offugo... Aroostook Outdoor Event News

In this edition: 1) Give biathlon a try in Fort Kent. 2) Be a part of the annual Audubon bird count in Presque Isle. 3) Learn to skate ski in Fort Kent. Plus lots more! Events: NOW-Thursday, January 31 HOULTON AREA: Moosestompers Snow Creation Contest. Build a snowman, snow sculpture, or any other snow “creation,” snap a picture and submit via facebook page private message. We will post submissions to our page, and the way to win is simple: the photo with the most “likes” wins! Open to Maine residents within 45 miles of Houlton. Visit www.facebook.com/Moosestompers-283452883829 FMI Saturday, December 29-Sunday, December 30 FORT KENT: Fort Kent Outdoor Center Nordic Ski Festival. Looking for great snow for Nordic skiing? Look no further than FKOC, host of World Cup Biathlons, national, regional ski events. Events include Try it Biathlon (equipment, instruction provided), Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival, Freestyle 5km Time Trial, and lots of fun.

In this edition: 1) Get geared up for a snowshoe hike too honor fallen veterans at Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill. 2) Enjoy winter sports with Santa in Madawaska and Presque Isle. 3) Plus lots more! Events: NOW-Thursday, January 31 HOULTON AREA: Moosestompers Snow Creation Contest. Build a snowman, snow sculpture, or any other snow “creation,” snap a picture and submit via facebook page private message. We will post submissions to our page, and the way to win is simple: the photo with the most “likes” wins! Open to Maine residents within 45 miles of Houlton. Visit www.facebook.com/Moosestompers-283452883829 FMI Saturday, December 22 CASTLE HILL: Honor for the Holidays Haystack Mountain Snowshoe Hike. 6:00 p.m. at Haystack Mountain Trailhead, Route 163. Honor our military and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and can't be with loved ones this holiday season. Christmas tree with lights dedicated at sunset (3:47 p.m.) atop the mountain. Bring sn

In this edition: 1) Join in on a great holiday season tradition by helping to count birds in Presque Isle. 2) Get geared up for a snowshoe hike too honor fallen veterans at Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill. 3) Enjoy winter sports with Santa in Madawaska and Presque Isle. Plus lots more! Events: Saturday, December 15 CARIBOU: 119th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. 7:00 a.m. at Tim Horton’s, 109 Bennett Dr. We invite you to join us for all or part of this day-long count in the Caribou area; all welcomed for this long-standing holiday tradition! We need all hands on deck! Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI Wednesday, December 19 PRESQUE ISLE: Nordic Heritage Sport Club Youth Nordic Ski Rental Program. 4:30–6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. For youth skiers up to grade 8. Paperwork and payment completed at session. Cost: $80/package, includes boots, skis, poles, ski bag, $15 refundable deposit Cash

In this edition: 1) Bust out those snowshoes, or rent a pair, and jump in on the first snowshoe hike of the season in Fort Kent. 2) Join in on a great holiday season tradition by helping to count birds in Presque Isle. 3) Get geared up for a snowshoe hike to honor fallen veterans at Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill. Plus lots more! Events: Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8 MADAWASKA: Four Seasons Trail Association Student Ski Rental Program. 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Dec. 7; 9:00 a.m.-Noon on Dec. 8 at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. For students in grade 8 and younger. Rental season: Dec. 7-Apr. 8. Cost: $50/package, includes skis, poles, boots; family discount applies to three or more rentals. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI Sunday, December 9 FORT KENT: Fort Kent Outdoor Center Snowshoe Hike. 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, 33 Paradis Cir. Join us for a fun afternoon exploring the newest snowshoe trails at FKOC! Meet at the Lodge;