Russ Haggett

Founder and GM at Pleasant Mountain for 39 years.

Russ Haggett was not only part of the group that started Pleasant Mountain as Maine's first commercial ski area in the late thirties, he also returned after Navy duty in World War II to manage the area through its greatest growth years.

His early interest was created when he followed Greater Portland skiers putting "First Tracks" on Pleasant Mountain. He and other Bridgton youth joined them in skiing the lower pasture land and the "Wayshego" trail from the top which was cut in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, a pair of chair lifts terminate at that spot and skiers know the trail as Jack Spratt.

Russ always believed that Pleasant Mountain was part of the White Mountains and would take its place alongside the New Hampshire Ski Areas in alluring skiers from out of state. Despite improving and well maintained slopes and trails, the area in the 40's had only three rope tows and his vision was only that. Knowing what skiing could mean for the economy of the Bridgton Community, the Lakes Region and the State of Maine, Russ Haggett persevered.

In 1951 he and Ray Riley, a partner and owner of the Pleasant Mountain Inn, brought on board Ray Erickson, a Cape Elizabeth engineer to begin a decade that would make the area a major player. That year they installed the state's first T-bar, and in 1954, the state's first chair lift which carried skiers all the way to the top of the challenging Jack Spratt and other trails.

This expansion allowed Pleasant Mountain to compete in the New England Ski World and the success encouraged others in Maine to proceed with new ski areas and greater expansion plans. This increase in development led to the ski boom of the sixties with more areas, trails, lifts, lodges and other needed facilities. It all led to a bigger ski business with more winter jobs and Russ Haggett was one of the true pioneers who led the way. In 1947 he introduced the state's first ski patrol and soon after brought in Swiss Ski Instructors including Hans Jenni to help skiers climb the ladder of skills more quickly.

During his tenure, free style skiing was introduced in 1969 by Rudi Wyrsch, who attracted a new following of ballet and eventually aerial skiers. Out of this program came skiers such as Frank Howell, Peter Young and Greg Stump who went on to play lead roles in freestyle as a national sport.

His part in getting Pleasant Mountain started as a ski area and his continuing role as an innovative manager were a key piece of the growth of skiing in Maine, and it is for this contribution that Russ Haggett is hereby enshrined in the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.