Saddleback Mountain Events

Saddleback Mountain is the ultimate destination for year-round excitement. From the crisp autumn days of Oktoberfest to the snowy delights of February Festival and the high-energy fun of Spring Bash Weekend, Saddleback offers activities and events that cater to all ages and interests.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the Après experience at Saddleback with live music from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at The Pub! The Après Music Series brings talented local and regional artists to the mountain, creating the perfect soundtrack to celebrate your day on the slopes.

2026 Schedule: 

January 2: Sami Stevens and Kaz

January 3: Jeff Beam

January 10: Unknown Legend

January 17: Chris Ross

January 18: TJ Swan

January 24: Hymm for Her

January 31: Barney Martin

February 6: Jeff Beam

February 7: Unknown Legend

February 13: Rob Fowler

February 14: TJ Swan

4th Annual Vertical Challenge

Sunday, January 11, 2026 

Vertical Challenge is a fun, free ski and snowboard race series open to all ages and ability levels. Participants compete in age and gender divisions, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in each category. Beyond the races, the event feels like a full-on mountain celebration, complete with snowy games, activities, free samples, swag for all ages, and exciting prizes given out throughout the day. Last year was an absolute blast, and this year is shaping up to be just as fun — you won’t want to miss it!

• Giant Slalom, 12 to 15 gates
• Male & female
• All ages
• Skiers & snowboarders
• Adaptive categories

Schedule:

USASA Maine Mountain Rail Jam

Saturday, January 24, 2026 

Get ready to watch some of New England’s top young skiers and snowboarders throw down at this USASA Rail Jam. Competitors will battle it out for top spots in a custom 4-feature hike park designed by the Saddleback Terrain Parks crew. This event is open to USASA-registered athletes only, but spectators are more than welcome! The action happens right in front of the lodge, making it the perfect show to catch from the deck—or grab a spot by the window in The Pub and enjoy the view.

USASA Maine Mountain Series Slopestyle Event

Sunday, January 25, 2026 

Catch some of New England’s top young skiers as they compete for top honors at this USASA Slopestyle Competition in Wheeler Slope Park, designed and built by the Saddleback Terrain Parks crew. This event is open to USASA-registered athletes only, but it promises an exciting show for spectators. Expect impressive runs, creative features, and nonstop action—don’t miss it!

The Gambler-Uphill Challenge to Benefit Patrol

Sunday, February 8, 2026 

The Gambler-Uphill Challenge benefits the Saddleback Ski Patrol, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Entry is $50, which includes an uphill pass, and all proceeds go directly toward supporting the incredible patrol team. Plus, Saddleback will be giving away a variety of great prizes to participants.

Grab your skis with skins and/or snowshoes and hit the uphill route! Along the way, you’ll collect playing cards. During your first lap up the mountain, you’ll receive a full poker hand (five cards). Want to improve your odds? Additional laps earn you one extra card per lap—the more you climb, the better your chances of building a winning hand.

Participants that would like to have afternoon lift access will be able to purchase a discounted lift ticket!

After your final run down the mountain, head inside to The Pub at 3:00pm, where they’ll reveal the winning hands and award prizes—including the overall champion!

Event Schedule

• 8:00am – Check-in at Guest Services

• 9:00am – 11:00am – Uphill laps

Taqueria Night at The Nest

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 

Grab your friends and head to The Nest for a high-altitude celebration – Taqueria Night! Take a ride in the cabin cat to 3,620′ and enjoy a festive, taqueria-inspired menu with spectacular mountain views.

Seatings are by reservation only, with times available at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.

Space is limited, and tickets are expected to go quickly—stay tuned for reservation details so you don’t miss out!

February Festival

Friday, February 20, 2026 

Celebrate winter in all its glory at Saddleback Mountain’s February Festival, a day filled with exciting activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. With events running from morning to evening, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Taking place February 20th, 2026

The list of events below is from February Fest 2025! February 2026 details to come! 

• 10:00 AM – Gee Whiz Grom Slopestyle Event (14 & Under): Watch young skiers and snowboarders showcase their talent in this exciting event.
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – DJ Eric Spins Tunes: Keep the vibe alive with DJ Eric’s upbeat music on the outdoor deck.
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Live Music by Bonney Rolls Band in the Pub: Relax with great food, drinks, and live music in a cozy setting.
• 6:00 PM – Torchlight & Groomer Parade down Grey Ghost: Witness a magical parade of skiers with torches and groomers lighting up the slopes.
• 6:30 PM – Fireworks Display: End the evening with a spectacular fireworks show against the snowy mountain backdrop.

USASA Spring Fling Slopestyle Ski & SB

Saturday, March 7, 2026 

Watch some of New England’s top young skiers and snowboarders compete for top honors at the Spring Fling Slopestyle Ski & SB – a custom Slopestyle course built by the Saddleback Terrain Parks crew. This event is open to USASA-registered athletes only, but spectators are invited to catch all the action!

The course is set up right in front of the lodge, making it the perfect show to watch from the deck or grab a spot by the windows in The Pub. Expect impressive tricks, big airs, and nonstop mountain action!

Women on the Rise

Sunday, March 8, 2026 

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the first-ever Women’s Uphill Adventure at Saddleback—Woman on the Rise! Meet at Saddleback Lodge at 6:30 a.m. to tour with friends old and new to the Saddleback Summit, then enjoy a well-earned breakfast together at The Nest before descending.

The group departs at 7:00 a.m., guided by Saddleback patroller powerhouses, with an expected arrival at The Nest by 9:00 a.m.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Uphill gear required: AT skis, tele skis, or splitboards. Snowshoers may participate on the uphill trail only and are not permitted to descend via ski trails. Participants should be comfortable descending blue terrain.

This event is inclusive of femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming participants who are comfortable in femme-centered spaces.

Details:

• Time: 6:30 a.m. Meet-Up

• Cost: $35

• Uphill Pass (if needed): $25

Gratuity is included.

The 4th Annual Back to the Banks Banked Slalom

Saturday, March 14, 2026 

The 4th Annual Back to the Banks Banked Slalom – Saddleback’s premier snowboarding and snow skating competition returns on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Last year, the Maine snowboarding community came out in full force, making for an unforgettable day, and this year promises even more fun!

This timed snowboard and snow skates-only race takes place on Grey Ghost, featuring berms and turns designed to challenge riders of all levels. Each participant gets two runs, with their best time counting. The event is open to all ages, with prizes awarded to the top three riders in each age group.

Riders can pick up their bibs the night before at The Pub.

Race Schedule:

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. – Rider check-in & bib pick-up

• 9:30 a.m. – Riders’ meeting at the top & course inspection slip lap

• 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – DJ: Eric from AudiblEvents

• 10:00 a.m. – First rider drops (youngest to oldest, ladies first)

• 12:30 p.m. – Second runs begin (youngest to oldest, ladies first)

• 3:00 p.m. – Awards at the base, ~30 mins after last rider finishes

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grey Ghost

Spring Bash Weekend

Friday-Sunday, April 3-5, 2026 

The list of events below is from Spring Bash 2025! Spring Bash 2026 details to come! 

Say goodbye to winter in style with Spring Bash Weekend, a celebration of live music, skiing, and unforgettable fun! Held in early April, this weekend is packed with energy and entertainment.

Friday, April 4 2025

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Live Music by The Mallett Brothers Band

Saturday, April 5 2025

• Eastern Halfpipe Jam Powered by PistenBully: Time TBD
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – DJ Eric from Audible Events
• 4:00 PM – Rewind and Grind x GoonJam
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Live Music by The Shizzle Band in the Pub

Sunday, April 6 2025

• 12:00 PM – Pond Skim: Don’t miss the hilarity as skiers and snowboarders attempt to glide across a pond.
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Live Music by TJ Swan in the Pub

Bronco Buster Challenge

Saturday, April 11, 2026 

For decades, the Bronco Buster has been the ultimate test of skill and determination on the legendary Tightline—massive moguls, relentless bumps, and unpredictable spring conditions. Make it down without a fall, and you earn bragging rights and a place in Saddleback history.

This year, the challenge returns!

• The bottom of Tightline, (Where the Yurt used to be) will be transformed into one big party! We’ll have a bar, BBQ setup, and DJ Eric from Audible Events helping bring nothing but vintage Saddleback vibes.
• Registration ends at 10am on the day of the event, 4/11
• Participants take one run down Tightline.
• No stopping or falling.
• Those who complete the run without stopping or falling win a small kit and are entered to win a bunch of different gear and prizes- from ticket packs and merch, to snowboards and Turtlebox speakers.
• Prizes will be awarded for slowest, ugliest, longest, shortest, loudest, quietest, and best dressed (all left to competitor and judges’ interpretations).

• Check-In at Lodge: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• Runs on Tightline: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Registration: $10

King of the Mountain Snowmobile Hill Climb

Saturday, April 25, 2026 

Mark your calendars for the largest East Coast hill climb at Saddleback. The 2026 King of the Mountain Snowmobile Hill Climb continues to grow every year, drawing racers and spectators from across the region for an unforgettable day of speed, skill, and excitement.

Time: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Base Lodge / Grey Ghost

Oktoberfest

2026 Date TBD! 

Celebrate the beauty of fall with Saddleback’s Oktoberfest, a family-friendly event that brings Bavarian traditions to the mountains. Typically held in early October, this vibrant festival is a can’t-miss autumn highlight.

• Live Music: Enjoy performances by local and regional bands for a lively, festive atmosphere.
• Beer Garden: Sample craft brews, including seasonal Oktoberfest favorites, from local and regional breweries.
• Traditional German Fare: Feast on bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and more.
• Family Activities: Delight in pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, and more kid-friendly fun.
• Scenic Chairlift Rides: Take in the stunning foliage with breathtaking views from the chairlift.
• Contests: Join the keg-tossing, stein-hoisting, and pie-eating contests for some spirited competition.

Photo Credit- Saddleback Maine (pie eating contest – Oktoberfest)