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| Baker Mountain Ski Area |
| Bingham, Maine |
| Status: |
Open
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| First Season: | 1930s |
| Vertical Drop: | 460 feet |
| Standing Lifts: | Surface lift |
| Past Lifts: | Surface lifts |
| Left: The Main Trail in 2018 |
| Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
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Located just off US 201 north of Bingham and Moscow, Maine, Baker Mountain is one of the oldest ski areas in New England.
Roots in the 1930s
The wheels from the Baker Mountain rope tow (2018) |
The roots of Baker Mountain likely date back to 1937 or 1938, when avid skiers Allen Quimby Jr. and Langdon Quimby logged the slopes of Pierce Hill, land they leased from Central Maine Power Company for their Allen Quimby Veneer Company. Meanwhile, the Bingham Ski Club was holding meetings at least as far back as the spring of 1938.
Baker Mountain was billed in regional newspapers as a new attraction for the 1939-40 season with two rope tows planned (950 feet and 550 feet, the latter of which was likely never constructed), serving a 1,000 foot long slope. In addition, the Baker Mountain Trail was cut from the top of the mountain to the slope, reportedly dropping 555 vertical feet over the course of a mile. A cabin was reportedly built at the top of the slope. Employees of the Quimbys' veneer mill helped to construct a ski area. The Baker name was reportedly derived from an "eccentric man" who "lived in a cave on the mountain" according to the Waterville Morning Sentinel.
Adequate snowpack finally arrived in late January, allowing for the rope tow to debut on January 28, 1940 with 150 skiers, 50 of which were Farmington-Franklin County Ski Club members who had chartered buses. Conditions were described as "ten inches of base snow with a minimum of four inches of powder snow and a light breakable crust" which made the skiing "extremely fast."
In mid-February, Baker Mountain may have hosted the Bingham High School Winter Carnival ski events, with skating reportedly held at nearby Wyman Lake.
The original Baker Mountain rope tow was reportedly powered by a Model T engine. Underpowered, it was replaced with a Buick as soon as one year later. Not long thereafter, the tow was lengthened and the motor replaced with a Railton. The Railton was later replaced with an industrial engine.
World War II
The area hosted winter carnivals in February 1941 and 1942, however it is not known if the slopes were used in 1943 or 1944 due to World War II. Baker hosted the Bingham High School Winter Carnival again in February 1945.
A snow-free Baker Mountain in January 1949 |
Bulldozer work was conducted on the main slope for the 1948-49 season, while cabins were reportedly constructed at the top and bottom of the area. Baker Mountain once again had a late start to its season, as the slope was bare in mid-January. The Bingham High School Winter Carnival had to be postponed by a week in February due to "hard crusty surface snow" which posed "danger to the young skiers."
The area faced a similar snow drought in 1949-50, as there was inadequate snow until a January 25 storm. Langdon Quimby's wife organized successful girl scout outings at the area, drawing troops from Skowhegan.
A beginner rope tow was added for the 1950-51 season, "so that even the smallest tots who are able to go down hill on a pair of skis will find the way back safe and easy." A new ski lodge was also reportedly constructed.
The 1951-52 season featured a snowy February, drawing a crowd of 150 from as far away as Connecticut after a late-month blizzard. The Waterville Morning Sentinel reported that "virtually the entire town donned skis and took to the hills."
The 1953-54 season reportedly had some decent days in January, however a subsequent lack of snow resulted in the Bingham Winter Carnival being cancelled.
A January 1955 Baker Mountain advertisement |
William Melcher and Douglas Gordon took over operation of the area from Quimby for the 1954-55 season, with the land now reportedly owned by S.D. Warren Company. Only one rope tow was reported in operation at this point. The season got underway at the end of January.
The Bingham Lions Club made plans to operate Baker Mountain for the 1955-56 season. The opening was delayed due to a lack of snow and the need for a new rope. The season likely got underway in early February.
The Baker Mountain Ski Club was formed in December 1957 to sponsor ski meets and dances and possibly operate the tow. Keith Davis served as the first president and William Melcher as secretary and treasurer.
Baker Mountain in 1959 |
As the 1958-59 season neared, the future of Baker Mountain appeared to be in jeopardy. A call was put out for those interested in continuing the operation of the ski area in December, with a group soon emerging to raise money to repair the broken rope tow. Arthur Gamache served as project chair. The non-profit Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club was formed in early 1959, with Gerard Guay elected as president, William Melcher vice president, Arthur Gamache treasurer, and multiple members of the Quimby family serving on the board of directors. Fundraising was successful, allowing the group to install a new rope and open the area in mid-February with two feet of base. Plans were announced for potentially adding night skiing, a toboggan run, and a skating rink.
The local girl scouts took an active role in the ski area for the 1959-60 season, sewing ski patrol vests and operating the lunch stand at the base lodge.
An aerial view of Baker Mountain circa the early 1960s |
The future of Baker Mountain again appeared to be in jeopardy as the 1960-61 season approached, but volunteers rallied to open it in mid-January. Enjoying good conditions in early February, the area drew over 200 skiers in one day.
Improvements for the 1961-62 season included replacing the rope tow rope and extending it 300 feet downhill. The 1,500 foot tow was in operation on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and additional hours during February school vacation.
Use of the slope increased in 1962-63, as Valley High School's ski team started using it three nights per week. A four-school meet was held as part of a winter carnival at the area in March.
Preparation for Expansion
The 1968 expansion |
In mid-December 1966, the ski area was heavily damaged when the tow rope was cut and parts of the motor taken. Though there were concerns that the area would be unable to operate that winter, makeshift repairs were made in time to salvage the season.
In June 1967, the Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club began formalizing plans to replace the rope tow with an aerial lift. Enchanted Mountain general manager Daniel Leary presented analysis on expansion, Poma Aerial Tramways discussed the potential of a 1,983 foot long by 420 foot vertical surface lift, and John Gibson of the Farmers Home Administration explained the requirements to apply for a loan. The ski club voted to proceed with applying for the loan at that time.
Preparations for the expansion continued as the 1967-68 season unfolded, including clearing the title for the property and starting a membership drive. By this point, the expansion plans included a T-Bar, new trails, grooming equipment, and a new base lodge. Valley High ski coach Robert Henderson served as club president at this time. Numerous races were held at the area as interest continued to grow.
In January, the Waterville Morning Sentinel described the "interesting and complicated operation" of supervising the warming shack: "It consists of selling tickets and refreshments, repairing ski bindings, baby sitting, supervising the ski patrol, untying frozen laces, rubbing cold feet of small skiers, sweeping tons of snow out of the shack, and keeping the fire going in a stove so antique that most of those having to stoke it were not in existence at the time it was manufactured."
As spring 1968 arrived, the club was seeking bids from four companies for the proposed T-Bar. The new lift would be 2,170 feet long with a top terminal 500 feet past the rope tow for a vertical drop of 430 feet. Meanwhile, used grooming equipment had been purchased and plans for the base lodge were moving forward. Lighting for night skiing was also proposed, while a new parking configuration (moving the entrance to Pierce Hill Road due to safety concerns) was also considered.
In early April, the original lodge was stripped of its furnishings and stoves and burned to the ground to make way for the new facility.
In August, the club acquired land from Scott Paper Company.
In September, the Farmers Home Administration announced it would back $48,000 in borrowing for the expansion. Local residents reportedly provided $4,000 in funding, while the towns of Bingham, Moscow, and Pleasant Ridge also reportedly contributed financial support. Annual debt service payments would reportedly total $2,840.
In November, Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club vice president Wesley Baker told the Portland Press Herald, "We're approaching this development with moderation. It's primarily a community area for local youth." Constructed by Rainy Tremblay and Douglas Gordon, the 40 by 48 foot new lodge was described as "strictly functional" with the option to be expanded if needed. Two new trails were cut, with plans for additional ones in future years.
Allen and Elizabeth Quimby cutting the ceremonial ribbon (February 2, 1969) |
Planned operations for the 1968-69 season were weekend days and three weeknights, however the installation of night skiing lights was postponed due to snow and cost overruns. Though not complete at the time, the new lodge was put to use as the expanded ski area debuted on January 11, 1969. By this point, the club's membership stood at 118 people. The new lift and lodge were dedicated on February 2, 1969 with Allen Quimby cutting the ceremonial ribbon. So much snow fell at one point in late February (reportedly 40 inches in one storm) that the area had to briefly close.
The 1970s
The 1970s at Baker Mountain |
Wesley Baker was elected president in advance of the 1969-70 season, as Robert Henderson was drafted into the Army and on his way to serve in Vietnam. Changes for the 1969-70 season included lengthening the open slope to the top of the T-Bar (billed as the largest open slope in the state) and installing a 180 by 95 foot skating rink. The Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club also facilitated advanced Red Cross first aid courses.
Additional land was procured in September 1970. The snack bar operation was leased by two Valley High School seniors that winter, using picnic tables borrowed from the Wyman Lake Swimming Area. The ski area enjoyed a long season from mid-December to April.
A new Bombardier SV-250 snow cat was acquired for the 1971-72 season, while Robert Henderson returned from his Army service in Vietnam to continue to provide free ski lessons for the School on Skis program along with Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club president William Melcher. The area reportedly enjoyed an early December opening.
Improvements for the 1972-73 season included a new downhill trail as well as cross country ski trails.
The Town of Moscow approved $800 for the installation of night skiing lights at its 1975 town meeting. Meanwhile, unable to locate a permanent facility, the Trinity Baptist Church held services at the Baker Mountain ski lodge starting that spring.
By the end of the 1977-78 season, club membership was reported at 155 people. The School on Skis program saw 84 students participants receiving free lessons over the February vacation week. By this point, it appears the campaign to install night skiing lights had ended, as the Town of Moscow reallocated some of the funds it had raised for the project over the years.
Operations were bolstered in 1978-79 when the Town of Moscow provided two lift operators with funding from the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. The area was the unfortunate victim of multiple acts of theft and vandalism that season, including stealing a snow cat battery, removing wheel bolts, and swiping food and gas.
The 1980s
1980 off-season work |
Bad luck continued with the 1979-80 season. Early in the morning of December 30th, an individual attempted to drive a Volkswagen up the ski slope. After the person exited the vehicle, it rolled downhill and slammed into the base lodge, causing extensive damage to the building. The club was able to repair the lodge by early January, but lacked natural snow. In early February, the club held a Snow Dance to try to summon a start to the season. The effort was unsuccessful, as Baker was unable to open that season due to the lack of snow.
1980-81 was not much better. The area opened briefly in mid-January, but ended the season with just four days of operation due to the lack of snow.
Despite the back-to-back bad seasons, the club still made improvements for the 1981-82 season. A garage was constructed to protect the area's snow cat, while a Soltz double-barreled stove was installed in the base lodge to reduce reliance on expensive electric heat. Meanwhile, parts were procured from the defunct Snow Mountain in Winterport to repair the T-Bar. Despite essentially missing two consecutive seasons, the area saw more than 90 participants with the School on Skis program.
After sustaining continued damage during the off-season from four-wheel drive vehicles, Baker Mountain installed a gate at the base of the ski area in the fall of 1982. In addition, a new base terminal building was constructed for the T-Bar. A lawn mower attachment was purchased for the 1983-84 season.
The 1984-85 season was underway by New Year's Eve.
Upon learning that Baker Mountain needed a new haul rope for its T-Bar in 1987, local towns appropriated thousands of dollars for the project. A new trail may have been added at some point in the late 1980s.
The 1990s
The mid-February opening in 1993 |
The early 1990s were not without their challenges. Due to a lack of snow, the 1992-93 season did not start until the tail end of the February vacation week. By this point, Baker Mountain was no longer providing ski rentals due to insurance issues.
Baker Mountain co-founder Allen Quimby Jr. passed away on April 20, 1992 at the age of 84.
In the late 1990s, Baker Mountain jokingly described its natural-snow-only operation as "Skiing on organic snow." Lift ticket prices were slashed by more than half due to concerns about affordability.
Night skiing lights were installed for the 1998-99 season to provide families the opportunity to hit the slopes after work. The $12,200 project was funded by donations and a Maine Community Foundation grant. The School on Skis program saw 28 participants that winter.
A new packer was purchased for the 1999-00 season.
The Sluice trail (2018) |
Longtime Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club president Robert Henderson passed away on September 30, 2021 at the age of 78.
While the improved ski area enjoyed popularity, subsequent demographic shifts and the growth of other ski areas has resulted in Baker Mountain becoming a fairly low key, local operation in recent decades. The Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club continues to operate Baker Mountain ski area to this day, thanks in large part to volunteers, grants, and donations.
NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
| Month |
Average Percent of Terrain Open |
| January | 100% (1 report) |  | | February | 100% (6 reports) | |
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| Recent Conditions Reports |
 | Feb. 26, 2023 by newenglandskier13
Packed Powder, Powder |
| Feb. 11, 2023 by newenglandskier13
Frozen Granular, Frozen Granular |
| Feb. 24, 2019 by brianna
Powder, Packed Powder |
| Feb. 24, 2019 by rocket21
Powder, Packed Powder |
| Jan. 21, 2019 by newenglandskier13
Packed Powder, Powder |
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| Baker Mountain Ski Area on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com |
Image Gallery
Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Maps
Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass. Window price, including RFID fee and taxes when known.
| 2020s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2024-25 | $15.00 | | $140.00 | | 9.3 days | | | | | | | 2023-24 | $15.00 | | $140.00 | | 9.3 days | January 20 | February 4 | | | | | 2022-23 | $15.00 | | $140.00 | | 9.3 days | January 28 | March 19 | | | | | 2021-22 | $15.00 | | $125.00 | | 8.3 days | January 23 | | | | | | 2020-21 | | | | | | February 6 | March 14 | | | | | 2019-20 | $15.00 | | $125.00 | | 8.3 days | February 15 | March 8 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $12.00 | | $100.00 | | 8.3 days | January 12 | March 30 | 1,067 | | | | 2017-18 | $12.00 | | $100.00 | | 8.3 days | January 7 | March 25 | | | | | 2016-17 | | | | | | December 31 | March 26 | | | | | 2014-15 | | | | | | January 31 | March 22 | | | | | 2013-14 | | | | | | December 29 | March 29 | | | | | 2012-13 | | | | | | December 29 | | | | | | 2011-12 | | | | | | January 21 | | | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1999-00 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1998-99 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1992-93 | $10.00 | | | | | February 18 | | | | | | 1989-90 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1983-84 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1981-82 | $5.00 | | $70.00 | | 14.0 days | | | | | | | 1980-81 | $5.00 | | $70.00 | | 14.0 days | January 10 | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1977-78 | $5.00 | | | | | December 23 | | | | | | 1975-76 | $4.00 | | $50.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | | | 1974-75 | $3.50 | | $50.00 | | 14.3 days | | | | | | | 1973-74 | $3.50 | | $50.00 | | 14.3 days | | | | | | | 1971-72 | $3.50 | | $50.00 | | 14.3 days | December 5 | | | | | | 1970-71 | | | | | | December 12 | | | | | | 1969-70 | | | | | | December 26 | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | | | | | | January 11 | | | | | | 1967-68 | | | | | | January 13 | | | | | | 1962-63 | $1.50 | | | | | January 13 | | | | | | 1961-62 | | | | | | January 27 | | | | | | 1960-61 | | | | | | January 14 | | | | | | 1959-60 | | | | | | January 16 | | | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | | | | | | February 14 | | | | | | 1955-56 | | | | | | February 11 | | | | | | 1954-55 | | | | | | January 29 | | | | |
| 1940s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1939-40 | | | | | | January 28 | | | | |
Visitor Memories
| "I started around 1964 learning to ski at Baker. Oh did I dread that toe rope, but as I got older and smarter would get on after someone with a toe hook, then ask when they were getting off so that I could get off first and not have the spin ripe my mittens off. Many a kid in Bingham / Moscow had leather mittens with the palm wore out do to the rope!
When the T bar came in,a bunch of us would ski in the woods before the new trails were built. The most fun were the snow fields when the powder was fresh and deep. Spent my last year of High School 71/72 on ski patrol and got to ski almost every opening day.
Having skied other bigger slopes this one has a greater meaning and great memories with the people from the area. I also had a chance to bring my daughter up in the late 90's for her first time skiing. We both rented equipment and had a ball,only to of wished we lived closer!" | | John Richard, Mar. 14, 2019 | | "I learned to ski at a young age on the small "bunny" slope and finally got my courage up to try the T bars. I was petrified. Robert Henderson walked me through the steps and for the next 20 times I tried I ended up on my butt. lol but then i realized u cant sit on it you just gotta let it push you. Great Great memories growing up in Bingham/Moscow and skiing Baker Mountain. Gave us kids something constructive to do. I hope it remains open and prosperous for generations to come.. I think Ill try and get my sons to try it out this year. Love to you all." | | jennifer beane, Jan. 14, 2019 | | "I learned to ski on this mountain many moons ago. My grandfather was Dr Harry Lowell who used to be the town Dr for the area. I started skiing at a very young age and spent every February vacation on this mountain and loving every minute of it! The T-bar got me a few times but the memories I have of this mountain are forever in my heart!!" | | Heather Pelletier, Nov. 29, 2018 |
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External Links
Baker Mountain - SmallSkiAreas.com
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Last updated: December 31, 2024
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