Community seeks to buy Big Moose Ski Resort as two local nonprofits partner to raise $5.95M
GREENVILLE – Friends of the Mountain and the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation are partnering to raise $5.95 million to purchase the 1,216-acre Big Moose Mountain ski property.
The goal of the Ski the View, Save the Mountain campaign – which will be publicly launched on Jan .18, 2025 – is to provide a permanent nonprofit ski area for the Moosehead Lake Region and a year-round outdoor, natural asset that will revitalize the area’s economy.
Friends would own and redevelop the mountain while continuing to operate it as an affordable ski area for the community. Friends has successfully operated the mountain since 2012.
Currently owned by James Confalone, the campaign would enable the purchase of the ski resort and an adjacent 500 acres for projects that reflect community priorities and help sustain the ski area in the future.
“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, Friends board president.
MLREDC Board President Margarita Contreni said the mountain is a vital cornerstone of the region’s economy. “We believe placing Big Moose in community hands will boost economic activity for current businesses and attract new businesses to the region,” she said.
Since 2012, Friends has successfully raised an estimated $1.2 million in donations while hundreds of passionate volunteers have worked thousands of hours to keep the ski mountain open. Lane will step down as board president at the end of 2024 to become the group’s executive director. Rodney Folsom will succeed Lane as board president on Jan. 1.
MLREDC is providing fundraising support and expertise to this initiative. Formed 11 years ago as a nonprofit, MLREDC has strong partnerships with businesses and the community to help the Moosehead Lake Region prosper economically. MLREDC has a successful history of raising funds and leading a variety of significant community initiatives.
For more information and to donate to the campaign, please contact the Friends at skitheview@gmail.com.