Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Trails, Pets, and Closed Days Use Policies

This winter the Camden Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with Coastal Mountains Land Trust, has reorganized and expanded the opportunities for Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing on Ragged Mountain accessed from the Snow Bowl. Please read below for a description of these trails, guidelines for their safe and enjoyable usage, and to obtain a trail map. Please also note that the Snow Bowl has a policy that anyone using the alpine ski trails during the winter may do so only during hours when the ski area is open to the public, and that a Day Use Ticket or Season Pass is required for those slopes. The Snow Bowl does not allow access to sidecountry or backcountry alpine skiing from Snow Bowl property, and the alpine ski trails may not be accessed from out of bounds areas.

 
If you are interested in back country skiing or using the alpine ski trails when the lifts are not operating there is an important set of rules that have been developed to insure that people do not interact with grooming or snowmaking operations, and that they understand and accept the risks of alpine skiing when the area is not running the lifts and not open to the public. Click here for the CLOSED DAYS SKIING POLICY.

Click here for a printable: WINTER TRAIL MAP

Snowshoeing:

There are woods trails that have been designated for snowshoeing off the north and south sides of the alpine trails. During normal Snow Bowl operating hours the Rental Shop has several pairs of snowshoes for rent and maps for those trails.

Nordic Skiing:

There is a new Nordic ski loop known as 22 Tacks that is approximately 3 Km (2 miles) long. It also connects to a 5 Km (3 mile) loop on adjacent property of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust Ragged Mountain Preserve. Tracks will be set on these trails when conditions permit. The 22 Tacks trail was designed to accomodate both a classic track and a freestyle track for skate skiing. This trail begins at the top of the Toboggan Chute and can be accessed by walking or skiing up to the left (south side) of the Tubing Hill where there is a trail kiosk with map and information.  

 
IMPORTANT NOTE: 22 Tacks is not a beginner trail. It has been described as "sporty." The initial 0.6 mi (1 Km) is almost continuously uphill in a series of switchbacks. There are also several switchbacks and sharp turns on the way back down. Once the plateau is reached about 3/4 of a mile (1.2 KM) up the hill, the terrain becomes much more rolling and less strenuous. Returning back to the parking area from the top of the Toboggan Chute most skiers will be smart to take their skis off and walk.
At the high point of 22 Tacks the trail connects with a spur trail to the Nordic Loop in the Ragged Mountain Preserve of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust, which is a 5 Km loop through more gentle terrain.
When conditions allow a Nordic ski track will be set on Hosmer Pond.
These Nordic and snowshoe trails are not patrolled or swept at the end of the day. Be prepared to take care of yourself. Skiing with a buddy is highly recommended.
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SNOW BOWL ALPINE OR NORDIC SKI TRAILS IN THE WINTER.
Dogs are allowed on leash on the snowshoeing trails. Please see the Winter Pet Policy below.

Trail Fees:

The Nordic Skiing and Snowshoe trails have all been built by volunteers, or through the use of grant funds and donations from generous supporters through the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area Redevelopment Campaign. There are currently no trail fees for using the Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails however donations toward the substantial costs of maintaining and grooming the Nordic trails are much appreciated! We hope to cover our costs with voluntary donations. Please stop at the Snow Bowl office with your donation or drop it in the container at the head of the trail. If you enjoy the trails please consider making a donation.
Construction, maintenance and grooming of these trails is a collaboration with Coastal Mountains Land Trust and is made possible in part through the cooperation of other private landowners. Thank you for staying on the marked trail system and skiing in the direction indicated.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Snow Bowl 236-3438 or Ian Stewart at the Land Trust, 236-7091.
Click here for a printable: WINTER TRAIL MAP

Winter Pet Policy:

The following rules are in effect from December 1st through March 31st:
1)     All pets must be on leash at all times when visiting the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area.
2)     Pets are only allowed: a) on trails designated for snowshoeing, b) in the toboggan chute area, c) on the fields around the base area, d) on Hosmer Pond, and e) in the parking lots.
3)     Pets are not allowed on any skiing terrain in the RMRA. Skiing terrain includes all alpine ski trails, ski lift lines and the “22 Tacks” Nordic ski trail. This rule is in effect regardless of whether there is snow on the ground or whether the Snow Bowl is open to the public. There is one exception to this rule: Pets on leash will be allowed with their owners while hiking or snowshoeing behind the Big T-Bar base terminal and up the north (right) side of the Spinnaker trail on their way to and from the Hosmer Brook Trail on adjacent Coastal Mountains Land Trust property.
During other times of the year (April through November) pet owners are welcomed to enjoy all of the trails and outdoor space at the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area with their pets as long as they comply with the Town of Camden Dog Ordinance. That ordinance requires that pet owners be in control of their pets at all times, either with a leash no longer than 8 feet, or obediently at “heel” beside the owner and under voice command. It also stipulates that pet owners must pick up their pet’s waste at all times when not on their own private property. The Dog Ordinance can be viewed in the ordinance section of the Town of Camden’s website. Please note that Coastal Mountains Land Trust requires dogs to be on leash at all times on their preserves and trails.