Dining

The Nest

Perched atop the Rangeley Quad side of the mountain at 3,620′ in elevation is Saddleback’s latest on-mountain dining experience, The Nest. One side of the restaurant is made entirely of glass, offering sweeping views of Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes, providing guests the opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty from a comfortable indoor sanctuary. The building is designed to be environmentally conscious in the heart of a boreal forest, with a living roof covered in hay-scented ferns and native lowbush blueberries. Locally sourced materials included pine boards stained with linseed oil and pine tar used for the siding. In addition, the facility is built on posts instead of a poured foundation to minimize disruption of the watershed.

What makes The Nest such a unique, elevated experience?

  • Ski In, Ski Out: The Nest is accessible directly from the Grey Ghost & Hudson Highway. 
  • Ski-Up Kiosk and Bar – coming soon! In addition to indoor/outdoor dining, a ski-up food kiosk and bar allow you to refuel and relax without interrupting the adventure. Please don’t ride away with your beverages.  
  • Elevated Culinary Delights: Honoring Maine’s Acadian heritage, The Nest will feature house-made delights like chowders, hand-pies, and fish cakes, while also embracing global flavors, including steaming bowls of Ramen. The Nest’s warm and inviting atmosphere will be reflected back on diners through the cuisine, creating a cozy haven, filled with the harmonious sounds of laughter and satisfied slurps. Chef Coco Chretien’s culinary journey roots back to growing up in a French Canadian family,  and took her from kitchens immersed in the ski culture of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley to culinary explorations in New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, and London. All shaping her cooking identity around French traditions—embracing butter, herbs, and a repertoire of delightful sauces. Coco’s culinary background influenced The Nest’s menu, seamlessly fusing tradition with distinctive adaptations to create a warm and welcoming space through its diverse array of dishes.
  • Please Note: there is no dedicated kids’ menu, but don’t worry there is something for every palate.
  • The restaurant will be open to ticketed skiers and riders only. Bathrooms are for patrons only. Purchase an uphill pass if you want to hike up and down with snowshoes. Please keep your boots on when at the Nest. Follow us on Instagram @saddlebackmaine for the latest.

In the Media

“Saddleback’s newest dining locale, The Nest, is tucked into the trees up on the mountain. The Nest is bright, open and unique with post-modern touches. It’s totally where James Bond would head for a break. Sure to be the must-visit spot this season.” – Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald.

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May 2024 – Saddleback was recognized by Maine Audubon as an inaugural Bird Safe Maine Award recipient for the design and development of bird safety measures at The Nest. Learn more.

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July 2024 – Saddleback and partners, PC Construction were recognized by Engineering News Record. The Nest won the ENR New England 2024 Best Project Award.