Saddleback Mountain, Maine Weather Cams
Top of the World Cam
Top of the Rangeley Cam
Lodge Cam
The Resilient Journey of Saddleback Mountain Ski Area
Saddleback Mountain, Maine Weather Cams. Nestled in the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain Ski Area has a storied history marked by ambition, setbacks, and revival. Since its inception in the 1960s, the resort has been a beloved destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
The Early Years: A Vision for Skiing in Rangeley
The idea for Saddleback Mountain as a ski resort emerged in the late 1950s when local businessmen sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of skiing in New England. Ski area designer Sel Hannah was brought in to evaluate potential sites, ultimately favoring Saddleback over nearby Bald Mountain. The Rangeley-Saddleback Corporation was formed in 1958, securing a lease on land previously used for logging operations.
Despite initial plans to open in the 1959-60 season, delays pushed the resort’s debut to December 31, 1960, when the first T-Bar lift began operating on Wheeler Slope. By January 1961, a second T-Bar was installed, providing access to Grey Ghost and Hudson Highway trails. The resort expanded rapidly, adding new trails and lifts, including the 4,600-foot Mueller double chairlift in 1963-64, which was the longest in Maine at the time.
Ownership Changes and Legal Battles
Saddleback faced financial difficulties early on, leading to multiple ownership changes. In 1965, J. Richard Arnzen purchased the resort, but his tenure was cut short by his untimely death in 1972. Over the next three decades, the resort changed hands five times, with each owner attempting to expand and modernize the facilities.
One of the most significant challenges came in the 1980s when the National Park Service sought to acquire land around Saddleback for conservation purposes. The resort’s owner at the time, Donald Breen, fought a lengthy legal battle, ultimately donating 570 acres and selling 600 acres to the government for $4 million. Though this allowed Breen to continue developing the resort, the prolonged dispute drained resources and delayed progress.
The Struggles of the 2000s
By the early 2000s, Saddleback was struggling financially. The Breen family, which had owned the resort since the 1970s, announced in 2003 that they would not operate the ski area for the upcoming season. Bill Berry, a Saddleback skier and condo owner, stepped in to purchase the resort, initiating an aggressive expansion plan. Under Berry’s ownership, Saddleback saw improvements such as a renovated main lodge, new chairlifts, and expanded terrain.
Despite these efforts, financial difficulties persisted, and in 2012, the Berry family put the resort up for sale. By 2015, operations ceased entirely, leaving the future of Saddleback uncertain.
A New Era: Revival and Growth
After five years of closure, Saddleback was purchased by the Arctaris Impact Fund in 2020, marking a new chapter in its history. The new ownership invested heavily in infrastructure, installing a high-speed quad lift, expanding snowmaking capabilities, and introducing modern amenities such as RFID scanners and EV charging stations. The resort reopened on December 15, 2020, to enthusiastic skiers eager to return to its slopes.
Since its revival, Saddleback has continued to grow, earning recognition as Maine’s best ski resort in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Future plans include the addition of a solar farm, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability and long-term success.
Conclusion
Saddleback Mountain Ski Area’s history is one of perseverance and transformation. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its struggles and eventual resurgence, the resort has remained a cherished destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. With continued investment and innovation, Saddleback is poised to thrive for generations to come.
For more information, visit the Saddleback Mountain, Maine official website.