When ski season ends at Saddleback Mountain just outside Rangeley, Maine, the crew doesn't turn off the lights. Instead, they turn up the volume as Saddleback welcomes the biggest, loudest party in the East: the King of the Mountain Snowmobile Hill Climb!
The 2025 KOTM is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, and registration is now open for spectators and riders of all ages. Classes include youth, junior/teen, and adult age groups, and different sled classes for vintage and current machines. (Be sure to read all the details when you register!)
We caught up with KOTM co-founder, Saddleback event manager Erika Roy, who told us the event was born when she and Jared Emerson, director of mountain operations, had an idea one winter -- and with only two months of prep time, they had an opportunity to make it happen! King of the Mountain was born and has grown bigger each year, with an adrenaline-fueled event planned for this April.
Planning an event of this scale, with multiple divisions open to men, women, and kids on sleds, is a year-round undertaking. Erika told us that each year a post-KOTM roundtable discussion helps the team recap what went well and what needs to be updated. In the fall, the team gathers again to make IT and development updates. In January, registration opens -- and then, Erika says, "it's full steam ahead."
When the big day arrives, the festivities begin on Friday for the all-day Saturday event. Riders arrive to pick up their race bibs, test out their sleds, and enjoy live music and good food at the mountain. Erika told us Saddleback parking and property maintenance teams have dialed in parking management for the crowds. Their biggest challenge on race day? Keeping a snow strip from the parking lots to the course -- sleds need snow, and the Saddleback team keeps a snow road open.
On Saturday, riders check in at 8:30, and the races begin at 9:30 a.m.!
Races continue all day, with a kids' event at noon, and awards presented when all categories are completed. The race categories include:
... and more! Once every class has completed their races, it's time to crown the King, the Queen, and the champs in each snowmobile category. We caught up with first-time King of the Mountain registrant and ALCOM customer Paul Michaud to talk trailers and race categories. In the spirit of going big or going home, Paul entered two of the toughest race categories available: the 900 Open Class and King of the Mountain! We can't wait to hear how it goes this April.
But what about a snowmobile trailer? If you're stoked about attending King of the Mountain -- especially if you're already registered -- getting your sleds to Saddleback is key. Paul shared that he'll be towing in his trusty EZ Hauler Inline 3-place snowmobile trailer, and there's a lot to love about the Inline!
"It's a V-nose with front and rear ramp doors which makes it super easy to load and unload sleds without having to use reverse," Paul explains, "just drive in and drive out."
By ordering his trailer with an extra height option, Paul turned it into a year-round power sports trailer, making room for a side by side to come on board without bumping the roll cage against the ceiling. He told us he's logged tens of thousands of miles on the Inline since 2018, from snowmobile and ATV trips in New England to dirtbike adventures each winter in Florida. In short, Paul says: "I would highly recommend the enclosed inline trailer model for any power sports enthusiast."
Check out our Enclosed Inline Snowmobile Trailers to learn more -- or browse our other open and enclosed snow trailers to find your perfect match. From decked-out Elevation Series haulers that you could practically move into for a weekend, to compact Sport Decks that mount right in your pickup truck bed, ALCOM builds snowmobile hauling solutions for everyone. They're designed with snowmobile-specific features like track mat, slide track with adjustable tie-downs, or ski tie-down bars. With most enclosed trailers, you can also upgrade with options like heating packages, lights, USB ports and more.
Plus, when you get to Saddleback for King of the Mountain, Erika's team will help you park that trailer safely! Even if there's a little mud in the parking lot by late April, you know an all-aluminum trailer is easy to clean and won't get chewed up by rust. And since it's lighter than steel, you can save more of your gas budget for filling up the sleds.
So, kings and queens of the open field, the mountain climb, and the forest frolic: treat your fuel budget and your snowmobiles to an all-aluminum trailer built right here in the USA by ALCOM Trailers.
Ready to compete for your chance to be crowned King (or Queen) of the Mountain? If your snowmobile still needs a ride, it's time to connect with your local ALCOM dealer. Check out our brand sites below and search our interactive maps to find your local dealer and get started finding the ideal snowmobile trailer for your championship run!