CAMDEN — The start of the 2025 U.S. National Toboggan Championships begins Jan. 31, and the field of 400 racers is nearly full.

Planning for the 34th annual event is in full gear and many teams are busy building toboggans and trying to figure out the best bottom-finish for the fastest times. Soon, more than 1,000 enthusiastic racers from around the country will make the trek to Camden, Maine, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, to join the fun and race down the 440-foot toboggan chute.

Registration closes Friday, Jan. 24.

“Toboggan Nationals is all about turning winter weather into something to celebrate, and we want everyone to have as much fun as possible,” said Holly S. Anderson, the organizing committee co-chairman, in a news release.

For almost 35 years, costume-clad racers of all ages have slid down the ice-filled wooden chute onto the frozen surface of Hosmer Pond. The Toboggan teams arrive dressed in a variety of costumes, from Lego people and “Dead Presidents” to “Snow Queenz” and Yeti, complete with even more creative team names.

At noon on Saturday, the costumed racers participate in the annual costume parade before guest judges. There is a trophy for the best costume, too.

With a maximum number of 400 toboggan teams, each team is ensured two rides to garner a best time during qualifying, and eligibility to compete in Sunday's finals.

The cost is $74 for a 2-Person team; $111 for a 3-Person team; and $148 for 4-Person teams.

The entry fee for experimental teams is also $148, and teams in this class can consist of two, three or four people per toboggan. 

Toboggan Nationals is free for spectators and cheering squads, with a $20/car fee to park in the Snow Bowl parking lot (space is limited and fills fast with racers). FREE shuttle buses run from the Village Green in downtown Camden out to the Snow Bowl throughout the event Saturday and Sunday.

Team check-in is on Friday, Jan. 31, from noon to 7 p.m., and teams begin racing early in the morning Saturday and race until late afternoon. The fastest teams compete in the finals on Sunday to earn the title of champions at the U.S. National Toboggan Championships.

"People from all over the world come to experience the Toboggan Nationals and while it has become a must-do for their Maine winter bucket lists, many keep coming back year after year," said Anderson. "We are always excited to welcome our returning and die-hard groups of racers, as well as new participants."

One of the great things about the event, said Anderson, is that Snow Bowl toboggans are available for teams to use, so this is a race for anyone willing to show up. Conditions permitting, the toboggan chute will be open Friday, Jan. 31, from noon to 4 p.m. for the public ($10) and racers ($5) to take practice runs.

The 34th annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships is sponsored by Ariens, Camden National Bank, Eaton Peabody, Midcoast Chimney, Sea Dog Brewing, 16 Bay View, North Atlantic Painting and Builders, Journey’s End Marina, TD Bank, Northern Toboggan Co., Knox Machine Co., Baird, Viking Lumber, Atlantic Communication, Cedarworks, Waterfront Restaurant, North East Mobile Health Services, Rockport Building Partners and Central Exterminating.

Team and Racer registration information is available at camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan-championships-2025/. Advance registration is required, no walk-ins. 

The 34th annual U.S National Toboggan Championships has grown to attract people from all over the U.S. and Canada, as well as internationally. The Toboggan Championships is a major fundraiser for the municipally-owned and operated Camden Snow Bowl, the only ski area in the country with views of the Atlantic Ocean and a traditional wooden toboggan chute. The Toboggan Championships brings with it a rich history of community spirit, competition and family fun. Information on registration, rules, toboggan regulations, parking and more is online at camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan-championships-2025 or by calling 207-236-3438.