Kicking Off Capital Campaign for New Quad Chairlift to the Top

• Posted on 12 December 2021
• By Aaron Damon
• 0

Big Rock Mountain has initiated a capital campaign to replace the aging double chairlift to the top with a new quad
chairlift.

The existing lift has serviced the ski area since 1993 and is over 50 years old. The new lift will be a modern quad chairlift built to the latest safety and dependability standards costing approximately
$2.9 million. The new lift will more than double uphill capacity, reduce lift lines, shorten lift rides, and provide a pivotal investment in the future of downhill skiing in Northern Maine/Western New Brunswick.

Big Rock has a long history of providing affordable skiing for families and individuals in Northern Maine/Western New Brunswick. Over the years Big Rock has grown to better serve the skiing population by installing multiple lifts, building a 3-story lodge, purchasing snowmaking equipment, and most recently
developing a beginner terrain area serviced by a Doppelmayr triple chairlift. The mountain serves as the regional gathering point where kids, families, and communities come together to ski, recreate, and grow
closer through their passion for outdoor recreation. With skier visits averaging 20,000 people per year, partnerships with over 13 schools, local and regional race programs, and weekly ski for life group programs the impact that Big Rock has on the surrounding communities and businesses on both sides of the border is far-reaching.

Big Rock is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization registered in the State of Maine overseen by a local Board of Directors of business people and winter recreation enthusiast from Aroostook County/Western New Brunswick. Under their leadership there has been a renewed commitment to making skiing an outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy and improvements to the tubing hill, snowmaking system, trail system, grooming operations, and additional programs. During the fall of 2020 the ski industry consultant Snow Engineering was engaged to provide an updated Master Plan to help focus future development and capital planning around sustainability and reaching a larger market. A new ski lift to the top with greater capacity was identified as the top priority of the master plan. “The Big Rock board sees the importance of investing in our community, making outdoor recreation more accessible, and keeping a county tradition alive. As board president, I could not be more pleased with this project. A new chairlift to the top solidifies our goals for future development and sets up Big Rock for generations to come." Darrell McCrum, Big Rock Board of Directors President.

Big Rock needs community and business support for this next crucial investment into the future of skiing and outdoor recreation in Northern Maine/Western New Brunswick. All pledges and donations to the Chairlift Capital Campaign are tax-deductible and will be used to support this project.

At 1748 feet tall Big Rock Mountain is the largest ski area in Northern Maine/Eastern Maritimes. This new lift will have the potential to sustain Big Rock from any other major lift capital needs until 2060 or later.