On August 6, High Peaks Alliance staff member Matt Kusper and partners gathered at Bald Mountain in Oquossoc to plan the final details for the region’s first public ski glades, with representatives from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Granite Backcountry Alliance joining him to formalize the route for the western glade, identify improvements to the existing T-bar line, and establish the official skin track for uphill travel.

The day’s main priority was defining the project scope and determining what could realistically be accomplished during the upcoming volunteer work weekend. The group focused primarily on planning and pinpointing the exact locations of the glades to be cut during the volunteer event.

The volunteer glade work is scheduled for September 19–20, 2026. The amount of work that can be completed depends largely on how many certified sawyers. GBA’s Paul Maresca estimates that 24 sawyers would be enough to accomplish all prescribed tasks. Matt Kusper shared that the project has been ongoing for nearly two years and it’s surreal to see it finally take shape, adding that he hopes to see a great turnout on the volunteer work day.

Thank you to Bill Beeaker (BPL), Kate Nickerson (GBA Vice President), Drew Zimber (GBA President), Paul Maresca (GBA Chainsaw Instructor), and Alex Weatherbee (GBA) for joining us in the field and helping make this project happen.