Maine’s BigRock Mountain Just Dropped a Brand New Look for the Season

The East Coast ski scene is seeing major investment, and BigRock Mountain in Mars Hill, Maine, is leading the charge. The non-profit, community-run ski area sits near the New Brunswick border and has long been an economic driver for the region. Now, BigRock is upgrading more than just its infrastructure, it’s modernizing its entire image. The latest updates include a new logo and a redesigned trail map, both set to elevate the experience for everyone on the mountain.

The most noticeable aesthetic change is the stunning new trail map. In a move that honors the craft of ski map illustration, BigRock commissioned Rad Smith to create the new design. Smith, who follows in the lineage of legendary map illustrator James Niehaus, has delivered a piece that gives the mountain a three-dimensional feel and a more dynamic perspective.

The previous maps were reportedly quite bland, but this new illustration transforms the user experience. It truly showcases the mountain's 980 vertical feet of terrain. Furthermore, the update brings back some beloved, older trail names, including Elbow, Family Trail, and Chair Trail. For riders who live and breathe the details of their mountain, this is a major win.

The new trail map is paired with an updated logo. The new design features two prominent peaks and a circular sun, offering a modern look that simultaneously works to pay tribute to the mountain's long history. This balance of honoring the past while looking forward is a critical component of mountain culture. It echoes the kind of community spirit TGR often sees in places like Jackson Hole, where tradition and progressive riding coexist.

These aesthetic changes follow major capital improvements that have been underway at the mountain. BigRock Mountain's new look is not resting on its history; they are actively investing in its future.

During the last off-season, the ski area completed a significant $5.6 million project. This endeavor included a major snowmaking system upgrade, which is predicted to quadruple the mountain’s snowmaking output. This move is particularly strategic, as Maine's colder, northern climate provides a more stable winter sports environment compared to other parts of New England. It means a faster, more reliable opening, with the ability to get the mountain fully operational in about a week, rather than nearly a month.

Perhaps the most impactful change for riders is the new chairlift. The mountain said farewell to its old Mueller Double chair, which had been operating since 1993. In its place, a new Doppelmayr Quad has been installed. The new lift has been aptly named “The Sunrise Quad,” a cool nod to Mars Hill being one of the first places in North America to catch the sunrise. This replacement significantly enhances uphill capacity and reliability for the coming season. Additionally, the removal of the old lift has opened up the Comet trail to its full width, offering even more rideable terrain.

BigRock Mountain is a testament to the power of a dedicated community. The mountain operates on approximately 70 acres of skiable terrain, supported by two chairlifts and two surface lifts. It is slated to open on December 12, 2025, with plans for 80 days of skiing.

These substantial investments, from the new Sunrise Quad to the killer new trail map, set the stage for a banner season in Mars Hill. It’s a positive sign for the future of regional ski areas. The commitment to improving the rider experience, whether through better lifts or clearer maps, is exactly what keeps the core spirit of winter sports alive.