Big Plans for Big Moose, Maine
Ski the View, Save the Mountain is a campaign to permanently secure a piece of New England ski history that you have likely never heard of once touted among the top three in Maine.
Big Moose Mountain (formerly Big Squaw Mountain) has been successfully operated by Friends of the Mountain since it reopened in February, 2013. Boasting 18 trails, and 1,700 ft. vert, the terrain was originally accessed by two chairlifts and a T-Bar. The trails are quintessential New England, dancing across fall lines while exploring the winter forest. Several classic runs include the steep and windy St Croix and Piscataquis trails on the western side of the upper mountain, and the Sebomook trail, with small rock drops and Mad River Glen type terrain. A breathtaking view from the summit looks out over Moosehead lake at renowned Mt. Katahdin of the Appalachian trail, and clear into Canada.
Beloved among the community, Big Moose carries an historic pedigree in the region. Founded in the seventies with only a T-bar and lower mountain access, it quickly grew to attract more than the die-hard locals. The upper mountain was laid out by National Ski Hall of Famer Sel Hannah. Having a hand in other New England greats such as Cannon, Loon, Burke, and Sugarloaf, Big Moose is among good company. Sel Hannah is even co-credited with Colorado’s Mary Jane at Winter Park and Vail.
With the help of hundreds of volunteers working thousands of hours, Friends of the Mountain has raised $1.2mil to restore the original glory of Big Moose. The Friends have cleared the majority of the summit trails, and groom when there is good snow. The current iteration of the resort runs a 1986 Borvig triple chair from the base to serve 660’ of the lower mountain. The summit is open for alpine touring, hiking, and cat skiing (until a new lift is installed) making this some of the purest winter stash in New England. Now, Friends of the Mountain and the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC) have partnered to raise $5.95million to purchase the 1,216 acre property to entrust it to the non-profit hands of Friends. With a goal to provide a year round outdoor recreation facility, Big Moose Mountain is set to become a tent pole of economic revitalization for the region around Greenville, ME.
“Only by placing this mountain in nonprofit hands will we be able to attract funding and build a financially sustainable ski destination for generations to come,” said Amy Lane, Friends Board President.
MLREDC Board President Margarita Contreni said the mountain is a vital cornerstone of the region’s economy. “We believe placing Big Moose in community hands will boost economic activity for current businesses, and attract new businesses to the region,” she said.
For sale by the current owner James Confalone, the campaign will enable the purchase of the mountain which includes the resort plus additional developmental acreage along the access road. The Ski the View, Save the mountain campaign is also aimed at developing the support required to replace the summit lift, invest in snowmaking, and restore the base lodge. With your help, Friends of the Mountain will keep this gem shining brightly (and affordably) for generations to come. For more information and to donate to the campaign, please contact the Friends at skitheview@gmail.com.
