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Mt. Abram
Mt. Abram
Greenwood, Maine
Status: Open
First Season:1960-61
Vertical Drop:1150 feet
Standing Lifts:2 doubles, surface lifts
Past Lifts:Surface lifts
Left: Mt. Abram
Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
5/11/2017: Management Changes at Two Maine Ski Area...
9/24/2016: New Trails Set to Debut at Mt. Abram
10/4/2015: New Trail Clearing Continues at Mt. Abra...
9/10/2015: Mt. Abram Announces New Trails
SkiNewEngland.net Profile
Located in the shadow of Sunday River, Mt. Abram features classic New England skiing.

Early Years

Mt. Abram in the early 1960s
Mt. Abram in the early 1960s

While Sunday River had been developed in the late 1950s, it was nowhere near the powerhouse it would become in the 1980s. As such, there was still room to start another ski area in the greater Bethel market.

Local logging brothers Norton, Stuart, and Donald Cross acquired land on Mt. Abram as a wood lot in August 1948. An additional 65 acre tract was acquired in March 1958. Thoughts of developing a ski area on the mountain reportedly began to emerge around this time.

The Cross brothers reportedly began developing a ski area on the northeastern slope of Mt. Abram in the spring of 1960 and formed Mt. Abram Ski Slopes, Inc. in July. Two slopes were completed for the debut season, served by a 1,000 foot T-Bar in the vicinity of the present day lower Boris Badenov slope. The present-day Maine T-Bar lift line was also cleared for future expansion, as were upper mountain trails.

Mt. Abram opened on December 11, 1960 and was formally dedicated that Christmas Eve. In addition to skiing, skating and tobogganing were also offered. The season likely continued to the start of April.

Expanding to the Top

Mt. Abram circa the 1960s
Mt. Abram circa the 1960s

In July 1961, Mt. Abram Ski Slopes obtained a loan from Hugh W. Hastings of Fryeburg, Maine. With funding in places, Mt. Abram installed today's Maine T-Bar, expanding the ski area's vertical drop to 900 feet. At this point, Mt. Abram was comparable to Sunday River's previous-season facility size. The 1961-62 season likely ran from mid-December to late March, while the 1962-63 season was likely late December to late March. Smoother trails and a lighted skating rink were the advertised improvements for the latter season.

The Bullwinkle trail was cut for the 1963-64 season, providing more intermediate terrain.

As the 1965 off-season approached, the Cross brothers were debating whether to install snowmaking or add terrain. Two years after Sunday River added its Mixing Bowl area, Mt. Abram responded by opening its own separate beginner area for the 1965-66 season. Serviced by a Hall T-Bar, the new complex featured a handful of gradual novice trails. Hugh Hastings once again provided financing.

Significant trail improvements took place for the 1966-67 season, as 25 cases of dynamite and 3,000 bales of hay were used to smooth terrain and improve conditions. In late March of that season, Mt. Abram and Sunday River made their lift tickets interchangeable.

An addition to the base lodge was completed for the 1967-68 season, reportedly expanding capacity by 150 to 200 people.

Chairlift Service

Mt. Abram installed a new 4,121 foot long double chairlift for the first full season of the 1970s. The installation of the Way Back Machine meant that Mt. Abram had beaten Sunday River to the punch for being the first chairlift-served ski facility in the region. Not only did it increase Mt. Abram's uphill capacity to 3,200 per hour, but it also increased its vertical drop from 900 to 1,030 feet, depending upon the publication. Meanwhile, the area's original T-Bar was relocated to a slope between the other two T-Bars.

Mt. Abram circa 1970
Mt. Abram circa 1970

After experiencing some difficult seasons during the 1970s, the Cross brothers looked to get out of the ski business. The ski area was put up for sale starting in 1975.

Looking to diversify Mt. Abram's offerings, the "American Zephyr" monorail was added for 1978. The first of its type in the East, the 5,300' ride was served by the summit double chairlift. The brothers' mom Gladys "Gram" Cross took the inaugural ride.

A second, smaller monorail was added for the summer of 1979, apparently served by one of the T-Bars. The two rides operated from June until September. The monorail business was abandoned in the early 1980s.

Snowmaking Finally Arrives

Following another tough winter, in which a helicopter was hired to haul snow onto the mountain, snowmaking was finally added for the 1985-86 season. The town of Greenwood helped to obtain financing for the project, in exchange for clay dug from the 2.5 million gallon pond (which was used to cap a dump). Five miles of pipe was installed, giving Mt. Abram top to bottom snowmaking.

The West Side area was added for the 1988-89 season, served by Mt. Abram's second double chairlift. The new complex provided additional novice and intermediate terrain.

The Way Back Machine (2013)
The Way Back Machine (2013)

A Trio of Foreclosures

Following three tough winters, the Oxford Bank and Trust foreclosed on Mt. Abram at the end of the 1992-93 season. That off season, Mt. Abram was sold at auction to Rick Hoddinott (principal owner; founder of Downeast Whitewater), Jeff Van Decker, Tom Kennison, Tim Good, and Pat Dutton. Three years later, the group built a new lodge at the base of the West Side area, as well as expanding offerings to include snow tubing.

Following a tough 1997-98 season, Norway Savings Bank foreclosed on Mt. Abram. Randy Duncan, owner of Steamboat Navigation, R.D. Outfitters, and Schooner Investment Co., purchased the ski area and adjacent property for $577,500 at a August 7, 1998 auction.

Camden National Bank foreclosed on the Duncans in 2000, resulting once again in an auction. On November 25, 2000, when Josh and Susan Burns purchased the area for $325,000. The Duncans subsequently sued the bank for its handling of their loans. On September 24, 2004, a jury awarded the Duncans $1.5 million in damages.

New Ownership

The Roundabout trail (2014)
The Roundabout trail (2014)

After eight years of ownership, the Burns sold Mt. Abram to Matt Hancock and Rob Lally in the spring of 2008.

The main lodge suffered heavy fire damage on July 6, 2011, after lightning struck it. A temporary building was constructed in time for the 2011-2012 season. Energy efficiency was also addressed that year, as new snow guns were purchased and wood pellet boilers installed.

In the fall of 2013, Mt. Abram announced Mountain Rider's Alliance was hired to run the ski area. Plans were being made to potentially convert Mt. Abram to a co-op ownership model. The arrangement likely ended in 2017.

In the fall of 2014, Mt. Abram unveiled a 245 kilowatt solar farm, installed adjacent to the main parking lot.

In the fall of 2019, Mt. Abram previewed a new downhill mountain biking park. The operation formally opened in June 2020.

NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
Month Average Percent of Terrain Open
December30%    (2 reports)30 Open
January56%    (9 reports)56 Open
February94%    (4 reports)94 Open
March78%    (8 reports)78 Open
April95%    (2 reports)95 Open
Recent Conditions Reports
Feb. 4, 2024 by newenglandskier13
Packed Powder, Variable Conditions
Jan. 14, 2024 by rocket21
Loose Granular, Loose Granular
Mar. 26, 2023 by rocket21
Wet Powder, Wet Packed Powder
Mar. 10, 2023 by tuckers
Packed Powder, Wet Packed Powder
Feb. 19, 2023 by brianna
Loose Granular, Variable Conditions
Mt. Abram on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com


NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
Recent Articles
Management Changes at Two Maine Ski Areas - May. 11, 2017
New Trails Set to Debut at Mt. Abram - Sep. 24, 2016
New Trail Clearing Continues at Mt. Abram - Oct. 4, 2015
Mt. Abram Announces New Trails - Sep. 10, 2015
REPORT: Mt. Abram Cutting New Trails - Sep. 1, 2015
Mt. Abram Constructing Solar Farm - Sep. 25, 2014
Mt. Abram Chairlift Expected to Reopen for 2014-15 Season - Jul. 22, 2014
Mt. Abram NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News Page


Expansion History
Project
Season
Duane's Retreat
Abandoned
1965-66
West Side
Open
1988-89


Image Gallery
September 21, 1963 Lewiston Evening Journal1964-65 Eastern Ski Map1965-66 Eastern Ski MapNovember 12, 1965 Lewiston Evening Journal1966-67 Eastern Ski Map1967-68 Eastern Ski Map
View All Images in Mt. Abram Image Gallery


Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Standing Lifts
Installed
The bottom terminal (2014)
Maine T-Bar
Hall
T-Bar
1961-62
The Flying Squirrel T-Bar in 2010
Mini T
Hall
T-Bar
1970-71
The Skyline Chair shortly after its opening circa February 1989
Skyline Chair
Hall
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1988-89
The bottom terminal (2014)
Way Back Machine
Hall
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1970-71

Past Lifts
Seasons
The Duane's Retreat T-Bar base terminal in 2010
Duane's Retreat T-Bar
Hall
T-Bar
1965-66
-
2002-03
T-Bar
Hall
T-Bar
1960-61
-
1969-70


Maps
2023-24 Mt. Abram Trail Map
1971-72 Mt. Abram Trail Map1974-75 Mt. Abram Trail Map1999-2000 Mt. Abram Trail Map2009-2010 Mt. Abram Trail Map2011-12 Mt. Abram Trail Map2012-13 Mt. Abram Trail Map
View All Mt. Abram Trail Maps

Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass
2020s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2023-24$35.002023-24 Ticket Price Graph$599.002023-24 Season Pass Price Graph17.1 daysDecember 23March 172023-24 Skier Visit Graph
2022-23$35.002022-23 Ticket Price Graph$589.002022-23 Season Pass Price Graph16.8 daysDecember 18March 262022-23 Skier Visit Graph
2021-22$55.002021-22 Ticket Price Graph$569.002021-22 Season Pass Price Graph10.3 daysDecember 17March 272021-22 Skier Visit Graph
2020-21$49.002020-21 Ticket Price Graph$599.002020-21 Season Pass Price Graph12.2 daysJanuary 2March 282020-21 Skier Visit Graph
2019-20$49.002019-20 Ticket Price Graph$609.002019-20 Season Pass Price Graph12.4 daysDecember 21March 152019-20 Skier Visit Graph
2010s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2018-19$49.002018-19 Ticket Price Graph$629.002018-19 Season Pass Price Graph12.8 daysDecember 15March 312018-19 Skier Visit Graph
2017-18$59.002017-18 Ticket Price Graph$609.002017-18 Season Pass Price Graph10.3 daysDecember 16April 82017-18 Skier Visit Graph
2016-17$59.002016-17 Ticket Price Graph$619.002016-17 Season Pass Price Graph10.5 daysDecember 10April 82016-17 Skier Visit Graph
2015-16$55.002015-16 Ticket Price Graph$540.002015-16 Season Pass Price Graph9.8 daysDecember 5March 192015-16 Skier Visit Graph
2014-15$49.002014-15 Ticket Price Graph$540.002014-15 Season Pass Price Graph11.0 daysDecember 13April 112014-15 Skier Visit Graph
2013-14$49.002013-14 Ticket Price Graph$730.002013-14 Season Pass Price Graph14.9 daysDecember 14April 52013-14 Skier Visit Graph
2012-13$49.002012-13 Ticket Price Graph$730.002012-13 Season Pass Price Graph14.9 daysDecember 21April 62012-13 Skier Visit Graph
2011-12$49.002011-12 Ticket Price Graph$699.002011-12 Season Pass Price Graph14.3 daysDecember 22March 182011-12 Skier Visit Graph
2010-11$49.002010-11 Ticket Price Graph$719.002010-11 Season Pass Price Graph14.7 days2010-11 Skier Visit Graph
2009-10$49.002009-10 Ticket Price Graph2009-10 Season Pass Price Graph2009-10 Skier Visit Graph
2000s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2008-09$49.002008-09 Ticket Price Graph$649.002008-09 Season Pass Price Graph13.2 days2008-09 Skier Visit Graph
2007-08$43.002007-08 Ticket Price Graph$695.002007-08 Season Pass Price Graph16.2 daysDecember 1542,0002007-08 Skier Visit Graph
2006-07$42.002006-07 Ticket Price Graph$595.002006-07 Season Pass Price Graph14.2 days29,0002006-07 Skier Visit Graph
2005-06$42.002005-06 Ticket Price Graph$595.002005-06 Season Pass Price Graph14.2 days38,0002005-06 Skier Visit Graph
2004-05$41.002004-05 Ticket Price Graph$575.002004-05 Season Pass Price Graph14.0 daysApril 1036,0002004-05 Skier Visit Graph
2003-04$37.002003-04 Ticket Price Graph$575.002003-04 Season Pass Price Graph15.5 daysMarch 282003-04 Skier Visit Graph
2002-03$35.002002-03 Ticket Price Graph$575.002002-03 Season Pass Price Graph16.4 days2002-03 Skier Visit Graph
2001-02$35.002001-02 Ticket Price Graph2001-02 Season Pass Price Graph2001-02 Skier Visit Graph
2000-01$33.002000-01 Ticket Price Graph$400.002000-01 Season Pass Price Graph12.1 days40,0002000-01 Skier Visit Graph
1999-00$32.001999-00 Ticket Price Graph1999-00 Season Pass Price GraphMarch 2630,0001999-00 Skier Visit Graph
1990s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1997-981997-98 Ticket Price Graph1997-98 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 121997-98 Skier Visit Graph
1996-97$29.001996-97 Ticket Price Graph1996-97 Season Pass Price GraphApril 61996-97 Skier Visit Graph
1994-951994-95 Ticket Price Graph1994-95 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 17March 261994-95 Skier Visit Graph
1993-941993-94 Ticket Price Graph1993-94 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 11April 31993-94 Skier Visit Graph
1992-93$25.001992-93 Ticket Price Graph1992-93 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 121992-93 Skier Visit Graph
1991-92$26.001991-92 Ticket Price Graph1991-92 Season Pass Price Graph1991-92 Skier Visit Graph
1990-91$26.001990-91 Ticket Price Graph1990-91 Season Pass Price Graph1990-91 Skier Visit Graph
1989-90$24.001989-90 Ticket Price Graph1989-90 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 21989-90 Skier Visit Graph
1980s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1988-89$22.001988-89 Ticket Price Graph1988-89 Season Pass Price Graph1988-89 Skier Visit Graph
1987-88$20.001987-88 Ticket Price Graph1987-88 Season Pass Price Graph1987-88 Skier Visit Graph
1986-87$18.001986-87 Ticket Price Graph1986-87 Season Pass Price Graph1986-87 Skier Visit Graph
1985-86$18.001985-86 Ticket Price Graph1985-86 Season Pass Price Graph1985-86 Skier Visit Graph
1984-85$17.001984-85 Ticket Price Graph1984-85 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 121984-85 Skier Visit Graph
1983-84$15.001983-84 Ticket Price Graph1983-84 Season Pass Price Graph1983-84 Skier Visit Graph
1982-83$13.001982-83 Ticket Price Graph1982-83 Season Pass Price Graph1982-83 Skier Visit Graph
1980-81$11.001980-81 Ticket Price Graph1980-81 Season Pass Price Graph1980-81 Skier Visit Graph
1979-80$9.001979-80 Ticket Price Graph1979-80 Season Pass Price Graph1979-80 Skier Visit Graph
1970s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1978-79$8.001978-79 Ticket Price Graph1978-79 Season Pass Price Graph1978-79 Skier Visit Graph
1977-78$7.001977-78 Ticket Price Graph1977-78 Season Pass Price Graph1977-78 Skier Visit Graph
1976-77$7.001976-77 Ticket Price Graph1976-77 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 241976-77 Skier Visit Graph
1975-76$7.001975-76 Ticket Price Graph1975-76 Season Pass Price Graph1975-76 Skier Visit Graph
1974-75$7.001974-75 Ticket Price Graph1974-75 Season Pass Price Graph1974-75 Skier Visit Graph
1973-74$7.001973-74 Ticket Price Graph1973-74 Season Pass Price Graph1973-74 Skier Visit Graph
1972-73$7.001972-73 Ticket Price Graph1972-73 Season Pass Price Graph1972-73 Skier Visit Graph
1971-72$7.001971-72 Ticket Price Graph1971-72 Season Pass Price Graph1971-72 Skier Visit Graph
1970-71$7.001970-71 Ticket Price Graph1970-71 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 231970-71 Skier Visit Graph
1969-70$5.001969-70 Ticket Price Graph1969-70 Season Pass Price Graph1969-70 Skier Visit Graph
1960s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1968-69$4.501968-69 Ticket Price Graph1968-69 Season Pass Price Graph1968-69 Skier Visit Graph
1967-68$4.501967-68 Ticket Price Graph1967-68 Season Pass Price Graph1967-68 Skier Visit Graph
1965-661965-66 Ticket Price Graph1965-66 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 41965-66 Skier Visit Graph
1964-65$4.001964-65 Ticket Price Graph1964-65 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 111964-65 Skier Visit Graph
1963-64$4.001963-64 Ticket Price Graph1963-64 Season Pass Price Graph1963-64 Skier Visit Graph
1962-63$4.001962-63 Ticket Price Graph1962-63 Season Pass Price Graph1962-63 Skier Visit Graph
1961-621961-62 Ticket Price Graph1961-62 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 15April 11961-62 Skier Visit Graph
1960-61$2.501960-61 Ticket Price Graph$40.001960-61 Season Pass Price Graph16.0 daysDecember 111960-61 Skier Visit Graph


Visitor Memories
"This is a question for old timers. Does anyone remember a pepper stealing chipmunk in the snack bar? I'm beginning to think I am going crazy. Thank you. Please say My Abram in reply."
Lowell Jeffers, Feb. 4, 2022
"I grew up on that mountain and my dad lived in the Mt. Abram Village. I started skiing At the age of 5 and eventually taught skiing there myself with my dad. There are so many great memories on that mountain!! I will always love that place. I hope it still stays open for many many years to come! "
Angela Jordan, Mar. 22, 2017
"We were raised on the mountain. My sons had lockers in the lodge and got off the bus in the parking lot each day after school, skied for a couple hrs, then walked home. What great memories. "
Catherine Merrill, Mar. 21, 2017
"So many fond memories at Mt. Abram. Back in 1992/93 my father, Rick Hoddinott, bought Mt Abram at a auction. Over the years he made some wonderful changes, his main goal was for Mt Abram to be the most family oriented ski resort around. I remember the building of the West Side Lodge & several log cabins for renting ...the amazing tubing park being put in (where I had my 10th Birthday!)...the Women's Pro Ski Tour.., Hoddinott was also was the first to put in night skiing at the Mountain. Unfortunately after the Ice Storm of 98' irreversible damages had been done to the majority of ski lifts & equipment and the Mt was foreclosed on soon after. Mt Abram has always had a special place in my heart & always will thanks to all the wonderful memories that were made there over the years. ❤️ ~Avery Hoddinott"
Avery Hoddinott, Nov. 5, 2016
"I try to make a winter trip back to Maine each year. Being in PA now, I've skied the Poconos and NY mountains. But hitting the slopes at Mt. Abram is like coming home again and is my favorite, hands down."
Cathleen Sawicki-Stephen, Jan. 24, 2014
"My families legacy. I grew up skiing there."
Lainey Cross, Sep. 5, 2013
"so many wonderful memories there. Ski Patrol classes with Blaine Mills, Gary Fuller and many more. Ski instructor,Gerry Smith helped me when competing for Gould Academy. Started skiing there from opening day. remember the dances in high school. "
Charlene Swain Maginnis, Sep. 5, 2013
"So many memories! And fresh donuts by Grampa Young every morning."
Susan Gregson, Sep. 5, 2013
"I was on the ski patrol, then the ski school, and later was the race-program director for 15 years. One couldn't ask for a better place to ski, nor better skiers with whom to share experiences."
Al Wescott, Sep. 5, 2013
"WAY TOO MANY MEMORIES TO LIST!!! SOME OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE!"
Katrina Lowe, Sep. 5, 2013
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External Links
  • Mt. Abram Ski Area - official site
  • Mt. Abram - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • Last updated: March 1, 2022

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