It's big. It's bold. It's beautiful. And it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles that you see at other big resorts. But that's not really what you come here for. You come to ski.

This is one of Maine's fastest growing family resorts that have made significant improvements including a 46 percent increase in terrain. It's not only big, but it's affordable for family outings.

Saddleback is still glowing over their new state of the art base lodge. The old T-bar to the summit has been replaced with a new quad chairlift called the Kennebago. For the first time, novices and intermediates will have a chance to ski from the 4,000 foot ridge of the summit. The new chair will service 15 trails and glades, (12 advanced, two more difficult and one easier).

The Berry family of Farmington purchased Saddleback in 2003 and have made many improvements. They continue with the expansion of the mountain lift services, on-mountain lodging and other upgrades according to their 10-year plan to make this a four-season resort area. Warren Cook, former general manager at Sugarloaf is now general manager at Saddleback.

Saddleback's base lodge offers skiers ample space for dining. There is also a large stone fireplace, locker rooms, child care, first aid, safety patrol, conference area and upstairs lounge. A large deck is open for barbecues and entertaining. (Dan Cassidy file photo) Other improvements include snowmaking coverage expanded to 85 percent, lengthened and increased the capacity of the Rangeley Chair, and four new trails and new glades.

Saddleback village also continues to develop with private home sites and Mountain Brook condos. Skiers and riders will also have a new rental and retail shops located in the base lodge.

Skiers and riders can enjoy over 8,000 acres of high alpine terrain. The new chair reaches over 4,000 foot elevation with over 2,000 vertical feet of skiing.

Special deals

Special mid-week deals go for $25, as do Maine Days on Sundays. A 10-mid week ticket book is also available for $250.

Skiers can also enjoy Tuesday tune-ups. Ten 2-hour Tuesday morning lessons plus a full day lift ticket for $200. Group lift ticket rates are also available. For more information on these special deals, log onto: saddlebackmaine. com.

It's no secret that Saddleback Mountain is Maine's upcoming destination four season resort for fishing, skiing, hiking, biking and just to settle down and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of pristine lakes and streams of this wild and majestic area.

Development hasn't stopped. More than eight new lifts and 30 trails are yet to come to this magnificent mountain. For now though, the new Kennebago Quad Chair will be up and running soon. Isn't it time you take the drive. Scheduled opening date is Dec. 13. Get your gear ready and get your self in shape. It'll be worth it.

The ski season is coming soon to a mountain near you. Ski and ride safely and don't forget to wear a helmet.