Five years after reopening, Saddleback is #1 in the East, according to SKI Magazine

RANGELEY, ME  – Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine has been named the number one ski resort in the East for 2025, according to SKI Magazine’s annual Reader Survey, the legendary publication announced today.

The SKI Magazine Reader Survey is the longest running and most comprehensive ranking in the ski industry, in which readers rank resorts in numerous categories, including lifts, grooming, dining, guest service, value, and overall satisfaction. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious and coveted resort ranking in the North American ski industry.

The number one ranking follows a number two finish in the 2024 SKI Magazine rankings, and cements Saddleback’s position as a premier skiing and snowboarding destination just five years after the resort’s dramatic reopening in 2020.

Arctaris Ownership
Following a five-year closure that began in 2015, Saddleback was purchased in 2020 by Arctaris Impact Investors, a Boston-based impact investment firm dedicated to revitalizing underserved communities.

Under Arctaris’ ownership, Saddleback saw an immediate infusion of capital investment, with numerous high-profile projects including a new high-speed detachable quad chairlift, a new t-bar, a new on-mountain dining facility, a new ski-in/ski-out employee housing facility, and extensive snowmaking upgrades.

“We are thrilled that Saddleback has quickly garnered recognition as a fantastic resort. Being the #1 ranked resort on the east coast is a proud accomplishment that builds on last year’s ranking as #4 in all of North America,” said Jonathan Tower, Founder and CEO of Arctaris Impact. “This new ranking affirms that skiers, snowboarders and vacationers value the authentic, independent ski vibe over the commercialism increasingly taking over the industry.  For a mountain that sat closed for five years before we acquired and reopened it in 2020, I’m especially pleased with how fast our amazing team went from zero to 100 to deliver a premier ski experience. The successful reopening of Saddleback has also been a major economic driver for Western Maine, supported by significant investments: three new chairlifts, ski-in/out workforce housing, The Nest (a new high elevation lodge serving world class cuisine), and a groundbreaking solar farm that produces double the electricity that the mountain uses.”

Arctaris’ investment in the resort has had impacts well beyond the Saddleback slopes, providing an economic stimulus to the Rangeley area by boosting winter visitation. In addition to drawing tens of thousands of skiers and snowboarders, Saddleback also provides jobs to hundreds of people who live, shop, eat, and recreate in the Rangeley area throughout the winter season.

“We’re proud of what the reopening has been able to provide to the greater Rangeley area,” said Matt Dieterich, Saddleback CEO. “The ability to create year-round and seasonal positions has provided new opportunities for the community and the economic impact contribution with the resort’s continued operation is meaningful to western Maine.”

Additional Accolades
The SKI Magazine ranking is just the latest in a series of accolades the mountain has received since its reopening. DownEast Magazine named Saddleback the top ski area in Maine in its “Best of Maine” survey from 2022-2024, and the New England Ski Journal ranked Saddleback number one in Overall Satisfaction in 2024. In addition, Saddleback was ranked as the number four resort in all of North America in the 2024 SKI Magazine Reader Survey (the overall North American ranking was discontinued in 2025).

65^th Anniversary
The 2025-26 winter season will mark the 65^th anniversary of Saddleback’s opening on January 1, 1960. The resort plans a number of promotions and events to mark the anniversary throughout the season, including a New Year’s Eve Birthday Bash on December 31.

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Media Assets:

Video B-Roll: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uc3g44vzakzlu888nkqe7/ANRpbMmI13yoknGN8ZweP1k?rlkey=w3hn3yzgta7boa462ktq27q4h&st=mnipeut9&dl=0

Images: Ski Magazine ’26

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About Saddleback
Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine, is renowned for its natural beauty, challenging terrain, and welcoming community. Saddleback boasts one of the highest base lodges in New England at 2,460 feet, offering pristine snow conditions and breathtaking views of Rangeley Lake. With over 600 skiable acres, including 88 acres of glades, and 55 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails, and mountain biking, Saddleback provides an expansive playground to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

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Media Contact:
Ethan Austin, Director of Marketing
ethan.austin@saddlebackmaine.com