The Nest
Perched atop the Rangeley Quad side of the mountain at 3,620′ in elevation and tucked into the trees, The Nest is Saddleback’s latest on-mountain dining experience. One side of the restaurant is made entirely of glass, offering sweeping views of Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes, providing guests the opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty from a comfortable indoor sanctuary. The building is designed to be environmentally conscious in the heart of a boreal forest, with a living roof covered in hay-scented ferns and native lowbush blueberries. Locally sourced materials included pine boards stained with linseed oil and pine tar used for the siding. In addition, the facility is built on posts instead of a poured foundation to minimize disruption of the watershed.
The Nest is back for the 2024-2025 winter season. “We are very excited for a second winter season at the Nest,” says Coco Chretien, Executive Chef. “We look forward to bringing in more local products, from the sea to the mountains and everywhere in between. The menu will still show true to our Acadian heritage, and we promise to bring flare and exercise our creative abilities. Our cocktail program will also be turning heads, with vibrant takes on classics and always the freshest ingredients. Be on the lookout for more handpies, oysters, tiki-style cocktails and even possibly some breakfast. Oh and Bigfoot- you can’t forget him!”
What makes The Nest such a unique, elevated experience?
- Ski In, Ski Out: The Nest is accessible directly from the Grey Ghost & Hudson Highway.
- Fantastic views of the Rangeley Lakes region and western Maine High Peaks
- Ski-Up Kiosk and Bar – coming soon! In addition to indoor/outdoor dining, a ski-up food kiosk and bar allow you to refuel and relax without interrupting the adventure. Please don’t ride away with your beverages.
- Elevated Culinary Delights: Honoring Maine’s Acadian heritage, The Nest will feature house-made delights like chowders and hand-pies while also embracing global flavors, including steaming bowls of Ramen noodles. The Nest’s warm and inviting atmosphere will be reflected back on diners through the cuisine, creating a cozy haven, filled with the harmonious sounds of laughter and satisfied slurps.
- Please Note: there is no dedicated kids’ menu at The Nest, but don’t worry there is something for every palate.
- The restaurant will be open to ticketed skiers and riders only. Bathrooms are for patrons only. Purchase an uphill pass if you want to hike up and down with snowshoes. Please keep your boots on when at the Nest. Follow us on Instagram @saddlebackmaine for the latest.
About The Chef
Chef Coco Chretien’s culinary journey roots back to growing up in a French Canadian family, and took her from kitchens immersed in the ski culture of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley to culinary explorations in New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, and London. All shaping her cooking identity around French traditions—embracing butter, herbs, and a repertoire of delightful sauces. Coco’s culinary background influenced The Nest’s menu, seamlessly fusing tradition with distinctive adaptations to create a warm and welcoming space through its diverse array of dishes.
In the Media
“Saddleback’s newest dining locale, The Nest, is tucked into the trees up on the mountain. The Nest is bright, open and unique with post-modern touches. It’s totally where James Bond would head for a break. Sure to be the must-visit spot this season.” – Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald.
May 2024 – Saddleback was recognized by Maine Audubon as an inaugural Bird Safe Maine Award recipient for the design and development of bird safety measures at The Nest. Learn more.
July 2024 – Saddleback and partners, PC Construction were recognized by Engineering News Record. The Nest won the ENR New England 2024 Best Project Award.
