Owner expanding Saddleback ski resort

SANDY RIVER PLANTATION – The new owner of Saddleback Ski Area has been given the go-ahead to clear six new trails, the first phase of the resort’s multimillion-dollar development plan.

The Land Use Regulation Commission has approved plans to clear the trails, two of which start on the mountain and four others that begin below the base lodge and are extensions of existing trails.

The expanded trail system is one part of Archie “Bill” Berry Jr.’s plans to bring the ski area back to prominence and profitability. Berry’s family bought the ski area last September for $8 million.

Work on the trails began the day after approval was granted last week, according to the resort. The two upper trails will be serviced by a new double chairlift next season, and the four lower trails will provide skiers and riders with more beginner terrain.

The commission also extended by 18 months the time Berry has to plan his development.

Catherine Carroll, director of LURC, said the development zone that was established more than a decade ago would have expired at the end of April.

The extension gives Berry time to assess his property and thoroughly plan its development. He has until October 2005 to submit the remaining plans.

Located near Rangeley in western Maine, Saddleback used to draw 45,000 skiers a year. The resort, the second-tallest ski mountain in Maine, drew only 16,000 skiers last year.

Besides adding trails, Berry has lowered ticket prices, added new ski groomers and snowmaking equipment, and installed a new ticketing system. He even renamed the trails to their original fly fishing names.

Berry has said he also plans to build a new hotel and conference center, ice skating rink and chairlift.

He already has submitted a plan to expand the mountain’s base lodge, said Marcia Spencer-Famous, a senior planner with LURC.