Saddleback Maine Offers Maine State Employees $29 Lift Tickets on Furlough Days

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback Maine is offering State Worker's Appreciation Days on three furlough days for Maine state employees for the 2010-2011 ski season. On Dec. 23, Jan. 14 and March 18, Maine state employees can purchase $29 lift tickets by showing their state worker ID.

"We hope this allows our state workers to enjoy their furlough days and take advantage of Maine's winter fun," said Chris Farmer, general manager of Saddleback.

State workers can also take advantage of a discounted Saddleback Learn to Ski or Ride package for only $49. The package includes a 2-hour lesson, full-day rental package of ski or snowboard equipment, and a South Branch Lift Ticket which includes almost four miles of the best beginner terrain on the East Coast. Reservations are required to insure instructor availability. State employees can buy a two day Learn to Ski package for $118 and get a third day free. State employees can choose which days to come this season as long as the first day is a furlough day. Second and third days include an adult group lesson, all day rental and upgradable South Branch lift ticket.

Saddleback Maine Launches Season Pass Competition for Colleges

Rangeley, ME - On Oct. 15, Saddleback is launching the 2010 Collegiate Season's Pass Challenge, a competition for college and university athletic teams, clubs, groups and organizations. Running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, any interested groups can register online with Saddleback and compete with other groups from their college or university to see which group can sell the most discounted Saddleback College Passes.

"We hope this competition is a fun way for students to raise money for their school group or athletic team, and encourages them to get outside and enjoy all that Maine has to offer in the winter," said Chris Farmer, Saddleback's general manager.

Each team will be given a promotional code which enables people to purchase a College Season Pass for the discounted price of $125 (regular priced College Passes are $149.00). Saddleback will give $10 to each team for every College Season Pass purchased using their code. In addition, the winning team from each college can attend a special College Day at Saddleback on Jan. 7, 2011. Members of winning teams will each be given two lift ticket vouchers for use on Jan. 7 they can share with their friends or faculty and the club selling the most passes will receive a trophy, too.

New Sebago Brewing Company Beer Presented at Saddleback Bluegrass Festival

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback General Manager Chris Farmer is pleased to announce that on Friday, August 6, the Sebago Brewing Company will be presenting their newest beer, Saddleback Ale, at the Swig 'n Smelt Pub in the Base Lodge as part of the weekend-long bluegrass festivities on August 6 and 7, 2010.

"We're really excited about the upcoming Bluegrass Festival and having the chance to share a new beer named for both Saddleback Lake and Saddleback Mountain with our friends is a great way to kick-off an excellent weekend of good music and great times," said Farmer.

On Friday, August 6, there will be live bluegrass music performed in the Swig 'n Smelt Pub. The pub will open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Two great Maine bands will perform from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., The Mueller Family, a band that has delighted audiences across the country and Erica Brown and The Bluegrass Connection. This is complimentary and a Festival ticket is not required.

On Saturday, August 7, the Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass festival will feature two of the top names in bluegrass music; the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience and the Del McCoury Band, along with the Infamous Stringdusters and performing together Darol Anger, Scott Law, Sharon Gilchrist, and Sam Grisman. Maine-based bluegrass bands The Jerks of Grass and the Stowaways will be performing as well.

Festival activities include live music, beer gardens and Saddleback Country Style Barbecue.
Festival gates open at 9:00 a.m. on August 7, with music from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. All VIP seating tickets are $65 and include a separate seating area in front of the stage and the closest parking. All other tickets are $35, and children 12 and under are free.

The Waybacks to Play at Saddleback Maine

Rangeley, ME - On Friday, July 30, The Waybacks will play in concert at Saddleback. Playing an inventive mix of bluegrass, country, blues and jazz, The Waybacks are known for their energetic live performances.

"The Waybacks kick off a summer of great music here on the Mountain," said Chris Farmer, general manager of Saddleback. "People say they're a great band to see perform live and we're looking forward to it. In August, you won't want to miss our Bluegrass Festival followed by Suzy Bogguss."

Tickets to The Waybacks are $18.00 and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. in the beautiful post-and-beam Base Lodge in an intimate setting with seating for only 200 people and plenty of room for dancing.

Saddleback Announces Ten Year Season Pass

Special Pass Part of Resort's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Rangeley, ME - Today, Chris Farmer, general manager of Saddleback announced that Saddleback's new Decade Pass is for sale. The Decade Pass will provide unlimited skiing and riding for ten consecutive years at Saddleback and costs $5,000.

The Saddleback Decade Pass is available now.
"Saddleback is excited to offer this unique pass," said Farmer. "It is one of the ways we are honoring Saddleback's 50th anniversary this year and we look forward to celebrating the anniversary in other ways through the upcoming months with our friends and loyal fans."

In honor of Saddleback's 50th anniversary, only 50 Decade Passes will be issued. For more information or to purchase a Decade Pass, click here.

Saddleback Offers Complimentary Moose Watching Tours in Rangeley

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback is once again offering complimentary moose watching tours twice each week in Rangeley during the summer months. Moose watching, a popular form of wildlife recreation in Western Maine, provides excellent photo opportunities and is a fun, family activity. Saddleback Moose Tours depart from the Guest Service Center on Main Street in Rangeley on Monday and Thursday evenings on the Saddleback Shuttle. Tours are about an hour and a half long, depending on how many moose are seen each night, and are free for all locals and guests visiting the Rangeley area.

"We've been seeing a record number of moose on our tours this year, frequently eight each night," said Kara Wilson of the Guest Service Center. "We've also seen baby moose, foxes and deer. The tours are a great way for people to see Maine's wildlife up close and Saddleback is pleased to provide this free tour."

The Moose Tour follows Route 16, also known as 'moose alley,' which heads to the Eustis-Stratton area.

Reservations are required. Tours typically depart around 7:15 pm, but times change as daylight wanes in the later part of the summer. Please contact the Guest Service Center at (207) 864-5496.

Saddleback Owners Announce New Management Structure

Rangeley, ME - Bill and Irene Berry, owners of Saddleback Maine, announced today that Christopher C. Farmer, Esq., will become general manager of the ski resort effective immediately. Farmer, a native of Franklin County and graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, has been serving as director of real estate, planning and development, and legal counsel to the mountain resort since May of 2008. The second and third generations of the Berry family will become more actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the resort. Warren Cook, whose management contract has come to an end, has decided to leave and pursue new interests; however he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.

Bill Berry commended Cook for his outstanding service and hard work in reorganizing Saddleback's management, and putting a strong structure in place that will allow Farmer to hit the ground running in his new role. An overall commitment to guest service, quality snow surfaces and active marketing of Saddleback has resulted in the increase in numbers of skiers and riders buying lift tickets and season passes.

Saddleback Maine's PEAK Program is Expanded to All of New England

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback Maine is expanding the ski resort's PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) program to honor roll students in all of New England. Honor roll students in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are now eligible to purchase a season pass for only $99.00. Maine honor roll students can purchase a PEAK pass for just $59.00.

"Our Maine PEAK pass was such a great success this past season, we thought, why not encourage all of New England's kids to do well in school?" said Bill Berry, owner of Saddleback. "The program is a great way to encourage our children to excel in school and enjoy outdoor recreation in winter."

Launched in 2009, Saddleback's PEAK Program originally rewarded Maine's honor roll students in grades K-12 with a discounted season pass. Now, Maine honor roll students qualify for the $59 season pass and honor roll students in the other New England states qualify for the $99 season pass. The PEAK program, supported by Governor Baldacci, is designed to encourage students to perform well in school, to help curb childhood obesity, and to promote getting outside and enjoy winter sports.

Saddleback Bluegrass Festival Now a Weekend-Long Event

Rangeley, ME - Rounding out a day-long music festival featuring two of the top names in bluegrass music, there will now be additional live bluegrass music performed in Saddleback's Swig 'n Smelt Pub in the Base Lodge on Friday, August 6, 2010 prior to the Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, August 7, 2010. The pub will open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Two great Maine bands will perform from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., The Mueller Family, a band that has delighted audiences across the country and Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection. No ticket is required.

"People are also welcome to bring their own instruments for some spontaneous playing in addition to the local bands performing in the Pub. It will be a great way to kick off a weekend of music and fun," said Mark Robie, festival director. "Everyone who has a ticket for the Bluegrass Festival is welcome to camp for free on the mountain as well." Camping and lodging will be available on and off-mountain. Camping reservations are required.

The Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass festival will feature two of the top names in bluegrass music; the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience and the Del McCoury Band, along with the Infamous Stringdusters and performing together Darol Anger, Scott Law, Sharon Gilchrist, and Sam Grisman. Maine-based bluegrass bands, The Jerks of Grass, and the Stowaways will be performing as well.

Festival activities include live music, beer gardens and Saddleback Country Style Barbecue.
Festival gates open at 9:00 AM on August 7, with music from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM. All VIP seating tickets are $65 and include separate seating area in front of the stage and the closest parking. All other tickets are $35, and children 12 and under are free.

Saddleback Maine's 2009-2010 Season is Best in Mountain's History

Rangeley, ME - Saddleback Maine's 2009-2010 season ended on April 11, 2010 and Saddleback staff and management were pleased at the resort's performance.
"This was a great year for Saddleback," said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback Maine. "In fact, this has been the best year ever. We had more guests visit Saddleback this year than any other year in our 49 years in operation."
Saddleback's revenue was up by 40 percent and skier visits were up by 15 percent over the previous year.

Cook noted several factors in the ski resort's success, including the opening of a new glade, Casablanca, which at 44 acres is the largest glade in the Northeast; improvements to the snow surface as a result of the additions to Saddleback's grooming fleet and the creation of the Saddleback PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) Pass program, designed to encourage Maine students to perform well in school, to help curb childhood obesity, and to promote getting outside and enjoy winter sports.

Saddleback is responding to the success of the season by continuing to make improvements to the resort. Casablanca will be expanded; summer trail grooming will be performed as well as base area maintenance. A parking lot expansion will be completed and the second South Branch II Condo Building will be completed for purchase.

Saddleback to Honor Roger & Patsy Page's Commitment to Region and Resort

Rangeley, ME - On April 3, Saddleback staff and friends will honor longtime members of the Rangeley and Saddleback communities, Roger and Patsy Page. Festivities will begin at 2:30 pm in the Swig 'n Smelt Pub and will be MC'd by former Saddleback owner, John Christie. Members of the community are encouraged to join the celebration to share stories about the Pages and help honor one of the area's ski greats. A portrait of Roger Page painted by Rangeley Lakes Regional School senior, Emma Christensen, will be unveiled at the event.

"The one constant in Saddleback's 50-year history has been Patsy and Roger," says former Saddleback general manager, Tom McAllister. "They've always been there. In all the ups and downs of the mountain, you could always count on Patsy and Roger, whether you were looking for advice or just wanted to talk, they were there."
In 1946, Roger started working at Stowe where he was in charge of the youth programs that produced the likes of Billy Kidd and other great Olympians. His other students included Maria VonTrapp of the famous singing VonTrapp Family, and Whiting Willauer of the Flying Tigers. In 1953, when the Saddleback Corporation was formed, the Pages bought 100 shares.

"Roger Page has been a hero of mine for over fifty years, from his coaching days at Stowe, to his teaching in the ski school at Sugarloaf, to his considerable role in the history of Saddleback, dating back to its very beginning," said Christie. "How fitting that Roger and Patsy be honored by the place to which they devoted so many of their talents, and so much of their lives. We're all fortunate that they are part of our lives."

Saddleback Maine to Host Ski Mountaineering Race

Rangeley, ME - On Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 Saddleback Maine will host the second annual Saddleback Mountain Challenge. This is a seven mile, 1800' vertical Randonee/Ski Mountaineering Race with men's and women's divisions. First place winners receive a 2010-2011 Season Pass to Saddleback.
"Last year's inaugural race was a great event and we're excited to do it again," said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback. "This is a monster of a race that will challenge experienced randonee or telemark skiers."

Competitors will navigate a route that gains approximately 1800 vertical feet, includes green, blue, black, and double black terrain and encompasses the entire skiing boundary of Saddleback Mountain.
There will also be silver and bronze prizes. For all participants there is a commemorative t-shirt, Ski Patrol Spaghetti Dinner and celebration in the fireplace room in Saddleback's beautiful post and beam base lodge, followed by fireworks at 7:30 pm.
Saddleback Info

Saddleback Maine Visitors Enjoy Dog Sled Rides and Miles of XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

Rangeley, ME - Visitors to Saddleback Maine can benefit from the close-proximity of the ski resort to the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (RLTC) that offers both dog sled rides and 65 kilometers of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
"Having the RLTC so close to Saddleback's Base Lodge provides families and groups a wonderful variety of winter activities beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding," says Conrad Klefos, director of marketing at Saddleback. "Our guests appreciate experiencing Rangeley's woods and mountains in many ways, and dog sled rides and Nordic skiing are fantastic options to compliment Saddleback's on-mountain activities."

The RLTC has 65 km of groomed trails through woods and over frozen lakes. They offer ski and snowshoe rentals, wax, waxing benches, and clothing items in their lodge, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, soda, bagels, cookies, or other delicacies. Weekend passes range from $7-$17 and seniors and children under 7 are free. There are also discounted mid-week rates.
Saddleback Info

Jonathan Edwards Playing in Concert at Saddleback Maine

Rangeley, ME - Jonathan Edwards will be playing at Saddleback Maine on Saturday, February 13. Edwards, a folk singer, is best known for his crossover folk singles "Sunshine" and "Shanty."

Tickets are $30.00 and the show begins at 8:00 PM in the beautiful post-and-beam Base Lodge. Concert tickets are sold online at www.SaddlebackMaine.com, at the Base Lodge or by calling 866-918-2225.

"I think our venue is one of the best in the state," said Conrad Klefos, director of marketing at Saddleback. "There is room to dance, plenty of tables and a bar so you can have a drink during the performance. Plus, you can meet and greet the talent after the performance."

Mason Strunk, the grandson of Maine singer-songwriter Jud Strunk, will be opening for Edwards.
Saddleback Info

Commander Cody Playing in Concert at Saddleback Maine

Rangeley, ME - The Commander Cody Band will be playing at Saddleback on Saturday, January 16. A mix of honky-ton, country and rockabilly, Commander Cody is on tour to promote their first studio album in 20 years, Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers.
Tickets are $18.00 and the show begins at 8:00 pm in the beautiful post-and-beam Base Lodge. Concert tickets are sold online at SaddlebackMaine.com, at the Base Lodge or by calling 866-918-2225.
Originally formed in 1968, today the Commander Cody Band is comprised of George Frayne a.k.a. "The Commander" (leader /keyboards/vocals), Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals), Rick Mullen (bass) and Mark Emerick on lead guitar and vocals.
Saddleback Info

Saddleback Maine's Armed Forces Day Held on January 10

All Present and Past Members of the Armed Forces Ski Free

Randeley, ME - All U.S. Military veterans who have served in the armed forces from WWII to the present can ski at Saddleback for free on Saddleback's Armed Forces Day, Sunday, January 10, 2010. Military ID or DD214 will be required. There will be a ceremony at noon at the Base Lodge with Major General John "Bill" Libby of the Maine National Guard acting as MC, a live band from Mt. Blue High School in Farmington and bagpipes as well. This is Saddleback's way of showing the men and women who have served in the armed forces their appreciation.
"We are offering this day as a token of our appreciation to the men and women who have served our country," said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback. "All of our staff are looking forward to sharing our mountain with our troops this Sunday."
Saddleback is offering a special lodging package as well. All veterans can reserve a Ski & Stay package for $49.00 per day/night (at max occupancy). Other non-veteran occupants would pay only $69.00 each. Reservations can be made by calling 877-864-5441.
Saddleback also has a Learn to Ski or Ride Special for only $49.00 for veterans, which includes rental of either ski or snowboard equipment and a 2-hour lesson. Veterans that don't know how to ski can still take advantage of this special day. Veterans who choose to come again this season may purchase two days for only $118 and receive a third day free. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Ski and Ride School at 877-864-5441 ext 139.
Saddleback Info

64 Trails Open at Saddleback

Rangeley, Maine - Approximately three feet of snow fell at Saddleback since New Year's Eve, allowing the ski resort to open all but two of its trails, including Casablanca, the largest glade in the Northeast.


"The weather folks were spot on with their forecasting of this most recent weather event," said Conrad Klefos, director of marketing at Saddleback. "The storm trough pulled directly over Saddleback and it dumped! Best estimate we have is 24 to 30 inches overnight which brings the snowfall total since Thursday to 34 to 42 inches."
Klefos was one of the first skiers to try out the new 44-acre Casablanca. "I believe that this glade will catch a lot of wind blown snow and we will ultimately have some very deep bases there. The glade skis very well and it was exhilarating with this deep thick powder."
Saddleback Info

Cajun Band in Concert at Saddleback Maine

Rangeley, Maine - Grammy-nominated Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys of Louisiana will be playing at Saddleback on Friday, January 1, 2010. Steve Riley, a widely acknowledged master of the Cajun accordion, and his band will play rousing Cajun French music to ring in the New Year.

Tickets are $25.00 and the show begins at 8:00 pm in the beautiful post-and-beam Base Lodge in an intimate setting. Pre-concert dining is available at the Swig 'n Smelt Pub as well. Concert tickets are sold online HERE or at the Base Lodge or by calling 1-866-918-2225.
Saddleback Info

Saddleback's New Yurt Opens

Rangeley, ME - At a ribbon-cutting Monday, Saddleback Maine celebrated the grand opening of their new yurt at the base of the Kennebago Quad lift, called Kennebago Station. Before heading up the summit quad for another run, skiers and snowboarders can now rest and refuel with soups, deli sandwiches, and drinks at the yurt, which is equipped with heat, power, and composting toilets.

"The Kennebago Station will serve daily specials, like today's bacon potato soup and seafood chowder," said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback. "The yurt will be open on weekends and holiday weeks, like this one, so come on up." The regular menu includes deli sandwiches, brie fondue, hotdogs, Saddleback's signature fudge, cookies, and whoopie pies. Beverages are water, sodas, beer and wine.

A yurt has a very low impact on the environment and provides a cozy place to relax on the Mountain, where skiers can enjoy the sweeping views of the Rangeley Lakes.
Saddleback Ski Area Info