Saddleback

[Edd]

I’m surprised at how much work is going into the base lodge, as I’ve said before. Looks like a new roof and replacing floors??

This is one of the nicer and newer lodges in New England. I wonder if there were some build quality problems.


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[Smellytele]

One thing they did was expand the floor space onthe2nd floor.


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[Glade Monkey]

I guess doppelmayer is onsite starting the lift install

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Progressing along and they are flying the towers up today (Friday 8/21) starting around noon.

 

[skinowworklater]

Happy to see Saddleback progressing amid this Covid crap. I've had my sights on skiing this area for far too long, will pull the trigger on the Test Drive Pass before the month ends for sure.

 

[Edd]

Saddleback installing new HVAC in response to COVID.


https://unofficialnetworks.com/2020/08/27/ski-resort-hvac/

 

[Not Sure]

Saddleback installing new HVAC in response to COVID.


https://unofficialnetworks.com/2020/08/27/ski-resort-hvac/

Nice story but some details about the new system would be nice . UV lights , ???

 

[Edd]

Nice story but some details about the new system would be nice . UV lights , ???

I agree, pretty short on details.

 

[skinowworklater]

:idea: Perhaps they need some volunteers to help with glade maintenance?

 

[Glade Monkey]

I'd be up for that if they post a work day, preferably mid week, but I'd do a weekend as well.

Looks like they have pros already working on them....a few of the pictures from the "Friends of Saddleback Mountain" FB group

 

[Smellytele]

As for the Berry family - did they really hold out? Seems to me they didn’t have any offers before except for the swindling Australian guy and the nonprofit type group.


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[machski]

Thanks for those pictures GM. Should be some skilled glade cutters up in those parts considering all the work done in Bracket/Burnt the better part of what, the last decade?

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[machski]

As for the Berry family - did they really hold out? Seems to me they didn’t have any offers before except for the swindling Australian guy and the nonprofit type group.


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I have to think someone or group made an offer or 2 just for the land but not necessarily to operate a ski resort.

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[deadheadskier]

I just bought a test drive ticket and booked a house in Rangeley Monday through Friday of NH school vacation week. Will ski Tu-Th.

Hard to beat at $135 for a three day lift ticket

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[Cat in January]

Looks like they have pros already working on them....a few of the pictures from the "Friends of Saddleback Mountain" FB group

View attachment 27031View attachment 27032View attachment 27033

From what I have heard it is singular as in pro, not pros. Good for photos though

 

[Newpylong]

As for the Berry family - did they really hold out? Seems to me they didn’t have any offers before except for the swindling Australian guy and the nonprofit type group.


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Holding out or not holding out aside, they certainly could have let the place go to shit while not operating but they spent a lot of money out of their pockets to keep the place maintained. Outside of the Rangley and Casumptic the lifts were maintained and so were the buildings, trails and snowmaking. If this was not the case, there would be no opening this year.

 

[Smellytele]

Holding out or not holding out aside, they certainly could have let the place go to shit while not operating but they spent a lot of money out of their pockets to keep the place maintained. Outside of the Rangley and Casumptic the lifts were maintained and so were the buildings and snowmaking. If this was not the case, there would be no opening this year.

They had to so they could eventually sell it. Let it go to shit and never be able to sell it.


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[Newpylong]

Nah. You just wouldn't be able to sell for a turn-key operation.

 

[Glade Monkey]

The maintenance was pretty minimal during the last 5 years. Biggest thing they did was run a groomer up the t-bar line occasionally to make it easier for people to skin up.

Besides the Rangeley double, the new owners took out the Sandy double and Cupsuptic T-bar, because they were beyond repair.
So the only remaining lifts are two newer quads (one which covers the learning terrain downhill from the lodge, and the Kennebago which covers the top half). The new HSQ build is proceeding nicely and they plan to replace the t-bar next year.
Also while expanding the upstairs of the lodge, they had to completely re-shingle the roof. Plus, all the snowmaking pumps were just sent out for rehab. They have started cleaning up the glades and mowing the trails which were getting somewhat overgrown. Last picture I saw of the yurt at bottom of the Kennebago, it didn't look like it could be saved, but hope springs eternal.
I am looking forward to taking a 4 minute ride on the new lift, versus the old (cold) 11 minute ride up.
I bought a test drive pass.

 

[Glade Monkey]

The new lift is starting to look like the brochure!
(from their FB group page)

 

[urungus]

Last picture I saw of the yurt at bottom of the Kennebago, it didn't look like it could be saved, but hope springs eternal.

According to this article the yurt has been removed https://www.newenglandskiindustry.com/viewstory.php?storyid=856