The Ultimate Guide to the US National Toboggan Championships

Dec 29

Everything you need to know about the Feb 6-8, 2026 event at Camden Snow Bowl + where to stay

There's only one place in the entire country—possibly the world—where you can watch costumed daredevils hurtle down a 400-foot ice chute on wooden toboggans at speeds approaching 45 miles per hour. That place is Camden, Maine, and the event is the US National Toboggan Championships.

Now in its 35th year, the Toboggan Nationals have become one of New England's most beloved winter traditions. Whether you're planning to race, spectate, or simply soak up the uniquely Maine atmosphere, this guide covers everything you need to know—including why Camp DeForest makes the perfect home base for your toboggan weekend adventure.

What Are the US National Toboggan Championships?

The US National Toboggan Championships is the only organized wooden toboggan race in the country. Held annually at the Camden Snow Bowl on Ragged Mountain, the event draws more than 400 teams and 1,300 racers from across the nation, along with over 5,000 spectators who brave the February cold for hot cocoa, creative costumes, and the thrill of watching sleds rocket down the historic Jack Williams Toboggan Chute.

The chute itself is a marvel of community dedication. Originally built in 1936, it was rebuilt in 1990 by local volunteers and has hosted the championships ever since. The 400-foot wooden structure features a 70-foot vertical drop and is painstakingly coated with layer upon layer of ice in the weeks before the race—work that happens in the coldest hours of night when temperatures drop low enough for the ice to set.

2026 Event Details

Dates and Schedule

The 35th Annual US National Toboggan Championships takes place Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8, 2026. This year's event includes a special "Worlds" race for past first-place 4-Person teams, making it an even more exciting edition of this beloved competition.

Friday, February 6: Team check-in, toboggan inspection, and practice runs on the chute (weather permitting)
Saturday, February 7: Racing begins at 8 AM with 2-Person and 3-Person divisions; 4-Person teams check in by noon
Sunday, February 8: Second runs and Finals, with the Awards Ceremony in Tobogganville around 3 PM

Racing Divisions and Registration

Teams compete in 2-Person, 3-Person, and 4-Person divisions, plus an Experimental category. Anyone can enter—there are no age or ability requirements—though you'll want to bring your creativity when choosing a team name. Past competitors have raced under monikers like "Chute I'm Out of Beer," "Sled Man Walking," "The Soggy Boggin' Boys," and "Runaway Brides."

Registration is limited to 400 teams total (100 each for 2-Person and 3-Person, 200 for 4-Person), and slots fill quickly. As of mid-December, over 200 teams have already registered. Registration closes January 30, 2026, so don't wait if you're planning to race.

Spectator Information

Spectating is free, though on-site parking costs $20 per vehicle and fills early with racing teams. The smarter move? Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service running throughout the day Saturday and Sunday from downtown Camden (pickup at Village Green, with a new stop on Mechanic Street this year). The $5 roundtrip fare is well worth avoiding the parking scramble.

"Tobogganville"—the festive area around the chute—features food trucks, beverage vendors, and souvenir merchandise. The Snow Bowl lodge is open for skiing and tubing throughout the weekend, so you can make a full day of winter activities.

Why This Event is Worth the Trip

The Toboggan Nationals are unlike anything else in American winter sports. Where else can you watch a team dressed as hot dogs barrel down an ice chute, followed by a group of grandparents who've been racing together for twenty years?

The event embodies everything wonderful about Maine's community spirit. It's run almost entirely by the volunteer "Tob Squad," with proceeds supporting the community-owned Camden Snow Bowl. The atmosphere is equal parts competitive and celebratory—serious racers tweaking their toboggans for that extra tenth of a second coexist happily with first-timers who've never seen snow.

In fact, one of the event's most famous moments came when two Tennessee racers who had never experienced snow won second place in the 2-Person division. That's the magic of the Toboggan Nationals: anyone can become a champion.

Where to Stay: Your Toboggan Weekend Base Camp

Here's the insider secret that veteran toboggan-goers know: you don't want to stay in the thick of downtown Camden during race weekend. The crowds are intense, parking is a nightmare, and after a day of cheering in the cold, what you really want is a cozy retreat where you can warm up by a fire and swap stories about the day's best wipeouts.

That's where Camp DeForest comes in. Located just 10-15 minutes from the Camden Snow Bowl in the quiet beauty of Lincolnville, Camp DeForest offers the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern comfort—ideal for recovering from a day on the ice.

Why Camp DeForest for Toboggan Weekend

Prime Location, Peaceful Setting: Close enough to reach the Snow Bowl in minutes, far enough to escape the downtown chaos. You get easy access without the headache.
Warm Up by the Fire: After hours in the February cold, nothing beats gathering around Camp DeForest's campfires with hot cocoa (or something stronger from the Lantern Bar) to share the day's highlights.
Cozy Accommodations: Our cabins and lodge rooms feature modern amenities wrapped in vintage camp charm—crisp linens, great showers, and that unmistakable pine-and-salt-air atmosphere that makes Maine winters magical.
Perfect for Groups: Racing with your 4-Person team? Bringing the whole family to spectate? Camp DeForest can accommodate groups of all sizes, and our communal spaces are made for the kind of après-toboggan bonding that turns a fun weekend into a lasting tradition.
Winter Wonderland Vibes: There's something special about waking up to snow-covered pines and bay breezes, knowing adventure awaits just down the road. It's the Maine winter experience at its finest.

Planning Your Toboggan Weekend

Book Early

Lodging in the Camden-Lincolnville area fills up fast for Toboggan Weekend. We recommend booking your stay at Camp DeForest as soon as you know your dates—especially if you're bringing a racing team that needs multiple rooms.

What to Pack

Layers, layers, layers: February in Maine can be brutally cold, especially when you're standing still watching races
Warm boots with good traction: You'll be walking on snow and ice
Hand and toe warmers: Trust us on this one
Your best costume: If you're racing, creative costumes are practically required
Camera with fully charged battery: Cold drains batteries fast, and you'll want to capture the memories

Where to Eat

Downtown Camden and nearby Rockland offer excellent dining options for warming up after the races. For fine dining, Natalie's at Camden Harbour Inn features local Maine ingredients in an elegant setting. Looking for something more casual? Long Grain serves creative Asian-inspired dishes, while Waterfront Restaurant offers classic Maine seafood with harbor views. And of course, the Camp Café at Camp DeForest is ready to fuel your mornings with a hearty breakfast before you head to the races.

Extend Your Stay: More Winter Adventures

Make it a full winter getaway. The Camden Snow Bowl is open for skiing and snowboarding throughout Toboggan Weekend, and the tubing hill is a blast for all ages. The following weekend (February 20-22) brings the Belfast Ice Festival, with stunning ice sculptures and competitions just 15 minutes from Camp DeForest.

For a quieter adventure, explore the winter hiking trails at Camden Hills State Park, or bundle up for a scenic drive along the coast. There's something magical about the Maine shoreline in winter—fewer crowds, dramatic skies, and the kind of peaceful beauty that reminds you why you needed to get away in the first place.

Ready to Plan Your Toboggan Weekend?

The 35th Annual US National Toboggan Championships promise to be one for the record books. Whether you're racing for glory, cheering from the sidelines, or simply looking for a unique Maine winter experience, this is a weekend you won't forget.

Book your stay at Camp DeForest now to secure your cozy winter retreat. Space is limited, and Toboggan Weekend always fills fast. We'll keep the fires burning and the hot cocoa ready—all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a creative costume or two).