Just Add Snow
A big thank-you goes out to everyone who joined Granite Backcountry Alliance for the Oquossoc Glade work weekend on Bald Mountain. With 51 volunteers on Saturday and 24 on Sunday, the group contributed an estimated 600 hours of volunteer time to help expand this exciting backcountry skiing destination in Rangeley.
Together, volunteers expanded the T-Bar Glade, punched through the West Glade, and developed the skin track for backcountry access. The result is a new backcountry ski zone appropriate for newcomers and seasoned skiers.
“Seeing a new zone come together is incredibly rewarding. All the planning, scouting, and coordination pay off during one weekend of volunteer work,” said Katelin Nickerson, Vice President of Granite Backcountry Alliance. “From there, we rely on locals to help steward the zone by monitoring conditions and addressing minor maintenance needs. Rangeley’s ski community has shown tremendous support, with strong turnout from local volunteers and a welcoming community. We’re thrilled to finally establish a zone here through our partnership with High Peaks Alliance and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. Graniteland is expanding, and this is an amazing new resource to further our mission of providing free access to backcountry skiing in the Northeast.”
A Community Effort
The Oquossoc Glade project reflects what is possible when volunteers, recreation advocates, land managers, and local businesses work together. The Rangeley Fire Department also participated in the weekend exercise, providing an important opportunity to become familiar with the site, access routes, and conditions within the developing glade network.
Special thanks to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land, Oquossoc Grocery, Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and Mast Landing Brewing Company for supporting the weekend and helping make this work possible.
Access to the glade will be from the Bald Mountain parking area. Maps will be available for download from GBA’s website and printed on the Kiosk in the parking area. GBA is updating maps to make the area easier to navigate responsibly.
For updates on the Oquossoc Glade and future volunteer opportunities, join our newsletter and be sure to follow Granite Backcountry Alliance (a volunteer-led organization) on social media or visit their website.
📸 Images provided by Granite Backcountry Alliance
