Industry News
Friends of the Mountain, a non-profit organization in Maine’s Piscataquis County, wants to purchase the Big Moose Mountain ski property on Moosehead Lake. According to the organization’s website, it must raise $5.95 million to buy the 1,216-acre ski area. Friends of the Mountain is also looking to acquire an additional 500 acres adjacent to the mountain with the purchase.
The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation is joining the organization’s effort, which will help launch the “Ski the View, Save the Mountain” campaign on January 18, 2025. The campaign aims to provide the Moosehead Lake public with a permanent ski area run by a local and trustworthy non-profit organization.
“Only by placing this mountain in nonprofit hands will we be able to attract funding and build a financially sustainable ski destination for generations to come,” said Amy Lane, president of Friends of the Mountain.
Friends of the Mountain has been operating the ski area since 2012 after the previous owner, James Confalone, closed operations of the resort in 2010. Confalone failed to make improvements and maintain Big Moose Mountain, leading to it shutting down for multiple seasons before being revived by Friends. The organization fixed the lodge and repaired the lifts in order to get the resort back up and running.
Big Moose Mountain features 33 trails, a three-chair lift, and a beginner carpet lift. Its mellow runs make it beginner-friendly, but the resort also offers more challenging terrain as well. In addition to downhill skiing, Big Moose has an uphill and Nordic trail system, allowing people to try different types of skiing.
Friends of the Mountain welcomes donations for their up-and-coming campaign and push to purchase the mountain on their website. Donations help with resort operations, snowmaking, supporting the volunteer group, and their campaign.
