Keep the Dream Alive, Save Squaw



December 2016 

Friends,

The holidays are here and our thoughts, minds and conversations bring us back to the mountain and the upcoming ski season.  Snow is already falling and temperatures are too.  These are all good signs of a stellar, Moosehead snow year ahead! 

It’s hard for even us to believe that our 5 year anniversary is coming right up.  It happened on a leap day, February 29, 2012 that a group of local residents, each with a different attachment and friendship to this mountain, formed.  We committed to working together collectively with the current and future landowners of Squaw Mountain.  Our group works to maintain the location as a licensed, insured and operational ski area.  Small steps in the beginning led to a giant leap of faith.  On February 10, 2013 our local ski mountain, here at Moosehead Lake was re-opened for all to enjoy!  

Accomplishments since February 2012

·         Granted 501c(3) Tax Exempt Status with the IRS

·         Licensed and Maintained Chair Lift to Maine State Safety Codes ($15,000 estimate for 2016-2017) 

·         Purchased BR350 Trail Groomer, Paid in Full

·         Repaired Lower Lodge to a usable space.  New metal roof, ceiling, windows, doors, Moosehead Cedar Log Siding, carpet, restrooms, lounge, electrical, plumbing & more, mostly in-kind labor & materials. 

·         Re-licensed food service with beer and wine, Thank you Bill Fling, Flatlanders & NW Gourmet Girl. 

·         Re-established 10K loop X-country ski trail from Lower Lodge to the old farm and Fitzgerald Pond.

·         Installed a new X-country ski bridge near pump house, with help of local contractors and Boy Scouts.  

·         Repaired snowmaking pump, pump house, electrical supply, water supply and underground pipes. 

·         Purchased 6 used snowmaking fan guns in 2015-2016 to spare the season. ($21,000 loan balance)

·         Purchased a used beginner pony/surface lift, Thank you Plum Creek & Attitash.($5,000 quote to install) 

·         Returned over $200,000 to community via local paid employees , contractors, scholarships & donations 

·         Created a lifetime of memories for nearly 20,000 skier visits.

It hasn’t always been easy.  We are at the mercy of the elements and last season was challenging for ski mountains across New England.  Our Friends at Saddleback in Rangeley have already made the hard decision to remain closed for a second year.  Rangeley and Moosehead Lake businesses understand, the success and health of our ski mountain is a key factor in growing our tourism economy and extending our seasons.  We can’t do this alone and are so thankful to all of you for your help and support.

Donations payable to Friends of Squaw Mountain   *  PO Box 307  *  Greenville Jct, ME  04442

Or via PayPal to [email redacted] Or call with your credit info [phone redacted]

 

Thank You for Keeping the Dream Alive,

 

Amy Lane                                                                                                 President
Friends of Squaw Mountain


www.skibigsquaw.com

Maine's Community Ski Mountains are about more than just skiing.