RANGELEY -– Bill and Irene Berry, owners of Saddleback Maine, announced June 10 that Christopher C. Farmer Esq., will become general manager of the ski resort effective immediately.

Farmer, a native of Franklin County and graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, has been serving as director of real estate, planning and development, and legal counsel to the mountain resort since May 2008. The second and third generations of the Berry family will become more actively involved in the dayto day operations of the resort.

Warren Cook, whose management contract has come to an end, has decided to leave and pursue new interests; however he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.

Bill Berry commended Cook for his outstanding service and hard work in reorganizing Saddleback’s management, and putting a strong structure in place that will allow Farmer to hit the ground running in his new role. An overall commitment to guest service, quality snow surfaces and active marketing has resulted in the increase in numbers of skiers and riders buying lift tickets and season passes.

“Irene and I appreciate Warren for the expertise and leadership he brought to Saddleback, and for his great work in putting systems into place that will move the resort in the right direction as we go forward,” Berry stated. “At this point in time, however, my family wants to become more active in the day-to-day management, with Chris as the general manager. We are excited about the future and will continue our commitment to our family’s values of making skiing affordable for Maine families while sustaining the beautiful natural environment at the resort.”

This past season was one of Saddleback’s most successful. The resort had more guest visits this year than any other year in its 49 year history. Saddleback’s revenue was up by 40 percent and skier visits were up by 15 percent over the previous year. Several factors in the ski resort’s success include the opening of a new glade, Casablanca, which at 44 acres is the largest glade in the Northeast, and improvements to the snow surface as a result of additions to the snowmaking and grooming fleet. Saddleback also had great success with its PEAK program, with over 2,400 Maine honor roll students earning a $49 season pass. Saddleback will continue the Maine PEAK program this year and expand it throughout New England.

“Warren has left me in good hands with a quality team and some big shoes to fill. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to another record breaking winter season,” stated Farmer.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Berry Family and thank the Saddleback staff for their outstanding service to our guests, but I especially would like to thank all the Saddleback skiers and riders for their loyalty and enthusiasm,” Cook, whose other interests include an organization called Maine Network Partners, that supports the development of collaborative nonprofit networks in Maine, said. “It was my pleasure to serve you over the past two years. I will stay in touch as I pursue my other interests around the State of Maine.”