The families recruited from Stockholm, Sweden to help settle Northern Main cut roads, built villages and made new lives for themselves. They also brought skiing with them to their new home as an inseparable part of their lifestyle. During the winter they skied for transportation and hunting – and also for recreation. Soon after their arrival, winter carnivals began to emerge with sprinting races, jumping competitions and eventually, marathon races that covered 180 miles in four days. These were truly hearty people who loved the winter. These Swedes were not only hearty outdoors people, they were also craftsmen who took a lot of pride in building the best skis. One of those best examples was found on a pair of skis belonging to a Walter Norbeck, who was born in Woodland, Maine in 1895. Mr. Norbeck’s skis had a distinctive design on the tip of his skis.

Shortly after the creation of the Maine Winter Sports Center a newspaper article about the proud history of skiing in Aroostook County, along with a picture of Mr. Norbeck’s skis was included in the article and the design caught our attention. At this time, we were looking for a logo for our company and the simplicity and authenticity of the design perfectly communicated our mission of re-establishing the skiing lifestyle that was such an integral part of the fabric of life in much of Maine from the 1870’s through the late 1970’s. We have tried to uncover the story behind the design to no avail. Mr. Norbeck’s skis, along with over a dozen exceptional examples of hand made skis from the “Swedish Colony” can still be seen at the New Sweden Historical Society, off Station Road in New Sweden, Maine.

Community Involvement

The Maine Winter Sports Center is dedicated to re-establishing skiing as a lifestyle in Maine. To accomplish our mission, we have structured our organization and programming to address the needs of each age cluster – Youth, developing high school age athletes, elite athletes trying for spots on national teams and adult skiers.

While we have world class coaches with impressive racing credentials, our focus is not strictly racing. Our main goal is to create life long skiers. The result is that we believe we have something to offer every level of interest.

School age children learn cross-country skiing during physical education classes, hone their skills on community trails and ski parks located outside at their schools. Develop healthy habits and positive self-esteem.

Athletes, ages 12 through 18, participate in year round biathlon and cross-country skiing training. Travel, meet interesting people from around the country and learn the importance of discipline and personal responsibility in achieving goals.

National caliber athletes striving for national or Olympic teams and receive world class coaching at world class facilities in world class communities.

this stuff is about MSWC’s other ski areas:

Adults enjoy recreational skiing at the 10th Mountain Center in Fort Kent, the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, and on communities trails located throughout Aroostook County. All community trails are free of charge and open year round for non-motorized use. The 10th Mountain and Nordic Heritage Center trails are free of charge as well but annual donations can be made to the steering committees to support the costs of maintaining the trail. With these donations you will receive a Pin identifying you as a friend of the MWSC.

Alpine Skiers enjoy affordable, family oriented skiing the way it used to be. Big Rock Ski Area in Mars Hill is big mountain skiing at little mountain prices with a special emphasis on making sure that you have a great experience whether it’s you first time on skis or you’ve been skiing forever. We continue to make upgrades in grooming equipment, ski rentals and lifts, snowmaking and lighting to insure that Big Rock is the best value in skiing in the East.

You’ll also find learning to ski is fast and fun for the whole family at the Quoggy Jo ski hill in Presque Isle where a new T-bar and new rental equipment has improved the ski experience.

Non-skiers also find themselves involved. Over 200 volunteers assisted the Maine Winter Sports Center make its debut on the racing circuit in 2000 by hosting the U.S. Jr. National Championships, Canadian Championships and North American Championships in Biathlon. Over 60 volunteers have earned their “Basic Officials” level 1 certificate from the United States Biathlon Association. 6 volunteers served at the Olympics in Salt Lake City.