One of the things we love most about Maine is that we've somehow avoided the mega-resorts and chains that litter other states. That's probably due, in part, to the entrepreneurial nature of Mainers. It ensures that many of our businesses, restaurants and resorts have remained locally owned. But, this now abandoned ski resort in Maine is an example of a time when things didn't go as planned for outside investors.
The Evergreen Valley Ski Resort in Stoneham opened in 1972, but stayed open a mere 10 years before closing forever in 1982.
The resort would have been one of the most elaborate in Maine, except that out-of-state investors dreamed a little too big. This created a vision that wasn't sustainable nor achievable.
Originally planned to be a four-season resort, the original plans included an 18-hole golf course, indoor tennis courts and boating opportunities on Kezar Lake. There were also to be horses, retail stores even a housing development.
About $7 million went into the resort, which would have been about $40 million today.
With legal troubles and issues with advertising, the resort had a hard time remaining operational.
One of the biggest problems was the actual skiing. The mountain only offered a 1,000 vertical drop, making the resort uninteresting to more advanced skiiers.
The lifts were finally taken apart in 1991, but oddly the main lodge still stands.
The pool, now filled with mucky green water is also still here as a reminder of the grand four-season plans.
Inside, chairs and tables remain just as they were on the last day of operation.
And papers can be seen on long unused desks.
The outside facade is intact, but crumbling.
The entire place carries an eerie feel. Visiting abandoned areas can be extremely dangerous and the safest thing is to merely look at photos and imagine what once was. If you do visit be sure to watch your footing and don't try to go inside.
For a tour of the area, check out this video:
And, for more of Maine's spookier side, check out these 10 creepy things you probably didn't know you could do in Maine.
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