Deep in the quiet woods of the northeast, a long slumbering resort is beginning to stir yet again. The list of Maine ski mountains that you can enjoy this winter will be adding one more. We’re not talking about any “ole” ski area either. Rather, it’s the THIRD largest ski area in the state – Saddleback Ski Resort.
After 5 Years It’s BACK!
In its heyday, over 110,000 skiers descended upon Saddleback Ski Resort’s slopes the last year it was open back in 2015. The five-year saga to re-open one of the biggest Maine ski mountains was a stressful one, but luckily it’s coming to a close. Starting this 2020-21 ski season, the lifts will turn, and skiers will be able to test their skills yet again on these slopes.
Injecting $38 MILLION In Investments
To re-open a defunct area after five years of being shuttered takes money. And the new owners of Arcteris Impact Fund have secured the funding needed. As part of the initial investment of $38 million, they’re pushing hard with their construction projects even through the pandemic.
What’s New For 2020-21
Work is underway on replacing the main double chair with a high-speed quad chair. This lift will reduce lift travel time from eleven minutes down to four. The base lodge is getting a much needed renovation to help increase capacity and improve amenities. This includes a new kitchen and bathrooms.
Big Mountain For The East
As we stated above, this isn’t a Mt. Dinkmore ski area. Out of the eighteen Maine Ski mountains you can visit, it’s one of only THREE that has a 2,000’ vertical drop. Saddleback Ski Resort is also one of seven in ALL of New England with a top-lift elevation that reaches above 4,000’. We’ve heard from our friends at Wi-Me Snowboards that if it snows in Maine, this is THE spot to hit out of the three.
Lots Of Charm For A Great Price
What it lacks in mega-resort luxury such as Killington, it more than makes up in character, charm, and affordability. For example, if you pick up an “Adult Test Drive Pass” by the end of August, you can ski three days for $135. That’s $45 per day!
Classic New England Skiing
On the mountain, you’ll find classic steep narrow New England trails that experts will love. Across the 220 acres and 66 trails, there’s something for everyone including above tree-line riding AND hike-to terrain. It’s also home to more than forty acres of glade skiing including one named Casablanca. This specific glade helped the mountain earn some ski-cred with the diehards.
Based on our friends who lived out East, this is the best kept secret in the Northeast. If you’re looking for New England skiing without the hoopla and short lift lines (on weekdays), make a plan to hit it this winter. You won’t regret it. If you want to learn more about what’s going in the industry check out our Ski & Snowboard Industry News section.
