winter racing in Maine blends tradition, spectacle, and pure fun.

If you’re planning a winter trip or looking for unforgettable cold‑weather events, this guide covers Maine’s must-see winter racing events for 2026, including dates, locations, spectator tips, and official resources.


🛷 U.S. National Toboggan Championships

📍 Location: Camden Snow Bowl, Camden, Maine

📅 Dates: February 6–8, 2026 (35th Annual Event)


The U.S. National Toboggan Championships are one of Maine’s most iconic winter traditions—and the only organized wooden toboggan race in the United States. Each February, thousands of spectators gather at the Camden Snow Bowl to watch teams rocket down a 400‑foot ice chute with a 70‑foot vertical drop, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph before skimming across frozen Hosmer Pond.


What Makes This Event Legendary

  • Teams of 2, 3, or 4 racers on handcrafted wooden sleds

  • Creative costumes and themed team names

  • Over 400 teams competing from across the country

  • A festival atmosphere with food, music, and winter celebration


Race & Entry Details

  • Practice & Check‑In: Friday, February 6

  • Main Races: Saturday & Sunday

  • Toboggans must meet strict design rules (wood construction, under 50 lbs)

  • Registration Deadline: January 26, 2026


🔗 Official rules, registration & schedule:

🔗 Camden Snow Bowl:https://www.camdensnowbowl.com


🐎 Equine Skijoring in Maine (Winter 2026)

Equine skijoring is one of the fastest-growing winter sports in New England. In these high-energy events, a horse and rider pull a skier or snowboarder through a timed obstacle course featuring gates, jumps, and ring grabs—all at thrilling speeds.

Maine hosts a Triple Crown Skijoring Circuit, drawing elite competitors and enthusiastic spectators alike.


🏁 Skijor Bangor

📍 Location: Bangor Raceway, Bangor, ME

📅 Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM


Skijor Bangor kicks off Maine’s skijoring season with fast-paced racing and a festival-style crowd. The event features cash prizes, swag, food vendors, and a full bar, making it a favorite for both racing fans and families.


  • Spectator Admission: $15 (Kids 5 & under free)

  • Part of the Skijor Cup™ circuit

🔗 Event details & registration:https://www.skijorbangor.com


🏁 Topsham Fair Skijoring

📍 Location: Topsham Fairgrounds, Topsham, ME

📅 Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026


Held the same weekend as the Toboggan Championships, Topsham Fair Skijoring brings heart‑pounding equine racing to Midcoast Maine. Expect intense competition, colorful teams, and a lively crowd atmosphere.


  • Part of the Maine Triple Crown circuit

  • Timed heats with professional and amateur divisions



🏁 Skijor Skowhegan

📍 Location: Skowhegan State Fairgrounds, Skowhegan, ME

📅 Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

⏰ Start Time: 10:00 AM


The final leg of Maine’s skijoring circuit takes place during Somerset SnowFest, combining winter racing with community celebrations, vendors, and live entertainment.


🔗 Event information:https://www.skijorskowhegan.com


❄️ Why These Events Are a Must‑See

✔ Authentic Maine winter traditions

✔ High-speed racing you won’t see anywhere else

✔ Family-friendly spectator experiences

✔ Easy access from coastal, central, and northern Maine

✔ Perfect anchor events for winter travel itineraries


From handcrafted wooden sleds flying down icy chutes to horses sprinting across snow-packed tracks, Maine’s winter racing events showcase the state’s adventurous spirit and love for winter.


📅 Plan Your Winter Racing Trip to Maine

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or building a full winter itinerary, these events pair perfectly with:

  • Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing

  • Ice skating & ice fishing

  • Cozy winter lodging and après‑race dining


👉 Mark your calendar for February 2026 and experience winter the Maine way—fast, fun, and unforgettable.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.


Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure


Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

  • Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching


Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River








Maine’s must-see winter racing events for 2026, including dates, locations, spectator tips, and official resources - come visit!.





bottom of page