Carrabassett Valley doesn't just look different from other towns; it does things differently. The two dozen ski bums who founded the town in 1972 laid out a vision for an outdoor recreation economy achieved through creative investment, and townspeople have focused unwaveringly on pursuing it ever since.

Veteran journalist Virginia Wright delves into the surprising history of a town most passersby think is just Sugarloaf. She looks at the early days of when it was created, at how the town's unique approach helped it weather both boom times and down turns. Through it all, the town has become one of New England's premiere outdoor destinations.