fwiw, sounded like BigSquaw may try to open ~mid-Dec

[bigbog]

Tried calling Big Squaw Mtn this afternoon...got a live human. I didn't ask much...just if they planned on opening this season..."mid December"? That's what the guy on the other end said..."going to at least get the lower mountain going". I hope they can get some good work done on their lift to the upper mountain...with inspection. A pretty mountain, if out of the way...and would be an inexpensive option from Sugarloaf, particularly for families.
Will keep on checking website, may shoot them email in early December as to any definite plans for the upper mountain.
Would be good news...but I haven't caught any additional info on their status via media....

$.01
STeveD

 

[Johnskiismore]

At a funeral I attended in Massachusetts last December, I met a relative of the owner of Big Squaw. He worked at the funeral home, forget how we got to talking about the mountain, and he said, that they were going to upgrade the mountain and fix all of its problems. Don't know if they have done anything.

 

[deadheadskier]

When was the last time the Upper Mountain lift ran? How much vert does the area lose without it?

 

[Johnskiismore]

I think it has been around six years since it ran, maybe more. They lose about 1,000' without the upper lifts running. Booooooo

 

[millerm277]

If I remember correctly, the upper lift had a very serious accident/problem that injured a couple people in the 03-04 season, and was never repaired.

 

[Johnskiismore]

Yes, I remember hearing about an accident and/or fire, but can't remember the details

 

[loafer89]

I skied there in March of 1998 and was fortunate enough to ride the summit chair before the accident closed it down. Big Squaw is not exactly easy to get to and makes Saddleback seem urban.

That said the views from the summit of Mount Katahdin and Moosehead Lake are spectacular and some of the runs where narrow and twisty.

 

[bigbog]

....

I am guessing..think it was the 03/04 season...chair's connection to cable broke free and slid back..something like that.
Think you could be pretty close on the lost mileage JSM...agree with you loafer89, pretty tough matching up against Saddleback's prices and terrain. Not much difference in drive time either..

$.01

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Here is the latest update that I am aware of regarding the huge Plum Creek developement around Moosehead Lake which would affect Big Moose(the new politically correct name of the ski hill). Would love to hear about any more recent updates.
http://www.plumcreekplanmaine.com/