9171-R3_MSA_SnowmobileMaine

...Snowmobile Maine: The Ultimate Winter Adventure Forget the lighthouses and lobster boats—for thousands of visitors and Maine "staycationers," a true Maine vacation demands snow. That means hitting the state’s massive network of trails, a white ribbon stretching over 14,000 miles, professionally rolled, packed, and groomed. Last winter alone, over 80,000 people explored Maine's stunning winter landscape by snowmobile, connecting towns, traversing the North Woods, winding around frozen lakes, and crisscrossing the wintry countryside. Whether you ride to pile up miles, spend quality time outdoors with family and friends, or discover hidden frozen vistas, Maine offers the infrastructure, welcoming communities, local businesses, and MSA clubs to support an entire season of winter adventure. Maine’s Trail System Maine boasts one of the most extensive snowmobile networks in the country. This system is broken down into two main components: 1. The Interconnected Trail System (ITS) The ITS consists of several thousand miles of core trail designated as Maine’s snow-covered "highway." • Long-Distance Sledding: The ITS is designed for extended trips. Riders can set out from nearly any point and travel to any other location reached by the system, allowing for multi-day tours across the state. • Navigation: The ITS trails are numbered, clearly marked, and regularly maintained. The distance between trail junctions is noted by numbers printed along the path, allowing riders to accurately plan trip length and mileage. • Maintenance & Oversight: The system is inspected annually by the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) Trails Committee, working under contract with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF). 2. Local & Regional Trails With over 10,000 miles of local trails, these systems offer a slower, more exploratory style of riding. • Exploration: Established by local snowmobile clubs decades ago, these trails are perfect for "loop" rides, accessing scenic destinations, or connecting riders to local amenities like gas stations, village stores, and welcoming businesses. • Connections: Many local trails connect directly with the ITS, allowing riders to transition easily between high-speed travel and regional exploration. • Mapping: While the ITS is mapped jointly by the MSA and DACF, detailed maps of the local and regional systems are produced by clubs, Chambers of Commerce, and tourism groups. (Consult the back of the official ITS map or the MSA website for map listings.) Safety First: Ride Right Observing a few simple rules is key to keeping yourself and your riding party safe on the trails. On the Trail • Stay Right: Always keep to the right side of the trail, especially near rises or curves. • Groomer Priority: Yield immediately to all grooming equipment. Groomers may be operating at any time of day or night and can take up the entire width of the trail.

• Speed: There is no statewide speed limit, but you must maintain a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the current conditions (weather, trail traffic, operator skill, etc.). Observe all locally posted speed limits (posted by clubs or communities). • Impairment: Never operate a snowmobile under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • Hand Signals: Learn and use standard snowmobiling hand signals.

6

SNOWMOBILE MAINE 2025-2026