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    Maine, USA · Indy

    Saddleback

    440 acres, 68 runs in the Rangeley Lakes. Reopened 2020, named #1 in the East by SKI Magazine.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    12 Dec 2025
    Closes
    19 Apr 2026
    Days open
    128
    Annual snow
    19ft
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Saddleback's summit reaches 4,123 feet, dropping 1,662 vertical feet to a base at 2,461 feet across 68 runs spread over 440 acres in the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine. Terrain splits 33 per cent intermediate, 32 per cent beginner, 25 per cent advanced and 10 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 225 inches. The resort carries Indy Pass affiliation. Six lifts, including three quad chairs, serve the mountain alongside one surface lift and two t-bars.

    Saddleback's remote Rangeley Lakes setting keeps crowds notably lighter than Maine's larger, more accessible resorts, a character that has become central to its identity since reopening after a lengthy closure. The mountain's classic New England layout and terrain variety have earned it strong reader recognition in recent years, an unusual result for a resort still rebuilding its full destination infrastructure. Its comparatively high snowfall total supports reliable natural conditions.

    Saddleback opened in 1960 and built a loyal following through the 1970s under owner-manager John Christie, with the Berry family later investing more than 40 million US dollars in lifts, trails and lodging starting in 2003. The resort closed after the 2014-15 season when its owners put it up for sale without finding a buyer, leaving Saddleback shuttered for five consecutive seasons. On 31 January 2020, Arctaris Impact Fund purchased the resort for 6.5 million US dollars.

    Saddleback reopened on 15 December 2020 after five years of closure, with Arctaris committing to invest a total of 38 million US dollars over the following seven years. The turnaround has been striking: Down East Magazine named it Best in Maine for 2022, 2023 and 2024, and SKI Magazine's reader survey ranked it the number one resort in the East for 2025, just five years after its dramatic reopening. Adult daily tickets run from 89 to 139 US dollars, with multi-day packages from 200 dollars.

    1,660ft
    Vertical
    68
    Runs
    440 acres
    Skiable
    19ft
    Annual snow
    Indy
    Pass
    The Terrain

    68 runs across 440 acres skiable

    Saddleback spreads 68 runs across 440 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 33%, with 22 beginner runs to find your feet and 24 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    68
    runs
    68 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner22 runs · 32%
    Intermediate22 runs · 33%
    Advanced17 runs · 25%
    Expert7 runs · 10%
    Time it right

    When to visit Saddleback

    The 2025-26 season at Saddleback ran from 12 December 2025 to 19 April 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 225 inches, a relatively high total for a Maine resort. This snowfall level has been part of the mountain's appeal since its 2020 reopening, supporting reliable natural conditions across its 440 acres. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.

    Midwinter, from January through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to Saddleback's varied terrain. The resort's remote Rangeley Lakes location keeps crowds meaningfully lighter than Maine's larger resorts, even during peak periods, a quality frequently cited in its recent reader-survey recognition. Weekday visits in particular remain notably quiet.

    Since reopening in December 2020, Arctaris Impact Fund's ongoing seven-year, 38 million US dollar investment plan has continued to shape the resort's seasonal offerings and infrastructure. The recognition from Down East Magazine as Best in Maine for three consecutive years and SKI Magazine's number one Eastern resort ranking for 2025 has brought increased visitor interest during the current rebuilding phase. School holiday periods bring the heaviest family visitation.

    Specific event programming beyond standard lift operations is not confirmed in available resort information. The five-year closure between 2015 and 2020 remains a significant part of Saddleback's recent history, with the resort's current trajectory framed explicitly around its comeback under Arctaris ownership. Its Indy Pass affiliation continues to draw visiting skiers from beyond its traditional Rangeley Lakes catchment.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    12 Dec 2025
    Opens
    19 Apr 2026
    Closes
    128
    Days open
    19 ft
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Saddleback, and where to stay

    Saddleback sits in the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine, with a base elevation of 2,461 feet and a summit at 4,123 feet across a 1,662-foot vertical drop over 440 acres. This is one of the more remote parts of Maine's ski country, set among lakes and forested mountains well north of the state's coastal population centres.

    Rangeley is the nearest town, a small lakeside community offering lodging and dining that has grown alongside the resort's fortunes through its closure and subsequent reopening. The broader Rangeley Lakes region draws visitors for fishing, hiking and lake recreation beyond winter sports, giving the area a four-season identity distinct from Maine's coast. Portland and the state's more populous south lie several hours south by road.

    Maine State Route 4 and Route 16 provide the main routes into the Rangeley area from the south and west, with the drive from Portland typically taking around two and a half hours. Winter driving conditions on these rural Maine roads can include snow and ice, and the remoteness of the Rangeley Lakes region means travellers should plan accordingly. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.

    Portland International Jetport is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, roughly two and a half hours south of Rangeley. This distance from the nearest major airport reinforces Saddleback's remote character relative to Maine's more accessible resorts, with most visitors making the drive from Portland or elsewhere in New England rather than flying closer to the mountain itself.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Saddleback, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    26 Aug 2026

    Saddleback Lift Tickets

    Saddleback lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Saddleback closed on Apr 19, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$49, with peak rates up to US$139.

    Indy10 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Adult 1-Day All Mountain

    US$89up to US$139 peak

    Full day access to all 68 trails at Saddleback, Maine's Best Mountain by Down East Magazine. Experience 2,000 feet of vertical and legendary Casablanca glades at the highest base elevation in New England.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–18

    Teen 1-Day All Mountain

    US$69up to US$109 peak

    Discounted full day access to Saddleback's 68 trails for teens. Enjoy Maine's legendary independent mountain with 440 acres of skiable terrain and natural snow conditions.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–79

    Senior 1-Day All Mountain

    US$69up to US$109 peak

    Senior pricing for full day access to Saddleback Mountain. Experience Maine's favorite mountain with panoramic views and challenging terrain.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Junior 1-Day All Mountain

    US$59up to US$85 peak

    Junior rates for full Saddleback mountain access. Perfect for young skiers to experience Maine's premier independent resort with beginner-friendly terrain and expert challenges.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–4

    Child Under 5 Free

    Free

    Free skiing for children under 5 at Saddleback. One-time $5 RFID card fee required. Experience Maine's best family mountain with gentle learning slopes.

    Buy pass
    Senior 80–99

    Super Senior 80+ Free

    Free

    Complimentary skiing for seniors 80+ at Saddleback Maine. One-time $5 RFID card fee applies. Enjoy unlimited access to Maine's legendary mountain.

    Buy pass
    Adult 6–64

    Lower Mountain & Wheeler Slope Only

    US$49up to US$59 peak

    Beginner terrain access at Saddleback including South Branch terrain and Wheeler Slope terrain park. Perfect for learning at Maine's premier independent mountain.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    Maine Resident Thursday

    US$69

    Special Maine resident pricing every Thursday at Saddleback. Over 50% off regular rates for Maine locals. Valid ID required.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    2-Day All Mountain

    US$200up to US$250 peak

    Two consecutive days of skiing at Saddleback Maine. Experience the legendary Casablanca glades and diverse terrain across 68 trails.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    5-Day All Mountain

    US$390up to US$490 peak

    Five consecutive days of unlimited skiing at Saddleback Maine. Maximum value for serious skiers wanting to experience every trail and glade.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Saddleback day pass cost?+
    Saddleback day passes range from US$49 to US$139 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Saddleback lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Saddleback lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Saddleback, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Saddleback lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Saddleback - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Saddleback lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Saddleback offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Saddleback directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Saddleback.

    More Saddleback intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.