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BECOME A CHAMPION TOBOGGANER

That’s right. It may not be an Olympic event, but Camden, hosts the United States National Toboggan Championships every February at the Camden Snow Bowl. Since 1991, 2-, 3-, and 4-person teams have braved the 400-foot, frozen toboggan chute, with a vertical incline of more than 70 feet, on which toboggans reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. It may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

While it is technically a championship event, with professional teams competing from all over, it’s also open to just about anyone with a team and a toboggan. More than 400 teams compete annually and the event takes on a bit of a festival atmosphere. Most teams have funky names and some dress in silly costumes. There are tents from area vendors serving hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks, and there’s usually a chili and chowder cook-off and some music by local talent.

Always held the first weekend in February, weather permitting, you’ll want to register your team early. Racers vie for the fastest time down the chute in qualifying and final runs, with a shiny trophy for the winning team. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like a daredevil. There’s always a crowd of people just there to watch and enjoy the scene. It’s a good cure for cabin fever.

HELPFUL SITE

• camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan-championships/