In these conversations, we often provided these first-time visitors helpful tips to make their ski day even more enjoyable. Here are a collection links and information to help the first-timer (and many-timer) get the most of our their ski day at Saddleback.
Trail Conditions & Weather
MaineSkiFamily tip: While not every day is blue bird and sunny, we always have a good time skiing no matter the conditions. Don't let a marginal weather forecast ruin your ski day. Gear up and get out there!
Lift Tickets
The lift ticket office is located on the second (main) floor of the base lodge. Look for the ticket office next to the first set of lodge doors as you access the base area.
MaineSkiFamily tip: BUY YOUR LIFT TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME! This will save you time at the ticket window AND save some serious money off the walk-up lift ticket rates. Visit the Saddleback Lift Ticket page to grab your lift ticket.
Driving Directions
Any and all directions to Saddleback should lead you to Route 4 in Rangeley to the Dallas Hill Road to the Saddleback Mountain Road. Saddleback is about 7 miles from Route 4 in Rangeley. If you are using the location name in your GPS or Google Maps etc. use "Saddleback Ski Area and Bike Park" to find the correct address.
MaineSkiFamily tip: If your GPS tries to direct you to a back dirt road on your way to Saddleback... don't do it! Also, if anyone tells you that Saddleback is a way longer drive then Sugarloaf, it isn't!
Parking
Saddleback has three main parking lots just above the base lodge. There is also limited parking at the lower South Branch quad area, but you need to have your lift ticket or season pass already in hand in order to load the lift. On busy days, they may park vehicles down the access road but be on the lookout for a handy shuttle bus to get you up to the base lodge quickly. Take a look at the Saddleback Trail Map to review the parking locations on the mountain. If you have an electric vehicle note that 12 EV charging stations are available just below the base lodge on the access road.
MaineSkiFamily tip: Before parking drive through the drop off circle right in front of the base lodge and have the friendly Saddleback hosts in the yellow jackets help you unload your gear. The hosts are available to answer any questions you may have as well!
Base Lodge & Amenities
The Saddleback base lodge is one of the more pleasant lodges in New England. Its post and beam structure and the main room fireplace makes it warm and inviting. Like most ski areas, it can get busy on weekends and holidays. You can bring your lunches and gear bags into the lodge, just make sure to utilize the cubbies for your things when you are not sitting at a table. Restrooms are located by the second (main) floor ticket office and downstairs by the door closest to the ski trails.
MaineSkiFamily tip: For those looking for Ski School and Equipment Rental services these spaces are located downstairs. The Saddleback Retail Shop and Ski Patrol are located downstairs as well. Click the links for more information.
Trails & Lifts
If you are new to skiing or riding, make sure you can easily master the trails below the base lodge before venturing up the mountain. We think Saddleback has one of the best learning areas in the east!
Saddleback lifts open at 8:30am weekends and holidays, and 9:00am on weekends. Always check the Saddleback Daily Report before your day for any changes to lift statuses and trail closures.
MaineSkiFamily tip: In the spring after the time change to Daylight Savings Time, keep an eye on the Saddleback Daily Report for later lift opening time announcements so we can take advantage of warm spring sunshine, soft hero snow and après on the deck!
Food & Drink
The Saddleback base area has 3 main places to grab food & drink. The Pub on the top floor of the base lodge offering table services eats and a bar (access via the stairs located next to the ticket office), The Market on the main floor offering cafeteria style offerings and Sneaky Pete's located in a cabin outside the base lodge offering Après food and drink options. Check out Saddleback's Dining page for more information.
MaineSkiFamily tip: Keep an eye out for the newly constructed Mid-Mountain Restaurant. What we know is that it is targeted for a December 15, 2023 grand opening. Located at 3,620 feet at the top of the Rangeley chair, the building will feature ski-up food and beverage kiosk, bathrooms, merchandise area and space for indoor and outdoor dining.
Overnight Lodging
If you are interested in a multi-day stay at Saddleback, check out the Saddleback Lodging page for a variety of on and off-mountain lodging options.
MaineSkiFamily tip: The White Birch, South Branch, Parmachenee A-Frame and Mountain Brook developments are below the base lodge, while the Magalloway Loop and Rock Pond developments are above the base lodge. It's always a treat to be able to click out of your skis and step into a warm condo at the end of your ski day.
Other things to do in the Rangeley Area
We hope you have a great time visiting Saddleback and the Rangeley area!
On the weekends and school vacation days there are skiing Hosts with the yellow jackets on the mountain that will assist you as needed or offer to take your keepsake photo.
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