Saddleback Ski Area & Bike Park — Hotel in Sandy River Plantation

I really wanted to like this place, I really did. My first experience was off-putting from customer service. We came on a weekday and unfortunately a power line fell across the access road, disabling power to the resort and the lifts. We had already purchased our lift tickets for the day and had only completed one run when we were told we had to get off the mountain. Luckily the lodge still had power but we were trapped there for the rest of the day. This would've been fine but the cafe and bar closed soon after. We were then told we could not get a refund and they would instead honor our passes for the rest of the season but only on a return weekday. It's not easy to get off work in the middle of the week plus we had some friends with us who came from very far away and who would definitely NOT be able to return on a weekday this season. We were told this was our only option. Unfortunately those weekday passes went to waste as we were not able to come back for the rest of the season. A refund or even honoring the passes for next season would have been adequate but we essentially paid to sit in the barely open lodge all day until the access road reopened in the evening.

On our return visits this season, both times we've had to wait in the super long customer service lines just to ski. We didn't get the QR code, we only got an email with a bar code so we couldn't use the machines. Very frustrating to get there and then wait in a giant customer service line to hit the slopes because of a technology issue.

The slopes themselves are good. The runs off the Kennebago Quad are my favorite. The view of Rangeley lakes is gorgeous. Lines were minimal, we never waited more than 5 min to get on a chair, but most often there was almost no line. Unfortunately this was then ruined by being harassed by every liftee to take my very small jogger-sized camelbak off before getting on the chair. I understand it's a safety hazard for larger backpacks and those with a lot of straps but mine is incredibly small, just seemed unnecessary. Especially since I was told everytime right before the chair came, so I was distracted trying to take it off everytime as the chair comes flying in, this process seems like more a safety issue. I wasn't the only one they did this to. Should tell skiiers way before the chair gets there so they have time. Seemed ridiculous and very rarely do I encounter a mountain that operates this way. I eventually just put my jacket over it and the harassment stopped.

Finally, for a place that advertises itself as a big mountain without the issues of the big city crowds, I certainly didn't see much evidence of that being true. Without getting too much into it, the other skiiers were straight up a-holes. I know Saddleback can't change who their patrons are, but fair warning - if you think you can get a more chill vibe here than Sugarloaf or Sunday River I certainly didn't get that. Plenty of RI, CT, NY, MA plates with their range rovers and BMW SUVs in the...

I give this place 4.5 stars. Partly due to having to wait an hour in line to redeem our Indy Pass but more so because I really couldn't read many trail signs due to them being covered in ice. Seems dangerous. Thank GOD at least they have bright orange flags that mark expert only trails for the double blacks. They might have some on the single blacks but one for sure was not marked because my little 12 year old sidekick who was skiing for the second weekend in her life almost went down it. Thank goodness that was one of the signs I could see when I got up close to it. The lifts are not marked that I could see either. Seems like that would be something easy and helpful plus maybe a large digital clock somewhere. Also, there was a lot of needing to push yourself along with ski poles on the lots of flat parts on the greens. Had to avoid the greens after a while. Anyway, now for the good. The lifts were great. Easy to get through with a waive of your arm. On the first, (record setting attendance) day (2700 I heard), we had to wait I'm guessing up to 5 minutes but it went quick. The second day we breezed though all day. The rental equipment was good, better than others we've rented from. The guy who helped us, seemed not very interested in us. But I guess he's entitled to his personality. He got us our gear, not in a multitasking manner but I guess it all fit so that's better than some shops! I did visit the retail shop. Sweet woman working in there. Unfortunately, also visited the first aid office after spraining my thumb. Amy was great. In the lodge area, first day was extremely packed yet we managed to find the one open cubby to cram 4 pairs of boots and a backpack into. 2nd day definitely had more open space. Food was tasty. Tables could be a little cramped. They had a bottle refill station and with free cubbies to store your gear, might as well bring a water bottle! Also, this only applies to women, but they had complimentary feminine products in the bathroom. How very thoughtful. Also, boxes of tissues here and there. Oh, and dessert. Yummy, delicious desserts. Also, free parking. Drives me crazy that bigger resorts charge an arm, a leg, a kidney and your first born to ski and then they want you also to pay for parking. Seriously? Let me second mortgage my house for you. Anyway...Would I come back? If I lived in the area, absolutely. It's a great resort with a homey feel! But, the snow was crusty, as is known in the east, so probably we'll stick to skiing out west. But if you are within driving distance, it's a good solid option. For whatever my limited 2 years of skiing...

I've been skiing for over 30 years visiting resorts all over New England and even some west coast mountains. I have my favorites but Saddleback may have moved its way to the top of the list. This was our first trip here on the Indy pass and from the moment that we arrived we were treated as if we were locals that had been coming there for years. The greeters came over, took our skis, and put them on the racks. After we parked and went inside we were greeted by two more employees that not only directed us as to where to go but brought us there and helped us figure out how to fill out the online waiver. The rest of the staff were all equally as nice and always had smiles on their faces. We loved the lifty that changed his hat every few runs. Conditions were incredible. We spent our first day in the Casablanca shoots (if you've never been and like glades, GO) and the second day was a powder day that we spend all over the mountain. At this point I figured things couldn't get any better but...they did. We decided to demo skis (three of us) on the powder day (Saturday) where we worked with Jake in the demo shop. The guy was incredible. You could bring up just about any ski and he knew everything about it. SUPER knowledgeable and down to earth. To top it off I was taking to a staff member and they said that they weren't going to ski on the powder day so jokingly I asked "can I use your skis?" and he was just about insistent that I take them for a rip because he said I'd really like them on a day like that. He didn't even know me from hole in the wall. Just goes to show how amazing the people are at this place which, in my opinion, is half the experience. Two thumbs up and we can't wait to come...