Winter's Farewell: A Guide to Cleaning and Storing Your Snowmobile Gear

If you're planning a snowmobile getaway and are undecided about where to go, Fort Kent, in Aroostook County, Maine, (located in St. John Valley) will not disappoint. Located on the Canadian border in northern Maine, Fort Kent offers an extensive trail system, along with numerous nearby amenities. The Fort Kent Sno Riders is the local snowmobile club that oversees hundreds of miles of the trail system in and around Fort Kent. https://www.fortkentsnoriders.com/ Trail maps are available at the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce, 112 W Main St, Suite 1, in Fort Kent. https://fortkentchamber.com/ America's First Mile GPS Coordinates 47.2487° N, 68.6022° W A granite monument that marks the beginning of US Route 1, a 2,369-mile highway stretching from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida, making it the longest north-south road in the United States. Photo op: Photos are welcome in front of the monument; however, only foot traffic is allowed—no sleds are permitted on monument property. Rock's Diner Conveniently located across the street from America's First Mile, this diner "rocks" with delicious food at affordable prices. Owner Tracy Carons' hospitality is top-notch, and she loves seeing riders stop in, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and warm up before getting back out on the trails. Riding tip: There is ample sled parking in the parking lot out back, as well as a back door for entry and exit. https://www.facebook.com/rocksdiner/ 207-834-2888 Junction 19 Vacation Home Seeking a cozy, but spacious location to relax after a long day of riding? The J19 Vacation Home is a perfect choice. A beautiful trailside home that provides all the modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, and a hot tub. There is plenty of space for two couples and ample parking for trucks and trailers. Bonus: The perfect wilderness feel while still being close to town. https://junction19co.com/vacation-home / 207-436-0067 Camel Brook Camps Considered a snowmobiler's paradise, Camel Brook is an ideal location for those who prefer a cabin lifestyle. Traveling with a crew, no problem. There is plenty of parking room with trail access right from the property. Park your sled right outside your cabin each night with peace of mind. Travel tip: Hang up your gear conveniently after a long day of riding. There's plenty of space. https://www.camelbrookcamps.com/ 207-316-8324 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races – February 28th, 2026 This event is a Fort Kent tradition, and what better way to attend than on your sled? The race route follows the Heritage Trail, where snowmobilers can pull off the rail trail to view the races. If you are traveling along the trail during race hours, it is suggested that you slow down, watch out for the race teams, and turn off your engine when possible, out of respect for the mushers and their dogs. Tip: Best viewing times are on Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. https://can-am-crown.net/about/about-the-race.php

A Small Town in the Northeast The small town of Frosthaven is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering pines and snow-capped peaks. Winters are long, cold, and breathtakingly beautiful. For decades, snowmobiling had been a cherished tradition, a way to traverse the vast, snow-blanketed wilderness. However, no snowmobile clubs existed in this version of Frosthaven’s history. It wasn’t that snowmobiles didn’t exist—locals and tourists still used them. But without clubs to organize trails, advocate for rights, or foster camaraderie, the sport was an entirely different experience. Chaos on the Trails Bob strapped his helmet and prepared to ride his snowmobile through Pinetree Pass. He loved the ride's thrill, the engine's roar, and the quiet that followed when he stopped to take in the view. Yet, every trip was fraught with uncertainty. Without designated trails maintained by clubs, riders forged their own paths. Some riders crossed private property, angering landowners. Others ventured into environmentally sensitive areas, damaging the ecosystem. Bob had heard horror stories of snowmobilers getting lost in treacherous terrain without clear signage to guide them. As he revved his engine, he worried about another issue: the rivalry between riders. Snowmobiling had become competitive and territorial without a club to mediate disputes or encourage a sense of community. He had recently been shouted at for "stealing" a trail someone claimed as their own, even though it was just an open stretch of forest. “I wish there were some rules and regulations around here,” he muttered as he sped off into the wilderness with doubt and uncertainty. A Fading Tradition Miles away, Tim sat on his porch, gazing wistfully at the untouched snow draping the fields. He was in his seventies now, and his body didn’t allow him to ride like he used to. In his youth, he’d gather with friends after a day on the trails, warming up with a hot “adult” beverage at the local lodge and swapping stories of their adventures. Now, snowmobiling felt lonely. There were no clubs to organize meetups, no charity rides to unite the community, and no lodge gatherings to share tales of near misses and scenic views. The sport had become individualistic, with riders often going solo or sticking to tight-knit friend groups. Tim sighed. “Kids these days don’t know what they’re missing,” he told himself. A Community Fractured The lack of clubs also meant a lack of advocacy. When a proposed law threatened to ban snowmobiling near Frosthaven’s largest lake, there was no unified group to push back. Riders tried to fight it independently, but without organization, their voices were drowned out by environmental lobbyists. “It’s not fair,” Bob said at a town hall meeting. “We’re not all reckless! Most of us respect the land and follow the rules.” “But who enforces those rules?” a council member asked. “Snowmobiling has become too chaotic. Without proper oversight, it’s harming Frosthaven’s environment and reputation.” The council voted to restrict snowmobile access to large parts of the region. Riders were devastated. A Vision for the Future Bob couldn’t stop thinking about how fragmented the snowmobiling community had become. What if things could change? One evening, he sat with Tim, listening to his stories of the “golden days.” “Why don’t we start a group?” he asked. Tim raised an eyebrow. “A club?” “Exactly! We could map out trails, work with the town council, and even host events. It might take time, but it could bring people together, and get the youth more involved since we old-timers are aging out.” Tim’s face lit up. “I like the sound of that. It won’t be easy, though. You’ll need to rally the riders, convince the landowners, and build trust with the council.” “I’m ready to try,” Bob said with determination. The First Frosthaven Snowmobile Club Bob’s idea sparked something in the town. Slowly, he and Tim gathered supporters. They hosted meetings in Bob’s barn, inviting anyone with a snowmobile and a passion for the sport. They reached out to landowners, promising to create and enforce responsible trails. After a year of effort, the Frosthaven Snowmobile Club was born. The club organized trail cleanups, negotiated access to private land, and marked safe routes through the mountains. It even planned the town’s first snowmobile rally, bringing riders together for fun and camaraderie. Snowmobiling in Frosthaven was transformed. What had once been chaotic and isolating became a vibrant, united community. The club preserved the sport, involved the youth, and fostered a sense of belonging and purpose. Moral of the Story Snowmobiling would still exist without snowmobile clubs and associations, but it would lack the structure, safety, and sense of community that makes it so viable and special.