Rangeley, ME – After months of frustrating advance purchase season passholders left hanging in the Maine wind by their decision to not operate this winter, on Friday the owners of Saddleback ski area in Maine finally issued an announcement regarding the resort’s future.

“Our prospective new owner and the Berry Family feel confident that we will complete a transaction – opening by late January,” resort officials posted to Saddleback’s web page, without providing further detail.

For those who already purchased a season pass, Saddleback is offering three options. Those who want a refund may now apply for one at www.saddlebackmaine.com/current-passholder-options. Those willing to wait it out for an opening later in the season will be entitled to a 50% bonus in resort money good on anything at Saddleback this season or next: food, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, seasonal locker rentals, etc. Or, the season pass purchase price can be converted into a gift card with the same 50% bonus, to be used this season or next.

After investing some $40 million over the past 15 years, the Berry family has lost money on Saddleback’s operation for each of the past six years. The resort draws 80,000 to 100,000 skier visits annually.