RANGELEY, MAINE — October 30, 2024 — Today, Saddleback Mountain announced it ranked No. 2 in the East by SKI Magazine in its 2025 annual resort guide and reader poll. This recognition is based on the results of SKI’s Reader Resort Survey, the longest-running and most comprehensive ranking in the ski industry. Resorts are evaluated in 18 categories, including lifts, grooming, dining, and family programming.

“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by SKI Magazine and our dedicated community of skiers and riders,” said Matt Dieterich, CEO of Saddleback Mountain. “This ranking reflects the passion and hard work of our entire team and the loyalty of our guests who value the unique experience Saddleback offers. We’re committed to maintaining the beauty of our mountain and delivering an exceptional, authentic Maine skiing experience that resonates with skiers and riders seeking both adventure and tranquility.”

SKI Magazine described Saddleback’s features and atmosphere, noting, “The high-speed quads are brand-new since the mountain reopened in 2020, and that same private equity money has spurred new slopeside condos, a refreshed and homey base lodge, and a swath of newly cut glades that are both expansive and easy to run laps through. If you’re an expert skier and don’t have a good time in Casablanca, we don’t know what to tell you because, as one reader exclaimed, ‘Casablanca Glades are the single best spot on any mountain in America.’”

Saddleback boasts one of the highest base lodges in New England at 2,460 feet, offering pristine snow conditions and breathtaking views of Rangeley Lake. With over 600 skiable acres, including 88 acres of glades, and 55 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails, and mountain biking, Saddleback provides an expansive playground to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. 

Saddleback also received high rankings across multiple categories in SKI Magazine’s 2025 “Top 10 in the East” guides, highlighting its diverse terrain, fast lifts, snow quality, challenging runs, and expert grooming:

• No. 2 — The 10 Eastern Resorts with Most Variety of Terrain 
• No. 3 — Top 10 Resorts With Fastest Lift Networks in the East
• No. 3 — The Top 10 Snowiest Resorts in the East
• No. 4 — The Top 10 Most Challenging Resorts in the East 
• No. 6 — Top 10 Resorts in the East with the Best Grooming

Recent additions to the mountain include a ski in/ski out employee housing facility and The Nest, Maine’s highest dining experience perched at 3,620 feet, where diners can enjoy signature elevated dishes paired with panoramic views in between runs. 

Saddleback’s resurgence is fueled by the commitment of Arctaris Impact Investors, a Boston-based impact investment firm dedicated to revitalizing underserved communities. Arctaris’ investment enabled Saddleback to reopen in 2020 after a five-year closure, enhance its infrastructure, and solidify its position as an economic driver in the Rangeley region.

Saddleback’s season is set to open on Friday, December 6, 2024, with adult lift tickets starting at $65. Events for the 2024-2025 season include Saddleback’s fourth annual February Festival, featuring live music, family-friendly events, fireworks and a stunning torch parade.

For more information visit saddlebackmaine.com and follow @Saddlebackmaine. 

About Saddleback Mountain

Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine, is renowned for its natural beauty, challenging terrain, and welcoming community. Named the “Best Ski Mountain” in Maine by Down East Magazine readers for three consecutive years (2022-2024) and ranked No. 1 in Overall Satisfaction by New England Ski Journal, Saddleback is also a top Indy Pass destination in the East. With a commitment to sustainable practices and community development, Saddleback Mountain is dedicated to preserving the environment and supporting the Rangeley area. 

MEDIA CONTACT

PJ McSparran | Director of Marketing & Sales

pj.mcsparran@saddlebackmaine.com

Laurel Getz | PR Consultant for Saddleback Mountain

laurel.getz@gmail.com

203-767-5963

WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund To Award $25,000 To Local Nonprofits – Cast Your Vote For Saddleback Maine Community Corps!

(Rangeley, Maine – July 10, 2024) – If you’ve been up to Saddleback, you’ve probably been greeted by a host in a yellow jacket. The hosts have become a beloved sight, helping new guests navigate their first visit, and welcoming the returning Saddleback faithful. The hosts have organized a nonprofit organization, Saddleback Maine Community Corps, a 501(c)(3), and are now on a mission to continue the local Ski Tuesday program at Saddleback Mountain.

This ski and ride program is open to more than 120 students from grades 1-8 within the Rangeley Lakes Regional School District. The program allows students to spend a half day at Saddleback for 8-10 consecutive Tuesdays in the winter, including transportation, discounted skiing and riding, free rentals and instruction.

Saddleback Maine Community Corps needs your help! Cast your vote to help fund Ski Tuesday in 2025 in the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund, a grant program aimed at funding initiatives that will help get children in Maine’s communities outside, active, and having fun. Now through the end of July, you can vote via the WinterKids website. $25,000 will be distributed amongst winning organizations!

• Anyone can vote from Monday, July 1 – July 31, 2024, regardless of their affiliation with Saddleback or the school.
• Scroll down under the map on the page to find the ballot. You must cast a vote for 1 of each of 3 groups: schools, recreation departments, and nonprofits.
• The Ski Tuesday project is under “Nonprofits” – “Franklin County” – “Saddleback Maine Community Corps”

 

Why take the time to vote?

WinterKids is divvying out $25,000 in grants to 3 Maine Public Schools, 3 Maine nonprofit organizations, and 3 Maine Parks & Rec programs, based on a Community Vote! These funds are aimed at addressing the barriers to healthy outdoor activity, including but not limited to equipment, clothing, and transportation.

VOTE NOW!

Voting Schedule:
July 1-31, 2024: Community Vote
August 7, 2024: Winners Announced

   

# # #

About Saddleback Maine Community Corps: In conjunction with Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Maine Community Corps, a 501(c)(3), has fundraised and facilitated the weekly Ski Tuesday program. This ski and ride program is open to more than 120 students from grades 1-8 within the Rangeley Lakes Regional School District. The program allows students to spend a half day at Saddleback for 8-10 consecutive Tuesdays in the winter.

Saddleback Maine Community Corps has engaged the public, inviting local community members to participate in bimonthly Ski Tuesday planning meetings from November 1, 2024, through the end of the program in mid-March. Included in these meetings are Saddleback’s General Manager; Business Manager; Ski School Manager; Ski School Head of Instructors; Special Ed Teacher; School Principal; retired Teachers; retired Social Worker; Downhill Racing Coach; Nordic Center Representative. Rental professionals go to the school in December and record the height/weight/shoe size of the children as determined by the School Nurse. Equipment will be purchased based on these sizes. Parents will attend an orientation session. 20 plus ski/ride professional instructors will then lead 8-10 weekly 3-hour lessons for the kids on their equipment. The children will be divided into groups based on their skills evaluation. 40 plus Saddleback Maine Community Corps volunteers will accompany the children from bus drop off until the children are returned to their parents. Instructors will provide each child with a Tuesday report card. Data can be collected from the ticket office showing the trails that children skied/rode in the beginning of the program versus the trails skied/rode by the end of the program. Children/parents can participate in exit interviews rating our program.

Website | Facebook

About Saddleback Mountain: Located in the beautiful High Peaks and lakes district of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain was founded in 1960 and has grown its reputation for exceptional snow, some of the best terrain in the East, and a friendly, laid-back culture. At 4,120 feet of elevation and2,000 feet of vertical, and 600+ acres, Saddleback is Maine’s third-largest mountain and the largest independently owned ski resort in the East. In 2020, Saddleback was purchased as a fund managed by Massachusetts-based Arctaris Impact Investors, a leader in opportunity-zone investments.

Saddleback Mountain Recognized by Maine Audubon – Inaugural BirdSafe Maine Award for Mid-Mountain Restaurant Project

(Rangeley, Maine – May 30, 2024) – BirdSafe Maine—a partnership between Maine Audubon, the University of Southern Maine, and the Portland Society for Architecture—honors companies, schools, and individuals working to protect birds from window strikes. As many as 988 million birds die each year in the United States after accidentally colliding with glass windows, but some Mainers are doing something about it. BirdSafe Maine has been working for four years to raise awareness of the bird strike problem and its solutions.

Saddleback is home to the rare Bicknell’s Thrush, a small bird that inhabits dense alpine forests at high elevations. In constructing the new mid-mountain restaurant, The Nest, Saddleback worked closely with Maine Audubon and Davies Toews Architecture to design innovative bird deflection screens. You can see the vertical line screens in the photo below, running from top to bottom of the western-facing windows.

In order to recognize companies, educators, designers and architects, and other individuals who have taken bird-safe action, BirdSafe Maine is announcing the winners of its inaugural Bird Safe Awards. Recipients were announced in the summer issue of Maine Audubon’s Habitat magazine and will be awarded custom-made window decals this summer.

The 2024 Bird Safe Award winners are:

Awards for Corporate Excellence

There are no laws requiring companies to build or retrofit their buildings to make them safe for birds, but some Maine companies have taken it upon themselves to invest in bird safety. We’re especially grateful for these trailblazing companies.

L.L. Bean
The company installed thousands of square feet of bird-safe decals at its new headquarters in Freeport.

MEMIC
The MEMIC building was once among the most dangerous on our Portland survey route, but the company installed window decals and was able to reduce strikes by more than 80%.

Saddleback Mountain
BirdSafe Maine worked closely with Saddleback to design innovative, removable screens for its new mid-mountain restaurant, The Nest.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science
Employees initiated an effort to treat glass windows at the Lab’s headquarters in East Boothbay.

Awards for Educational Excellence

Maine schools and universities can help educate students about bird strikes and work to treat windows on campus.

University of New England / Dr. Noah Perlut
Dr. Perlut and his students helped encourage the University of New England to invest in bird-safe glass for the new Ripich Commons building in 2018.

Yarmouth Elementary School
Faculty at Yarmouth Elementary School have been running a BirdSafe curriculum for two years, and students wrote letters to school administrators asking them to take action on school windows, culminating in a bank of bird-safe curtains being installed in early 2024.

Awards for Excellence in the Design Community

Several representatives from Maine’s architecture and design community have played lead roles in adapting to the new and rapidly-evolving field of bird-safe architecture. 

Austin Smith / Simons Architects

Julia Tate / Simons Architects

Ed Parker / Alisberg Parker Architect LLC

Jonathan Toews / Davies Toews Architecture

Catherine Culley / Redfern Properties

Danielle Foisy / Juniper Design + Build

Tim Lock / GOLogic

Champion for Bird Safe Policy

Rep. Sophia Warren
Representative Warren of Scarborough sponsored LD 670, An Act to Protect Birds in the Construction, Renovation and Maintenance of Public Buildings.

Award for Residential Excellence

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch
The owners of Freeport Wild Bird Supply worked with Matt Maiello of Simons Architects to design and build “Maine’s first bird-safe residential building” in Durham.

Bluebird Award for Bird Safe Achievement

Addy Smith-Reiman
Addy co-founded BirdSafe Maine during her tenure as Executive Director of the Portland Society for Architecture. Her dedication to the cause and connections in the architecture and design community were invaluable to the success of the program.

BirdSafe Maine is grateful to all the winners and thanks them for their work on behalf of birds in Maine.

# # #

About Saddleback Mountain: Located in the beautiful High Peaks and lakes district of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain was founded in 1960 and has grown its reputation for exceptional snow, some of the best terrain in the East, and a friendly, laid-back culture. At 4,120 feet of elevation and2,000 feet of vertical, and 600+ acres, Saddleback is Maine’s third-largest mountain and the largest independently owned ski resort in the East. In 2020, Saddleback was purchased as a fund managed by Massachusetts-based Arctaris Impact Investors, a leader in opportunity-zone investments.

About Maine Audubon: Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The oldest and largest Maine-based conservation organization, Maine Audubon has eight public centers and sanctuaries across the state, seven chapters, and 30,000 members, volunteers, and supporters, and connects with more than 250,000 people annually.

For more information about Maine Audubon and BirdSafe Maine:

Nick Lund, Advocacy & Outreach Manager
Maine Audubon
nlund@maineaudubon.org
www.maineaudubon.org
207.650.9739

Saddleback Mountain Resort will be turning pink in support of B4BC’s breast cancer awareness initiatives

(Rangeley, Maine – March 14, 2024) – Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is excited to ride/ski at Saddleback Mountain for the eleventh stop of the 2024 Love Your Peaks Winter Prevention + Fundraising Series on Saturday, March 16th. B4BC’s Love Your Peaks is a fundraising series promoting breast cancer awareness at resorts nationwide, where participants can join the organization at partnering resorts to fundraise, ride/ski and advocate for breast cancer awareness. The nonprofit is looking forward to hitting the slopes of Saddleback Mountain and spreading its mission of early detection + a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention.

The Love Your Peaks Saddleback stop will coincide with the 2nd annual Back to the Banks Banked Slalom and include the banked slalom race, silent auction and raffle, board demos, a live music and DJ set, and more.

The 2nd annual Back to the Banks Banked Slalom snowboard race at Saddleback Mountain on Saturday, March 16, 2024, presented by Orono Brewing Company! This timed snowboard & snowskate-only race will be held on Grey Ghost. Come ride the berms and turns for great prizes and swag from our friends at Winterstick Snowboards and Backwoods Snowboard Shop. This event is open to all ages. $50 entry fee plus discounted lift ticket or season pass to ride. $10 from every rider registration will be donated to B4BC! You can register for Back to the Banks here.

To participate in Love Your Peaks, individuals or teams just have to register, fundraise, ride/ski and win! The link to register and fundraise can be found here. The more fundraised, the higher the incentives, including the chance to win some incredible partner products from brands such as Suja Organic, YETI, The North Face, Sun Bum, Pura Vida and more.

B4BC will also host a weekly virtual photo contest, opening the series to virtual participants. To enter, post on Instagram using the hashtag #loveyourpeaks and tag @b4bc. The winner will receive a prize pack from B4BC partners and individuals must be registered to win.

The Love Your Peaks series will be making additional stops at iconic mountain resorts across the country through May and encourages people to come out to their home resort, do a winter activity they love and support breast cancer prevention and awareness.

B4BC would like to thank its Love Your Peaks partners including Suja Organic, YETI, Sun Bum, Pura Vida, The North Face, 686, Arbor Collective, Armada, Burton, Dakine, Dragon Alliance, Ethika, ThirtyTwo, Gnu Snowboards, GoPro, Gravity Grabbers, GoggleSoc, Hume Supernatural, Jones Snowboards, melin, Merge4, Nixon, Remind Insoles, Rojo, POW Gloves, Skullcandy, Stance, Traeger Grills, Union Bindings, VonZipper and Vuori.

To keep up with B4BC, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

About B4BC
Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advocates for early detection and a healthy, active, and conscious lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. Founded in 1996, B4BC empowers young people to make positive choices that promote lifelong wellness through grassroots events, educational outreach, sustainability, and survivorship support programs. Visit B4BC.ORG for more information.

About Saddleback Mountain

Located in the beautiful High Peaks and lakes district of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain was founded in 1960 and has grown its reputation for exceptional snow, some of the best terrain in the East, and a friendly, laid-back culture. At 4,120 feet of elevation and2,000 feet of vertical, and 600+ acres, Saddleback is Maine’s third-largest mountain and the largest independently owned ski resort in the East. In 2020, Saddleback was purchased as a fund managed by Massachusetts-based Arctaris Impact Investors, a leader in opportunity-zone investments.

For more information, please contact:

Master Plan Communications, Inc.

• Anissa Arefeen
• 469.733.8675
• anissa@masterplancommunications.com

 

(Rangeley, Maine – November 17, 2023) The affordable housing crisis has impacted rural businesses, including ski areas, nationwide and put tremendous stress on the sustainability, and in many cases, the viability of these businesses. In a sort of perfect storm post pandemic, high housing costs coupled with the loss of long-term rentals to the VRBO/Airbnb market, has made it difficult for ski areas to find and retain a workforce.

Arctaris Impact Fund’s interest in reviving Saddleback Mountain was in re-establishing the region’s leading employer and it realized that to do so successfully, and to support all the other businesses in the greater Rangeley region, there needed to be a commitment to building a state-of-the-art workforce housing facility. Ground was broken in the spring of 2022, and the result: a ski-in, ski-out staff house that puts quality affordable housing right on the mountain.

The Saddleback Mountain staff house offers a quality-of-life for staff that connects to the South Branch lift, is yards from our mountain bike trails, and offers a locker room for storing skis and equipment. The dormitory-style housing has 43 rooms, which, depending on the room sharing, can house 60 to 70 people. 

The private spaces come in a variety of options: a suite for two individuals with a private bathroom, a flex unit with two separate bedrooms and a shared bath which could also be rented as a single room with a private bath, and dorm rooms which share common bathrooms and showers on the same floor. Laundry facilities are available on each floor in the staff house. The common kitchen will have seating for as many as 30 people at a time.

Saddleback expects to accommodate nearly all the employees in need of winter housing for the 2023-2024 season and in the Spring, any available housing will be available for employees working at other businesses in the Rangeley region. In addition, Saddleback intends to work with other employers during the off-season at the mountain to offer housing for those employees.

“This project has been a huge undertaking for Saddleback, our property maintenance team, and our partners,” said Bruce Lancaster, Director of Facilities & Property Maintenance for Saddleback. “ I cannot say enough about the work this team has done to make the staff house doors open in time for the 2023-2024 season. This project will allow Saddleback to offer brand new affordable, local housing for our dedicated team members as well as other Rangeley businesses.”

Why the Saddleback Staff House is an Industry-Leading Project:

• • Affordability: The staff house follows federal affordable housing guidelines by charging no more than 30% of the employee’s income.
  • Ski-in, ski-out: Located just off the Smelt Streamer trail, the Saddleback Staff House is ski-in/ski-out. If arriving by skis, staff will walk through the main slopeside entrance into a shared locker room where they can store and dry their gear.

• Mountain-bike-in, Mountain-Bike-out: Saddleback’s new mountain bike trails also run through the campus and offer easy access to staff house residents in the summer and fall.

• On-site amenities & transportation: The staff house will have a shared kitchen and laundry on-site, offering all essential living amenities. Saddleback also plans to set up shuttle transportation to the base lodge and into downtown Rangeley for staff house residents.

The People Have Spoken… Again!

Saddleback Mountain Selected Down East Readers’ Choice “Best Ski Mountain” in Maine for the 2nd Year in a Row

Rangeley, Maine (August 29, 2023) – The people have spoken… again! The results are in and Saddleback Mountain has been named “Best Ski Mountain” in Maine for the 2nd year in a row based on a Down East Magazine reader poll. Saddleback is in good company with four other Rangeley businesses also being recognized. This accolade is another chapter in Saddleback’s incredible comeback story since reopening in 2020 after a five-year closure.

Down East readers first voted in a write-in round, from which the top five vote-getters in each category became finalists. Then, some 10,000 voters picked the winners in a final round earlier this summer.

At 4,120’ in elevation and 600+ acres, Saddleback is the third-largest ski area in Maine. Boundary to boundary, it might not be the biggest, but has quickly gained a reputation for a wide variety of terrain, including some of the gnarliest expert terrain in the East. The Casablanca Chutes & Kennebago Steeps area of the mountain is home to some of the most expansive glade terrain in New England.

The Saddleback story has rippled across Maine, New England and national industry news outlets. The Chronicle, a long-running show about people and places in New England, featured Saddleback in 2023, calling it “a good old-fashioned comeback story.”

Pivotal to Saddleback’s success has been $30+ million in mountain improvement projects, beginning with the Rangeley high-speed quad installed the first season to three more lifts, expanded snowmaking and eco-groomers, and the latest: a new upscale 70-seat mid-mountain restaurant located at 3,620’.

Driven by a strong sense of independence and a warm and welcoming vibe, Saddleback feels more approachable and accessible than other corporate resorts.  From the fall lines to the buzz of the rustic base lodge, Saddleback has a genuine soul, and feels more like the way alpine skiing and riding used to be.

“Wowza – Down East readers have spoken again,” said Jim Quimby, Saddleback’s General Manager. “Thanks again for singing Saddleback’s praises. We are very proud to represent the Saddleback faithful in Maine for the second year in a row. We are a mountain by and for the skiers and riders in our community. We look forward to seeing our friends (old and new) again this winter. These are exciting times for Saddleback. Think snow, everyone!”

Amid expansion and growth, the focus on the guest experience remains the same.

“We want to be the type of place where not only are you greeted with a smile, there’s a host offering to help you carry your skis to the rack and you instantly feel welcomed,” says Molly Shaw, Saddleback Brand Manager. “This intimate culture is key.”

“Saddleback’s magic is both skiing and the people,” says Kate Synder, a season passholder from the Portland area. “The incredible range of terrain will keep all levels of skiers happy and challenged. And, the people who work at Saddleback create a culture every single day that creates a really unique sense of belonging.”

The full list of “Best of Maine” winners appears in the September 2023 issue of Down East, on newsstands, and online. Saddleback plans to open in early December 2023 for the 2023/2024 winter season.

What’s Under Your Feet When Hiking Saddleback

Saddleback is Maine’s third-largest alpine zone and second-most trafficked. With over 200 miles of visibility on a bluebird day, most people climb the mountain for the breathtaking 360-degree views, but the real treat is what’s under your feet.

The ridgeline is home to 3 miles of rare, and fragile alpine flora. There are less than 50 miles of alpine tundra like it in all of New England. As you start to climb above the top of the Kennebago Quad and ski patrol shack, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the trees start to change. These short, twisted trees are called Krummholz. Many Krummholz trees only ever reach 3 feet tall – even at 10 years old. The harsh conditions on the mountain force these plants to adapt to overcome the elements.

The ecosystem on Saddleback is incredibly diverse and home to some of the rarest plant and bird species in the East. Labrador-tea, Diapensia, and Bicknell’s Thrush are just a few species that call Saddleback’s summit their home.

Near the summit, there is another hidden gem you won’t find too often. A rare ALPINE BOG, that is commonly mistaken for a pond. This bog is extremely fragile and should not be used as a water source. Dogs and kids should not swim in, play in or drink from it.

If you continue past the Saddleback summit another 1.7 miles, you’ll find The Horn. The Horn sits at 4,041 feet making it one Maine’s fourteen 4000-footers. Did you know that ten out of the fourteen high peaks are located within 40 miles of Saddleback?

How can you help protect this fragile environment and beautiful ecosystem? Foot traffic only is permitted above the tree line. Hikers should always travel on durable surfaces above the tree line, like rock or dirt. Even though the life up here can withstand the elements, it can’t withstand trampling. It only takes 5 or 6 footsteps to kill 80% of an alpine plant’s root and, because of the short season they have, it takes 15-20 years for that to recover. Dogs should always be on leash above tree line. For more info on HIKING SADDLEBACK, reference this helpful PDF GUIDE from the APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY.

Enjoy Maine’s Appalachian Mountains

What better way to spend a summer’s day than with a hike in the Appalachian Mountains? Fishing, camping, backpacking, birding, and hiking are all activities available on the mountain this Memorial Day weekend.

•    Headed to the top? Get to the summit via Grey Ghost & Tri-Color. This 1.7 mile hike will take about 2.5 hours out-and-back.

 

•    For you peak baggers The Horn is 1.7 miles farther from the Saddleback AT Spur junction. That extra 3.4 miles of alpine hiking will snag 2 of Maine’s 4,000 Footers. Treat the delicate alpine zone with respect and stay on the trail.

 

•    Looking for something leisurely? Take an easier loop past Rock & Midway Ponds on the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. You can even bring your pole to wet a line. Let the wilderness wash over you and step into some remote Maine Forest.  With little elevation change, you can truly enjoy a stroll in the woods. Some trails turn to single track which makes you feel like you are truly out there.  Foot Traffic Only-No Mountain Bikes, ATVs, or Motorcycles.

 

•    Should You make it a two-fer? YES! Backpacking along the AT in our region is worth every step and bead of sweat. If you’re feeling spunky, take an overnight trip out to Eddy Pond or Piazza Rock and camp along the AT. You can make the out-and-back hike from the Saddleback Lodge via the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.  Include the Berry Picker’s trail to make the second day a nice loop of the mountain. Or, if you’re looking for something strenuous, you can park at the lodge and hike up the ski tails to the summit, bag The Horn, then slip over the backside and camp at Redington Stream Campsite along the AT.

No matter how you spend the weekend, THE PUB is the place to be afterward.  Enjoy an exciting summer menu from Chef Coco while enjoying the pristine beauty of Western Maine.  We’ll see you up here!

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain offers hikers a remarkable experience. While the majestic peaks and panoramic 360-degree views are undeniably captivating, it is the fragile alpine zone that truly makes Saddleback a natural wonder.  If you happen to be caught in a cloud up top, you’ll see that it feels like you’ve entered a whole different world.

Less than 1% of New England’s land area is in the alpine zone. These areas are isolated communities rich in diverse, unique plant and animal species. Due to the harsh mountain weather and geographical isolation, many of the species in these areas are rare or threatened.
Saddleback Mountain is one of the largest alpine zones in Maine. Only Katahdin has more true alpine terrain.  This area located above the tree line is a delicate ecosystem that supports a remarkable variety of plant and animal life. The harsh climate, combined with thin and nutrient-poor soil, creates a challenging environment that only the hardiest organisms can thrive in.  Kind of like Maine.

Exploring the alpine zone of Saddleback Mountain reveals a world of unique flora and fauna. You’ll encounter a resilient alpine lawn containing bilberry, crowberry, Bigelow’s sedge, tufted highland rush, and rare alpine blueberry. Mosses and lichens cling tenaciously to rocks, adding texture and beauty to the landscape.  Do not tread on these species since your single footstep could crush decades of growth.

As you venture higher, you may spot elusive alpine animals like the Snowshoe Hare, the Blackpoll Warbler, or even Bicknell’s Thrush who’ve expertly adapted to survive in this harsh habitat. These small creatures navigate the rocky slopes with agility, while birds serenade visitors with their melodious calls.

It’s crucial to remember that the alpine zone is delicate and easily impacted by human presence. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible hiking by sticking to designated trails to minimize disturbances to this fragile ecosystem. Tread lightly, avoid trampling on vegetation, and respect the signs protecting sensitive areas.  If you pack it in, then pack it out [TP included], don’t pile rocks, and please leash your dog.

It is each of our responsibilities to safeguard the alpine zone of Saddleback Mountain.  This way we can ensure the continued existence of its unique flora and fauna. Let us embrace and uncover the secrets hidden within this extraordinary environment as you immerse yourself in the wonders of nature at its most resilient. Leave only footprints and memories behind.

The Saddleback Spur Series: An Overview of The Fly Rod Crosby Trail

Sometimes it’s not about the mountain-top experience.  Sometimes being immersed in nature is all you are really looking for.  Spend a day on the mountain wandering through the forest spotting signs of moose, angling fish, or listening to the birdsongs.  Then hike out of the woods to a hot meal and friendly service.

If this sounds like the perfect day, then allow me to introduce you to the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, where history and nature converge to create a remarkable outdoor experience. This segment, maintained by volunteers of the HIGH PEAKS ALLIANCE, offers a glimpse into the extraordinary lifestyle of Fly Rod Crosby and showcases the breathtaking beauty of Maine’s western mountains.  Come see for yourself why Fly Rod spent her life inviting others to experience the secret beauties our region holds.

First, a Little History About Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby:

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, born 1854, emerged as a pioneer becoming the first registered Maine Guide. Her passion for the wilderness and her extraordinary angling skills earned her the nickname “Fly Rod.” Through her efforts, she championed Maine’s recreational opportunities and encouraged women to participate in these traditionally male-dominated activities.  This community trail is designed to allow those “from away” to easily experience the character of the region and, in that spirit, is named in honor of her. Learn More about Cornelia Crosby HERE.

A Bit About the Fly Rod Crosby Trail:

This proposed 45-mile route from Strong to Oquossoc was named after Cornelia who was the first to balance conservation and tourism within the region. The High Peaks Alliance’s goal for the trail is to help residents and visitors take an active interest in preserving the unique character of High Peaks communities and natural resources.  There are currently a little over 20 miles of hiking trail from Phillips to Rangeley.  You can find more information about the trail HERE.

More About the Saddleback Spur:

The Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail is a treasure trove for nature lovers.  We have our own Ski Patroller-turned-Trail Master Bob Greene and his team of caretakers to thank for the condition of the trails.  Due to the efforts of his volunteers, there is now a small system of trails allowing for loop hikes instead of out and back. Some sections are so new that the single-track trail feels more like a game trail than a hiking trail, my favorite.   See the MAP.

As you traverse this section, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including moose, deer, and various bird species. It is a perfect introductory hike for those up-and-coming anglers. Bring bug spray and cast the day away out on the ponds.

The trails wind over gradual, yet uneven terrain while passing through dense forest.  Along the loops are stunning views of the serene Rock and Midway ponds where, in less than a 15-minute walk, you can feel like you’re deep in the Maine Woods listening to the water lap against the shore.  Fishing is allowed in these waters.  Make sure to KNOW THE REGULATIONS AND HAVE A LICENSE.

So Where Can I Camp?

Unfortunately, no camping is allowed along the Saddleback Spur, however, you can find a cozy backpacking site if you keep walking out to where the Fly Rod Crosby Trail crosses the Appalachian Trail at Eddy Pond.  Crash here and hike to the top along the AT for a unique loop back down the ski slopes.

 

The Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail is an opportunity to connect with the legacy of an iconic figure in Maine’s outdoor history. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual nature lover, the Saddleback Spur offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in a journey that celebrates the indomitable spirit of exploration and adventure.  As you hike through this section, remember the remarkable contributions of Fly Rod Crosby and the ongoing efforts of the High Peaks Alliance to preserve Maine’s natural wonders.

 

So, now it’s time to lace up your hiking boots, grab your fishing rod, and embark on an unforgettable journey along the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.