Rangeley, ME – With its current ski season now history, it’s been one for the record books at Saddleback Maine.nSaddleback’s 2009-10 revenue was up by 40 percent and skier visits were up by 15 percent over the 2008-09 winter, resort officials indicate.

“This was a great year for Saddleback,” said Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback Maine. “In fact, this has been the best year ever. We had more guests visit Saddleback this year than any other year in our 49 years in operation.”

Cook noted several factors in the ski resort’s success, including the opening of a new glade, Casablanca, which at 44 acres is the largest glade in the Northeast; improvements to the snow surface as a result of the additions to Saddleback’s grooming fleet and the creation of the Saddleback PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) Pass program, designed to encourage Maine students to perform well in school, to help curb childhood obesity, and to promote getting outside and enjoy winter sports.

Cook said, “We were hoping that 500 students would earn a pass but we had over 2,400 honor roll students earn a $49 PEAK Pass this year. We are very pleased that the PEAK Pass program was a huge success and so many families could enjoy affordable skiing this winter. We look forward to the continued success of these new additions to Saddleback.”

Casablanca will be expanded this summer. Summer trail grooming will be performed this year along with base area maintenance. A parking lot expansion will be completed and the second South Branch II Condo Building will be completed for purchase.

This summer, Saddleback will host concerts with artists including Suzy Bogguss, and The Waybacks and host the first annual Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 7. The Saddleback Marina on nearby Rangeley Lake, purchased in 2009, will also be open, offering slip rentals, Rangeley Lake boat tours and a crepe shack.