Camden Snow Bowl Expands Up And Down The Mountain
Skiers will find more options this winter at Camden Snow Bowl as the ski area and town move forward on their redevelopment plan for the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area.
Skiers and riders will find expanded options in the popular glade skiing terrain with new sections ready after an off-season that focused on trail work. The Snow Bowl now offers 16 trails, up from 12 a year ago. The Snow Bowl is a town-owned property, with big redevelopment plans. Fundraising continues with the goal of expanding ski facilities, building a new base lodge and adding additional summer recreation activities.
“Everything’s positive in this area as far as making improvements to the ski area,” says Marketing Director Andrew Dailey. “We’re moving forward with that project.”
Last year saw two new glades cut for the winter season, the widening of some favorite trails and five additional elements for the terrain park. Camden also continues its youth racing program for kids interested in racing.
The Zoomers program, for ages 7 to 12, annually brings out about 125 kids. New additions last year included a program allowing youth racers to join USSA and travel to other mountains to compete. Youth programs tie in perfectly to what Camden Snow Bowl is known for – it’s a small family mountain where everyone feels comfortable. It’s also affordable, with a beginner package offering a lift ticket, rentals and a group ski or snowboard lesson for $55. Kids under age 5 ski free, and an evening ticket (3 to 8 p.m.) is just $17 for adults and $16 for students. One of the more popular mid-week tickets is for the two-hour lunch break. For $13 you can ski for a couple hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Of course Mainers are very familiar with the toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl, where the annual U.S. Toboggan Championships draw huge crowds every February. Another reason to head to Camden this winter is the new 3-kilometer loop classical and skate skiing. According to Dailey, a new tracksetter will maintain the trail in winter, and when the snow melts, the multi-use trail will be available to mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners.
Camden Snow Bowl
Address: Barnestown Road, Camden
Opens for the season: Dec. 17 (weather permitting)
Number & type of trails: 16; 2 beginner, 6 beginner/intermediate, 8 advanced (includes all glades)
Vertical drop: 850 feet
Snowmaking: Yes, covers 45 percent of terrain
Amenities: 2 terrain parks, toboggan run, tubing
Lifts: 4, including double chair, handle tow, 2 T-bars
Ticket prices: Weekday $23 adult, $21 student; weekend/holiday $35 adult, $26 student.
Specials: 2-Hour Ticket: Weekdays (non holiday) any two hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. $13; Beginner Special Package (lift ticket, rental and group ski or snowboard lesson) $55.
Signature events: U.S. Toboggan Championships Feb. 10-12
Did you know?
Camden Snow Bowl is the only mountain on the East Coast where you can see the ocean from the top
