Saddleback officially breaks ground on Mid Mountain Lodge


Above is a rendering of the Mid Mountain Lodge in the winter. The plan will be to have the building enclosed by October and to then shift the focus to completing the interior of the building. (Courtesy Saddleback)

Clearing is underway at the site of the Mid Mountain Lodge project at Saddleback. This view of the site is from the Rangeley Chair. (Photo courtesy Saddleback)

RANGELEY — Saddleback Mountain has officially broken ground on Mid Mountain Lodge, which is targeted for completion this winter. According to Saddleback General Manager Andy Shepard, this project will set a new standard for development in an alpine environment and reflects Saddleback’s commitment to responsible development.

The Mid Mountain Lodge will be in Bicknell’s Thrush habitat and project leaders have collaborated closely with the Maine Audubon Society to pay close attention to the needs of that habitat. Mating season for this bird is from May 1 through the end of July. As a result, Saddleback delayed construction until August. The plan will be to have the building enclosed by October and to then shift the focus to completing the interior of the building.

“Saddleback is a remarkable example of a healthy boreal forest. We understand the role we need to play in preserving that and our plans demonstrate that commitment,” said Shepard. “The lodge will be built on pedestals, so we have minimal disruption of the watershed. The glass will be designed to minimize bird strikes. And the roof will be an undulation sod roof with native berries and grasses. This architect-designed building will feature strategically placed windows to open the natural environment encompassing views to the west over the Rangeley Lakes Region. That will make the structure appear to be a more natural feature from the limited vantage points along the Appalachian Trial, while also providing habitat for the birds.”

Project planners are partnering with the James Beard award-winning owners of Eventide, Hugo’s and Honey Paw restaurants on the design of a kitchen, menu and food and beverage business model for the lodge.

While the new lodge will be an exciting addition to the Saddleback experience, there are a host of other investments being made at the mountain that include three new lifts, two new environmentally friendly eco-diesel groomers, nearly $2 million in snowmaking upgrades, new single-track mountain bike trails and a 7-megawatt solar farm. Improvements this year total $9 million.

 

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