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Located on the northern end of Pleasant Mountain, Shawnee Peak is the oldest major ski area in Maine.
Early Skiing on Pleasant Mountain
Shawnee Peak's skiing history dates back to 1935, when multiple groups started developing a winter recreation area on the northern slopes of Pleasant Mountain. The Bridgton Lions Club, Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, Bridgton Academy, Portland Ski Club, and Bridgton Civilian Conservation Corps joined together to construct the Wayshego Trail. Laid out by Max Wheildon, Bud Dow, and Clarence Kneeland, the 1.5 mile trail was only the start of what was to come.
In 1937, Bridgton selectmen obtained a Works Progress Administration grant for further development of the ski area. A team of 40 started work, eventually growing to 125. On January 23, 1938, a 1,100 foot rope tow opened, serving lower mountain slopes. The Wayshego Trail was also widened and smoothed for that winter. Other attractions included a ski jump, and cross country skiing. By the time the 1938-39 season rolled around, some $20,000 had been invested in the project.
Likely following the WPA improvements, the Mt. Pleasant Ski Club took charge of improvements. For the 1940-41 season a 300 foot rope tow was added for beginners. Also around this time, the town of Bridgton purchased the land on which the ski area was located. The land was then leased to the Bridgton Chamber of Commerce. Soon thereafter, a group including Russ Haggett formed Pleasant Mountain Corporation and purchased the ski area.
Following World War II, Russ Haggett became general manager of the ski area. Meanwhile, the Wayshego Trail was renamed Jack Spratt in honor of Pleasant Mountain's second manager.
Old Blue |
Many Firsts at Pleasant Mountain
The mid 1950s brought significant changes to Pleasant Mountain. Maine's first T-Bar was installed at Pleasant for 1953-54. At about 2,000 in length, the lift served the lower slopes of the ski area.
Around this time, Ray Erickson joined Russ Haggett as owner of the ski area. For 1955-56, Maine's second chairlift was installed at Pleasant Mountain. Later known as "Old Blue," the 4,300 foot double chairlift climbed to the top of the north peak of the mountain.
Good times continued at the mountain. Snowfall was so abundant in 1957-58 that the area was able to operate for 118 days.
The base lodge circa the 1960s |
For the 1960-61 season, a short Doppelmayr T-Bar was installed, serving a newly cleared five acre novice slope in the vicinity of the present day Rabbit Run. The base lodge was also expanded.
For the 1961-62 season, a "3000-foot slope cut 300 feet wide" was added. Named the East Slope, the new terrain was augmented by a new T-Bar in 1962-63. Improvements were made to the base lodge in 1963, 1964, and 1965.
Pleasant Mountain in the 1960s |
New ownership came onboard for the 1969-70 season, investing in the Pine double chairlift to provide modern lift access to the lower slopes on the main mountain. Due to related congestion, the novice T-Bar was relocated for the 1970-71 season. The new area was located across the road from the main mountain and featured a vertical drop of about 60 feet.
The East Area Debuts
The Pleasant Mountain East Area opened for the 1972-73 season. Serviced by a double chairlift, the new complex featured intermediate and expert terrain, as well as a new base area.
After running Pleasant Mountain for three decades, General Manager Russ Haggett retired prior to the 1975-76 season. Squaw Mountain's Ron Kutkiewicz took over as General Manager for a short time before departing for Big Vanilla in New York.
Freestyle skiing became increasingly popular at Pleasant Mountain during the 1970s. In 1978-79, four of the ten United States qualifiers at the North American championships came from Pleasant Mountain. Meanwhile, to attempt to keep up with other ski areas, $100,000 was spent upgrading its trails, while the Old Blue chairlift was rebuilt.
Pleasant Mountain in the 1970s |
While Pleasant Mountain had been at the top of the state's ski industry for its first few decades, it found itself lagging behind the pack as the 1980s started. Lacking snowmaking, the ski area operated only 7 days in 1979-80 and a few dozen days in 1980-81.
The area was likely sold in November of 1981. A snowmaking system was quickly installed for the 1981-82 season. Later in 1982, an alpine slide opened for summer operations.
Okemo General Manager Ed Rock was hired to run Pleasant Mountain for the 1983-84 season. A Labor Day weekend 1983 fire at Pleasant Mountain's base lodge threatened to set the ski area back, however hard work resulted in the ski area opening that December. Top to bottom snowmaking debuted that winter.
Following the 1983-84 season, "Old Blue" was removed and replaced with a new Riblet triple chairlift.
$600,000 was invested in the snowmaking system for 1985-85 season. Amongst the improvements was a new pipeline from Moose Pond, providing significant water to the operation. Snowmaking was expanded to the East Side for 1987-88.
Pleasant Mountain Becomes Shawnee Peak
Following the 1987-88 season, the owners of Pleasant Mountain found themselves in financial trouble. That off season, they sold the ski area to Shawnee Mountain Corp. for $1.4 million. Pleasant Mountain was subsequently renamed to "Shawnee Peak," the name of the owners' Pennsylvania ski area.
For its debut season as Shawnee Peak, major changes were made to the ski area. A new Borvig double chairlift was installed near the original location of the novice T-Bar. Snowmaking was further expanded, while base area facilities were improved. Finally, night skiing was added on the lower mountain.
Night skiing was expanded to the summit for the 1989-90 season, giving Shawnee Peak the most lit terrain in New England. The 121 day season ended up setting records for length of season and number of skier visits.
The classic Mt. Washington view (2016) |
Chet Homer Buys Shawnee Peak
Circa 1992, the parent company decided to divest its skiing holdings, resulting in banks taking control of Shawnee Peak. After a couple of season on the bubble, Shawnee Peak was purchased by Tom's of Maine executive Chet Homer in September of 1994. Though Homer considered restoring the ski area's original name, he opted to keep the Shawnee Peak identity due to the brand that had been established.
After making under the hood improvements, Homer made a splash in 1997 when $1.2 million was invested in Shawnee Peak. In addition to a new beginner lift, two chairlifts were upgraded. The East Area's double chairlift was converted into a triple while the Pine Double was replaced with a new CTEC Quad chairlift.
For the 2010-11 season, the aging summit Riblet triple was replaced with a rebuilt CTEC triple, purchased from Loon, NH. The new lift was complemented with a conveyor loading system, allowing it to run faster than its predecessor. Four years later, the Rabbit Run chairlift was upgraded to a triple.
Ralph Lewis, Loon's Director of Ski Operations, became General Manager in September 2016 when Ed Rock retired. A new Magic Carpet lift was installed for the 2017-18 season.
NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
| Month |
Average Percent of Terrain Open |
| December | 10% (1 report) |  | | January | 48% (7 reports) | | | February | 90% (2 reports) | | | March | 90% (4 reports) | | | April | 60% (1 report) | |
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| Recent Conditions Reports |
 | Apr. 3, 2021 by newenglandskier13
Spring Snow, Frozen Granular |
 | Mar. 28, 2021 by nhalex
Corn, Bare Spots |
 | Mar. 27, 2021 by nhalex
Corn, Frozen Granular |
 | Feb. 5, 2019 by rocket21
Spring Snow, Frozen Granular |
 | Jan. 4, 2019 by newenglandskier13
Packed Powder, Powder |
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| Shawnee Peak on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com |
NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
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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 |
| 2020-21 | $86.00 | | $795.00 | | 9.2 days | December 18 | April 4 | | | | | 2019-20 | $82.00 | | $770.00 | | 9.4 days | December 7 | March 15 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $75.00 | | $760.00 | | 10.1 days | December 1 | April 1 | | | | | 2017-18 | $72.00 | | $725.00 | | 10.1 days | December 16 | April 1 | | | | | 2016-17 | $69.00 | | $715.00 | | 10.4 days | December 17 | April 2 | | | | | 2015-16 | $65.00 | | $710.00 | | 10.9 days | December 12 | March 26 | | | | | 2014-15 | $63.00 | | $705.00 | | 11.2 days | December 6 | April 5 | | | | | 2013-14 | $62.00 | | $699.00 | | 11.3 days | December 7 | April 5 | | | | | 2012-13 | $59.00 | | $699.00 | | 11.8 days | December 15 | March 31 | | | | | 2011-12 | $59.00 | | $709.00 | | 12.0 days | December 17 | March 24 | | | | | 2010-11 | $56.00 | | $709.00 | | 12.7 days | December 11 | | | | | | 2009-10 | $53.00 | | $709.00 | | 13.4 days | | | | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2008-09 | $52.00 | | $779.00 | | 15.0 days | December 13 | | | | | | 2007-08 | $49.00 | | $699.00 | | 14.3 days | December 8 | April 6 | | | | | 2006-07 | $47.00 | | $699.00 | | 14.9 days | December 16 | March 25 | | | | | 2005-06 | $45.00 | | $679.00 | | 15.1 days | December 10 | March 26 | | | | | 2004-05 | $44.00 | | $699.00 | | 15.9 days | | March 27 | | | | | 2003-04 | $42.00 | | $709.00 | | 16.9 days | December 13 | March 28 | | | | | 2002-03 | $42.00 | | $699.00 | | 16.6 days | December 7 | | | | | | 2001-02 | $41.00 | | $699.00 | | 17.0 days | | | | | | | 2000-01 | $39.00 | | $675.00 | | 17.3 days | | | | | | | 1999-00 | $39.00 | | $599.00 | | 15.4 days | | March 26 | | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1998-99 | | | | | | December 12 | | | | | | 1997-98 | $38.00 | | | | | December 6 | | | | | | 1996-97 | $35.00 | | | | | December 13 | April 6 | | | | | 1994-95 | | | | | | December 15 | March 26 | | | | | 1993-94 | | | | | | | April 3 | | | | | 1992-93 | $31.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1991-92 | $31.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1990-91 | $30.00 | | | | | | March 31 | | | | | 1989-90 | $29.00 | | | | | December 2 | | | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1988-89 | $27.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1987-88 | $23.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1985-86 | $19.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1983-84 | $17.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1982-83 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1980-81 | $12.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1979-80 | $10.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1978-79 | $10.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1977-78 | $9.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1976-77 | $9.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1975-76 | $8.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1974-75 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1973-74 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1972-73 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1971-72 | $7.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1970-71 | $6.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1969-70 | $6.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | $6.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1967-68 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1965-66 | | | | | | December 18 | | | | | | 1964-65 | $5.00 | | | | | December 29 | | | | | | 1963-64 | $5.00 | | | | | December 14 | | | | | | 1962-63 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1961-62 | | | | | | November 17 | April 2 | | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | $4.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1957-58 | | | | | | | | 18,000 | | | | 1954-55 | | | | | | December 23 | | | | |
Visitor Memories
| "My father Russ Haggett loved this mountain. Spent much of his life there .we lived in the first hut in the early years. He started the first ski program for local kids as I remember it was free. Of course that was in the 50s. Times have sure changed as far as being affordable for some." | | Janet Underwood, Feb. 11, 2019 | | "Myself and my twin brother Tom learned to ski at Pleasant Mt. starting in 1964 at the tender age of 5, I remember the best honey dipped donuts at the base, and a ski patrol gentlemen named Mr. Fanklin who would allow us , after we became better skier to accompany him on the last sweep of the day! " | | Alie Shaughnessy, Feb. 14, 2017 | | "I skied here while I was attending Bridgton Academy (59-60)It was a fun place but small.Looks much better now." | | bill jenks, Feb. 7, 2017 | | "Our family history says my grandfather, Hugh Douglas MacCormack, an employee of Mr. Malcolm cleared the first trail on Shawnee Peak with a horse and plow. It was some sort of business deal between Mr. Malcolm and the owner of Land. Mr. Malcolm used the wood from clearing the trail to build 'Trails End' the first compound on Long Lake in Bridgton. My grandfather built this compound for Mr. Malcolm. My grandfather was born in 1890 in Canada. My dad his eldest was born in 1923 about the time this would have happened. The road leading to 'Trails End' in Bridgton, is named after Mr.Malcolm. " | | susan maccormack - mclaughin, May. 18, 2014 |
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External Links
Shawnee Peak Ski Area - official site
Pleasant Mountain - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
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Last updated: February 11, 2019
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