Maine’s winter outdoor community will come together for the inaugural First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show, Nov. 7-8 at Thompson’s Point in Portland, bringing more than 55 outdoor brands and organizations, ski areas, expert-led programming, gear demonstrations and winter films under one roof.
Organized by Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) and Thompson’s Point, First Tracks is a new season kickoff designed to connect skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts with the people, products and places that make winter recreation possible in Maine and throughout the Northeast.
“Mainers don’t hibernate, we gear up,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “First Tracks brings together the brands, mountains and people who make winter here so much fun, all in one place for one big weekend. From picking up a season pass and getting gear repaired to catching a clinic or a film on the big screen, it’s the perfect kickoff to the season and a can’t-miss event for anyone who loves snow.”
The Brand Expo inside Brick South will feature outdoor gear makers, apparel companies, ski areas, retailers, experience providers and nonprofit organizations. Exhibitors include Winterstick, Maine Huts & Trails, Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, Inclusive Ski Touring, Flowfold, Brant & Cochran, Allspeed Cyclery & Snow, Acadia Mountain Guides, Inland Woods + Trails, Amalgam Skis, Sambob, Pinebury, Kuat Racks and dozens more. See the full list of exhibitors here.
Attendees can get hands-on winter tips from Maine guides, naturalists, and search and rescue volunteers in the Winter Skills Zone, sponsored by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.
The Maine GearShare team will be fixing gear for FREE all weekend with a show ticket. Drop gear off at their booth, explore the show and pick it up with new life in it.
“We like to say that winter is Maine’s best-kept secret because the outdoor recreation opportunities are incredibly varied – the trick is finding the activity that you enjoy, whether that’s adrenaline-fueled downhill skiing and snowmobiling, or enjoying the quiet of Nordic skating or snowshoeing,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “First Tracks is for everyone to come and find ways to enjoy winter to its fullest.”
Maine ski areas will also have a strong presence at the event, with representatives from Saddleback, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Black Mountain of Maine, Pleasant Mountain, Mt. Abram and Lost Valley. The first 300 attendees through the doors each day will receive a free lift ticket to Black Mountain of Maine.
Speaker Stage offers clinics, panels and a look at the winter ahead
Clinics, panels and presentations will take place throughout the weekend at Halo at the Point on the Speaker Stage, presented by the Maine Office of Tourism.
Saturday’s programming will include a Fat Biking 101 clinic led by Bethel Adventure Tours; a session on fueling for winter adventures with registered dietitian and nutrition coach Anna Titcomb; an introduction to uphill skiing with Inclusive Ski Touring; and a behind-the-scenes panel featuring ski area operations professionals discussing snowmaking, grooming and the work required to prepare a mountain for winter.
Meteorologist Keith Carson will close Saturday’s speaker programming with “From Forecast to First Chair: What to Expect This Winter,” examining the 2026-27 winter outlook for Maine and the Northeast and explaining how skiers can use snowfall, wind, temperature, freeze-thaw cycles and snowmaking conditions to make decisions about when and where to ski.
Sunday begins with a yoga session designed for skiers and riders, followed by programs covering Nordic skating on wild ice, winter adventure photography, careers in the snowsports industry and the path to becoming a professional athlete.
Speaker Stage programming is included with admission to First Tracks.
Maine Outdoor Film Festival brings winter stories to the big screen
Saturday evening, the Maine Outdoor Film Festival at First Tracks, sponsored by Sugarloaf, will present six films highlighting skiing, skating, surfing, snowmobiling and winter adventure from Maine and around the world.
The approximately 95-minute program includes:
- “The Chase,” by Joshua Bogardus, following South Portland backcountry athlete Blake Keogh as he searches for snow, solitude and connection over the course of a year.
- “Get Lost – Find Yourself,” by Jacob Stærk of Denmark, chronicling Norwegian cold-water surfers exploring the west coast of Norway in search of new waves.
- “Together Again,” by Maine filmmaker Caity Grant, telling the story of a mother and daughter whose experience with Maine Adaptive helped turn skiing into a source of connection, independence and joy following a traumatic brain injury.
- “Islyckan,” by Anne Niskala of Finland, following a Nordic skater through a season in which she and a friend skated 10,000 kilometers.
- “Wild Ride,” by Allie Rood, documenting a women’s snowmobile clinic in Alaska and the riders building skills and confidence on their sleds.
- “Robson,” by Philip Forsey of Canada, following two ski mountaineers attempting a first descent of Mount Robson’s South Face.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday at Halo at the Point, with films beginning at 6:30 p.m. Film festival attendees will receive a free drink ticket, and the first 50 people through the door will receive a Sugarloaf lift ticket voucher. The film festival requires either a First Tracks All-Access ticket or a separate Maine Outdoor Film Festival ticket.
First Tracks is designed for all ages. Children 10 and younger receive free admission, and the Kids Zone, sponsored by L.L. Bean and hosted by WinterKids, will offer activities throughout the weekend.
First Tracks runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Thompson’s Point in Portland.
Tickets, the complete exhibitor list, programming schedule and additional information are available at firsttrackssnowshow.com.
ABOUT FIRST TRACKS: NORTHEAST SNOW SHOW
First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show is Maine’s winter kickoff sports and outdoor lifestyle expo, bringing together outdoor recreation brands, ski areas, retailers, service providers, organizations and winter enthusiasts for two days of gear, demonstrations, educational programming and community at Thompson’s Point in Portland. First Tracks is organized by Maine Outdoor Brands and Thompson’s Point.
