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35th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships 2026 | Camden Snow Bowl Maine

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 3 hours ago
  • 4 min read


35th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships 2026 | Camden Snow Bowl Maine

35th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships 2026 - Maine’s Iconic Winter Racing Event

Few winter events in the United States match the speed, tradition, and sheer fun of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. Returning to the iconic Camden Snow Bowl from February 6–8, 2026, this legendary competition celebrates its 35th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships, drawing hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators to MidCoast Maine.


Known as the only organized wooden toboggan race in the country, this high-adrenaline winter festival blends competitive racing, creative team costumes, and classic small-town charm—all set against the stunning backdrop of Camden Hills and frozen Hosmer Pond.


🛷 What Are the U.S. National Toboggan Championships?

For more than three decades, brave teams from across the U.S. have launched themselves down a gravity-powered, ice-filled wooden chute measuring 400 feet long with a 70+ foot vertical drop. Racers can reach speeds of up to 40 mphbefore sliding out onto frozen Hosmer Pond in pursuit of custom trophies, bragging rights, and national recognition.


Event Highlights:

  • Over 400 competing teams

  • Attendance topping 5,000+ spectators annually

  • Hand-built wooden toboggans only

  • Divisions for 2-, 3-, and 4-person teams, plus Experimental

  • Creative costumes encouraged and celebrated


This is equal parts serious competition and winter carnival, making it one of Maine’s most anticipated winter events.


📅 2026 Event Dates & Location

📍 Where: Camden Snow Bowl20 Barnestown Road, P.O. Box 1207Camden, Maine 04843

📆 When: Friday–Sunday, February 6–8, 2026

  • Friday: Team check-in & practice runs

  • Saturday & Sunday: Official racing heats

🔗 Official Website: https://toboggannationals.com


🏆 The Toboggan Chute: Fast, Furious & Legendary

The Camden Snow Bowl chute is a marvel of winter engineering:


  • 400-foot ice-packed wooden track

  • 70+ feet of vertical drop

  • Ends with a dramatic runout across frozen Hosmer Pond


Every run is decided by pure gravity, teamwork, and precision steering—no motors, no assists, just courage and craftsmanship.


🌍 “The Worlds” – Elite Toboggan Racing

Held every five race years, “The Worlds” brings together the fastest teams in championship history.


Eligibility Rules:

  • First-place 4-person division winners from qualifying years

  • At least one original team member required

  • Final standings based on single fastest run

This elite showdown crowns the fastest toboggan team in the nation.


🧰 Toboggan Rules & Registration

Toboggans must:

  • Be constructed entirely of wood

  • Meet strict width, length, and weight requirements (under 50 lbs)

  • Use no plywood running surfaces


📌 Registration Deadline: January 26, 2026

📄 Official Rules: Available at TobogganNationals.com

Early registration is strongly encouraged—this event fills fast.


🎿 About Camden Snow Bowl

Owned by the Town of Camden, the Snow Bowl is a community-run mountain with big-mountain appeal:


  • Nearly 1,000 feet of vertical elevation

  • 15 alpine trails, 11 glades, and 2 terrain parks

  • Ski & snowboard lessons for all ages

  • Equipment rentals available


Staffed by full-time town employees and nearly 100 seasonal workers and volunteers, the Snow Bowl delivers a friendly, welcoming experience that rivals Maine’s top ski areas.


❄️ Why You Should Attend

✔ One-of-a-kind winter sporting event

✔ Family-friendly festival atmosphere

✔ Costumes, competition & community pride

✔ Perfect excuse for a Camden winter getaway


From adrenaline junkies and winter sports fans to families looking for unforgettable fun, the National Toboggan Championships deliver a uniquely Maine experience you won’t find anywhere else.


🛷 Save the Date: February 6–8, 2026

Whether you’re racing, cheering from the sidelines, or just soaking up the energy, the 35th Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships promise high-speed thrills, deep-rooted tradition, and winter magic on the MidCoast.


👉 Learn more, register, or plan your visit: https://toboggannationals.com


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








This legendary competition celebrates its 35th annual running, drawing hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators to MidCoast Maine.

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