Invite 112 // Jan 21

Winter has fully settled in: snow on the ground, cold temps, and thick lake ice. Just about every outdoor activity is in play now — from downhill skiing and snowshoeing to skating and more. And while the next week looks downright frigid, it sure beats the freeze-thaw-rain roulette we sometimes get this time of year.

Lots of good stuff this week, from ice fishing to toboggan racing. Onward to the events.

✌️ Max

This issue of the Maine Outsider is sponsored by Microspikes, protecting you from looking like a fool as you navigate the thoroughly iced-over trails and streets of mid-winter.

Reach 900+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities.

Vining Lake Youth Ice Fishing Derby

Sat, Jan 24 | Cooper | Free

This one's for my Downeasters. Register your kids today for this 15-and-under ice fishing derby hosted by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy on Vining Lake.

​Learn more​

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Women's Winter Outdoor Skills Day

Sun, Jan 25 | Augusta | Free

Experience a range of winter activities, including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and wild game cooking, designed for women looking to build outdoor skills.

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Salt Bay Sunday

Sun, Jan 25 | Nobleboro | Free

Explore Coastal Rivers Salt Bay Farm with Mid-Coast Audubon to search for winter birds like ducks and sparrows. Resist the urge to make any 2017-era "salt bae" references.

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Winterfest at Payson Park

Sat, Jan 31 | Portland | Free

Celebrate winter at Payson Park with a day of snowmaking demos, free Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals, and sledding activities, all organized by Portland Nordic and local partners.

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Four Ponds Hike

Sat, Jan 31 | Roxbury | Free

Explore the Four Ponds area with a guided snowshoe hike, offering a chance to experience remote ponds and a section of the Appalachian Trail without steep climbs.

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Camden Winterfest

Sat, Jan 31 | Camden | Free

Head to Camden for ice carving, a polar plunge, ice cornhole, a dog fashion show (???), live music, local food, and a bunch of other eccentric, family-friendly winter activities.

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Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic

Sun, Feb 1 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Winter runners are a different breed. If you identify as such, register today for this 10-mile road race through Cape Elizabeth.

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Women's Full Moon Snowshoe

Sun, Feb 1 | Rangeley | Paid

Enjoy the full moon on a guided snowshoe hike at Grasshopper Hill Farm, followed by time around a fire to connect women in the Rangeley area.

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Toboggan National Championships

Fri, Feb 6 - Sun, Feb 8 | Camden | Free

One of Maine's marquee winter events, the Tabboggan National Championship features teams of 2-4 racing down an icy track, with runs ending on a frozen lake full of tailgaters. Show up as a spector or snag one of the last 4-person team spots if you register today.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet | Sun, Jan 25 | Paid​

​Rangeley Pond Hockey Festival | Fri, Feb 6 - Sun, Feb 8 | Paid​

​Alpine Feast | Sat, Feb 28 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Inclusive Ski Touring: Open to All Program - Sat, Jan 10​

📝 Pond Cabin Yoga - Sat, Jan 10​

📝 Community Ski Day - Sat, Jan 10​

📝 Winter Wildlife Tracking - Sun, Jan 11​

📝 Inclusive Ski Touring Women's Program - Sun, Jan 11​

📝 Six Rivers NEMBA Winter Night Rides - Wed, Jan 14​

📝 Free Ski Night - Wed, Jan 14​

📝 Winter Birding Adventure - Sat, Jan 17​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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