While snow can sometimes be a hassle, it is also part of the Maine tourism economy. The snow and cold are a lifeline for so many of these communities around the state. It’s what many rural communities depend on to draw visitors from elsewhere in Maine as well as from outside the state.
Tourism is Maine’s largest economy. And though when most people think of tourism, they think of our gorgeous coastline, it’s winter months that drive folks from all across the country – from around the world – to come to places like Franklin, Oxford, Somerset, Washington, Aroostook, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties each year.
We have great lodging and great restaurants. Our trails for snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing are among the very best.
We must seek new ways to promote what Maine has to offer – in all four seasons. We must embrace Maine winters to succeed and maximize our potential. We must grow opportunity statewide for all our outfitters, lodging establishments, guide services, restaurants and so much more.
Our backyard offers the finest in winter recreation. Just think the gems we have.
Maybe it’s skiing at one of Maine’s world-class resorts or heading downhill at one of our smaller local family-favorite spots. How about trying dog sledding in the shadow of the Mahoosucs? Maybe it’s zipping along a freshly groomed snowmobile trail out of Bingham, headed to the Folks or over to Rockwood and pausing to see views that are one of a kind.
How about trying something that reminds you of the past? A peaceful snowshoe to an old sporting camp or an upgraded hut. What about heading in to the Maine Huts and Trails for a hut to hut adventure?
You see, I could go on and on and on because Maine winters are amazing. Opportunities in Maine in the winter are growing. We can continue to grow and promote them if we work together and use our resources effectively and work to collaborate.
I must not forget to mention heading to the Can-AM in Fort Kent to see some dog sled races. No winter is complete without a trip to the Saint John Valley. I must also suggest heading to Greenville to check out the updated lodges of the Appalachian Mountain Club in some of Maine’s most remote destinations.
We can be proud of all Maine offers. I and my fellow lawmakers want to do even more to boost winter recreation and help small businesses in rural Maine.
I have a bill in this session to make sure that more people know about recreational opportunities in Maine. I just know that if we do more to promote some of these spectacular destinations, we’ll see results.
Let’s put our heads together and work on more ways to grow our winter recreation industry – and put money in the pockets of the folks who work in these exciting sectors.
We must also remember that we rely on private lands for recreational opportunities and we must respect the wishes of the landowners. We must respect the land like it is our own.
Rep. Jeff McCabe of Skowhegan is the House Majority Leader.
