In the shadows of Maine's skiing giants—Sunday River and Sugarloaf—Saddleback is perhaps the most underappreciated resort in the east. With 2,000 feet of vertical drop, New England's second highest base lodge, and more than 60 trails and glades, it has the terrain, snow quality, and facilities to please skiers of all abilities. Then again, the fact that this ski hill flies under the radar is one of the best things about it.

The story goes something like this: Big developer buys local ski hill in sleepy Maine town with plans of erecting the east's next glitzy overpriced mega resort. Instead, they end up spending a decade battling the National Park Service over land-use rights, and the mountain falls into disrepair. Eventually, they give up and try to sell. With no takers, it looks like the end for Saddleback. Then, in 2003, local skier Bill Berry swoops in with an offer at the last minute. Now, with the new owner's three-year plan complete, Saddleback sports a beautiful new post-and-beam lodge, 44 percent more terrain, and equipment upgrades. But this unpretentious ski area remains true to its roots: $49 lift tickets ($59 on Saturdays and holidays), a relaxed atmosphere with a commitment to the local environment, and a distinct lack of the crowds you'll find at nearby Sunday River. And the ten-year plan will soon kick into gear, showcasing 30 more trails and nine new lifts within the boundaries of the mountain's current image. All this makes Saddleback something of a rarity—a quiet family and local's hill with enough terrain to rival any destination resort in the region.

With the mountain pretty much equally divided between beginner,

In the shadows of Maine's skiing giants—Sunday River and Sugarloaf—Saddleback is perhaps the most underappreciated resort in the east. With 2,000 feet of vertical drop, New England's second highest base lodge, and more than 60 trails and glades, it has the terrain, snow quality, and facilities to please skiers of all abilities. Then again, the fact that this ski hill flies under the radar is one of the best things about it.

The story goes something like this: Big developer buys local ski hill in sleepy Maine town with plans of erecting the east's next glitzy overpriced mega resort. Instead, they end up spending a decade battling the National Park Service over land-use rights, and the mountain falls into disrepair. Eventually, they give up and try to sell. With no takers, it looks like the end for Saddleback. Then, in 2003, local skier Bill Berry swoops in with an offer at the last minute. Now, with the new owner's three-year plan complete, Saddleback sports a beautiful new post-and-beam lodge, 44 percent more terrain, and equipment upgrades. But this unpretentious ski area remains true to its roots: $49 lift tickets ($59 on Saturdays and holidays), a relaxed atmosphere with a commitment to the local environment, and a distinct lack of the crowds you'll find at nearby Sunday River. And the ten-year plan will soon kick into gear, showcasing 30 more trails and nine new lifts within the boundaries of the mountain's current image. All this makes Saddleback something of a rarity—a quiet family and local's hill with enough terrain to rival any destination resort in the region.

With the mountain pretty much equally divided between beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain, whatever your ability, you'll have no trouble finding a favorite trail. Experts should head straight to Saddleback's proving grounds, Muleskinner. All the way to skier's right, this trail epitomizes New England skiing: windy, steep, narrow, double fall lines, and plenty of bumps. More ambitious skiers can hike ten minutes to the summit snowfields (a rarity in the East) and get a few wide-open turns before dropping back down into the trees. If it's glade runs you're into, Intimidator and Nightmare glades offer some gnarly turns through steep, tight pines, and harbor powder stashes days after the last nor'easter. Those looking for a gentler ski experience should check out the South Branch Quad, set apart from the rest of the resort and perfect for beginners. Intermediates will love Gray Ghost, a wide, fast cruiser off the Royal Coachman chair.

To get the full experience of Saddleback, be sure to visit the Swig 'N Smelt Pub, upstairs in the base lodge, for some local brews and music on Saturday nights. The pub offers a great view of the hill, a homey atmosphere, and plenty of locals throwing back a few.

With big upgrades happening at this small-town resort (where employees often drive to work on their snowmobiles), you'll want to make a trip before it's discovered by the masses.