More than 400 teams will compete in Camden, Maine in the 28th annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl Feb. 8-10, 2019. This fun-loving, yet very competitive event promises thrilling races down a 400-foot chute, comical costumes and loads of entertainment for participants and spectators alike.
2019 U.S. National Toboggan Championships Schedule
FRIDAY, FEB. 8
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Team sign-in (pick up bib, sign releases) and toboggan inspection in Tobogganville
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Toboggan chute open to public, $5 per person; registered racers with bracelets FREE
SATURDAY, FEB. 9
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bus shuttle service from downtown Camden;
$5 round trip 2-day pass; Shuttle bus pick-up @Village Green
8 a.m. FIRST RUNS for 2- and 3-person divisions (SECOND RUNS begin AFTER first-run heat is complete)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snow Bowl open for skiing and snowboarding
10 a.m. SECOND RUNS for 2- and 3-person division (Optional for fast times)
Noon COSTUME CONTEST PARADE in Tobogganville (with guest judges)
1 p.m. FIRST RUNS for 4-person and Experimental divisions
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. West Bay Rotary Chili Challenge at 16 Bay View, lower level, in downtown Camden
SUNDAY, FEB. 10
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bus shuttle service from downtown Camden; $5 roundtrip 2-day pass; Shuttle bus pick-up @ Village Green
9 a.m. SECOND RUNS for 4-person and Experimental teams (Optional for fast times)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snow Bowl open for skiing and snowboarding
Noon FINAL RUNS – begin with 2-person teams, then proceed with 3-person, 4-person and experimental teams
TOP 40 – 2-person teams
TOP 40 – 3-person teams
TOP 50 – 4-person teams TOP 25% – Experimental teams
3 p.m. (approx) Awards ceremony in Tobogganville
Schedule is approximate. Announcer will update. Arrive early and plan to spend the day! Ice conditions in chute subject to change.
Anatomy of a toboggan
By definition, a toboggan is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed sled made of thin boards with the front curved upward and then backward. The curve at the front of the toboggan must be large enough to cover the first set of rider’s feet. Riders may sit on a pad.
The rules state vehicles for the traditional toboggan races must be the traditional shape described above. They must be made with wood and not exceed 50 pounds, including the pad. They must measure a minimum of 15 3/4 inches wide and a max of 20 inches wide. They can be 6 to 12 feet in length (depending on the number of riders). For example, 6-foot toboggans can be used for the kids and two-person division. All other toboggans must be 7 to 12 feet long.
The bottom of the traditional toboggan must have a flat bottom constructed of wood slats. No synthetic materials are allowed. All toboggans are inspected before and after the race for safety and to ensure they meet race regulations. In the experimental division, modifications are allowed.
Once launched on the 400-foot run that delivers a 70-foot drop, all toboggans have the potential of reaching speeds of up to 40 MPH.
There’s still time to form a team
DOWNLOAD the 2019 Toboggan National Team Registration Form.