Big Squaw Mountain

The New England region has a storied past in US alpine history, with many venues coming and going over the past century. A ghost from ski seasons past has been brought back from the oblivion, with the Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort attempting to transition into an upgraded facility that promises an overhaul with what stands in place today.

Located on Big Moose Mountain (changed from Big Squaw Mountain in 2000), the ski area is in Greenville, Maine. Interstate travelers can use I-95 to get south or east of the winter venue before transferring to State Highways. Maine State Highway 6 will drive through Greenville on the southwestern shores of Moosehead Lake. Bangor's International Airport is 67 miles away, and guests can use bigger facilities in either Portland, Maine, or Quebec City, Ontario, Canada (both about 158 miles away).

Like a Phoenix From the Ashes

The Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort first opened in 1963, serving skiers and snowboarders full-time until a chair lift accident slowed operations from 2004 through 2010. Since then, a group called the "Friends of Sqaw Mountain" has kept the facility going. Several proposals are in the works to rebuild the resort area into a year-round facility covering more than 90 acres. Development plans will progress in stages, with a new lodge, ski lifts, and upgraded snowmaking equipment.

Current amenities at this small ski and snowboard area are day-only. The base lodge has a guest service area, a small rental/repair shop, and bathrooms. Staff at Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort are part of the "Friends of Squaw Mountain," which makes them very attentive to visitors' needs. It provides a cozy atmosphere that is very family-focused, making it a destination for local skiers and riders looking for some downhill fun with the younger family members.

The Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort does have a Ski School, offering private and group (anything with more than one student) sessions that are one hour long. Advanced bookings are necessary due to a smaller pool of instructors and secure quality lessons focused on the participant's ability. Students must be at least seven years old to participate in Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort classes.

One Lift to Carry Them All

The Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort currently maintains a single triple chair that brings guests uphill. Lines are not usually a problem at this location since locals are the skiers and riders here. It reaches a point on Big Moose Mountain that gives it a vertical drop of over 600 feet. That provides all the potentials on the trail system that exceeds two dozen named runs.

The slopes at the Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort consist of six green (beginner) runs, 18 blue (intermediate) alpine trails, and four black diamond (advanced) runs. The Lower Squaw Brook terrain park offers features guests can play on when they finish downhill skiing and riding.

The Big Squaw Mountain Ski Resort also has five miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.