Saddleback Travel Guide

One of New England's most popular ski resorts, Saddleback is nestled in Maine's Rangeley Lakes Region and overlooks the town of Rangeley. Oozing Alpine charm with its natural beauty and uncrowded slopes, the resort spans 440 acres (178 ha) and boasts 66 runs for all abilities, including the biggest glade in the east at 44 acres (18 ha). It prides itself as one of New England's finest family ski and snowboard resorts, and is a great year-round destination that offers more than meets the eye. Saddleback is conveniently located close to both Portland and Bangor airports, making travelling with kids a dream. With a season stretching from November to late April, there's plenty of snow for everyone.

Skiing

With 66 runs and glades, including the largest in the east, there are slopes catering to all kinds of skiers. Beginners have a choice of 25 trails on the lower section of the mountain where skier traffic is low, intermediates can carve on up to 19 trails in the middle section, and 22 trails cater to the advanced and expert skiers on the upper part of the mountain on runs such as Muleskinner, Dark Wizard, and Nightmare Glades. The Freerider Terrain Park is located on the Wheeler Slope and includes a variety of terrain, rails, jumps and ramps; the Gee Whiz terrain is the perfect place for younger riders and beginners to hone their skills; and although the ski school is quite pricey, it's a great way for beginners to improve their skills.

Shopping

There isn't much shopping in the actual resort of Saddleback and holidaymakers will have to head to Rangeley to quell their urge to splurge. There's a good selection of shops along the main street including book stores, specialist sports stores and the Alpine Shop, which carries a nice range of clothing as well as interesting household goods and some sporting equipment.

Restaurants

Those looking to eat out will have to head to nearby Rangeley where a good range of restaurants lines the main street. Here, holidaymakers can either choose to grab a quick take-away and head back into the mountain, or enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the local pizzerias, barbeque spots, cafes or fine dining restaurants.

Nightlife

The apres ski in Saddleback is pretty limited but there's entertainment in the Swig-N-Smelt Pub upstairs in the base lodge from time to time. It closes relatively early most nights, however, leaving those looking for something a little more vigorous heading down to the nearby town of Rangeley for a more hip and happening nightlife scene along the picturesque main street, where everything from lazy pubs to upbeat bars can be found.

Holiday activities

Depending on the time of year travellers visit, Saddleback has plenty of varied activities. In the winter months visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing, and Rangeley features an ice skating rink behind the town office. Boating, hiking, fishing and mountain biking are popular summer activities.

Any negatives?

Marketed as more of a family resort, apres ski leaves a lot to be desired and party animals might be disappointed.