Saddleback

Saddleback is under new ownership – Arctaris Impact Fund purchased Saddleback for $6.5 mill, and re-opened this awesome high-elevation ski area December 2020, after it was closed for 5 seasons. Arctaris will invest $38 million into the mountain, already a new high-speed quad and lodge improvements welcome skiers back to Saddleback. The Nest is a new on-mountain enviro-friendly spot for drinks and dining, and amazing Lake views.

With the highest base elevation of any ski area in New England, and a 4,120′ summit, Saddleback offers classic New England skiing with old fashioned flair dating to its debut in 1960 and stunning views of the Rangeley Lakes region. John Christie owned and managed Saddleback in the 1970’s – a heyday for this family friendly ski resort.

The Berry family then invested in lifts, trails and lodging starting in 2003, spending over $40 mill, which they did not recoup in the 2020 sale. Skiers still find a traditional friendly feel – with a beautiful post and beam base lodge, improved lifts and terrain. Intermediate skiers loved cruisers like Royal Coachman off the 2020 Rangeley quad chair. The upper mountain Kennebago Quad, new in 2009, serves some very challenging terrain like Warden’s Worry and Nightmare Glades, and the scenic America trail.

A favorite Saddleback trail of ours, after a long climb/traverse out to Casablanca Glades or Mule Skinner offers a virtual out of bounds experience with the convenience of its own dedicated lift. The Pub upstairs has lively local après-ski.

Saddleback is now designated an EB5 investment region (like Jay Peak), so new business has been coming to the Rangeley region, though the closure of Saddleback ski resort slowed the influx, as skiers were commuting to Sugarloaf for skiing instead of staying in Rangeley the past few years.

Downtown Rangeley is a classic lake and mountain town in Maine. Just a few fun bars, hotels and shops fill the small community, equally popular with snowmobilers in winter as skiers.

Saddleback Stats:
Vertical Drop 2,000’. Summit 4,120′, 68 Trails, 6 Lifts: 4 Quads (1 is hi-speed), 1 T-Bar, 1 Carpet.
660 acres, Inc. 88 acres of glades. 85% Snowmaking. Terrain park and pipe. Longest ski run 3.1 miles
Expansive lodge with cafeteria, Rental & Ski Shop, Daycare, and The Pub upstairs Lounge for après ski.
Rt. 4, Rangeley 207-864-5671