Saddleback Mountain is taking mountainside dining to new heights, both literally and metaphorically with the opening of its mid-mountain restaurant—The Nest. Perched at an astonishing 3,620 feet, Saddleback’s new restaurant takes the crown as the highest restaurant in Maine, offering guests breathtaking views of Rangeley Lake.

Beyond the usual challenges of construction at high elevations, the restaurant sits just below the Appalachian Trail and is home to the Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare bird that exclusively breeds in the boreal forest and more than 3,000 feet above sea level. To preserve this habitat and build a restaurant without disrupting the ecosystem, Saddleback worked closely with PC Construction, Davies Toews Architecture and Maine Audubon. A thoughtful design and approach were essential to ensure the project’s success.

Construction schedules were adjusted to accommodate the bird’s breeding season. Nearly all the building materials were sourced locally, including the pine boards used for the siding that were stained with linseed oil + pine tar making it durable for the elements and giving it a rustic look and a campfire-like scent.

The restaurant’s triangular structure, adorned with a living roof brimming with fragrant hay-scented ferns and lowbush blueberries, was meticulously designed to seamlessly blend into its surroundings. In fact, it looks as though the mountain lifted up and tucked the restaurant into its side, making it almost as inconspicuous as the nest of a Bicknell’s Thrush— hence its name.

One side of the building is made entirely of glass offering guests the opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty from a comfortable sanctuary. Yet, this design, while breathtaking, poses a risk for bird-window collisions—the second most common cause of bird fatalities in the U.S., causing nearly 600 million bird fatalities annually. To mitigate this risk, Maine Audubon collaborated with Saddleback to devise an ingenious solution: a monofilament screen installed in front of the glass. This additional design element acts as a warning signal for birds, ensuring their safety while preserving the integrity of the local ecosystem. As diners savor their elevated experience, this thoughtful solution also raises awareness about the importance of preventing bird-window collisions.

What can guests expect?

Ski In, Ski Out: The Nest is accessible directly from the slopes, allowing ticketed skiers to seamlessly integrate a gourmet experience into their alpine adventures.
Ski-Up Kiosk and Bar: In addition to indoor/outdoor dining, a ski-up food kiosk and bar ensures that skiers and riders can refuel and relax without interrupting their adventure.
Elevated Culinary Delights: Saddleback’s new restaurant is not just a place to dine; it’s an immersive experience that caters to food connoisseurs, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. Honoring Maine’s Acadian heritage, The Nest features 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 is 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.

The Nest opened on December 23, 2023 and is currently operating Friday – Sunday 10am – 3pm for ticketed skiers to ski in/ski out. To find the latest hours and future happenings at The Nest your readers can follow @SaddlebackMaine on Instagram.

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