Invite 74 // Jan 8

Happy New Year, folks! Before jumping into new plans, I thought it would be fun to reflect on the last year in the ever-popular "wrapped" format. So, without further ado, here is the 2024 Outsider Wrapped:

• 38 issues of the newsletter sent
• 322 events featured
• 155 organizations highlighted
• 104 different towns/cities mentioned
• 58 events submitted through the "tip line"
• 46% free events, 46% paid events, and 8% donation-based
• 4,865 emails scanned during the curation process
• 277 new subscribers
• 1 mention on public radio
• 2 newsletters sent at the wrong time 😬
• Most Featured Organization: Maine Audubon
• Most clicked event: Harvest at the Huts

It was another fun year putting together this newsletter. I'm perpetually inspired by all the good things happening in the state. Thanks to everyone who's shared an event, provided feedback, or passed along the newsletter to a friend. I appreciate it. Now, on to the new year 🎉

✌️ MJ

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

Guided hike at Pemaquid Pond Preserve

Sat, Jan 11 | Bremen | Free

Learn to identify winter animal tracks on this free guided hike with a trained naturalist along the Pemaquid River.

​Learn more​

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L.L. Bean $20 Tuesday Lift Tix at Lost Valley

Tue, Jan 14 | Auburn | Paid

Head over to Lost Valley Ski Area for heavily discounted evening ski tickets most Tuesdays this winter.

​Learn more​

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Intermediate Fat Bike Ride with CRNEMBA

Sat, Jan 18 | Carrabassett Valley | Free

Maine Huts and Trails is teaming up with CRNEMBA to host a free guided fat bike ride to the Stratton Brook Hut for lunch by a warming fire before returning to the trailhead.

​Learn more​

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Outdoor Women Lead Outing Club: Reading the Landscape

Sat, Jan 18 | Gouldsboro | Free

The Maine Outdoor School hosts women's outings throughout the winter with Women for Healthy Rural Living. RSVP for the first event, which features a historical snowshoe hike.

​Learn more​

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Bradbury Mountain Snowshoe Race

Sun, Jan 26 | Pownal | Paid

Register today for the annual 4.5-mile Bradbury Snowshoe Race. A limited number of snowshoe rentals are available for first-timers looking to try something new.

​Learn more​

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Queer Touring Day

Sun, Jan 26 | Greenwood | Paid

Join Inclusive Ski Touring and Kindling Collective for a day dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals wanting to experience the joy of uphill touring and downhill skiing/snowboarding.

​Learn more​

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Camp Adventures for Grown-ups: Chilling Out!

Fri, Feb 7 - Sun, Feb 9 | Bridgton | Paid

Join the Girl Scouts of Maine for a special winter adult adventure camp at Camp Pondicherry in the foothills of the White Mountains.

​Learn more​

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Maine Pond Hockey Classic

Fri, Feb 14 - Sun, Feb 16 | Sidney | Paid

There's still time to register a team for the Pond Hockey Classic, which features on-site lodging, food trucks, live music, and hockey on Messalonskee Lake.

​Learn more​

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Katahdin Winter Mountaineering

Sat, Mar 1 - Sun, Mar 2 | Millinocket | Paid

Summiting Mt. Katahdin during the winter is understandably intimidating. To build confidence, join Equinox Guiding for a guided hike, where you'll learn valuable winter mountaineering skills.

​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.

Previously Featured & Upcoming

​Inclusive Ski Touring: Open to All Program | Sun, Jan 5 - Sun, Mar 16 | Paid​

​Beginner Cross Country Ski Trip at Medawisla Lodge | Mon, Jan 20 - Thu, Jan 23 | Paid​

​Ladies Winter Classic Pond Hockey Tournament | Sat, Feb 8 | Paid​

​Alpine Feast 2025 | Sat, Mar 1 | 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.

📝 Gardens Aglow - Wed, Nov 27 - Tue, Dec 31​

📝 Climb for a Cure - Thu, Dec 26​

📝 Opening Day of Rope Tow Skiing - Sat, Dec 28​

📝 News Years Eve at Maine Huts and Trails - Tue, Dec 31 - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 Polar Bear Dip & Dash - Tue, Dec 31​

📝 Lobster Dip - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 Cobscook Winter 20k/10k - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 Plunge for a Purpose - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 First Day Hikes - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 New Year’s Day Open House at Beech Hill - Wed, Jan 1​

📝 Pop-up sledding Party - Sat, Jan 4​

📝 WinterKids Family Day at Lost Valley - Sun, Jan 5​

📝 Sunday Ski Club - Sun, Jan 5​

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

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations 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 us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!