Saddleback Mountain Foundation Receives 501(c)(3) Non Profit Status
The organization remains 'alive and well' despite being passed over by Saddleback's owners earlier this year.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
In a Facebook post today, Saddleback Mountain Foundation Executive Director Crystal Canney announced the organization has received IRS 501(c)(3) status, making it a tax exempt entity that is "very much alive and well."
Saddleback's current owners, the Berry family, closed the ski area after the 2014-15 season when they were unable to obtain financing to replace the aging Rangeley chairlift.
Saddleback Mountain Foundation was reserved as a potential non-profit entity in October 2016, as part of a larger effort with the Trust for Public Land and Saddleback Mountain Community Resort (SMCR) to purchase and reopen the ski area. The New England Forestry Foundation later became involved in the transaction.
In October 2016, the Berry family announced "We continue to work with the Saddleback Mountain Foundation, in addition to the other qualified buyers who are also in the process of pursuing the purchase of the resort."
On June 20, 2017, Saddleback Mountain Foundation President Peter Stein wrote, "We had a Letter of Intent with the owner that was ready for signature way-back-when and we stand ready to dust that off and continue the negotiations. My dear Saddlebackers, we have everything we need for success except that signed agreement."
On June 28, 2017, the Berry family announced Saddleback was instead being sold to the Majella Group, with an expected completion date later in the summer. However, on November 9, Majella announced the sale and planned lift installation had been delayed. Majella claims it will operate the area as a "limited operation" this winter "if possible."
Article was updated to reflect the involvement of the New England Forestry Foundation.
