Saddleback

[meat]

don't mean to hyjack the thread, but saddleback is very comparable to burke but even more of a retro feel, especially with the tbar. great glades, more challenging than burke (intimidator and black wizard are by far the tightest tree runs i have ever skied, and i have skied a quite a few). just want to note that i have driven the 3 hour drive from VT to ski saddleback and will definitely be repeating at least once a year if possible. likely when ME gets some snow that VT doesn't which happens at least once or two a season.

Sounds like this is a place that I should try, especially after a nor'easter that stays to the east and doesn't hit VT (maybe we will actually get a few next year). It seems like a place like burke that you really have to ski it before you understand how good it is and what it has to offer. Everybody I've talked to who has been there likes it. Just wondering if people would share some thoughts on place if you have been there.
-thanks

 

[nekgirl]

I 100% agree....A native Maineiac, have Saddleback a lot..one of my favorite places of all time!

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Saddleback is quite a haul for me, 4+ hours each way, and it's always worth the trip. I don't generally make the trek unless there's some fresh snow because it's so remote.

The terrain is outstanding. Although it does not have really sustained vertical on steeper trails, there's still plenty to keep things interesting. Most of the steeper terrain is off the Kennebago T or the top of the chair, so it's just under 1000' of vertical.

Trails like Muleskinner and Golden Smelt are true Old School beuts.

Many of the glades are more like local cut tree runs than glades. Dark Wizard is claustrophobic it's so tight. The woods are nearly all super tight spruce and there is very little "tree" skiing...the woods are too tight. I suspect there is some to be had, but things are well hiden at this point. There is LOTS of room for more terrain, even without extending beyond the current acreage.

The lodge is a gem and the employees are very friendly. The patrol is very helpfull and respectful of respsonsible exploration.

If you're looking for HS lifts and glitz, this is not the place for you. Also, I would imagine that the T-bar makes life a little tough if you ride one plank.

From NoVT, it's quite a slog accross 2. Riv reported bigger bumps on Rt 16 North of Berlin than on Outer Limits.

"Convenient to nowhere and always worth the trip"

 

[meat]

thanks for the replies and I love the fact that its rustic thats one of the reasons why I'm interested in the place.

Is it better than Sugarloaf, obviously its different, but I've never been to the loaf either. does saddleback generally get more snow?

 

[maineskier69]

It has the same positive vibe you get at MRG, but with snowboarders and a kicken lodge. Freindliest folk you will find, nobody is out for "the show". People enjoying a common interest with other people. Gnarly terrain and slow lifts, but you can find freshies all day long on a pow day. Never waited in a line there even on a weekend. Go show the love and give Saddleback a try, you will be glad you did.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

thanks for the replies and I love the fact that its rustic thats one of the reasons why I'm interested in the place.

Is it better than Sugarloaf, obviously its different, but I've never been to the loaf either. does saddleback generally get more snow?

The 'Loaf is more like Jay and Saddleback is more like MRG. As far as snow, they both get hit by the same weather pattern, for the most part (They are not very far apart, as the crow flies.)

For a large ASC resort, the 'Loaf still has a lot of soul, but Saddleback is the real deal. Saddleback has a lot of what is hard to find these days. I can appreciate that it's a haul and a big fuel bill to get over there when you have some great shiite right in your front yard. Get out and enjoy it. Its real New England.

 

[snoseek]

saddleback is even more appealing with the recent improvements. It seems like the new owners are doing good things up there. I went a couple of times this past season and was very impressed with the snow. also fresh snow does always seem to stick around much longer than sugarloaf, but its hard to top the vertical at the loaf

 

[loafer89]

Sugarloaf has gotten more snow in the last two winters that we up there, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 than Saddleback. I think because Sugarloaf is slightly further south and closer to coastal storms than Saddleback.

In February 2005 Sugarloaf had an easy 25"+ out of a major noreaster while Saddleback got 15-18".

We always ski at Saddleback while visiting Sugarloaf, just for a change of pace away from the evil empire of ASC.

 

[shwilly]

I would imagine that the T-bar makes life a little tough if you ride one plank.

Heh. Heh heh....ugh. You would imagine right. I still cringe thinking of all the spills I took trying to get on that stupid thing. It was the first T-bar I had ever seen. This past winter I was 4-for-4 on T-bar attempts, so maybe I will have better luck when I try it again.

The one time I made it up the T-bar, I got freshies on Muleskinner, so it was all good. For the rest of the day my wife was telling me how awesome the glades up top were and how sorry she was that I couldn't make it.

That particular day (pow day in um....March 05 I think?) there were horrible lines for the double at the base. I heard it was the busiest day of that winter. Normally there are very few crowds, it's true.

I've only been a couple times, but I agree with what everyone else said: Saddleback is the real deal and a vanishing breed, classic New England skiing with great vibes. The only down side is that it depends heavily on natural snow.

I love the Loaf and Saddleback. If ever two great mountains deserved more snow, it's them.

 

[loafer89]

I love the Loaf and Saddleback. If ever two great mountains deserved more snow, it's them.

I hope that is the case for next season, Maine is overdue for a normal snowy winter.