After 65 Years, The Next Chapter Starts with You.
An Opportunity for Giving: Ski Tuesday
Growing up in Western Maine means being surrounded by mountains, lakes, and snowy winters that stretch on for months. Getting outside here isn’t just for fun, it’s part of who we are. For kids, those first moments of discovery in the outdoors create a lifelong appreciation for exploring, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging in their community.
We want every child in Rangeley to have that same experience. That’s why, years ago, we partnered with the Rangeley school district to create Ski Tuesday, a program that provides free ski lessons and rental equipment to local students each winter. For some kids, it’s their first time clipping into skis, working with an instructor who is not mom or dad, and feeling the excitement of getting geared up alongside their classmates. It is a chance to discover, to challenge themselves, and to fall in love with winter in Maine.
Programs like Ski Tuesday are possible thanks to the hard work of our team, the support of our partners, and the generosity of our community. When you give to Ski Tuesday, you help share the joy of skiing with the next generation and keep the spirit of winter alive in Western Maine.
Select parking spaces featuring signage recognizing the generosity of our supporters will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to donors giving $2,000 or more. These spaces are located behind the base lodge and available on weekends and holidays throughout the winter season.
To make a gift, visit the Venn Foundation and select the Saddleback program. Smaller donations can also be made easily through Venn’s PayPal link. For larger gifts, contact us directly so we can help ensure your contribution goes straight to supporting Ski Tuesday.
Follow this link to make a secure, tax-deductible donation through the Venn Foundation.
-
For smaller donations, Venn has provided a PayPal link for convenience, where you can select the Saddleback program as the beneficiary.
-
For larger donations (gifts over $500), please contact us directly so we can help arrange a direct ACH transfer to Venn. This ensures that all of the proceeds of your gift directly support the Ski Tuesday program.
Honoring the Legacy of Chris Massi
Saddleback’s story has always been written by the people who love this mountain and the wild places that surround it. Through its storied history, its challenges, and its remarkable comeback, one thing has remained the same: a shared belief in the power of the outdoors and the joy of passing those experiences on to the next generation.
Chris Massi embodied that belief. Not only did he learn to ski about the same time he could walk, but his life’s work was centered on supporting opportunities for others and protecting the places that make those moments possible. Chris found deep meaning in Saddleback, where he loved both teaching kids to ski and dedicating his time to supporting Saddleback and these vital programs. His passion and commitment for introducing young people to the outdoors reflects the very heart of the Ski Tuesday program.
With the support of Chris’s family, we are honored to dedicate this year’s Ski Tuesday program to his memory. By supporting this program, you are helping to carry forward what meant so much to Chris and inspiring future generations to discover a love for skiing, the outdoors, and the Rangeley community.
We hope this connection serves as inspiration for your giving. Together, we can ensure that Chris’s legacy lives on through the joy and discovery experienced by every child who takes part in Ski Tuesday.
Philanthropy at Saddleback Mountain
Support Ongoing Community & Economic Development Projects
Being owned by Boston-based Arctaris Impact Fund gives Saddleback a mission beyond being a profitable ski area. We are committed to our communities both on and off the mountain and thanks to generous donors, this partnership between Saddleback and Rangeley continues to thrive.
We seek support for these community initiatives through our partnership with Venn Foundation which ensures that each one meets their strict definition of a charitable community economic development project. To learn more about a project or to make a pledge, please contact Matt Dieterich at matt.dieterich@saddlebackmaine.com.
Projects Completed with the Help of Community Donations
Saddleback House – Workforce Housing for Rangeley
With both private and shared rooms, a common kitchen area, as well as ski-in/ski-out or bike-in/bike-out trailside living, the Saddleback House was designed to attract and retain staff who work at Saddleback during the winter and pivot to other local businesses during the summer. The goal has been to make Rangeley, with its stunning natural scenery, rugged mountains, and world-renowned waterways, a national destination for those who want to live and work in this remarkable community. We’re now 4 seasons into this project, and we’re on the path to achieving everything we’ve set out to accomplish!
The initial $1.5 million gift to support the development of critically needed workforce housing for the greater Rangeley region helped get work started. The donation was made by Susan and Fritz Onion in collaboration with the Venn Foundation. Saddleback House is not operated for profit, but for building a sustainable seasonal workforce in Rangeley.
