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The 33rd U.S. National Toboggan Championships is an annual event celebrating the thrill of tobogganing and winter sports. Held in the snowy New England town of Camden, Maine, this championship draws participants and spectators from across the country.
During the championships, teams compete in various categories, showcasing their skills and speed as they race down the toboggan chute. The teams ride a traditional wooden toboggan down a specially designed chute, aiming for the fastest time.
I watched the 33rd U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden, Maine, this past weekend! Here is everything you need to know from a spectator of the event.
What Is A Toboggan Race?
A toboggan race is a competitive event where teams race down a snow-covered track or chute using toboggans. Additionally, toboggans are long, narrow sleds traditionally made of wood, although modern versions may also be made of plastic or metal.
During a toboggan race, participants typically start at the top of a hill or chute and navigate their toboggans down the course as quickly as possible.
Teams usually consist of multiple members who work together to steer and control the toboggan’s speed. Moreover, communication and coordination among team members are crucial for success in a toboggan race.
Toboggan races are popular winter events in regions like New England with snowy climates.
Despite living in New England, I experienced my first Toboggan Run this past winter in Canada.
The U.S. National Toboggan Championships
What sets the U.S. National Toboggan Championships apart is the competitive spirit and the festive atmosphere. Participants and attendees often dress up in creative costumes, adding a touch of whimsy to the event.
Spectators like me gather along the course, cheering on the teams while enjoying the races against the backdrop of Maine’s wintery landscape.
There are so many other activities going on during the championship, too. You can eat delicious local food such as hot chili, drink mulled winter cocktails, and participate in fun activities like the Yetti-themed picture stop.
Where Are The U.S. National Toboggan Championships Held?
The championships are held at the Camden Snow Bowl, which is located in the coastal town of Camden. Camden is a harbor town in Maine with scenic ocean views and delicious seafood restaurants.
If you go north from downtown, you will leave the coast and make your way towards the mountains. This is where Camden Snow Bowl is located, and this is also a popular ski area.
The snow bowl hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, with the nickname of Tobogganville, Maine!
The Toboggan Chute
The chute itself is a specially designed track that extends down a snow-covered slope. It has a smooth, icy surface that provides the perfect conditions for toboggan racing.
Teams of competitors gather at the top of the chute, preparing to launch themselves down the track to win the fastest time in their category.
In order to win, you have to have the fastest time during your two runs. The timing is for two runs combined for a total time at the end of a second run. All you have to do is finish with the quickest total time to win.
Here is a look at one of the teams in the two-person category shooting down the icy track on their Toboggan.
2024 U.S. National Toboggan Championships Winners
Competitors travel from all over the country to participate in the National Toboggan Champions and congratulations to all of this year’s winners! Here’s a look at the winners in the top divisions.
You can review the full list of winners on the official website.
2-PERSON DIVISION • First Place: #6, Two Whiskeys on Ice, 18.69 Joel Perry, David Lorentzen from Warren, ME
3-PERSON DIVISION • – First Place #170, BOLT 8, 18.79 Bob LaFlamme, Allen Hoy, Sam Kennedy from Moultonborough, NH
4-PERSON DIVISION First Place: #222, BOLT 1, 18.8 Peter Soule, Brad Soule, Doug Kennedy, Sam Kennedy from Medway, MA
Would you attend the U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Maine?
Afterward, make sure to hike some of Maine’s State Parks and try a famous Lobster Roll!
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