Group forms to save Bigrock
MARS HILL — When the non-profit Maine Winter Sports Center, and the Libra Foundation, announced Aug. 6 that they were ending their relationship with Bigrock Mountain, it effectively closed the mountain. For decades, Bigrock has been a way of life, and a part of the culture of northern Maine and New Brunswick. In an area where snow dominates the winter landscape, Bigrock provided an affordable and accessible place for friends and family to gather to ski. No surprise, shortly after the announcement, people started to organize to keep Bigrock open.
THE FRIENDS OF BIGROCK is in its infancy stage, already has a fund-raising website to receive donations and will be holding a town hall meeting in the main lodge at Bigrock Mountain this Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. to solicit ideas and support to keep Bigrock open.
“Everybody and anyone is encouraged to attend and participate with the goal of saving this regional jewel,” said Bill Getman, current general manager of Bigrock.
Bigrock Mountain, at 980 feet of vertical feet, is the tallest ski area in northern Maine and Canadian Maritimes. The Maine Winter Sports Center purchased the site in 1999, and since that time the Libra Foundation has invested over $6 million in improvements, including expanded snow making, a beginner/intermediate ski area with a triple chair, a glade park, and a carpet lift.
Bigrock changed its business model last year with a focus on making skiing accessible to the region, and while there was a significant increase in skiers, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Future plans are to continue to keep skiing accessible and affordable.
FRIENDS OF BIGROCK is being organized with a stated goal of raising $150,000 by mid-September, which will allow the mountain to reopen this winter.
“Truly, closing Bigrock Mountain is not an option. It is an area icon, a way of life, and skiing makes winter enjoyable,” said Travis Kearney, a Bigrock board member. “I have grown up in the county, and have all ways been amazed with how quickly folks rally behind a cause of need. There are a lot of dedicated folks committed to keeping Bigrock operational, and sustainable. We hope, ask, and need everyone in the area with fond memories of skiing at Bigrock to join our journey.
“You can start helping by visiting us on Facebook or at www.gofundme.com/save-BigrockMountain, and also by attending the town hall meeting this Wednesday,” he said.
