Maine’s snowmobile season is off to an early start and may signal a repeat of last year’s record-setting season.
Sledding started last week in Caribou, and the rest of Aroostook County can start with another 8 to 10 inches of snow, according to Gary Marquis, superintendent of the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department.
About 1½ feet of snow on frozen ground is enough for a trail groomer to shape a trail, Marquis said.
“We’ve only got about 38 miles of our snowmobile trails open, but people are out there,” Marquis said. “That’s not even close to 100 percent. There are still a lot of clubs that haven’t moved a machine yet.”
A $350 million industry, snowmobiling is a vital part of the state’s economy, particularly in northern Maine, which heavily relies upon it. The season typically starts in Caribou, which is one of the state’s highest elevations.
Maine has already had its first fatality this season. Willard L. Hartsock, 55, of Old Fort, North Carolina, was crushed under his brand-new sled after throwing it into reverse on an Interconnected Trail System trail near Moosehead Lake in Rockwood on Dec. 13. Eight snowmobile deaths were reported last year.
The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “Snowmobilers, start your engines: This season is off to a good start,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Nick Sambides, please follow this link to the BDN online.
