Saddleback Mountain

Located in the Sandy River Plantation near Rangeley in northwestern Maine, Saddleback Mountain is a ski resort with a strong local identity and a clear touch of classic New England skiing. After being closed for several years, the facility was reopened in the winter of 2020 after being taken over by the Arctaris Impact Fund, which meant a fresh start with investments in lifts, service and infrastructure – without compromising the character of the mountain.

The skiing is divided into three distinct sections: lower, middle and upper mountain. The lower sections are dominated by easier slopes with a flat slope and good width, while the middle section offers classic intermediate skiing with natural curvature and varying pace. At the same time, the upper parts of the mountain offer steep and technical skiing that attracts more experienced skiers, with several profiled slopes and marked forest skiing.

A distinctive feature of Saddleback is its extensive and reputable glades, with areas such as Casablanca in particular contributing to the resort's reputation among advanced riders. The terrain is naturally shaped, often sheltered by wind and favored by the snow conditions in the region, which means that the snow is often of high quality even when conditions vary in the rest of New England.

One detail that sets Saddleback apart is the naming: all slopes are named after classic fly fishing flies created in the Rangeley area, and the lifts are named after local rivers. It is a clear example of how the ski resort connects to the history and outdoor traditions of the area.

After the reopening, Saddleback has re-established itself as one of Maine's most appreciated ski resorts and has been named "Best in Maine" by Down East Magazine for several years in a row. With a focus on skiing, terrain quality and long-term development rather than mass tourism, Saddleback today stands out as a mountain for skiers looking for genuine alpine skiing with clear variety and character.