Aroostook County resides in the northeastern-most corner of Maine and the continental United States and, at first glance, seems like an unlikely place for the development of what are now internationally-recognized Nordic skiing venues, as well as a broader system of smaller trail systems across "The County" (the colloquial name) and the state of Maine.  In 1999, Andy Shepard, now the Executive Director of the Maine Winter Sports Center, and Max Cobb, with the US Biathlon Association, had the foresight to recognize the tremendous potential of the County, beginning with Ft. Kent.  Abundant snow, a highly supportive community, and a past history of skiing (from Scandanavian immigrants of the 19th century) provided the impetus to begin what would become a highly successful story in trail-based community and economic development.  The area had been hard hit economically, with the closure of Loring Air Force Base and the challenges of a farming economy (primarily potatoes).

Russell Currier, Hometown Hero

Hometown: Stockholm, Maine
Previous Activities: Couch-potato
Recent Achievements:

• 2006 U.S. Junior National Cross Country Ski Champion
• 3-time U.S Biathlon Junior World Team
• 5-time Maine State Cross Country Ski Champion

With the financial and organizational support of the Libra Foundation, the Maine Winter Sports Center began a program of developing two international competition venues at Ft. Kent (now known as the 10th Mountain Center) and Presque Isle (the Nordic Heritage Center), in conjunction with the creation of small trail systems adjacent to elementary and high schools throughout Aroostook County.  John Morton was asked to design this system of trails and provide other consulting expertise to help in this ambitious program.

The overall mission of the program was relatively straightforward, including:

• Re-establishing skiing as a lifestyle in northern Maine;
• Reversing Maine’s position as the 2nd highest childhood obesity rate in the nation; and
• Encouraging high aspirations for rural youth.

The outcomes of this program have been impressive, including:

• 10 community trail systems in Aroostook County;
• 5,000 kids on skis in 72 communities across Maine; and
• Substantial improvement in test scores and decreased absenteeism.

Importantly, the program has also had a significant regional economic impact, particularly from the hosting of major international events.  The 2004 Biathlon World Cup, for example, was held at the 10th Mountain Center in Ft. Kent and included 700 volunteers, and 18,000 spectators 27 million television spectators (primarily in Europe).  The economic impacts of this single event included $5.3 million in total spending ($1.3 million in direct spending) in Aroostook County.

Today, the trails draw enthusiasts from throughout New England during all seasons.  At the Nordic Heritage Center, the Nordic ski trails were supplemented by single track mountain biking trails designed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), working collaboratively with Morton Trails.

Click here to visit the Aroostook County website, and here to download a comprehensive map of the trail network.