Invite 113 // Feb 4

A rodent saw its shadow this week, which commits us to six more weeks of winter. I understand if you're starting to feel fatigued. It's been a relentless cold stretch. However, if you can embrace it, there are unique experiences out there — sea smoke drifting across Casco Bay at sunrise, thick glassy ice on the main bay of Sebago Lake, and spectacular waterfalls hikes.

If you find winter activities intimidating, join an event or group, like Outsider reader, Meghan, who provided this trip report from a recent Inclusive Ski Touring Women's Program:

A few quick PSA's before getting to this week's FULL slate of events.

1. Camping reservations for all state parks open Feb 5th​
2. I recently rebuilt the Outsider website, including a Guide to Maine State Parks. Check it out while you're making summer plans.
3. Applications are open for the Allagash Artist Residency, which provides visual artists with a $1,000 stipend and two weeks of remote cabin lodging in August to create wilderness-inspired art.

Now, on to the good stuff.

✌️ Max

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Last Skier Standing

Fri, Feb 6 | Rumford | Paid

Compete in an endurance uphill skiing event where participants repeatedly ski up and down a designated trail until only one skier remains standing.

​Learn more​

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Ice Skating Party

Sat, Feb 7 | Bath | Free

Head to Goddard's Pond in Bath for ice skating and warm up with free hot chocolate and snacks.

​Learn more​

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Cross Town Winter Walk

Sat, Feb 7 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Traverse Cape Elizabeth from Kettle Cove to Fort Williams Park on a guided eight-mile winter walk connecting town and CELT trails, with bus transportation provided to the starting point.

​Learn more​

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Ski & Snowshoe Trailer

Sat, Feb 7 - Sun, Feb 8 | Naples | Paid

The ski and snowshoe trailer is at Sebago Lake State Park this weekend with free cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals for all ages, plus a warming fire and hot cocoa to enjoy.

​Learn more​

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Great Caribou Bog Ski Race

Sat, Feb 7 | Orono | Paid

Register today for the Great Caribou Bog Ski Race with options for classic, freestyle, and a fun costume run.

​Learn more​

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The Gambler-Uphill Challenge

Sun, Feb 8 | Rangeley | Paid

An uphill fundraising event where participants climb Saddleback Mountain, collecting playing cards at stations to build a poker hand (with the option to do multiple laps for extra cards), with prizes awarded to the best hands. Benefiting Saddleback ski patrol.

​Learn more​

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Free Ice Fishing Day

Sat, Feb 14 | Marshfield | Free

Learn to ice fish with free gear and instruction from the Downeast Salmon Federation, no license required.

​Learn more​

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Pond Cabin Yoga

Sat, Feb 14 | Jefferson | Paid

Experience a 1.5-mile snowshoe or hike through the woods to a cozy cabin for a vinyasa flow yoga class and guided meditation.

​Learn more​

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Full Day XC Ski Clinic

Thu, Feb 19 | Carrabassett Valley | Free

Learn cross-country skiing basics with experienced instructors, then ski to Flagstaff Lake Hut for a backcountry winter adventure.

​Learn more​

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Inclusive Ski Touring BIPOC Program

Sun, Feb 22 | Greenwood | Paid

Try out ski touring or split-boarding in a supportive environment at Mt. Abram, where all skill levels are welcome.

​Learn more​

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Fosty KAT Race

Sat, Mar 7 | Millinocket | Paid

Race in a 10k ski event or 1-mile snowshoe relay to support outdoor access and youth programs across the Katahdin Region.

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

​Toboggan National Championships | Fri, Feb 6 - Sun, Feb 8 | Free​

​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.

📝 Vining Lake Youth Ice Fishing Derby - Sat, Jan 24​

📝 Women's Winter Outdoor Skills Day - Sun, Jan 25​

📝 Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet - Sun, Jan 25​

📝 Salt Bay Sunday - Sun, Jan 25​

📝 Winterfest at Payson Park - Sat, Jan 31​

📝 Four Ponds Hike - Sat, Jan 31​

📝 Camden Winterfest - Sat, Jan 31​

📝 Mid Winter 10 Mile Classic - Sun, Feb 1​

📝 Women's Full Moon Snowshoe - Sun, Feb 1​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again.

👋 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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