Saddleback Maine

[Newpylong]

Resplicing Rangeley haul rope today. Didn't make it to the off season I guess.

 

[jimmywilson69]

That's kind of a big deal. I guess that's why they did it ASAP

 

[Edd]

I’m totally assuming this haul rope is new along with the rest of the lift. I’m not a lift nerd. Maybe an installation error?

 

[cdskier]

I’m totally assuming this haul rope is new along with the rest of the lift. I’m not a lift nerd. Maybe an installation error?

It is normal for it to stretch. Usually they are able to wait until the off-season to shorten and re-splice it though. In this case it must have stretched a little more or quicker than anticipated.

Here's the details from Saddleback:

With a new lift installation, rope stretch is common. The rope on the Rangeley Quad is approximately 10,000 feet long and this morning crews removed 13 feet of rope to accommodate the existing and anticipated stretch. Removing this amount of rope is perfectly normal in a new lift installation and part of routine adjustments and maintenance. Thank you to the Doppelmayr USA crew for assisting our mountain ops team in this project.

 

[Edd]

It is normal for it to stretch. Usually they are able to wait until the off-season to shorten and re-splice it though. In this case it must have stretched a little more or quicker than anticipated.

Here's the details from Saddleback:

Dang, what a completely rational explanation for a ski area doing something weird. Just from online communication I detect a fair amount of competence from management.

 

[deadheadskier]

Russell Cove is definitely the spot to stay in Rangeley. Probably 15 or so homes ranging from 1 bedroom camps to the 4 bedroom house we stayed at. Nice common area for the association. Right across the street from the bowling alley and a half mile walk into town. Between the great mountain and town, there really is no better spot in New England to take a ski vacation

 

[deadheadskier]

Except for Okemo, Mt Snow or Killington obviously. That's why more people go there than here.

 

[Domeskier]

My decisions on where to ski are probably never guided by which mountain is “best.” Most often, my decision is based on matters of convenience, including proximity and marginal cost. The fact that 90% of my days are in the Poconos should not in any way be construed to mean that I wouldn’t rather be at a better mountain like Saddleback, all things being equal. All it means is that factors more important to me than “which mountain is best” determined my decision. Often, the best decision for me is to ski at a worse mountain.

 

[deadheadskier]

Perfect customer service by Saddleback. I had bought a test pass last summer. 3 days for $135 and booked this midweek up there to ski for three days. Had a good buddy come to join us and his retail price for three days was $182.

They announce they are closing on Thursday, I think on Sunday? I email them and ask if there is anything they can do for us as we are missing out on a day of skiing due to maintenance. Sending us gift cards for the value of the days lost. Not vouchers to come back this season or next. You come back and spend that money with us when you are able.

 

[Newpylong]

Today. 100% open - 'nuff said.

 

[Edd]

Today. 100% open - 'nuff said.


View attachment 50757View attachment 50758

I’m here too. Today was epic and we’re here until Thursday. It’s amazing.

 

[KustyTheKlown]

is the natural stuff still skiing well? i tried to go to saddleback last monday and it was a big fat failure (wind holds) with a 10 hour round trip drive to not ski. it sucked. i'll get there eventually.

 

[Edd]

is the natural stuff still skiing well? i tried to go to saddleback last monday and it was a big fat failure (wind holds) with a 10 hour round trip drive to not ski. it sucked. i'll get there eventually.

That‘s a kick in the balls, sorry. Yes, ungroomed is skiing very well.

 

[parahelia]

Does anyone know how the woods are holding up? Heading to ME for 5 days and was wondering about day tripping from the SR area to either Saddleback or the loaf. Sounds like it might be worthwhile despite the lack of recent snow - hopefully last week's wind didn't bring down too many trees.

 

[Newpylong]

By noon yesterday the snow had softened up and the non-groomers were also great. As for snow depth, I stopped to take a piss once in Casablanca and leaned on my pole by mistake and it disappeared so.

 

[reefer]

Jealous. Looks a lot like the Loaf.

 

[Smellytele]

Jealous. Looks a lot like the Loaf.

Terrain is better in my book.

 

[Newpylong]

It's got that same in your face appearance when you drive up that's for sure.

 

[Edd]

Some pics from yesterday. Spring snow but not mashed potatoes. Everything still in play. It was so good.

 

[MG Skier]

Wow, I'm very jealous. Glad you got after it!!!