The Maine Winter Sports Center is dedicated to re-establishing skiing as a lifestyle in Maine. To accomplish that we have structured our organization and programming to address the needs of each of the age clusters we identified - 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 receive world-class coaching at world-class facilities in world-class communities.

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 Maine. 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. Trails are also available at a nominal fee at Black Mountain in Rumford, Maine and Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine.

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. With new lifts, snowmaking and lighting, Big Rock is the best value in skiing in the East. Staff that know how to make and groom snow insure that you have the best experience as well.

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 700 volunteers helped host the 2004 Biathlon World Cup. 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.