Aroostook's Early Snowfall: A Boost for Winter Economy

Aroostook County just got its earliest big snowfall in three years. It started late Wednesday afternoon and kept going into Thursday morning. Some places got more than 8 inches of snow. Snowstorms are usual in northern Maine, but big snowfall before December holidays has been rare lately. Some people might not like shoveling, but snow lovers and businesses are happy. Gary Marquis, Caribou Parks and Recreation Superintendent, said everyone is excited. He hopes for more snow so trails can open by Christmas week. It's been five or six years since that happened. Winter economy in the state has been struggling because of warming weather. Snowmobiling brings in a lot of money, but last year it dropped by 20%. That's bad news for businesses that rely on snow. Last year, many places in Aroostook County had little snow. Some businesses even asked the state for help, but they didn't get it. The Long Lake Bar and Grill had to close in January because of low business. With recent cold weather, the snow should stay. This is good for outdoor lovers and businesses like hotels, snowmobile dealers, and restaurants. They all benefit when the winter economy is strong. Laurie Michaud, manager of Fort Kent's Northern Door Inn, hopes for a good season. The last two years were bad, and the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races were canceled in 2024 because of no snow. Some local clubs have started grooming trails. Michaud says she gets many calls asking about the snow. The inn has regular customers, including big groups from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In a good year, the inn stays full from the time trails open until the season ends. Three years ago, they had to turn people away. Michaud hopes for a year like that this year. Caribou got 8. 5 inches of snow by Thursday, which might be a record for December 11. The old record was 6. 5 inches in 1995. Other places in Aroostook and Penobscot counties also got a lot of snow. With all this snow, groomers are starting on the trails. Cold weather is steady, ice is forming on lakes, and ski areas are opening soon. All signs point to a good season. Marquis said a good season starts with snowmobiling open before Christmas. It's been a long time coming.