Mountain Biking at the Camden Snow Bowl
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Run-Off Race 2007 |
There are several miles of single track mountain biking at the Snow Bowl and nearby land on the south and west side of Ragged Mountain. Each summer Maine Sport Outfitters holds the Runoff Race, which is one of the major bike races in Maine. The Camden Hills Regional High School mountain bike team is the perennial state champion, in part because of the challenging training they do on our local terrain.
Please click below to download this year's race loop map
Mtn Bike Course Trail Map
Mid Coast Maine Chapter - New England Mtn Bike Associations Summer 2008 Calendar
Summer 2008 Calendar
The loop is about 4.5 miles and includes almost 800 feet of vertical with a climb to the top of the chairlift. The trail itself is considered moderately technical, but when you add the elevation gain it becomes a serious challenge. Most ravine crossings now have bridges. For first time riders the loop will take you nearly an hour. The trail begins on the T-bar line on the right side of the ski area (as you look uphill).
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2007 Run-Off Race |
This spring a new shorter loop was created on the south side of the ski area. It is more moderate with only about 300 feet of elevation gain and a total loop distance of about a mile, although it does have a few steep sections because it is on the side of a mountain. It begins near the top of the Toboggan Chute on the left (south) side of the ski area. To access it start up through the grass at the bottom of the Tubing Hill, which is directly ahead of you as you pass through the gate. Part way up the Tubing Hill bear left up the old ski trail. Just after passing the top of the Toboggan Chute take a sharp right and enter the woods on the new trail. Until trail signs are put up it will be a bit challenging to follow the new trail because it crosses the old race trail and even follows it for brief sections in 3 different places. If you are careful you should be able to distinguish between the old and new trails by the wear on the track. Eventually it loops back down to the old ski trail near where you first entered the woods.
Rules and Considerations:
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Run-Off Race |
The gate to the parking lot is closed after 4:30 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends when there is not a function at the ski lodge. To make sure you dont get locked inside, park your car outside the gate. If there is a function at the lodge, please be courteous and ride well away from the activity on the lawn. These trails are multi-use so be careful if you encounter hikers. Part of the race loop crosses private land and property of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust. Please stay on the trail and do not leave any trash. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails or ski slopes. Dogs are allowed. Town ordinances require that you pick up your dog waste. There is a Mutt Mitt dispenser at the parking lot gate as well as on trees in the parking lot and near the trail head by the T-Bar. Many bikers enjoy a swim at the boat launch in Hosmer Pond after their ride. There is a port-o-pottie near the backstop of the ballfield.
If you have any questions or concerns contact the Parks and Recreation office at 236-3438 or info@camdensnowbowl.com.