Many feel confident Saddleback buyer will be found
RANGELEY – Despite an announcement last week that Saddleback Mountain will remain closed until a buyer is found, residents here are optimistic, and keeping their fingers crossed that someone will buy before the first flake falls.
“Maybe I am a Pollyanna,” said Rangeley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Evelyn McAllister on Tuesday, “but I think it will be open somehow by next season.”
Last Thursday, 25-year owner Donald Breen announced that he was retiring from the business. His daughter, Kitty, who serves as spokeswoman for the family said, “While we are suspending operations, our intent is to preserve the ski area for the next owner of this unique property.”
The 4,120-foot mountain offers 40 alpine trails, top-to-bottom snow-making and boasts a nearly 2,000-foot vertical drop. The longest trail, Lazy River run, weaves its way around the mountain for 2.5 miles making it one of the longest trails on the East Coast.
Economic impact
McAllister, who’s husband, Tom, serves as general manager for Saddleback and as of this week, is the only remaining employee there, says the business community in town is “concerned” about the closing.
The appeal of the Rangeley area, she said, is that it offers winter’s three biggest outdoor sports: snowmobiling, cross-county skiing and Alpine skiing. Now that the latter is in jeopardy, businesses wonder if as many people will come to town.
“The business community in general is upset about this news,” McAllister admitted. “The mountain has an impact and if it remains closed next year, it will be felt.”
At winter’s peak, the mountain had employed up to 60 people, making it one of the largest employers in town at the time. During the summer months though, that number dropped to around seven workers.
McAllister is also concerned about the owners of the 48 condominiums that surround the base area of the mountain and those people who have ski cabins in the area. “The heart of the clientele up there is second homeowners. It’s going to be a huge disappointment if the mountain doesn’t sell.”
McAllister said he believes the newest announcement may put the pressure on as it’s no secret the mountain has had several interested parties travel to the area to survey the property.
“Perhaps this will put a crisis spin on things,” she said. “I am unsure whether this will help or hinder any buyers. The mountain needs some major upgrading, but it’s such a gorgeous spot. It’s a valuable commodity to this community, and I am really optimistic there will be a buyer by next season.”
Meanwhile, at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, students and faculty are also praying for a buyer by next winter. Each Tuesday, school gets out early so students can strap on their skis, snowboards and skates for the Ski Tuesday program.
Superintendent Ken Coville said he was “hopeful a new owner will be in place next season.”
New selling plan
With their announcement last week, the Breen family also unveiled a new selling plan which may generate more interest. Previously, the entire estate and business had been packaged for sale together. Now, the ski area itself is being offered for sale at $2.5 million, or a total of $7.5 million for the entire 8,000 acres of surrounding mountain peaks and lakes.
According to McAllister, several interested parties will be viewing the property in the upcoming weeks. The sale is being handled by Sotheby’s Auction House.
sdepoy@sunjournal.com
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