RLTC capital campaign

OUR GOAL: $1,000,000 | PROGRESS: 10%/$130,667

We have launched our capital campaign to raise funds for the Trails Center

DONATIONS RECEIVED

Online/Mailed In Donations - $76,097

Fundraising Event Donations - $24,570

Grants Awarded (Track in a Trail Initiative) - $30,000

gorgeous vistas. clean mountain air. peace.

The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center has remained steadfast in our operations during the five years that Saddleback was closed, but the reduction in our winter season revenue has reduced our ability to do much beyond staying afloat. With the renewed excitement and energy surrounding the re-opening of Saddleback, we are seeing a surge in activity at the Trails Center. We expect this winter season and beyond to be busy. However, we have much work to do!

Our equipment and project needs are significant and we are seeking your help to transform the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center into a year-round, world-class recreational and environmental destination.

funds from our capital campaign will

  • purchase equipment to maintain the trails year round, including a newer PistenBully nordic groomer

  • replace and upgrade nordic and single track bridges

  • regrade existing single track trails for easier grooming and summer biking

  • replace and reset culverts and maintain ditches

  • increase trail network signage and install more “You Are Here” maps at intersections

  • build new nordic trails and significantly increase the number of single track trails

  • transform many of our winter trails to summer “track in a trail” which is a smoother, bike and hike friendly path within the nordic trails

  • improve lodge amenities, to include heated changing rooms and bathrooms

Please consider a donation of support!

Donations can be made online or mailed to PO Box 1283 Rangeley, ME 04970

click here to donate

The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center / Rangeley Region Cross Country Ski Club is a non-profit 501c3 corporation, incorporated for over 25 years to provide outside non-motorized recreational opportunities to residents of and visitors to the Rangeley Lakes Region.

2022

We launched our Capital Campaign at the beginning of 2022 and were able to raise over $100,000 in the first year. Here are a few of the projects we made progress on throughout 2022.

  • regrade existing single track trails for easier grooming and summer biking

    • We sent the excavator down Snowshoe Alley 1-3 and were able to take care of a few winter troublespots, which in turn makes that section more summer use friendly. Still a work in progress, but progress!

  • replace and reset culverts and maintain ditches

    • We replaced culverts on Tote Road, with more to be done as needed in the summer of 2023. We cleaned out and brush cut ditch channels.

  • transform many of our winter trails to summer “track in a trail” which is a smoother, bike and hike friendly path within the nordic trails

    • This was the main goal for summer of 2022, we received a $30,000 grant specifically for this project. We broke trail on Zapolsky, Anne’s, Upper Pipeline, and Larry Hall, and were able to get more work done on Geneva Loop. Plans are to finish this project in Summer 2023.

  • purchase equipment to maintain the trails year round

    • We were able to purchase a Polaris Ranger UTV that has tires for summer use and tracks for winter use, making it a perfect machine for us to do trail maintenance in the summer and get around if we need to in the winter, especially for emergencies. We were also able to purchase a Polaris Voyageur snowmobile to replace the older sleds we had been using. This makes for easier Snowshoe Alley grooming and can also be used in case of emergencies.

Overall we had a very successful and busy summer. While working on the Track in a Trail Initiative, we were also able to do some much needed mowing and maintenance on the trails. The ditch along Tote Road was brush sawed and cleared, widening out the trail for better use year round. We were able to mow 80% of our existing trails, making for a better winter experience, especially during early season.

2023

We are excited to see what this year brings!

Hiring 2023 summer trail crew members - click here for job posting

click here to donate