Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Friends?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
Who are the Friends?
The Friends rallied the community in 2012 out of necessity. This grassroots, local group of diehard skiers could not bear the thought of having a lost ski area. Having been closed for over two seasons and seeing the property abandoned, a plan was put into action. Since then, the Friends have invested heavily into restoring the lower mount
The Friends rallied the community in 2012 out of necessity. This grassroots, local group of diehard skiers could not bear the thought of having a lost ski area. Having been closed for over two seasons and seeing the property abandoned, a plan was put into action. Since then, the Friends have invested heavily into restoring the lower mountain. The original base lodge was fully renovated. New grooming equipment, safety equipment, snowmaking capabilities, new beginner lift install and chairlift overhaul are just a few of the recent accomplishments to our $1.5 million investments. The Friends have served over 100,000 skier visits. Most important, they have taught thousands of Maine children how to ski, get outside and find joy in winter.
Amy Lane, Executive Director
Rodney Folsom Sr, President
Kevin Springer, Vice President
Allison Economy, Secretary
Kathleen Moneghan, Treasurer
Margarita Contreni, Director
What is the Mission?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
Who are the Friends?
The Friends have partnered with Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corporation and are ready to carry this momentum to the upper mountain. The upper lodge and summit lift need our help. Together we can expand capacity and operations to increase jobs, economic growth and provide a better quality of life for Maine residents and guests.
Th
The Friends have partnered with Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corporation and are ready to carry this momentum to the upper mountain. The upper lodge and summit lift need our help. Together we can expand capacity and operations to increase jobs, economic growth and provide a better quality of life for Maine residents and guests.
The mountain property has been listed for sale. In the absence of a viable buyer, we are extending the invitation of community ownership to the public. Beyond acquisition, necessary improvements exceed millions of dollars. Before a new summit lift is ordered and upper lodge restored, the ownership piece of our mountain must be resolved. By placing the ownership of the mountain property into the hands of the nonprofit, it opens up countless opportunities for public and private investments. Just like we did on the lower mountain, we can absolutely do this!
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
The Friends have successfully operated the ski resort for 12 consecutive years with the help of staff and other volunteers, demonstrating their commitment, energy, know how, and grit. They are setting a strategic business plan and will expand their Board and staff in order to meet the increased challenges and workload in owning and restor
The Friends have successfully operated the ski resort for 12 consecutive years with the help of staff and other volunteers, demonstrating their commitment, energy, know how, and grit. They are setting a strategic business plan and will expand their Board and staff in order to meet the increased challenges and workload in owning and restoring the ski mountain resort. Maine currently has 10 ski resorts that are successfully operating as non-profits including Black Mountain in Rumford and BigRock in Mars Hill.
Who is the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
Do the Friends have capacity to own, restore and operate the Mountain ski resort?
MLREDC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2013 to grow and sustain local businesses, attract and create new jobs, and enhance the economy of the region. They provide business expertise and fundraising support to the Friends's campaign to purchase and restore the ski resort. Other MLREDC priority community projects include:
- Allen Family Revo
MLREDC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2013 to grow and sustain local businesses, attract and create new jobs, and enhance the economy of the region. They provide business expertise and fundraising support to the Friends's campaign to purchase and restore the ski resort. Other MLREDC priority community projects include:
- Allen Family Revolving Low-interest Loan Program for local businesses
- Greenville East Cove waterfront redevelopment
- Fundraising for Red Cross Beach revitilization
- Workforce housing
- Wayfinding signage
- Wi-Fi hotspots in downtown Greenville
What are the campaign's goals?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
How long will the campaign take?
Phase 1:
- Acquire the 1,700-acre ski mountain property
- Conduct requisite surveys, environmental assessments, and infrastructure planning.
- Cost: $5.95 million
Phase 2:
- Open the Upper Mountain trails
- New ski lifts, snowmaking equipment, and other infrastructure upgrades
- Renovate upper mountain lodge and develop housing options
- Secure private development for hotel renovation
- Cost: $13.75 million
How long will the campaign take?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
How long will the campaign take?
We anticipate that Phase 1 of the campaign will take 12-18 months, and Phase 2 will take 5+ years.
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
Your cash donation will be needed within 90 days of the purchase of the property.
Is my campaign donation only to be used to purchase the mountain property?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
If I make a pledge to the campaign now, when do i actually donate the money?
Yes, all donations to the campaign's Phase 1 will only be used to purchase the Mountain property. Donations are deposited in an account specifically for this purpose.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Will donors be recognized for their support?
Will donors be recognized for their support?
The Friends of the Mountain is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Please consult with your tax advisor to be sure your donation is deductible.
Will donors be recognized for their support?
Will donors be recognized for their support?
Will donors be recognized for their support?
Unless a donor prefers to remain anonymous, The Friends will recognize donors in a creative, visible way. Details pending.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Will donors be recognized for their support?
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Amy Lane, Executive Director, Friends of the Mountain, at skibigmoose@gmail.com
Margarita Contreni, President, MLREDC, at info@mooseheadlakeedc.com