Opening for the season on December 17, Saddleback is bigger than you think, and different from the rest. Although it is one of New England’s finest family ski resorts, it also provides a high-elevation alpine experience with classic New England terrain, abundant snowfall and excellent snow conditions. Its 2,000-ft. vertical is greater than several well-known big resorts and its 4,120-ft. mountain with summit snowfields is one of only SEVEN ski mountains in New England that high. Sixty-six trails and glades range from gentle beginner slopes to rugged double black diamonds in its Kennebago Steeps — the largest steep skiing and riding facility in the East. Owned by a Maine family, Saddleback focuses on keeping the sport affordable and making each guest feel welcome. It offers majestic snow-covered conifers, pristine lakes and wilderness: this is the wild, unspoiled Maine. An honest alternative to today’s large resorts.

Saddleback invites you to breathe the pure mountain air among snow-frosted evergreens. With five lifts to 66 diverse trails and glades, Saddleback makes it easy to carve down its classic New England terrain. Find your “sweet spot” on the gentle slopes, rugged double black diamond trails and glades, or its Freerider Terrain Park.

With $59 lift tickets Saturdays and holidays and $49 Sunday through Friday of nonholiday periods, Saddleback offers a great value, a wide variety of season-long events for kids and families, and a nurturing on-site day care. Saddleback provides a big-mountain ski experience with a small-town feel, and they plan to keep it that way. For more information, please visit www.saddlebackmaine.com.