This latest storm dropped another foot or more of snow in the mountains, right there where we skiers like it. Trail conditions are reported to be awesome and most areas, if not all, are 100% open. And this crazed skier, for one, plans to get out again this weekend for more fine turns in the white stuff as this 'winter to remember' rolls on.

Yee-hah!

Saddleback was incredible on Sunday. As much as six inches of fresh snow added to already good base, and with that the groomers did their thing. Add in some warm temps (in the 30s), clear blue skies (not a cloud!) and no crowds (it was the end of Maine's school vacation week) and you've got the makings for one heck of a good ski day.

And so it was.

So darn good that Saddleback has earned a return trip this coming weekend. And we might just slip on over to Sugarloaf for some runs there, too. Heck, why not? Life is short. And the good snow ain't gonna last forever (although make no mistake, we've got a good two months of skiing left).

But I digress...

Saddleback!

Gosh, don't you just love that beautiful new lodge (it's not so new anymore I know, but still), the exposed wooden beams and all. And the uber-friendly staffers, from the parking lot to the ticket window to the caf to the lifts to the patrolers. All smiley and happy and helpful. That's the way to run a ski area folks!

Skis on, we scooch on over to the double chair and ride, up, up, up. With each passing lift tower the views get better and better. Mountains, woods, lakes off in the distance, filling the horizon.

Ahead and above, the wintry alpine heights of sprawling 4,000-foot Saddleback Mountain. The peaks we love to hike in the summer season now blanketed in winter white; today a light, fluffy snow that sparkles gem-like in the morning sunlight.

Down Green Weaver we go, right for the T-Bar, and ride to nearly the mountaintop. Fran and I enjoyed run after fine run down the steeps of the upper mountain.

We parted briefly while I ventured over to Muleskinner for a wild run down the narrow chute, complete with drop-offs, stumps, trees, the occasional exposed rock. Fantastic!

Moving across the mountain we skied the cruisers off the chairlift, savoring the views as we glided down each. A late bite of lunch (a PBR and a hot dog) and we were back at it. Meeting up with friends and patrollers Jim and Martha Hughes we finished the day with a guided tour of the sweet trails on the mountain's right side.

All good. Can't wait now for the weekend!

The sprawling, beautiful alpine ridgeline of Saddleback, Rangeley.
Carey Kish photo

Tight Line, formerly Bronco Buster, was in fine shape and deserved a half dozen runs anyway.
Carey Kish photo

SADDLEBACK, Rangeley

The ski-nny: This is a big mountain with big terrain. But it all comes with a small mountain feel that’s friendly and unhurried. Saddleback has the highest base elevation of any ski area in Maine at 2,640 feet. From there the mountain continues to soar to a top elevation of 4,120 feet, providing skiers with 2,000 glorious feet of vertical on which to play over some 60 trails and glades.

Steeps: You want ‘em you got ‘em! Tight Line (the old Bronco Buster) and The Supervisor make for fast flying, while the bumps of Warden’s Worry, Governor and Peachy’s Peril will have you sweating but good.

Cruisers: Green Weaver and Gray Ghosts are classic wide open blues off the Rangeley Double Chair. From the Cupsuptic T-Bar you can access Silver Doctor, Blue Devil and Red Devil; narrow, sweet, twisting runs through the trees. Stop and check out the view out over Saddleback Lake now and then. It just keeps getting better.

Easy going: In and around the base lodge are a myriad of easy trails, fun for all. The Sandy Double and South Branch Quad will get you there.

Aprés-ski: The Swig ‘n Smelt Pub in the base lodge serves up hearty chow and cold brews, fine views and good tunes. But I’m a softy for the Red Onion in downtown Rangeley (old habits die hard, the Onion has been a fav ever since my AT thru-hike years ago) and its great pizza (try the Combo) and draft beers.

Extra credit: From the top of the Kennebago T-Bar traverse across the mountain on Dazzler. In ten minutes time you’ll arrive at the famed Muleskinner, a gnarly double black seemingly on the edge of skier’s heaven. Let loose and enjoy! But beware the trees and stumps and stuff.

Deals: The best lift ticket value in Maine is Saddleback at 40 bucks! Same goes for the season pass at very reasonable $400. Never mind the killer mid-week specials for $25 (Monday is Ladies’ Day, Tuesday is Telemark Day, Wednesday is Men’s Day, Thursday is Senior’s Day) and the monthly Maine Day Sundays, also $25.

The hamburgers were gone by the time we stopped for lunch, but there were still cold cans of PBR (and grilled hot dogs to boot).
Carey Kish photo

The traverse on Dazzler takes you way across the mountain to the challenging double black Muleskinner.
Carey Kish photo

Trail Head about to launch down Muleskinner. One of my Top 10 ski runs of all time!
Carey Kish photo

Getting an afternoon tour of the mountain with patrollers and good friends Jim and Martha Hughes.
Carey Kish photo

What's your Saddleback experience been this winter? Been loving it? Planning to sneak in some more runs there as we head for some awesome spring skiing?