Somerset SnowFest is a celebration of all things winter! It's more important than ever to stay active and get outside, so we're maximizing our beautiful outdoor spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy during a variety of events and activities.

Featuring a range of activities including an ice-fishing derby, kite-flying derby, downhill kayak race, winter triathlon, and the Northeast’s only equestrian skijoring competition, this is a not-to-be-missed winter festival. SnowFest takes place in Somerset County, Maine, in the heart of the beautiful Kennebec River Valley.

Join us in the towns of Skowhegan, Canaan, and Madison this winter to make memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Schedule:
Saturday, February 18, 2023
9:00am: Kids Box Sled Derby presented by KVCAP - Lake George Regional Park West, Skowhegan.
Start working on those box sleds and join us on the hill for some friendly competition. We’re building the hill up bigger and better than last year so plan on some great fun! Register your sled.

9:00am: Ice Hole World Championships - Lake George Regional Park East (boat launch area).
Ice Hole is the game for ice fishermen (and women)–and anyone who likes to spend their winters out on the lake. It’s simple really, drill two shallow holes, 33-feet apart, and start tossing the puck. Sort of like cornhole but with a few more playing field challenges! Sign up your doubles team here.

11:00am: Beer Garden at Lake George Regional Park West.
Featuring Bigelow Brewing Co. craft brews, the beer garden is open to anyone enjoying Lake George for the day/evening. There will be a fire pit and “lawn” games to compliment the many activities happening at the park!

12:00pm: Downhill Kayak Race at Lake George Regional Park West.
Exactly how it sounds. Competitors will fly down the hill at Lake George West in whitewater kayaks. The fastest time of two runs wins. There will also be prizes for the best outfit and cleanest run. Spectators are welcome to come and watch the race. Register here.

Sunday, February 19, 2023
5:30am - 3:00pm: Ice-Fishing Derby presented by Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union
(awards at 3:30 p.m.), Lake George Regional Park East, Skowhegan/Canaan. Cash prizes for first and second-largest fish per species! Click HERE for more info and registration.

4:30am - 10:00am: Fisherman’s Breakfast at Carrabassett Masonic Lodge #161 (21 Oak Pond Rd., Canaan).
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before hitting the Ice-Fishing Derby. $10 for adults, $5 for children, 10 years and under eat for free!

10:00am - 2:00pm: Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides - Coburn Park.
Enjoy FREE horse-drawn sleigh rides around Skowhegan’s beautiful Coburn Park with Seavey Farm.

Monday, February 20, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Snowshoe with Skowhegan Outdoors - Wesserunsett Steam Preserve
10:00am - 11:30am: Winter Woodland Scavenger Hunt - Weston Ave. Trailhead (Madison)
Explore the Woods with SWT each morning of school vacation week. All events are free and family friendly. Advanced registration is appreciated. In partnership with Madison Rec, we will have snowshoes and skis available for those who preregister. Register here

Tuesday, February 21, 2023
12:00pm - 3:00pm: Yeti Hunt - Lake George Regional Park East
10:00am - 11:30am: Story Walk on the Weston Woods trail - Weston Ave. Trailhead (Madison)
Explore the Woods with SWT each morning of school vacation week. All events are free and family friendly. Advanced registration is appreciated. In partnership with Madison Rec, we will have snowshoes and skis available for those who preregister. Register here.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
10:00am - 11:30am: Beginner XC Ski on the River Trail - Nathan Street (boat landing) Trailhead (Madison)  at Weston Woods & Waters (Madison).
Explore the Woods with SWT each morning of school vacation week. All events are free and family friendly. Advanced registration is appreciated. In partnership with Madison Rec, we will have snowshoes and skis available for those who preregister. Register here.

12:00pm - 2:00pm: Fun Day in the Park with Skowhegan Outdoors and REACH - Coburn Park

1:00pm: Storywalk - Lakewood Golf Course

2:00pm: Nine and Wine at Lakewood Golf Course (Madison). Ski five miles on the groomed trails at Lakewood and then enjoy a bonfire and glass of wine!

Thursday, February 23, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Cross-Country Skiing with Skowhegan Outdoors - Lakewood Golf Course

10:00am - 11:30am: What’s in the Woods? - Weston Ave. Trailhead (Madison)
Let’s hone our tracking and observation skills and discover who shares the woods in winter. Explore the Woods with SWT each morning of school vacation week. All events are free and family friendly. Advanced registration is appreciated. In partnership with Madison Rec, we will have snowshoes and skis available for those who preregister. Register here.

Friday, February 24, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Cross-Country Ski Clinic with Skowhegan Outdoors - Lakewood Golf Course
10:00am - 11:30am: Intro to Geocaching - Weston Ave. Trailhead (Madison)
Explore the Woods with SWT each morning of school vacation week. All events are free and family friendly. Advanced registration is appreciated. In partnership with Madison Rec, we will have snowshoes and skis available for those who preregister. Register here.

Saturday, February 25, 2023
11:00am - 4:00pm: Skijor Skowhegan presented by Baxter Brewing Company
Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan. We’ll bring spectators back to the fairgrounds for 2023 to watch skiers and snowboards navigate a groomed track outfitted with gates, jumps, and rings while being pulled by a rope behind a horse and rider! Register your team here.

Parking is $10 per car but otherwise free for spectators.

11:00am - 4:00pm: Food Truck(s)! - Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan. Purchase food from Truckin’ Good Food while watching the race!

11:00am - 5:00pm: Beer Garden at The Stable during Skijor Skowhegan presented by Baxter Brewing Company
The Stable, Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan. Enjoy Skijor Skowhegan trackside at The Stable next to the Grandstands.

Skijor Skowhegan Awards
Immediately following the race.

Sunday, February 26, 2023
Kite Fest at Lake George Regional Park
This is a new SnowFest event! Grab your kites and head out on the lake or field to let them fly!

Winter Triathlon (cross-country ski, snowshoe, and fat-tire biking) presented by Redington-Fairview General Hospital - Lake George Regional Park West.
A 5-mile cross-country ski, snowshoe, and fat tire bike race. Competitors will snowshoe the west side Warren Trail, ski around the lake, and end on the Fat Tire Bike trail on the East side. You can compete as a team or solo! Register here.

12:00pm - 2:00pm: Outdoor Craft with Skowhegan Outdoors - Lake George Regional Park East - Beaded SnowFlakes

Date: February 18 - 26, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Maine

Click here for more information