AUGUSTA, Maine — Russell Currier, 26, of Stockholm, Maine, has earned a berth on the U.S. Men’s Olympic Biathlon team (a combination of cross country skiing and rifle shooting) during the upcoming February 2014 games in Sochi, Russia.  The first-time Olympic athlete represents the best of the Maine Winter Sports Center in Aroostook County, which has trained dozens of Olympic hopefuls from around the country.

But he isn’t the first athlete to represent the state in the Olympics.  Seth Wescott won gold at the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games in the snowboard competition.  Today he is part-owner of The Rack restaurant near Sugarloaf Mountain and ski resort, dubbed by Outside Ski Magazine as its “favorite après bar in the East.”

Olympic athlete Julie Parisien was one of three siblings from Maine to compete as an Olympic skier nearly a decade ago.  And many other famous Olympians from Maine have achieved some of the highest honors in sports history, including:  Julia Clukey (luge); Anna Goodale (gold medalist rowing); Anna Willard Pierce (middle distance running); Bill Swift (baseball); Dan Bolduc (hockey); Ian Crocker (gold, silver and bronze medalist swimming); Jeff Turner (basketball); Joan Benoit (gold /first-ever women’s Olympic marathoner); Megan Sweeney (luge); and Rick DiPietro (ice hockey).

What is it about Maine that grooms and excites young Americans to become part of TeamUSA?

Visitors to Maine during the winter months can walk in the footsteps of current Olympic athlete Russell Currier and the others, while also enjoying more soft adventure activities.

Aroostook, named from a Native American word meaning “Beautiful River” is aptly nicknamed the “The Crown of Maine” partly because of its geographic location, but more because of the breathtaking experiences that await visitors to the region.   It has four million acres of wooded forestland and more than 1,000 lakes.  Bordering the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, Aroostook is larger than Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.

During the winter, snowmobilers and skiers flock here to enjoy thousands of miles of trails.  Here are some of the highlights:

One popular ski area in northern Maine is Bigrock Mountain, a family-oriented ski resort located in Mars Hill and owned by the Maine Winter Sports Center where Currier learned his sport.  Tel. (207) 425-6711, www.bigrockmaine.com

The Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle focuses on cross-country skiing with 20 kilometers of world-class cross country ski trails.  Tel. (207) 328-0991,

 http://nordicheritagecenter.org/events/nhsc-events/

Currier went to high school in the family-friendly town of Caribou, which this year is hosting a ski festival featuring the Maine State Ski Sprints.  Come hang out with the locals and see future Olympians at play.  www.goaroostookoutdoors.com

Northern Maine features 2,300 miles of excellently maintained snowmobile trails, while Maine has 14,000 statewide.  Get a warm Maine welcome at restaurants, stores, gas stations and other establishments located directly off the trails. Snogoer Magazine rates Maine as one of the Ten Best Places to Snowmobile in North America.  http://www.visitaroostook.com/things_to_do/snowmobile_riding/

Heywood Kennel Sled Dog Adventure is right in Currier’s home town of Stockholm.  They feature specialized dog sledding tours provided by registered Maine guides.  Chose from adventure packages that include ice-fishing, wilderness wildlife sighting or a photography tour while spending quality time with friendly, working huskies.  Tel. (207) 896-3038, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heywood-Kennel-Sled-Dog-Adventures/145995802484

Aroostook State Park’s snowshoe trails are well marked and range from easy to strenuous. For updated trail conditions call the park at 207-768-8341. There is a warming hut in the park where you can make new friends around an open fire. http://www.mainetrailfinder.com/Trail/aroostook-state-park-snowshoe-trails/

All of Maine will be rooting for Russell Currier and the U.S. Biathlon Team in Sochi, and his friends and family in Northern Maine will be cheering the loudest.  Be part of the excitement by visiting Maine this winter.  For more information:  www.visitmaine.com

Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed.,  The Epicurean Explorer

Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com

Freelance Lifestyle Journalist

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