Adults from around the County take advantage of winter weather

    FORT KENT – While this week’s weather has everyone wondering when we’ll see a winter wonderland, adults in Aroostook County this weekend were treated to an amazing start to the ski season at Fort Kent’s 10th Mountain Center. Cool temperatures and early snowfall, along with careful grooming produced several kilometers of ideal cross-country ski conditions. There to enjoy the snow was a group of Nordic ski enthusiasts from around Aroostook County known as the “Arooskis”.
    The Arooskis Nordic program is adult-oriented and is being offered by the Maine Winter Sports Center.  Focused on helping any adult improve their skills and enjoyment on cross-country skis, the Arooskis program meets every week in Fort Kent and Presque Isle, and so far has drawn close to 40 participants who have signed on for the season.  
     “We have a great group,” says MWSC Coach Mike Smith, who heads up the Arooskis program. “We have a very broad range of interests and abilities in this program, from those looking to improve their race results, to those who just want to get out and learn some new things with a fun group of adults.  There is something for everyone.”
    This past Saturday, MWSC offered an “on-snow primer” to help adults get on snow and get their ski legs under them.
    “We’ve been meeting for several weeks now working through a number of on-foot sessions, but this was the first chance we’ve had to bring adults from around the County to one place and all get on skis together,” Smith said.
    The one-day camp proved a huge success bringing regulars and newcomers to the Arooskis program.
    Adults weren’t the only skiers taking advantage of the early season snow this weekend. Athletes from UMPI, the Southern Maine Biathlon Club, and MWSC development teams were also present on the trails, which allowed for plenty of antics and excitement amongst the more focused sessions. 
    “It is great to have the elite athletes ski by and offer us advice and encouragement,” said Arooski skier Michael Caron of Fort Kent. Caron was one of the many adults who found out that ski games aren’t just for kids, and no matter what your age or experience, there’s always something new to try on skis.
    For more information on the Arooskis Nordic program, contact Mike Smith at mikes@mainewsc.org (207-227-0250). The program is open to any adult in the region, and skiers are encouraged to join throughout the season. Smith also encourages any adult new to the sport of Nordic skiing or interested in spending more time on Nordic skis to join their local ski club, and get involved with programs in their own communities.