The skiing was fun and the mid-day rope drop on silky-smooth Blue Devil was a great bonus. And the Rangeley High Speed Quad still rocks! Here are 5 things you should know about Saddleback as they launch into Season 2 under Arctaris.
Snowmaking System - While they started making snow a bit later than they wanted due to shipping & logistical delays related to the installation of the new pump system... Saddleback has cranked out an impressive amount of snow and the new pumps have more than made up for lost time. All the chairlifts are open for the holiday week with high-quality man-made snow surfaces augmented by the 10+" of snow Saddleback has received over the past few days. Good snowmaking temps are forecasted this holiday week bring the anticipation of new trails opening. Looks like Silver Doctor is next! Check out this video by Maine Mountain Media highlighting the people and equipment behind the Saddleback snowmaking system.Silver Doctor Next on the List - New T-Bar & Rope Tow - Investment in the new lift infrastructure is ready to go. T's are hung on the new Cupsuptic T-Bar and the Rope Tow (that starts at the top of the Sandy Chair) is in position. The Roger Page Ski & Ride School was also using the new Molly Chunkamunk carpet lift for beginners at the base of the South Branch lift.
- Farmington to Rangeley Drive - The Route 4 road construction in the Madrid area is now complete which has made the Route 4 drive from Farmington to Rangeley super smooth and easy to drive. This along with being able to drop your gear right at the base lodge before parking makes a day-trip to Saddleback super-easy when compared to other mountains.
Lodge Access & Bags - Lodge access is "more normal" than it was last year but there are still COVID precautions in place. Staff are wearing masks and guests are encouraged to do so when they are not actively eating or drinking. Important: Bags must be stored in cubbies and not on or under tables. Or they will be moved. We applaud this bag policy!Smelt Streamer Open for the Season - New Retail Shop Location - Saddleback moved their retail shop to the "ski trail" side of the base lodge on the ground floor. Much better visibility and access for the customers. The retail shop is well stocked for all your skiing needs. Pro Tip: Buying a gift card that can be redeemed in the retail shop or lodge food establishments is a breeze on-line.
Additionally, Arctaris / Saddleback was recently awarded the Business at Work Maine Award from the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). This is great validation of the work they are doing to help build a sustainable economic engine in the Western Maine region.
Family Fun on Gray Ghost
Saddleback midweek was my go-to place in 2021 to shelter from the spread of COVID. Very few folks unitil about 3pm and primo lift and snow ops made for a marvelous first season opener. You can't beat Cassablanca glades. What's great is that when they get snow, they keep it. Far enough north it doesn't suffer from the big melt.
ReplyDeleteYes, booting up in the parking lot was some effort for this retiree, but getting there early enough means you didn't have to walk so far. Nice to see the manager mingle with the crowd daily too. Can't ask for any more improvements, they've pretty much taken care of everything. According to the current web site gift certificates are only available in person. Sounds like last year, when they were still having challenges with their computer system (but it never impacted the customer experience), glad to see them shake out the bugs early.
Based on what I read in the Arctaris management summaries, the investment fund has an overall objective of 7 years of investments and operations, then they will likely flip the resort at a premium. I'm sure the future owner will need to generate a sizeable ROI meaning that SB will transform from a "ski area" to a "ski resort". That will certainly change the personality from a folksy, down-home place to a more expensive place pushing all-inclusive products. If you enjoy down to earth skiing, the next six years is the time to get it!