Lost ski areas

Murphy , we now know of this ski hill that once operated in Beacon Falls. " The Beacon Outing Club was located on Route 44 in Beacon Falls, Connecticut and we would go there from North Haven to ice skate in the early 70's on a large pond with a warming lodge and refreshments. The club opened two rope tows, one for the smaller hill, and one for a larger hill. The larger hill tow ended near a clump of trees that became a jump of sorts, a trail through the woods, and then down the wide open slope. My son Dan (age 3) used to ride up the smaller tow, ski like blazes down and cut in front of everyon…

Ski Tow (exact name unknown) Berlin 1940's-1950's Thanks to P. Dyer , we now know of this ski hill that once operated in the Kensington section of Berlin. " When I was a teenager growing up in Berlin, CT, I recall my mother telling me about a "ski slope" off of Norton Road in Kensington, CT, behind the current Berlin Lyons Club pool. I'm not sure if the ski slope was operated by the Lyons Club or some other organization. It may have been restricted to town residents or club members.

B esse Park Torrington, CT ?-Early-Mid 1970's A sign for the park, thanks to Jon Regan. History ~ Memories ~ Current Pictures History Major Besse Park had a ski area the operated from probably the 1960's into the early to middle 1970's. It was a typical town slope, with just a rope tow and limited vertical. The area was lots of fun for local kids, who enjoyed building homemade jumps and enjoyed the hot chocolate served.

Tow Bethany Before 1940-Mid 1960s Thanks to Jonathan Whitlock , we first heard of this small ski area that operated in Bethany, Apparently, it was one of the first rope tow areas in the state. The outline of the slopes are still visible, and some of the tow remains on the site. Jonathan's father skied here in the 1930's. " Chrispete6 " also remembers this area: I just found your interesting website and I immediately looked for a childhood memory, the Bethany Ridge. Jonathan Whitlock , (coincidentally, a longtime friend of mine) contributed Bethany Hill, which is certainly the same area I skied…

(Exact name unknown) Bloomfield, CT years operated unknown P.Morrey found this tow on Terraserver: " While scoping some topo maps before a recent mountain bike ride I came across this web page that shows a ski lift in the bottom right corner of the map just below the "LD" in Bloomfield. It appears that it is a single lift with a vertical of about 150'. This map is part of the Avon, CT Quadrangle topo which I also have. I've had this map for years and just noticed the ski lift about 2 weeks ago.

Thanks to Ray Holmstrom, we now know of this area that operated in Bristol. Here are his details: I thought you would like to add to your Conn. list of lost ski areas, there were Two in Bristol before Page Park, the first was the original rope tow which was located off Maple Ave (Nelsons Hill ). The Bristol Ski Club had a warming hut , a rope tow and night skiing. Furniss donated his property off of Stafford Ave, on the Bristol, Burlington line.

Thanks to " TPA44094" , we now know of this lost area in Washington: When I was young back in the 60's we used to ski at Bronson's Hill. Howard Bronson was a farmer in Washington CT (On the Romford Road) and each winter he would hitch his tractor to a rope tow on land that I think he owned. This too was a one trail operation and he continued the area for about 10 years while his kids were growing up. As I recall, it was open on weekends and maybe on a Fri afternoon too.

Houle has some great info on this small area: "The Brooklyn Ski Area was open before 1964. Research from the Windham County Transcript shows it was open in 1964 and possibly earlier. In 1964, this ski facility was listed as having a 1,200 foot open slope and a 1,500 foot trail serviced by a 300 foot novice rope tow. Special features included: ample parking; warming cottage; free ski instruction on Saturdays and Sundays; rentals on boots, skis, and poles; and night skiing.

It was just one slope/trail which is still used for sledding. The area was run by the town of Hamden and had a vertical of maybe 50 feet! There is a website on this park, which is located at http://www.brooksvale.org/ (link sent from Sandy Barker). Woodcore visited the area in May, 2005 and reports the following: I recently visited the remains of the Brooksvale Park Tow in Hamden, CT.

Built after the North Woodstock Tow burned, this area served skiers for several years before the owners concern for not getting sued (an unfortunate by-product of our society) resulted in the area closing. Thanks to GDC , we first heard about this lost ski area that operated between South and East Woodstock. Here are GDC's details: "Butts Hill" was a single rope tow operation on a family farm located between South Woodstock and East Woodstock, Connecticut that apparently ran during the 1960s and/or 1970s (?). Stephen Hicks has some more information on this area: I am friends with the family th…

Thanks to several

The Canton Ski Club operated a ski tow on Sweetheart Hill in Collinsville from 1948-19 75. The land is now owned by the Canton Land Conservation Trust, Inc., and can be explored by anyone. Amy Goedecke Gavalis provided us with this great article about the Ski Club. The article was written by Phil Griggs and appeared in December, 2000 in Canton Life.

Republic is a private non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled youth become productive members of their communities. They used to run a ski hill on their campus in Litchfield until about the early 1990's. The Connecticut Junior Republic website indicates that their facilities include a ski hill: http://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/programs_residential.htm , however, the area is not currently open. Tagan: The CT Junior Republic in Litchfield has a hill that I believe still has a tow on it, although I have not seen any activity in the slope in some years.

According to the World Ski Book, there was a 1000 foot tow that served a slope suitable for intermediate and expert skiers in the town of Durham. The area only operated weekends, with weekdays reserved in advance for ski groups.

Rogers , we first heard of this ski tow that once operated in Naugautuck. "There was a tow in Fairchild Park. The years of operation were sometime around 1970, when I was in 6th grade. My recollection is that it was probably 600-800 yards, but that could be way off." Jon March provides a more detailed history of this area. Pictures are from Jon Regan, aka Woodcore, and were taken in January of 2005.

Tagan , and "TPA44094" we now know of this ski hill that once operated in the Town of Morris, CT. "The town of Morris had a rope tow served slope near the landfill that closed in the 70's" - T. Tagan "There is an old ski area (rope tow) in Lakeside CT. (this "town" has a post office 10 years ago--probably gone by now) Lakeside is between Bantam and Washington on route 109. It was operational some 20 plus years ago when there was enough snow. My guess is that the poles and pulleys for the rope tow are still there.

Thanks!** History ~ Memories History The Hartford Ski Club started a small ski area on the west side of Talcott Mountain in 1937. Improvements were made to the area, and a rope tow was added in 1943. More slopes and trails were added to an upper rope tow in 1951. The area was closed in 1959 due to a lack of snow and golf, as a golf course was built at the ski area.

Vernon, CT 1970's-80's

Mostly it was open weekends, but occasionally opened during weekday nights.

Davidson , we now know of this small ski area that operated in Winsted: "One small area not on your list in CT was the Indian Meadow Ski Area. It was on property owned by the Passini family who also ran the ski area and a farm on the site. It had one rope tow, two slopes, I think maybe 500 - 600 feet, and a warming lodge in one part of a barn. I think it operated in the mid sixties for a few years, used mostly by local skiers, the upper tow shack remained for many years." Does anybody else have any more information?

School Lakeville, CT 1960's-1970's Several

Park had a small ski area that operated probably from the 1960's to at least the early 1970's. The jeep would be parked at the bottom of the ski area, and the rope would be run off the rear wheel. Dave Motycka and other Jaycees helped run the area. (Right - Rick Tinson sent us this and the following photo taken in the winter of 70-71. In this shot, you can just barely see the rope tow behind the fence, and a skier at the far left riding it).

Thanks to a few

It was located off Peter Green Road in Tolland, at 41.53.39N and 72.23.35W. Tim Gottier also remembers this area: I only tried skiing one time. The woodline was at the bottom of the hill with very little area to stop. Someone loaned me a pair of very poor wooden skis and I didn't enjoy the feeling of heading toward the woods with no brakes!

However, William O'Meara , a

Thanks to "TPA44094" we know know of this lost area in Lakeside. Here are his details: I am now living in Ohio but grew up in Connecticut. There is an old ski area (rope tow) in Lakeside CT. (this "town" has a post office 10 years ago--probably gone by now) Lakeside is between Bantam and Washington on route 109. It is adjacent to the town "landfill", now an area to recycle.

Thanks to a visit to the New England Ski Museum ,

Dorval , who pointed out this area to

Thanks to Ruth Moynihan , we now know of this small ski area that operated in Meriden. Here are her details: I also remember a small ski slope rope tow that my father took me to frequently when I was an early teenager, on the northeast side of Meriden, right near the place where the present Rte 15 and Rte 91 Branch off from one another. There was a hill just to the east of Rte 15 and it had night skiing several nights a week.

Thanks to Jonathan Whitlock , we now know of this ski area that operated in Cheshire. Here are the details from him: "There was an area in what is now Cheshire, CT called Mixville. The town has taken it over in recent years and it serves as a swimming and outdoor recreation center in the summer, and a sledding hill in the winter. It originally functioned as a 1 rope tow ski area, started by several Yale students." To the right is an aerial shot of the area.

Two

Thanks to Jay Pagluica from Ski Blandford , we now know the complete history of this newly discovered area. Here's the details from him: Operated by the town of Manchester in the 1960's it had two rope tows. The easy tow (about 400ft.) went about two thirds of the way up the hill on the side with an easier pitch. At the base of the south side was a town owned football field that still exists today and has grown to include a rather nice baseball field as well.

In the mid- to late 1960's and maybe into the early '70's, there was a rope tow at NAVA Hill, either off Walnut Hill Road or off Hickory Hill Road (off Route 254 on the way to Northfield/Litchfield) in Thomaston. It wasn't a BIG hill (a la Mohawk Mountain or Ski Sundown), but it was big enough to have a rope tow, be lighted for night skiing, and be steep enough and fast enough so that a high school friend of mine broke her leg on one run down it and had to be brought down off the hill in the basket! Jon Regan: There used to be a small ski tow in Thomaston, CT, run by the Nava ski club. The are…

New Haven Years operational unknown Thanks t o Michael Hennessey, we now know of this small ski area that operated in New Haven. Here is what Michael had to share with us: "When I was a student at Southern Connecticut State College (now SCSU) I used to walk in surrounding areas. Behind the school property near West Rock Park, I found the remnants of a rope tow. I heard from a local that the city (of New Haven or Westville) used to operate the tow when snow covered the area." Michael recently visited this (08/01) area and found out the following: "The site of the tow is now the West Rock Nature…

Woodstock North Woodstock Tow Woodstock, CT 1946-early 1950's History ~ Current Photos ~ Memories History We first heard of this area from Keith Gordon, and have recently learned much more from Dick Kenyon . Here's what Dick has to report: I recently reviewed the

Betsy discovered this area while searching through maps and Terraserver. History Jay Pagliuca , from Ski Blandford has some great information about the history of Northview. " Northslope (about 200 vertical drop) was operated from about 1969-1974 by the town of Manchester. Nebo) when Rte 6 (Now I-384) was built and literally cut through the mountain. Northslope was built on the property that used to be a small Nike Missile base. (Nike's were underground siloed small anti-aircraft missiles) scattered around the US in the 50's.

Listings by the Year Historical Photos Current Pictures Memories History Ski Ohoho Ski Area was a somewhat major ski area that operated from 1977 to about 1989. It had a 1350' Mueller T-bar, 3 tows (one 1350' parallel to the T-bar, a 1400' one, and a beginners tow), and 10 trails. All trails had a Christmas connotation to them, including the Christmas Tree Lodge. For a great article from January 2007 on this area in the Putnam, CT Traveler, please click here .

Bristol, CT 1960's-1970's History Historical Pictures Current Pictures History Thanks to Mark Renson , we first heard of this area that operated in Bristol. David Marinelli skied here a few times and has some more info: "I skied at the Page Park Hill a few times in the 60's. The entrances are off of Woodland and King streets in Bristol. There was a single gentle slope with a rope tow just south of the existing public pool.

The following history of Ski Rattlesnake was relayed to

According to Bob Sargent , There was a ski area at Renbrook School in West Hartford, CT. It was set up in the mid 60s, but only operated for a few years for the students of the school.

Here are his details: The Rockville Ski Club ran a rope tow on Fox Hill that was active in the late 50's and through the 60's.

Gorman: T here was a little town ski hill with a rope tow right in Salisbury village, but I suspect that one has shut down.

Years operational unknown

Sharon , CT 1950's-1960's M any thanks to Jon Regan , who discovered a postcard of this ski area. Jon posted the card on Snowjournal.com, where other readers had not heard of it. Betsy McDonough then contacted the Sharon, CT Historical Society , asking them if they knew of the area. Liz Shapiro, the director, responded by saying that the area operated in the early 1960's, and was located on Rte 4 across from West Woods Road. (Right - the postcard that Jon found). (Left-the back of the card, stating that there were 4 tows, and wide array of services) Liz was able to scan an image they had at th…

At least 1952 The Silver Streak Ski Area opened in Winsted sometime in the 1940's. It changed its name to Laurel Hill around 1948, give or take a year. Located 1 mile east of Winsted, off Rte. 44, Laurel Hill offered skiing on a 1300 foot rope tow with a 400 foot vertical drop in 1949. Anybody know what happened after that year? (From the World Ski Book and 51/52 Eastern Ski Map) One

Here are his details: My name is Scott Buckley and I grew up in Norwalk Ct. . During the early 1960's, the Silvermine golf course used to run a rope tow on their largest hill. There was one run, the cost was $1.00, and there was an old jeep parked at the top and the rope was run through old wheels attached to trees. It was pretty crude but we spent many days learning how to snowplow and run fast and straight.

This was a relatively small ski area that operated in Simsbury. It was served by a 900 foot rope tow and had a 190 foot vertical drop. The slopes today are very grown in, and houses have been built on the lower portion of the slope. Priscilla Smith (Bourgeois) Scheiner whose family owned the land wrote a great article on the area which describes much of its history.

In 1949, Ski Valley operated a 1000 foot tow on a 1000 foot wide slope. The area was open Friday and Monday afternoons as well as all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Somers, CT Before 1949-1954 In 1949, a 1000 foot long rope tow served two fast trails and a 1/3 mile trail at the Somers Ski Area. Thanks to Deane and Tim Olmstead , we now know a lot more than just those facts from a guidebook. In fact, their Grandfather, Arthur Olmsted, ran and owned this area! Here are Deane's details: It was owned by our Grandfather, Arthur Olmsted.

Senechal , we first heard of this area that operated in Stafford! Here are the details: " In the early fifties, the Stafford Ski Club maintained a rope tow on a slope at the end of Highland Terrace behind what was then the home of Fred Royce. It was adjacent to what was then Stafford High School and is now the Earl M. Witt Intermediate School." Mike Rocchetti has some more info on the location of the area and will try to find out more info: I was fascinated by the little bits of information about the Stafford Ski Club in Stafford CT.

History and Photos Alan Dul has done a lot of research on this lost area, and all of the history below is from his report. In addition, all of the photos are courtesy of Jon Regan , taken in March of 2006. The report below is based on information obtained directly from the New Britain Herald using the dates indicated below. Not all of the information is verbatim, but no changes have been made to the context of the newspaper articles.

sunset ridge Sunset Ridge East Hartford years operated unknown According to A. Passeri, a rope tow was operated in East Hartford's Veteran's Memorial Park.

Thanks to Joe May , we first heard this ski areas that operated in Sherman. Here are his details: There is a large real estate sub division in the south part of Sherman. It was quite elegant in its day and had a small ski hill, horse back riding, red clay tennis courts, and other niceties. He was the announcer and straight man for Gary Moore in the early days of TV.

Uconn Storrs UConn Storrs Tow Horse Barn Hill Husky Hill Mansfield, CT Feb 7, 1967-1978 History Memories Historical Images Current Images History

The Wethersfield Ski Club was a brief ski area that operated in Rocky Hill from the late 1940's to the early 1960's. It was a small ski area, one open slope on a 150 foot drop, served by a rope tow. The founders of the area were likely Brooks Allen and Ed Higgins. The area was abandoned in the early 1950's and has now completely grown over.

Simsbury Westledge School (Now Site of Master's School West Simsbury c1969-c1974 History ~ Memories History The Westledge School was built in the late 1960's, and opened a rope tow around 1969. Abbott de Rham wrote us a very good article about this ski area: The ski area was originally built for Westledge School. The first year of the school was 1968-69 and the main focus was on finishing the primary buildings on campus. I believe trail cutting started the next year in the summer of 1969 and the rope tow installed late in the fall of 1969.

Thanks to

There was an open slope available for beginners, as an active ski school provided lessons. Like many CT rope tow areas of its time, it was only open during weekends. Christian DaBica remembers this ski area: The town I grew up in was Pomfret, where White Mountain was located. We used to go mountain biking there and the last time I went through (again, many years ago) the poles and wheels for the rope tows were still there.

East Hartford and Mancester Jan 31, 1965-At least late 1960's Thanks to a great article about

Thanks to Michael Nelson , we now know of this ski area that operated in Danbury. Here are his details: "I went to high school in Danbury, CT from 1981 to 1985 at the Wooster School. There was a small ski hill with a single rope tow across the street from campus behind one of the faculty homes. I figure this had to be Mad Hatter though I don't recall anyone ever referring to it by that name so perhaps this was another lost ski area.

Who would have thought that Concord, MA was the site of a former ski area? There were never any lifts, but skiers would hike up this slope and ski down. Here's some more info from Jed Diehl : "Punkatasset Hill in Concord, MA (on conservation land off Monument St.) has a ski slope that is still cleared. It is short and steep, and I believe is still occasionally skied.

Hill was a small rope tow area that operated about 1 mile north of Great Barrington. It was first a hike up and ski down area in the 1930's, and was floodlit at night. Then, after WW II, a rope tow was installed, which operated until at least 1953. We found the hill, but was totally overgrown, and no signs of the ski area could be found.

The Abell Ski Slope was a small and relatively brief operation in the middle 1970's, located across the entrance to the East Junior High School in Braintree, MA. Many thanks to Rick Devin who sent us this excellent writeup of the history of the Abell Ski Slope - his article is below. The small novice ski slope that was located across from the front entrance to East Junior High School in Braintree, MA was first operated during the 1973-74 winter season, under the name �Abell Ski Slope�, with oversight from The Braintree Woman's Club and directed by Jack Devin. In an email received from Bill Hed…

Located on Powwow Hill, this area offers skiing on two 1500' tows.

College operated a small rope tow ski area on Memorial Hill in Amherst from the 1950's to the early 1970's. As of 2007, the area is off limits for any winter sports due to liability issues. To the right is a Terraserver shot of the site of the ski hill, basically an open field. Memories Alan: Memorial hill at Amherst college (my alma mater) up until the early 70's (before 74 when I was freshman), there was a rope tow from the bottom of memorial hill to the top............people used to ski down.......

Many thanks to Dick Kenyon , who has discovered this nearly forgotten lost ski jump in Ayer, MA! Below is the history he has dug up, along with images of this lost jump. History ONCE UPON A HILL IN AYER, MASSACHUSETTS by Dick Kenyon Was Ayer Ski Hill a success or a disaster? A group of dedicated ski jumpers decide to fill a need for a ski jumping and winter sports venue in southern New England, closer to those wishing to engage in winter sports who cannot afford to travel north.

Thanks to Duncan Fordyce , we now know about this area in Longmeadow. Here are his details: When Bay Path moved to its new campus in 1947, a rope tow was installed for the benefit of the students. Bay Path Junior College was a secretarial school that acquired an estate in suburban Longmeadow (I moved there in 1952) and has since become a 4 year accredited institution. The one rope tow operated for several years and offered on-campus skiing on a c. 150 vertical foot slope from Wheel Meadow Road at the top down towards a small stream (Wheel Meadow Brook) at the bottom.

South Lee, MA 1935-1955, 1961-1966 (c1961-1964 brochure cover, courtesy DCR Archives) History ~ By the Year ~ Current Pictures ~ Memories History Beartown Ski Area was a classic, and somewhat long lived CCC area that was originally built as a Ski Train Destination. It was also one of the largest areas to close in Massachusetts (820' drop)- only Brodie Mountain had a larger one (~1250'). With three rope tows and about 10 trails at its heyday, it was quite the happening place.

Thanks to several sources, information is now available on this small eastern MA ski area. Tom Kegel: I grew up in Lexington (class of 76) and remember skiing at the Bedford Country Club (1972 -1974 time frame?). On weekends the line to load was longer than the actual length of the lift. I remember very little about the place, I think that there were 2-3 "trails".

Used for Hike Up Tubing 2007-present History ~ Historical Photos ~ By the Year ~ Memories ~ 1998 Photos ~ Rebirth for Tubing History Benjamin Hill was your typical small, community type ski area that operated in Shirley. It offered skiing on several short slopes and lots of rope tows and one T-bar. It opened sometime in the early 1960's and had closed around 1973. The area closed due to the energy crisis of the 1970's, and the possibility of some fires to the lifts (but we do not know for sure.) In 2007, a slope was cleared by the town for tubing, and a new pool house/snack bar that was built…

Thanks to Tim Darbe , we now know of this area that operated in Lenox. Here are his details: There was also a rope tow in the 1960's at Berkshire Christian Academy in Lenox for there students until the school expanded on to the slope.

Director of Communications at Berkshire School, did some research for

Listings by the Year Personal Stories Pictures History Berkshire Snow Basin was located on Route 9 in West Cummington, MA. It was founded by Ruth and Stan Brown in 1949 with just a few rope tows on a 550' drop. In 1961, a much longer T-bar replaced two connecting tows, allowing a much easier ride to the summit. A large expansion took place in the between 1964 and 1968, adding 2 more T-bars, and new trails and slopes bringing the total up to 11.

It had a few rope tows that were installed after WW II, and operated as a hike up and ski down area prior to that. The lower portion of the area was served by a 600' tow and was a beginner slope, while a 500' tow served four upper trails. The last mention in a guidebook was from 1949, so it is unknown when the area closed. Alec Gillman, Visitor Services Supervisor at the Mount Greylock Reservation, pointed us in the right direction and I was able to find this area.

Thanks to Bob Morency , we now know of this ski area that operated in yet another unlikely MA town, West Newbury. Here are his details on the area: View of Big Red, from the bottom looking up. This apparently is an upside down mountain, with the parking being at the top. There is another area, called "Old Red", which was located along Route 113 in West Newbury, at the site of the old Cushing Academy.

Panther was a fairly major ski area for so early in Massachusetts. It had a 450 foot vertical drop and the longest tow in the state at 1600 feet. I'm not sure what happened after 1939, but if anybody knows anything about this early, please let me know. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Located 5 miles from Huntington on Rte. 112 1/2 mile long slope 30 degree slope, 450 foot drop NW exposure, needs 6" of snow to ski 50 acres open slopes 1600' ski tow (longest in the state). 25 and 35 meter jumps, two practice jumps Black Panther Trails 3 intermediate and one expert, three new this year 1/2 mi…

History of Blanchard ~ Historical Photos ~ Recent Photos ~ Listings by the Year ~ Memories Introduction Blanchard Hill, located in Dunstable, Massachusetts, was a classic family ski area that operated for over twenty five years. Beginning as a rope tow only ski area, it eventually added two T-bars, and even a double chairlift in its final years. The vertical drop was only 170', yet there were more slopes and trails than one would expect for a small ski area. The area closed about 1987 or 1988, and now is a blend of both a housing development, as well as conservation land with beautiful views.

Ski School Newton Corner 1949-1964 Framingham 1964-At least 1977 This area is a bit of a stretch, and was certainly far from being a "traditional" ski area. The indoor ski area operated in the 1960's and 1970's in a converted movie theater - and featured a carpeted slope with plastic "rice" used as snow! We have several readers contact us with more information - but would love to find a picture of this interesting area! Madden first told us of this area: "We lived in Newton, Mass. for many years and did you know about the BOB JOHNSON INDOOR SKI SCHOOL?

By the Year Personal Stories History Located off of Route 114 in Andover, MA, Boston Hills was one of your typical Eastern Massachusetts ski areas that offered skiing to the high populations of suburban Boston. The area originally had a few wide slopes and an 1800 foot beginner trail. There was also snowmaking at this area in the late 1950's, and was one of the first areas in the country to have it. A double chairlift was installed around 1971, which increased the uphill capacity to somewhere near 4500 skiers/hour.

All around the country and world today people are talking about indoor ski areas. For example, one being built in Anaheim, CA will offer skiing on a 100' drop, magic carpet lifts, 2 halfpipes, and a few slopes. While scanning at the New England Ski Museum , I happened across this booklet: Here's the ad. Apparently, it was an indoor ski school, like a hockey rink but tilted.

It appears to have opened sometime in the 1970's, most likely in association with the hotel which is now at the base of it. The hotel has been everything from a Sheraton to Holiday Inn. I'm sure guests skied here at the Boxboro Hills, but the public could ski as well. You can see few more trails on the right, along with the T-bar shack.

Thanks to a MA Tramway Report from Kevin Thomas ,

Thanks to John Pepper , we first heard of this lost area in West Newton. Here are his details: "It was the Brae Burn Country Club located on Fuller Street in West Newton MA just off Commonwealth Avenue. In the winter they had a skating pond-no longer used-and quite a steep ski hill. It was on the 9 hole golf course. (There is also an 18 hole course) The club is very popular today with a long waiting list.

This area had an 800 foot rope tow, night skiing, and three trails. If so, let us know. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Trail number 1 Located: Brandy Brow, 1/10 mile long, 15-25 feet wide 30 degree slope, 200 foot vertical drop SW exposure Needs 4" of snow to ski Expert Trail number 2 1/10 mile long, 20 feet wide, 25 degree slope 200 foot vertical drop, SE Exposure Needs 6" of snow to ski Intermediate Open Slope 2/10 mile long, 500 feet wide 25 degree slope, 200 foot vertical drop NE Exposure Needs 8" of snow to ski Novice Served by 800 foot rope tow Night Skiing

Hill was a small rope tow area that operated in West Newbury, MA, with just a rope tow and one slope and one trail. It was located behind the Hale's Dog House hot dog stand and across the street from Pentucket Regional High School. The area is totally grown in today, but some slight lift remnants have been found. Bruce Jordan: In the early 50's there was rope tow on Break Hill in West Newbury, MA.

Saugus, MA 1940's/1950's A few

The Year ~ Historical Images ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos Thanks to Jeremy Clark who helped write up some of this page on Brodie. History Brodie, located on US 7, was one of the leading ski areas in all of New England for many years. Owned by the Kelly family, the ski area boasted world renowed snowmaking and night skiing for much of its early history. Beyond its early snowmaking and night skiing accomplishments, Brodie was particularly well known for its heavy Irish themes - including coloring its snow green each St.

Thanks to John and Linda Osgood, we now know of this area that operated in Andover. Most likely, it was a rope tow area that served skiers at that school. Also, MA Tramway reports provided by Kevin Thomas also prove that the area existed.

Thanks to John Cahill, we now know of this interesting private area that operated in Shrewsbury! Donald Brown and his wife Mary purchased a falling down 1724 era farmhouse that crowned the summit of 55 acres of hillside on High St. hill, in Shrewsbury, MA. The Browns moved into a temporary shelter on the property (along with their then 5 children, all under the age of 6), and began the work of restoring the farmhouse. Brown somehow managed to find the time outside of family and his medical practice to layout and begin building a small ski area on the acreage below their home.

Thanks to Jeremy Clark , we now know of this *almost* ski area in Heath! Here's the details, from his discussion with Robert and Alicia Tripp: "The construction of a ski area on Burnt Hill in Heath, Massachusetts, started and ended in the 1960s. Probable causes of it never being completed include lack of funding, and local competition (Thunder Mountain, Chickley Alps). Only the T-Bar posts and bullwheels, along with a warming hut, were constructed.

Thanks to

By the Year History This small ski area was located in Dunstable, but was advertised as being located in Tyngsboro in a 1939 guide. This was a very obscure area that only appeared that once, and never again. It was a mystery for us for a long time, but Bryan Leary has found out some information on the area, and actually found the remnants! In discussing the Chalet Hill Ski area with a few old timers at the Tyngsboro Sportsmen’s Club, I found out that the ski area was not where you thought it might be - on Locust Hill in Tyngsboro - but rather was on Nutting Hill which is actually in Dunstable.

Memories and Recent Photos History A historically important ski area, Chickley Alp has an interesting past. Founded in the 1930's, the area was one of the original "Snow Train" areas, with skiers boarding trains in NYC and traveling up to Chickley. In 1939, the area had one wide open slope and several trails, along with a 450' rope tow. Amazingly enough, Esther contacted

Thanks to Laurie P , who first found the following information about the Christian Hill Ski Area: Over the winter, I found out about the Christian Hill Ski Area that was located in Barre, MA. This is an entirely different area than the Pine Ridge Ski Area which was also operating at the time and still is in operation. The Christian Hill Ski Area can be located by following School Street, which turns into Williamsville Rd (A.K.A. Christian Hill) for about a mile from the center of town toward Templeton.

Thanks to Dari Forman , who let us know about this rope tow that was operated by the City of Pittsfield Parks & Recreation Department. Here is the aerial photo of Clapp Park courtesy of Terraserver.

Thanks to John and Linda Osgood , we now know of this ski area that operated in Andover. Here are the details: "I learned a few details to Boston Hill this weekend at my folks house in North Andover, MA. The first rope tow on Boston Hill came from a place right next door called Claypit Hill. Phillips Academy of Andover purchases the tow tow on Claypit and put it on Boston where they eventually hired Bob Dunn to operate the area.

Thanks to Kevin Thomas and Steve Bongiorno , we first heard of this ski area that operated in Southboro. Here are the details from them: "Saint Marks School owned this ski area. It is located a mile away from Private Property No Trespassing Keep Out Ski Area. " The tow was a private one, ran by the school, with one fall line slope. The tow was installed in 1964 or 1965 by Mackin Pulsifer and students, including Richard Davisson.

The Newton Commonwealth golf course was the location of a small rope tow ski area in the 1940's and 1950's. We are not quite certain if it operated, closed, then reopened, or if the operation was continuous, but research continues. Thanks to Phil Cooke , who has relayed to us the details of this operation. During the fall of 1940, Theodore Cooke, who had owned and operated the Mt.

According to the 1947-1948 Skier's Guide to New England, Conley's Hill operated 1.5 miles north of North Adams at Clarksburg Four Corners. The area had a 400' lighted tow which operated weekends and holidays. The slope was 500' long, 300' wide, southeast exposure, 100' drop, and was for novice skiers.

Thanks t o Mike Conlon, we first heard of this small ski area that operated at The Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox. The area is now called the Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club , and can be visited by clicking on that link. Here is what Mike had to share with us: "Back in the 50s and 60s, for sure, and maybe into the 70s, there was a ski hill with a single rope tow at Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, MA. A lot of students who went to the school learned to ski there.

There were several ski areas in Lenox, and this was one of them. Unfortunately, I don't know which ones were which, but I will add all of the Lenox areas here soon. 1939 (Ski Guide to New England) Crosby trail 0.12 miles from Lenox on Route 20 1/10 mile long, 50-350 feet Moderate grades East exposure, novice level Lighted tow

Millers Falls, MA c1945-1965 Jimm O'Donnell's family used to run this ski area in Millers Falls. He wrote the following article about the history of this classic family operation. The rope tow still operates in a different location by the family. Crystal Notch Ski Area was operated by Henry and Betty Waidlich on their property in Millers Falls MA.

Thanks to Keith McKinley , stepson of Dave Wright, we now know of this area in Shrewsbury. Here are his details: The private ski area owned by David Wright on Spring Street in Shrewsbury started in the early 60's as a small rope tow about 200' long. The trail was just the open side of a small hill and was lighted. The second and much longer slope was built in the late 60's and lasted into the early 70's.

Thanks to Jeremy Clark who wrote up this page and took some great photos of this lost area! Deerfield Academy, considered by many to be the best secondary school in the country, once had its own downhill ski area. The area, which sported about a 175 foot vertical drop, is labeled as "Deerfield Lost" on this topographic map from Microsoft Terraserver: Here's an overhead view of the trails. To get to it, take the Eaglebrook access road past the middle school, to the top of the hill, and continue until you see a green gate to your right (there will be at least one other gate before this).

Thanks to information from a MA Tramway report provided by Kevin Thomas ,

Thanks to Jeremy Clark who took the following pictures and wrote this apge! Eaglebrook, a private middle school founded in the early 1920s, has carried a long tradition of downhill skiing to the present on three different areas. The first real ski slope is most likely as labeled on the topographic map from Microsoft Terraserver: I have heard that there was a rope tow servicing this 100+ vertical slope which was open until the second lost ski area of Eaglebrook opened . Here's a view of the area from the top of the currently used Easton Ski Area: Anyone have any additional information on this o…

Thanks to Jeremy Clark who wrote this up and took pictures of this area! Eaglebrook, a private middle school founded in the early 1920s, has carried a long tradition of downhill skiing to the present on three different areas. The one mentioned on this page is labeled as "Eaglebrook Lost #2" on the topographic map from Microsoft Terraserver: You can see the remains of this area by first paying the tuition (over $30,000) to attend Eaglebrook, joining one of the ski programs, and then skiing down the current beginner trail. The area sported a good 200 foot vertical drop and featured a rope tow.

The Eastover resort in Lenox, MA was a relatively small ski area, but had a double chair and a rope tow. It opened sometime in the 1960's and lasted until very early in the 1990's. I was at the Eastover Resort in Lenox with my family and was surprised to find that it used to be a ski area, but is now a Lost Area. They still have the lift towers and load/un-load areas for a double chair.

Thanks to

According to Jeremy Clark , there is a lost ski area located in Florida, Massachusetts: Whitcomb Summit is the highest point on the Mohawk Trail, with an elevation of 2,240 feet. It had a rope tow and an open slope, with cabins to one side. I first heard of this while watching the Boston Television show called "Chronicle", which was either doing an episode on the Mohawk Trail or ski areas in Massachusetts. The video clip I saw showed the main slope and the cottages, which a bunch of skiers gathered around.

Before explaining the history of this area, let me thank Jay Joyce who took me on a tour of the area in May, 2001, and who allowed me to borrow some family pictures! Family Hill was just what its namesake suggests...it was a family area that operated in Granville. The area originally had two rope tows, including one was that was 800 feet long, with a midstation on the rope tow. Here's a picture of the rope being removed for the season in Mar, 1964.

Thanks to Jason Ellis , we now know of this lost area in Ashburnham! Here's the story from him: Family Ski Tow was opened in 1960 by Bob and Edna Lahtinen, who lived nearby. Something along the lines of Crotched's bunny hill, but a higher, longer, and wider slope. (Right - A Terraserver image of the area, showing the short rope tow. The rope tow was approximately 400' long and had a vertical of only 60'!) The area charged 50 cents per day to ski, and the main patrons were children (their parents would drop them off in the morning and pick them up at dusk), as well as the girls from Cushing Aca…

Thanks to Chris , we first heard about this area in Cheshire. Here are his details: In the Berkshire Town of Cheshire MA (7 miles North of Pittsfield) was the Farnams of the Berkshires Ski Area which operated from the 1930s to the late 1950s? Trains used to drop off people near Rte 8 where the would cross the road and make the trek up the mountain. Today you can still see the remnants of the ski trail on the mountain.

Here are the details: " Farr Hill was an 800ft. rope tow in Ashby MA. It operated for three years in the period '49 to'51 and enjoyed some success until the group had to disperse because of new employments out of the area. It had a good eastern exposure and had a very nice warming hut where hot-dogs, hamburgers, coffee were served by my wife. Fond memories of trying to start an old truck tow engine and of breaking out the slope by side-stepping. " Does anybody else remember skiing here?

Thanks to a MA Tramway Report from Kevin Thomas,

Thanks to Scott Melick, we first heard about this lost area in Sudbury. It was planned to have a rope tow, but never had one installed. Bill Bitter has more to share: I moved to Sudbury in the summer of 1969. My friends and I rode mini-bikes from our homes in a nearby subdivision along old horse trails in the woods that emerged at the backside of the area that�s known today as Featherland Park.

Thanks to research from John Brady , we now know about this area. Here are his details: There is an Eastern MA area that was operated briefly in the mid 60's named Ferncroft Valley Ski Area in Danvers, MA. Finding your sight last week sparked my interest and I took a drive through the area last evening trying to find remnants of the area. It was located within one mile of Locust Lawn Ski Area in Danvers/Middleton.

It had just one short rope tow, a double chair (which now operates at Otis Ridge, according to John Schoenrock ), and one large slope. I found it a few years ago, but its on a private road, so there is not too much to see. Notice the wide slope where the rope tow operated, and a few narrower trails. Also, the pic shows that the area was upside town, with a lodge on top.

Bradford/Haverhill, MA ?-Mid 1970's History/Photos ~ Memories History/Photos Here's yet another unlikely one in Massachusetts. It operated in the Bradford Section of Haverhill, MA, until the mid 1970's. The image on the right is the annotated Terraserver pic, inside the Forest Acres condo complex. Andy Gaudet scouted this area out during early October of 2001, and took some great pics.

Thanks to George Abbott , we first heard of this lost area in Grafton. We then heard from Frank Hubbard, whose grandfather was Frank Kilmer, and shared with us his memories and photos of the area. This was a small, all natural rope tow ski area that was mostly private, but eventually the public did use it. My name is Frank Hubbard and I have lots to share about Frank Kilmer's Tow in Grafton Mass.

Thanks to a MA Tramway Report from Kevin Thomas ,

Thanks to a New England Ski Museum brochure, we now know a great deal more on this ski area that operated in Quincy. A rope tow, length 840', was in operation before 1952 on the Furnace Brook Golf Course. On February 20, 1952, they had good conditions on packed powder surfaces with a 4-8 inch base. Check out the ski report below, provided to

Skiing the Area Today History The East Mountain State Forest Ski Grounds, later known as the G-Bar-S Ranch (named for nearby G(reat)-Bar(rington)-S(ports)) was a fairly major rope tow ski area, operating for two decades. It was one of the first snow train destinations and later became known as a family ski area in the 1950's. A series of ownership changes and a major fire resulted in the area closing in 1957. Several years later, the area was sold and was developed into what is now Ski Butternut , with a good chunk of the old ski trails still used today - though heavily altered.

Thanks to Mike Barry , we now know of this area that operated in Wilmington. Here are his details: During the early 60's there was also a small slope at the Garden of Eden Golf Course located off of Chestnut Street in Wilmington. If I remember correctly there were two small slopes, a rope tow powered by an old jeep, and it was open weekends only. My friends and I were skiing there the Sunday the Beatles were first on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The city of Worcester operated a rope tow at Green Hill Park in the 1960's. Not too much is known about it, however, the following

This ski area was the first

Likely mid 1940's-Likely early 1970's History * Pictures * Memories * Stats by the Year History Groton Country Club was a typical golf course ski area that existed in the mid 1940's through likely the early 1970's. It offered skiing on a 600' wide slope served by two parallel rope tows. George Putnam describes the ski area below: "The Country Club had two rope tows on a broad, gentle slope. I wish I had more information on it, but I just remember that it was fun skiing there in a day when rope tows were the standard at many areas.

Prie st's Logo, from Paul Lemieux and "Tiny" Mcwade History * Memories * Stats by the Year History Priest's Ski Area was founded sometime during the early 1960's in Groton, MA. The area had a verticaly drop of 150', several straight, slopes, a plethora of rope tows, and even offered hang gliding in the summer. Originally called Priest's, it became known as Groton Hills in its later years. Jed Diehl found out the following info from the Groton Town Historian: "As for the allusive Priest's Hill - Part of the Lawrence Brooks Estate on Martin Pond Road was sold to a Mr.

The Groton Private tow is located just east of Groton on Rte 119, just past the Johnson's Dairy Bar. This is NOT Skyfields like many people (especially myself!) always thought. I always assumed it was a section of Skyfields on the back side, but a Terraserver image and other people's info on this area suggest otherwise. According to David Rodenhizer , the rope tow line "appeared" one day, was never opened to the public, and was on private property.

Thanks to "Lastrun6", we now know of this area that operated in Groveland. Here are his details: In operation for only a couple of years. If you go to the top of Bradford Ski area and look east you will see the hill. When I was kid (5 or 6) the building that housed the tow engine at the summit burned to the ground.

Worcester, MA 1960's-Late 1980's Several

We had heard from one reader that a T-bar operated here once, but communications from Hale Reservation now confirm that there was not an area here. Lee, Jr. , President of Hale Reservation has more information: It is a 1,100 acre tract of woodland which is open to the public for most (non-mechanized) recreational uses. For a few years during the 1970�s, I think, they may have rented cross country skiing equipment on a daily basis. A couple of snowless winters probably ended that program, although visitors can still ski there using their own equipment.

Slopes was a small ski area that operated in the town of Hamilton, MA off Moulton Street. It was likely founded sometime in the 1960's and lasted until the early 1980's. Day and night skiing was available on a season that stretched from December to March. Facilities included a snack bar and ski instruction (A Guide to the Pilgrim State).

Thanks to John Kyle , we first heard of this ski area that operated in Lynn. Here's his description of the area: "The Happy Valley golf club ran a ski area for years in the early 1950's in Lynn Ma. and had a rope tow a couple hundred feet long." Paul Timmins has a bit more info: Regarding Happy Valley in Lynn MA. The rope tow ran from the lower parking lot across the the 10th hole and up into the woods. And so does Kathy Bennett : The site of the old ski hill is now a very popular (and very steep) sledding hill.

Skelly of Skiers.com, first informed

Hartwell Hill Ski Area Hartwell Hill Littleton, MA 1960's - Early 1970's Hartwell Hill, located in Littleton, Massachusetts, was another one of those family operated ski areas that unfortunately did not survive into todays high paced society. This area, located just off the Littleton exit on Rte 495 on Hartwell Road, had about 4 rope tows and a vertical drop of just over 120 feet. Charlotte Hartwell ran the area with her late husband Pappy in the 1960's and early into the 1970's. "Parents would leave their kids off at 8 and pick them up at 4:30 at night, bring their own lunches. We'd look out…

Hemlock Hills Hemlock Hill Three Rivers/Palmer, MA 1960's-1970's Here's another great story about a ski area we had little info on, which turned into one we have a lot on! Turns out that the family that owned this mountain found

We then checked it out in the spring of 2000, but found it very hard to get to. Thankfully, another

There is now a housing development right where the ski area used to be. My friend Brent Macaloney and I went to find it, we had the address (Crosby St.), but couldn't. We went to the library where they told us that it is now a development. Apparently the owner had health problems and died while it was open, so thats how it closed.

Thanks to

The next town over is Hopedale - a classic New England milltown. The Draper Corporation, famous for its "shuttleless" textile looms built an empire in the town. All of the core operations for the town were run through the mill. The fire department, water, sewage, solid waste, schools, the schools, and most of the housing (duplex style - all company built for employees), were tied into the daily operations of the mill.

Horn Pond Mountain is located in a fairly developed section of Woburn. It was founded around 1939, according to the Skier's Guide to New England. In that year, a tow was planned, with a trail and an open slope. A rope tow was also possibly used at this area in the 1940's/1950's.

Thanks to a MA Tramway Report from Kevin Thomas,

Thanks to Jed Diehl, we now know of this ski area that operated in a private manner in Concord, MA. Here's his description: "Across Monument St. on Hutchins Farm a rope tow had been set up for family and friends by the owner of the property. The farm is still there and the hill open (cleared), but no tows remain." The farm today serves organic vegetables and is located in a very "rural" part of Concord, MA.

Listing by the Year Memories Images of Area History Indian Head, like Boston Hill, served as a great learning area for Boston's MetroWest and the greater Nashua area. Its main feature was affordable skiing and the famous Egon Zimmermann, who at one time raced in the Olympics as an Austrian. The area was founded sometime in the mid-late 1960's, and had a few short t-bars and a few rope tows. The terrain was solidly beginner to intermediate, and was primarily open slope skiing, though a wide trail was located on the right hand side of the area.

According to a few guidebooks, a ski area called Jacob's Ladder operated 4.1 miles east of Lee, from around 1947 until at least 1951. Originally operating with a 750' tow and a slope and a trail, the area expanded to include 2 trails and 2 slopes by 1949. The vertical at this area was 155', with runs that had a maximum grade of 24 degrees. A ski dorm (Here U R Inn) and restaurant were located on the premises.

By the Year ~ Memories History Jericho Hill was a classic community type ski area that operated in the town of Marlborough. According to Annette (Carbone) O'Brien, the area was founded by her f ather E. Her father cleared the property with his bulldozers, he was in excavation at the time and owned his own business. Together they built the ski lodge and at that time you had to walk a ways to get to the "out houses".

End by the Year Pictures J ug End was another historic area in the extreme SW part of Massachusetts. It lasted for about 40 years, from the late 1930's into perhaps the early 80's. The area utilized the Jug End Barn which was built in 1928 as a deluxe cattle barn. In 1935, the barn was turned into a hotel, and was run by the Guilder Hollow Club for winter sports, as the ski area was originally a hike up and ski down area located on Mt.

My friend Theresa Milak (T) had first mentioned this area which is located near her house in Stow. We heard from Ed Troisi, whose father owned and operated this classic rope tow ski area from 1953 to the early 1960's. He sent us a terrific history of the area and photos, which follow: My father, Edward N. Troisi of Maynard , Massachusetts, owned Juniper Hill Ski Area in Stow , Massachusetts from 1953 until the early 60�s.

Dracut, MA Early 1940's-1966 History ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History I first heard about this ski area from one of my mother's friend who lives in Dracut. She had heard about my research and mentioned this lost area. I found it with my family, and could see the slopes, but it was too blocked off to go check it out. Merrill started the ski area, and then was sold to Raymond Brox of Dracut, who operated it until the 1950's.

Listings by the Year Current Pictures History Klein Innsbruck was, unfortunately, the last major eastern Massachusetts area to close. It began operation during the late 1960's or around 1970 in the town of Franklin, with a classic Hall double chair and a rope tow, on 4 slopes and a trail. Most of the slopes were not all the wide and were as wide as many of today's "trails" at larger ski areas. Snowmaking, 1980's The area continued to operate thru the 1970's and 1980's, adding plenty of snowmaking to eventually cover 80% of the area.

Paxton Kopola's Tow Asnebumskit Hill Paxton, MA ?-Around 1975

East Templeton around 1940-early 1970s History ~ Memories ~ Historical Photos History Ladder Hill was a classic, small family ski area that once operated in East Templeton, MA. Several

Larz-Anderson Park Larz Anderson Park Brookline, MA 1952-before 1960. 1960'-Early 1970's? History ~ Memories History The Larz Anderson Park ski tow was built by P. Greene notes that "In 1952 I built a rope tow on the North East slope of Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, Ma. Division) I was already in a life-long-love-affair with skiing." This rope tow was removed by 1960, as the tow had been cut by vandals, and later had its engine stolen.

Thanks to the New England Ski Museum , we now know of this ski area that operated in Leicester. A brochure turned up during

Thanks to Dick Hopp , we first heard of this ski area that operated in East Lee. Here are his details: "There used to be a small ski facility in the South Berkshire County private vacation community known as Leisure Lee, which is located in East Lee, just off Route 20 about 1 1/2 miles east of the Mass Tpke Exit 2, between Route 20 and Goose Pond. When the community was developed by Barnum Development Corp. about 30 years ago, the facilities included a small ski hill, a ski chalet and a rope tow. After several years the facilities were no longer used or maintained and the area has has been lar…

Thanks to Art Hamilton, we now know of this area that operated in Colrain during the 1950's. There is a JPEG of the lift tickets, a photo from around 1950 and today�s topo. A group of my father�s old ski friends would go to the Lively Farm every Columbus Day for a picnic, and we would climb the old ski tow hill which still had the support poles for the old rope tow standing in the 1960�s when I went there as a kid. I believe the poles were by then supporting 300 ohm twin line VHF TV antenna wire up the hill to a TV antenna far above the farmhouse in the valley below.

Massachusetts is actually a closed ski area mecca. 3 areas used to operate in Amesbury: Locke's Ski Tows, Lone Tree Hill , and Amesbury Ski Tows/Atlantic Forest . Opening sometime in the late 1940's, this area lasted until around 1970 or so. Located 3/4 miles south of Amesbury, Locke's Hill had large open slopes that were night lighted and seved by two tows, one 1000' long and the other 800' long. Two 1100' trails and two slopes 1000' provided a variety of skiing.

For lots of great pictures and personal stories, check out Sandy Ward's (whose father built the tow) website on Locust Lawn. Thanks goes to the following

Massachusetts is actually a closed ski area mecca, with three areas operating at one point. These areas include Lone Tree Hill, Locke's/Amesbury Tow/Atlantic Forests , as well as Goulds/Amesbury Tow/Tempo G . Lone Tree Hill was a very brief area that operated just south of Amesbury. According to the World Ski Book, and a 1949 Massachusetts ski guide, the area had a large open slope and a 1000' tow.

Years operational unknown Here's an area I found on a 1950's topo map in Shrewsbury. I have no records of an area there, but the map clearly shows it. You can make out what might be a liftline or trail - then again, could be something else.

According to the 1947-1948 Skier's Guide to New England, a 300' night lighted tow adaptable for beginners served an open slope in Long Meadow. Located off Longmeadow street just north of Green on west side.

Special note - this area is on private property - please do not trespass, thank you. History Thanks to Jim Cournoyer , we first heard of this rope tow area that operated on Lancaster Avenue in Lunenburg during the late 1950's and early 1960's. We then heard from Marie & Charlie Miller who gave us this great description of the area: The Lunenburg Ski Tow hill is located on Lancaster Avenue a little over a mile from the center of town close to the intersection of Lancaster Ave and Page Street. It is pretty well grown back in but can still be made out if you know where to look.

Methuen/Merrimack Valley Methuen Ski Area (1970's) Merrimack Valley Ski Area (1980's) Late 1940's-Early 1980's History ~ Historical Images ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History We are grateful to Dan Gagnon , who wrote up the following excellent history of the ski history. The first snow, for many, creates an urgent need to hit the slopes and go skiing. For many years, Methuenites had to go miles away to find a ski hill with a tow to get them to the top of a hill. In the late 1940s Methuen opened its first and only ski hill in the west end of town near what is now the town forest.

Mitch's Hockanum Ski Ranch (Mitch's Hockanum Ski Ranch) Early - Mid 1950's Thanks to Chris Dixon , we now know about this lost area in Hadley! This one was called 'Mitch's Hockanum Ski Ranch' and was located at the base of Mt. The general area is known to old timers as the 'Hockanum Flats' section of Hadley, where the Mt. Holyoke Range dips down to meet the CT River (rising again to the west of the river and I-91 as the Mt.

Mohawk by the Year Mohawk Memories Current Pictures History Mohawk Trail Skiway was founded sometime in the late 1950's, though the exact date of the start of the ski area is unclear. The area was located on Rte 2, about 3-4miles west of Greenfield, MA in the town of Shelburne. The area opened with one 1000' rope tow and several slopes, with a future Tot Tow planned. According to Jeremy Clark , the owner (at least at one time) was Ethel Mae Richardson .

Thanks to

I first heard about this area through a college friend of mine, Nate Rochideau, who lives in Monson. While visiting his house in March of 1998 we found this area, although it is only visible from the road (you can't get to it, its on private property). It is another small rope tow area that operated at a private school. Wilbraham & Monson Academy used to be located in Monson, MA (known then as Monson Academy) during the 1960's.

Thanks to Brian O'Malley , we first heard about this small area that existed in Spencer. Photo by Brian O'Malley. 1-It operated in the 60s 2-There was a truck that took skiers to the top, then they skied down. It also had a rope tow. 3-Its located near the SPENCER COUNTRY inn, off RT.9, off DONNELLY rd, take a right at the fork. The hill was open slopes...... 4-According to a co-worker who remembers it well, it had an approximate 200' drop.

Three

Hermon school had another rope tow on campus , this area was much older, and had several different phases, one as a rope tow area, the other as a jump. According to Stuart Elliot: Competitive skiers trained and competed at a larger area and jump in Bernardston about a half-mile up Martindale Road, on the southeast face of Snow Hill. The school and its students developed this area shortly after World War II . Earthen remains of the twenty-eight meter jump run from the ridge toward the present Agway plant on Route 10.

Thanks to information from a MA Tramway report provided by Kevin Thomas ,

Hood Golf Course ran a ski area that operated from before 1952 until the 1960's. Delaney Ski Slope, in honor of Arthur Delaney, a member of the 10th Mountain Division killed in 1945. On February 20, 1952, Mt Hood had a 6-8 inch base of packed powder snow along with night skiing. Check out the report on the left (along with a few more MA ski areas at the time).

You can read more on his website: One of the latest inductees into the shrine of lost ski areas is Mt. Yes, there was a quarry located next to the ski area, and yes, the mountain wasn't making megabucks. The quarry had been there for years and could have still remained in harmony with the ski area. Our earliest reference to the ski area is the 1962 Eastern Ski Map, which states that Mt.

Many people have emailed me on

Thanks to Bill Clew , we now know of this area that operated in Dudley. Here are his details: Nichols Junior College in Dudley, now Nichols College, used to set up a rope tow each winter on a small, east-facing slope behind the old gym, for its students. Part of the hill now is taken up by the college's field house and the football field now occupies the outrun.

Thanks to Jed Diehl , we now know of this *almost* ski area in Sudbury. Here's his description and a photo: The Norumbega Council (now Knox Trail Council), B.S.A. cut a ski trail around 1963-4 at the Nobscot Scout Reservation in Sudbury, MA. I have a photo of the area (on right) which has been re-cleared as a toboggan run, but it is shorter than this e-mail.

Rice : " The remnants of a rope tow still exist in West Warren, Ma. Just off Rt 67 across the Quaboag River behind the sewage treatment facility. As far as I know, it hasn't been used in at least 30 years, but the towers are still there . " This tipped off a

Bolton, MA 1950-1957 A sign for the "Ski Tow" at Norseman's Hill, 1950's. Thanks to Neal Estano who contacted us about this lost area in Bolton! This was an early rope tow/ski jump area that was owned and operated by his grandfather, Donald Erickson . His mother and Donald's daughter, Gail (Erickson) Estano, wrote up the following article on the history of this area.

Thanks to several sources, we now know of this area that operated at the Northfield Inn. The ski area had a few rope tows, toboggan slides, ski shop, ski rentals, instruction. According to the Ski Guide to the Pilgrim State from Betsy McDonough , the area was located on Rte 10 and 63 in East Northfield. The area closed sometime in the 1970's, and the inn has been torn down today.

Listing by the Year Personal Memories Additional Pictures 2001 Pics 2006 Pics History Oak n' Spruce once offered beginners a place to learn on their very own slope and tow. The ski area and resort was founded by Frank Prinz and opened for skiing in the 1947-1948 ski season, after the resort opened in May of 1947. The area was simple, with a short rope tow on a beginner slope. The area was one of the first in the East to have snowmaking.

Bloombergh discovered a single rope tow tower on Observatory/Silver Hill in Haverhill during the summer of 2004. We originally had no record of this ski area anywhere in any publication. Joan Sapienti Andrews father built this ski area for their family and friends: My father put together that ski tow on Silver Hill in Haverhill. It was a private ski area in our back yard on Warrenton Road.

Thanks to research done by Betsy McDonough , we can now take this area off the lost list! While

However, thanks to John Person , we do know a ski area existed here: "I know nothing about it, but the old USGS topo sheets showed a "ski area" in Oxford, MA, on the N side of Charlton St., about 1.5 mi. W of the center of Oxford, just before the intersection of Conlin Rd. I have watched it go from a field, to a grove of small pines, to house lots over the past 25 years." To the right is a topo map of the area, showing the slope.

Originally we had just this little tidbit of info from John Kyle , on this ski area that operated in Peabody. "There was a ski area next to Rt.128 in Peabody MA called Pages Hill. It had only one rope tow and was in use in the late 1950's and early sixty's. There is an electronics company on the site at this time." But then, a visit to the New England Ski Museum yielded a brochure! Here are the details from it (all photos from the Ski Museum): *Two rope tows-for beginners and experts *A variety of interesting trails and two slopes *Modern snow making equipment *Night skiing with "scientificall…

Here is what they know: Bill McCombe : " Please be advised that there was a small ski area named Paucatuck Ski Area in W. The YMCA leased it to Chaning Murdock, the owner of Butternut Ski Area who operated the area for the last two years that it operated. The West Springfield YMCA operated a small ski hill in town, with two rope tows. I don't know much else about it (it had a long name that started with a P...

According to the 1949 Massachusetts Ski Guide, there was a 50 acre ski development with slopes and trails served by a 1000' tow in Williamsburg on Petticoat Hill. To get to the area, one would take a bus from Northampton for eight miles, or drive to the area via Chesterfield Road 2.5 miles beyond town.

Pheasant Run Ski Area Sheldon Hill Leominster Ski Area "Cliff's Cliff" Pheasant Run Ski Area Leominster, MA Late 1930's or Just After WW II-Late 1970's Patch Courtesy Dylan West. Introduction ~ By the Year ~ Historical Imagery ~ Memories Introduction This ski area went through several names and nicknames. It was founded sometime near 1940, as a listing the Massachusetts Paradise for Winter Sports brochure mentions this area as Sheldon Hill, with two rope tows. The ski area was one of the first to offer night skiing in the early 1940's.

Thanks to Laurie P. , we first heard of this ski area that operated in Oakham. Here are her details: The first one I wish to tell you about is Pine Acres ski Area in Oakham, MA. It was a small family hill located at the sight of the current Pine Acres camp ground. I am not sure when the area closed, but I believe the name of the family that ran it was Packard.

Thanks to Mike Sweeney from Nashoba Valley , we now know of this small area that operated in Hubbardston. In talking to one of Nashoba's lift mechanics, Mike learned that there was an upside down ski area, with parking at the top. The truck that ran the lift is apparently still there, as is the lodge. The vertical drop is less than 100', and it appears that the area was one wide slope.

Information provided by Laurie P , a

Thanks to a MA Tramway Report from Kevin Thomas,

Many thanks to Mark O'Connor who filled us in with lots of information on Kallander Hill, which was also known as Private Property Keep Out No Trespassing Ski Area on Massachusetts lift Inspection sheets. This was mainly a private ski area for family and friends, and was owned by Peter Kallander. At one point, when the a state lift inspector arrived, they asked him what the name of the ski area was. According to Kevin Thomas , after some back and forth, Peter called it "Private Property Keep Out No Trespassing Ski Area".

Listings by the Year Personal Memories Pictures History Prospect Hill in Waltham, MA was likely founded by the Town of Waltham at some point in the later 1940's, certainly before 1949. By the 1960's, it had one quite steep front slope, a beginner area, and one side trail. The steep slope was then served by a 150' vertical t-bar installed sometime in the 1960's (though guidebooks listed it as 88'), while the beginner area was a sidestep up and ski down deal. Snowmaking was basic but necessary at this area, as annual snowfalls are only near 40-50".

Here are the details: While researching another area that was said to have been in the town of Ware, MA during the early 50's, I received information about Riggity Alps on Morse Avenue. Being a teacher in the town, I knew quite a few people and soon was in contact with Francis Anair , who put me in touch with his cousin Richard Boos (pronounced "bows"). Richard's father, Donald Boos Sr., actually built and ran the tow with his wife Evelyn. Richard was rather young when the area operated, but agreed to meet with me and show me where the area had been.

Medfield, MA 1950's-1960's History Memories Current Pictures History Rocky Woods reservation in Medfield once had a rope tow ski area near Chickering Pond. The area had one steep slope that was just a bit too steep for beginners. Also, the area faced southwest, receiving lots of sun, which melted the snow quite often. Today, the area is growing in but is still visible, and totally open to the public at Rocky Woods.

According to the 1947-1948 Skier's Guide to New England, Round Meadow Hill had a 750' lighted tow in 1947. This tow served a large, wide slope of 800', with an average grade of 18 degrees, vertical drop of 250', and northeast exposure. There was also a Round Meadow Pond for skating, as well as a shelter, parking, and lodge.

Thanks t o Laurie P ., we now know of this ski area that operated in Rutland. Here are her details: Rutland Hill was located off of Pomaguset Street, the street that connects 122A to Route 68. Also, you can still see some of the trails, despite soil removal which has been done at the area. It is on the right side as you drive from Route 122A to Route 68.

Hill was a totally unique ski area...likely the only one ever built that utilized steam power to drive the lifts! But before diving into its interesting history, I must first thank Nan Williams. She contacted the former owner and friend of hers, Charles Goodwin, asking for information about the area. In return, he sent her some articles on the ski area, which she has sent to

Sea View Ski Area Sea View Rowley, MA 1950's-Mid/Late 1970s History Memories Current Pictures History Sea View was a ski area that operated in the town of Rowley during the 1950's and 1960's, and into the 1970's. It originally started with a rope tow or two, then added a T-bar. See Linda Hume's and Don Dupray's memories below for more information. Notice how there is really only one main slope, though other trails/slopes may have grown in.

Tibbetts has this information to share: " Seminary Hill operated right after WW 2 into at least the mid to late fifties, (I went off to Korea and lost track) . It had one rope tow, a small shop/cafeteria/rest rooms for ladies, the guys went in the woods. The all day fee was fifty cents (all day under 12 years) and twenty five cents for a half day. I suspect the adult fee was probably twice that as the youth fees.

This ski area was operated by the Williams College and operated until the late 1950's. The tow was fairly long at 1200 feet. 1939 (Ski Guide to the Northeast) One of the best slopes in the Berkshires, Sheep Hill has a length of 1200 feet and grades up to 30 degrees. A leap of 100 feet or more will be possible on the improved Williams Outing Club Jump. Here's a picture of the rope tow at Sheep Hill (photo provided by the New England Ski Museum ).

Pasture was located at the base of Bellows Pipe Trail, which is near the base of the Thunderbolt. In fact, this area was run by the Thunderbolt Ski Club, likely as a practice area before trying the more difficult trails located on Mt. The area was lift served in the late 1940's, but likely not too far into the 1950's. History by the Year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1947-1949 Tow Long, smooth east slope near foot of Bellow Pipe Trail Hill identified by power line, tow operated by Thunderbolt Ski Club operates weekends and holidays, for public use when slope is not crowded, near base of…

Thanks to Art Donahue , we now know the full story of this area! He had been involved with the Holyoke Ski Club after World War 2 ( I think he was the president for awhile) They bought a portable rope tow in 1946 (when he was 32) and set it up in South Hadley at a place they called Ski 4th! This portable rope tow was supposedly transportable on a sled, so that it was moved from place to place on roads during snowstorms, before the roads were plowed. I believe this was the rope tow that was eventually sold to Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke.

Open in Groton, MA sometime in the 60s or early 1970's, the area had at least two rope tows and perhaps four, according to a 1971 guidebook (from Betsy McDonough). It had skiing on 3-5 slopes and trails, along with a decent 150-200ft drop with great views of central MA mountains and southern NH. I always had thought that the area was located directly on Rte 119 just east of Johnson's Dairy Bar. There was a rope tow line there and was close to the backside of Skyfields.

Hill operated during the 1960's, and was owned by John and Mary Niedzial . This was a classic smaller ski area, with a steep trail and a rope tow or two. Thanks to

Snow Hill Ski Area (Logo from brochure, Deane Smith) Ward Hill Snow Hill Phillipston, MA Jan 1961-1979 (Patch courtesy Doug Smith) History ~ Appendix ~ By the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos ~ Directions Please note - if you would like to visit this area, please read the directions below as the landowners do allow visitors if they respect the property. History A History of Ward Hill/ Snow Hill Ski Area in Phillipston, Massachusetts 1961 to 1979 Highest elevation – 1296' ASL Elevation at bottom of East slope –1100' ASL Vertical drop – 196’ over 1100 foot run of the East slope The sign for Ward…

It had 2 rope rope tows, 800 and 1000 feet long, serving a north facing slope and intermediate/beginner trails. Thanks to Esther Purinton, we now know the full story of this ski area that operated in Charlemont. Here's what she has to say: "The land was leased for 5 years from my grandfather Bert White by Phelps Ingersol of Middletown, CT. He was the President of Wilcox, Crittenden and Co., Inc. shich made marine equipment/hardware.

Sodom Mountain was a brief, rope tow ski area founded by Arthur Lafreniere, an excavation contractor, in 1969. According to a Dec 13, 1969 article in the Berkshire Eagle, the area opened that year with just a rope tow, but there were big plans - including a chairlift, a T-bar, and potentially more lifts to be installed in early 1970's. When all is said and done, the area was to have a vertical of 900'. The area maxed out at 120' of vertical with several trails and one single rope tow, about 800' in length.

Please note - this area is on private property, so please do not trespass, thank you. Introduction ~ History + Picture ~ Memories Introduction Southwick Ski Resort was a classic rope tow area that operated from 1962 to 1973. The ski area operated with two rope tows on a 100-150' drop, just north of Rte 57 in Southwick. The area closed around 1973, due to higher insurance premiums and likely the energy crisis.

Worcester, MA Years Operational Unknown I know very little about this area, but it was located at the Speedway which I think is now closed 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Two trails of 1/5 mile each, connected by floodlighted 1100 foot tow with 350' vertical drop. 25 degree slope, novice and intermediate.

Hill in Leicester, MA was located on the campus of Leicester Junior College which is now part of Becker College. Strawberry Hill from the top, 1972 Leicester Junior College Yearbook. Thanks to information and pictures provided by Jane Jung , Alumni Director at Becker College, we now know of this area which existed on the Leicester Junior College Campus in the 1960's and 1970's. There was a hill on the Campus of Leicester Junior College where skiing took place.

Please note - this area is on private property - please respect the privacy of the owners and do not visit this lost area without permission, thank you. Thanks to Laurie P , who first found the following information about the Summit Ski Tow: I went to Holden, MA to do some ski research. While in the library browsing microfilm of the local paper I stumbled upon this ad (on left). The librarian told me there was a street in Jefferson called Summit Street and that a horse farm and riding school is now located there.

Ranch in Southwick operated a ski area from before 1947 until at least 1949. It had an 1100 foot tow which served beginner and intermediate terrain. History by the Year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1947-1948 1100 tow Novice and intermediate slopes and trails, northeastern slope Operates Sundays only, canteen Skier's Guide to New England 1949 1100' tow Open slopes and trail for novices Open Sundays only, refreshment hut, William LaBrecque, owner. Directions - From Westfield turn right on Route 10 just before entering Southwick MA Ski Guide If you have more information on this area just…

Below is original article on

Hill operated during the 1960's and into the early 1980's in the town of Wrentham. It was operated by the town and had a j-bar, a wide slope, and several woods trails on a 200 foot drop. Robert Montanaro has some more information and directions: In the 1970's and 1980's the town of Wrentham, Massachusetts had a small (maybe a 200' vertical) hill with a J-Bar and night skiing. It was called Sweatt Hill recreational area (known as Knuckup hill on a USGS map).

Thanks to Tony & Ann Borton, we now know of this private family tow that operated in Conway. Here are their details: "I t hought you might be interested in hearing about our private ski tow in Conway MA. Operating as a private tow from about 1972-1980, the Taman Farm Ski Tow was a 550' rope tow, using a 1100' ski tow rope powered by "Horace Dodge", a 1948 Dodge pickup truck. Using the lowest forward gear of a four or five speed transmission, the rope traveled through a groove made by two tires, side touching side, their two wheels welded together and mounted on the rear of the truck which face…

Thanks to Wayne DeLano Jr . who wrote the following article about this lost indoor ski slope in Easton, MA! Jacksons Ski Outlet in Easton Massachusetts was home to a very unique ski slope. It was simply a novelty experiment conducted by Jackson's to attract business and provide ski instructions to new-comers and members. The deck, as they refer to it, took up about 7,000 sq. feet of the building, constructed of an industrial carpeting coated with a silicon-like material.

According to Jeremy Clark, we now know of one more Charlemont ski area. Here are the details, from his discussions with multiple sources: Many local skiers are aware that the Berkshire East Ski Area was once called Thunder Mountain. Four years before that, the original Thunder Mountain opened, operating in only a small part of the current Berkshire East Ski Area. In the mid 1950's, Arthur Parker came out on a ski train that was going to Chickley Alps Ski Area, down the road in Hawley.

Thunderhead (Bumper sticker image courtesy of Dave Hewey). 1961-1967 History ~ Memories ~ Layout ~ Current Photos ~ Future History Thunderhead was a relatively brief, rope tow ski area that operated off of East Broadway in the Riverside section of Haverhill. Located just north of the Merrimack River, this area taught many local residents how to ski. Steve Ellis was on the Ski Patrol and gave us some great insight as to the history of this area. It operated no sooner than 1962, with only one trail on the north slope of the hill.

Here are his details and pictures: I thought I'd let you know about a lost ski area near me that I hike up now and then. It's here in Hadley, Mass, on a small foothill on the north side of the Mt. Holyoke Range, which runs E>W (one of very few nationwide that do so!) across the Ct. The hill is known as Tinker Hill and was used privately by the Amherst College ski club, and possibly as a practice slope for their ski team (the land is still owned by the college).

Thanks to George Abbott, we now know of this private area that operated in Grafton. Here are his details: One ski area in Grafton was owned by Tom Chase and was in his backyard off George Hill Road. Tom had been a member of the Dartmouth ski team and had put the tow up to teach his daughters to ski. He also taught some of the local kids and was the one who taught my older son to ski. this would have been in the late 50s.

Wheatland's Hill Topsfield 1950's - 1970s History ~ Recent Photos History This could be the re-located Locust Lawn Ski Area which was originally located in Danvers, MA and relocated to Topsfield when the Interstate 95 was built. In any event, this rope tow area on an approximately 150 foot vertical slope operated from the 1950's in the 1970's on Witch Hill in Topsfield. It had one rope tow, one wide slope, and a narrow woods trail. There were two entrances to the area, which I'll get to in a bit.

Private area Please note - this is a private family ski area - please do not trespass, thanks! Betsy McDonough had first discovered this area in 1999 while trying to find Crystal Notch . This private tow area contains a lift from the original Crystal Notch and is run today by the family of the original owners on their property. Click on the link above to learn more about the history of Crystal Notch.

According to a 1949 MA Ski Guide, a 270 foot rope tow operated opposite Allard Farm on Gilbertville Road. Other information is unknown, such as the exact name of the area.

Watatic was a family ski area which opened perhaps around 1940 with a rope tow, making it a historic area. It gradually grew to the summit of Mount Watatic (fairly high in elevation for its location) probably during the 1960's, adding a couple of T-bars and rope tows. Snowmaking was installed in the late 1960's as well as night skiing. The area remained status quo until the early 1980's when 2 chairlifts, including summit double, were installed.

Buzzy's Bump Wayland High School Buzzy's Bump Wayland, MA 1970's-80's We've had quite a few

We have heard two sources for this ski area that operated in Westboro. There is a slight, but highly unlikely chance that this could be the "Speedway" ski area from 1939. Here are the details from various

When people are asked about the skiing history of Westford, MA, most people would instantly talk about Nashoba Valley. A lot of people in the northwestern suburbs that didn't learn to ski at a big mountain learned at Nashoba. Well, there was another ski area in Westford at one time, on Blake's Hill. I happened to find this area totally by accident by looking at a topographic map for my hometown.

Hill was a small rope tow area that operated just east of Amherst from before 1947-at least 1949. History by the Year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1947-1948 tow 600' long, 1500' wide, eastern exposure, novice and intermediate Ski hut and snack bar, located 1.25 east of Amherst on North Street Skier's Guide to New England 1949 600' tow novice and intermediate, 600' long, 1500' wide, floodlit Open daily each afternoon and evening, ski hut and snack bar, professional instruction, 1.4 miles east of Amherst on North East Street MA Ski Guide If you have more information on this area just let…

Part of the now Wilbraham-Monson Academy, the original Wilbraham Academy operated a small ski area in Wibraham. The area first sported a 2 mile ski trail on Wilbraham Mountain. It started at an old cabin at a reservoir through the woods down to the campus below. An old jalopy with a rope tow likely served the lower part of this trail.

Wildwood Tolland, MA Around 1966-Early 1980's Brief History Bill Merrick's Photos Karl Ellison's Photos/More History Brief History Thanks to Bill Merrick , we now know of this area that operated in Tolland. Here are his details: My in-laws have a vacation home in the town of Tolland Ma, just west of Granville. It is in a private lake community called Wildwood, which encompasses 700 acres, and 2 ponds. There is a slope with in there that was cleared, and used as a ski slope.

Slopes was a ski area that operated on the grounds of the Willard Inn in the late 1940's. History by the Year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1949 800' tow 1000' slope Located on grounds of Willard Inn, comfortable warming lodge with snack bar, ice skating MA Ski Guide If you have more information on this area just let us know.

Thanks to Tony Goodwin , we now know more about this area: The ski area was built in 1960 with the handle tow installed on the open slope about 1965. Before that the college used Sheep Hill for slalom and the Thunderbolt Trail on Mt. The racing trail from the summit was steep and narrow and was �obsolete� as a racing trail once metal skis and better technique increased the speeds racers traveled. Nevertheless, with control gates to make it a giant slalom, it was used for college meets until the early 70�s.

Teller contacted us at

This area is probably one of the smallest lost areas I have ever seen! The Wilmington Tow (exact name is unknown) is located on Rte 38 in Wilmington near the Woburn border. It operated at least during the 1950's/1960's, and offered skiing on 2 slopes, and perhaps 1 or two trails. It is also located at a ballfield, though the name of the park is unknown.

Thanks to information about closed ski areas in MA provided by Kevin Thomas, we have confirmed this ski area. Actually, I first saw this one on a Scout camping trip in the mid 1990's. We were camping at Windsor Lake, and I happened to see this former ski area. The rope tow was still standing, as was the top shack (another upside down area), although the shack was infested by hornets.

Thanks to Rich Caruso , we now know of this lost area in Woburn. Here are his details: There was single rope tow operating on a hill at this location. The country club is still operating and may have photos available. Little else is known, but the Country Club has a website at http://www.fairwayscc.com/ . you have more information on this area just let us know.

According to the 1947-1948 Skier's Guide to New England, the Worthington Ski Tow operated in the Ringbrook section of town, off Rte 112.

Thanks to Sean O'Malley , we now know of this ski area that operated in Holyoke just south of Mt. Here are his details: Many of us who were raised in the Holyoke area during that time had our first skiing experiences on the (very hilly) Wycoff Country Club located just south of Mt. They set up a portable rope tow on one of the steeper fairways for several years.

Many thanks to Scott Andrews , who has given permission to

Bald Mountain (Oquossoc) Ski Area Bald Mountain Skiway Oquossoc, Maine 1960-Before 1973 (Not to be confused with Bald Mountain, Dedham Maine) Thanks to Steve Kijak, we now know the beginning history of this ski area in the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine. Bald Mountain ski area opened on January 31, 1960, following a 3 day opening celebration. The Governor of Maine, John Reed dedicated the mountain on that day. Bald Mountain opened with an 800 foot rope tow that served one slope during the winter of 1960.

Beg was a classic, early ski club operated rope tow hill, that was in operation from 1938 to 1958. It featured a 250' drop, an open slope, a Devil's Den Trail, and was on a NE-SE Exposure. The tow was eventually moved to Bond Mountain in 1958, resulting in the closing of Bauneg Beg.

This pony lift ski area was a rare ski area that operated from the early 1990's until about 2007. It was rare in that brand new ski areas opening past the early 1970's are very uncommon. The area was operated by the Legere Family who had purchased a used handle tow from the town of Biddeford. It was a semi-private area that was sometimes open to the public.

Much thanks to

Stories from Maine's Skiing Heritage", there was a community run ski area in Belfast in the 1960s. Here are Glenn's details: BELFAST-The sign read simply "Ski Area". "The area was a community project in the late 1960s," says Chris Kinney, a high school student at the time. "The rope tow was built by the Lions Club using Central Maine Power and an engine donated by a local machine shop. We skied on three trails, which were really quite steep, and a 15 meter jump. A lot of school ski meets were held at the area. "It was a lot of fun, there was something for everybody." People rode flying saucers…

According to a Ski Maine Promotion, and the book First Tracks, Bell Slope operated from the late 1960's and into the early 1970's with a 460 foot rope tow. We recently heard from Jan Warren who has much more information: 1970 was our school's first year to have a girl's ski team. Our first ski meet was my most memorable ski meet, not only for being my first, but also for being at Bell's. We were told it was called Bell's Ski Farm, but I don't remember seeing any sign.

Prescott wh o pointed out that a ski tow once operated at Rotary Park in Biddeford. You can almost pick out the ski hill in the center of the photo. Betsy McDonough visited the lost area on Sept 5, 2004 and took the following pictures. This is the likely site of the ski area, but there were a few other sides of the hill that could have been it.

During the early 1970's an 850 rope tow operated in the town of East Holden on Big Hill. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Big Squaw, Greenville, Maine Big Squaw Squaw Mountain at Moosehead Lake Greenville / Big Squaw Township, ME 1963-2010, 2013-Open History ~ Memories ~ Historic Photos ~ Recent Photos Squaw Mountain in Greenville, Maine is planning to reopen in January, 2013! History Big Squaw, later known as Moose Mountain or Big Moose Mountain, was one of the largest ski areas to close in New England. Open from 1963 until 2010, Big Squaw offered skiing on about 18 trails on a 1650' vertical drop. The trails have been described as classic New England trails - narrow and winding, with lots of character.

According to a 1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks, this ski area operated in the 1960's and into the early 1970's with a 1000 foot rope tow. Cindi Ellen O'Connor has some more information on this lost area: " I saw your web site. Thousands of New Englanders gather on The Hill each year to celebrate Hempstock in August (now in it's 10th year), HarvestFest in October which is a celebration of the marijuana harvest and Freedom Fest in July. All three events are produced by Maine Vocals to benefit the repeal of marijuana prohibition.

Here are his details: I learned to Ski at Black Cat Mountain on the Southern Shore of Millinocket Lake outside of Millinocket. The lodge was built in the late 50's or early 60's and was just off the lake. The rope tow was powered by an old truck engine in a tow shack built always up the mountain from the lake. There was a spectacular view of Mt Katahdin across the lake about 12 miles away (for an awesome view of this, click here - picture by Tom Liba ).

Thanks to Tim Carpenter, we now know of this area that operated in Newfield. Here are his details: In the late 1950’s, a group of individuals who skied regularly with the Bauneg Beg Ski Club arranged to use the land and move their equipment to the mountain in Newfield Maine . Looking at the mountain from Route 11 the smaller slope with the three hundred foot tow was off to the left. The slope to the right was steeper and had a six hundred foot tow for more experienced skiers that went up the hill into the woods.

Before letting me tell you about the history of Burnt Meadow Mountain, let me first thanks Mr. Charles Harmon , of Brownfield and the librarian at the Brownfield Library. In November of 1998 my friend Chris Vaccaro and I went to find this area, but found it mostly overgrown behind some houses. We stopped by at the town library and met with the librarian.

College operated a typical college ski area in Waterville during the 1960's. I'm sure many Colby College students learned to ski at this affordable area. I asked the the head Alpine Skiing Coach for Colby, Mark Godomsky, on some information about the ski area: "The Colby Ski Area was located 2 miles from the Colby Campus in Waterville, Me. It was opened in 1960 and closed around 1971 with the increase in insurance costs and lack of snow making technology.

Thanks to Dave Hilton , we first heard of this area that operated in Fort Kent. By this picture from Dave, we can tell it had a lodge, at least two rope tows, and a few slopes. Jim Page says: "The picture and listing of "county tow ~ Fort Kent" was of a ski area operated by the Pelletier family during the 1950s. I skied there during my high school years." Does anybody else remember this lost area?

Anybody have any information? 1939 (Eastern Ski Map) Rope tow, slopes, trails (novice and intermediate)

Many thanks to Frank Emery, who received the information from his father, Maine Ski Hall of Fame member Franklin Emery , we now know about this rope tow in Westbrook: "Right here in Westbrook, off lower Main St. It even had lights for night skiing.." If you remember this area and have more information, please let us know.

Operating during the 1960's and into the early 1970's, there was a 600 foot long rope tow operating in Dexter. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

The run was lighted at night and had a maximum grade of 45 degrees. That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

This ski area boasted the longest rope tow in the state in 1939, and at 1700 feet, that's a long tow! There was night skiing and an overnight hut for skiers. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Open Slope 3/5 mile long, 300 feet wide, 400 foot vertical drop 32 degree slope Expert to intermediate. Longest tow in the state, 1700 feet long, lighted for night use. Toboggan chute. 1942 (Complete Skier's Guide) Nothing different from 1939, except for some non specific improvements.

Thanks to Robert Hunt, we now know of this rope tow ski area that operated in Windham, ME. Here are his details: I grew up in Windham Maine and remember skiing at Dutton Hill Ski Area off Route 202 near the intersection of Dutton Hill Rd and Route 202. It had about 300 vertical feet and had 2 trails coming Down to Route 202. the old rope tow poles and engine are still there even though it is overgrown. This area ran ( According to my dad Bob Hunt) from 1930 to 1963.

Thanks to Allen Barry who founded this area, we now know the full story of this small rope tow area. Here are his details and pictures: In 1948 I had a job in Eastport Maine, you can not get further east than that. It was far from any ski area, especially with a young family so I formed a ski club and had a great deal of local support. I flew in a small plane to scout possible ski slopes and found one in Pembroke.

Enchanted Mountain Ski Area Enchanted Mountain Lake Parlin, ME (Near Jackman, Maine) 1966-1974 A medium sized lost ski area in northern Maine whose isolation provided problematic for its success. History ~ By The Year ~ Current Imagery History Enchanted Mountain Ski Area, located in Lake Parlin, Maine (about 12 miles south of Jackman), was a medium sized ski area that operated from 1966 to about 1974. The area was designed to be the Switzerland of Maine, an isolated alpine area with great views and skiing. According to a website entitled "Northwestern Wilderness of Maine" , the first season a…

Here are his details: How many Lost Ski Areas can be viewed from Interstate 95? You get a clear view of the City of Bangor's old slope from the interstate, particularly from the southbound lanes, just south of the Bangor Mall. The 60's-architecture base lodge for this upside-down area is plainly seen at the top of the hill by the water towers. This area ran in the 60's and early 70's and was killed by the combination of bad snow years and liability/insurance issues.

Stoneham, Maine 1972-1975, 1976-1982 Introduction ~ Scott Andrews Article ~ Additional Notes and Photos ~ Readers Memories Please note the Evergreen Valley Inn is in operation and is a great place to stay - check it out at Evergreen Valley Inn . Introduction Evergreen Valley was a medium sized ski area with a troubled history, bankruptcies, and a relatively short existence. It was one of the last major ski areas to be developed in New England, finally opening in 1972, and only lasted for ten years (including a closure form 1975-1976). It had a 1050' vertical drop and three Mueller lattice towe…

Thanks to David LaVallee , we now know of this area that operated in Winthrop. I'll let him explain this one: "Gilmour's Hill is located in Winthrop, Maine and was owned by John and Barbara Gilmour. The Winthrop High Ski team, of which my cousin Tim LaVallee and I were members, would cut the brush and maintain it every fall for the upcoming ski season. Alpine races with various high schools would be on Saturdays and then town people could ski on Sunday.

According to 1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks, this small ski area with a 500 foot rope tow opened in during the late 1950's and closed during the early to middle 1970's. Several

Most skiers on their way to Sunday River pass this small area located on the Sunday River Access Road. In 1971 there was a 500 foot long rope tow operating at this area. The school still uses the area for jumps but the rope tow no longer operates. Most of the wheel hubs for the tow are still visible. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion and Personal Visit) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

The Kiwanis club operated a 550 foot long rope tow during the 1960's and early 1970's in Guilford. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Thanks to Thomas Liba who got information on this area f rom Warren Brown and Larry McCallister , we now know of this area that operated in Medway. Here's what he found out: Located on the shore of the East Branch of the Penobscot River in Medway, Maine and likely built by Frances Bologne (sic) in the '50s. There was one rope tow running 400' up slope with one main trail and a ski jump. It sounds like the area may have closed briefly in the '60s, but was operating until at least '73.

Academy operated a 1055 foot ski tow from the 1960's until around 1985. The area was primarily used for students and their racing program. Before closing around 1985, the area bought a used T-bar, but never installed it. Here are a few

Thanks to Glenn Parkinson's book First Tracks , we first heard of this area. Here are his details: In the early 1950's, this area, which was part of Augusta's municipal recreation program, had a 400' rope tow, and skiing on several open slopes. Scott Andrews notes that the Lewiston Daily Sun for January, 1942, noted that Hi Point in Augusta opened late that month with a tow, with a clear reference to the area being new that year. Below you can read a clip from Maine Top's write up regarding Hi Point, from Todd Patenaude .

Located in Monroe, the Hillside Ski Area offered skiing on a 975 foot long rope tow during the early 1970's. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Years operational unknown Thanks to John Pepper , we now know of this lost area in Hiram, Maine. Here are his details: "I just thought of another area in Hiram ME. I know nothing about it other than seeing rope tow wheels on a small hill on route 113 just east of the bridge over the Saco River on the left side heading toward Portland. If you are driving the route sometime you could see the wheels still on the posts." I tried to find this area on Terraserver, but no luck.

This small ski area on Hobbs Hill had a rope tow, tobogganing, and a shelter. Delmore has a few memories of this location: "I remember that it was there and it wasn't very successful. It never had a lodge, just an old farmhouse that may have sold a few hamburgers and hotdogs there. The last time I remember being up in that area when it was open was when I was fifteen (1940)." 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Located 1 mile from village, 60 acres of open slopes 500 foot rope tow North exposure - South West Ample space for toboganning and parking Plowed road, shelter, all classes of skiing

Operating in the 1960's and into the early 1970's, Hotham's Slope provided skiing accessed by a quite short 300 foot long rope tow. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Increased insurance rates closed the mountain around 1973, or shortly thereafter.

Thanks to new information from the Fryeburg, ME Historical Society, we now have the complete story of this historical Maine ski area. Diane Jones and Ted Nixon provided the following information from the historical society. The ski tow was built at Jockey Cap in 1936, and was the first rope tow in the state. Ten young business men in Fryeburg got together and formed a corporation, with each member putting in $25.00, so at a cost of $250.00, plus contributions of considerable labor from the corporation members and many of the townsmen, the Ski Tow, under the direction of Henry McIntire, was bui…

School operates a ski area for students on their campus in Kents Hill, ME. One or two lifts serves a slope complete with snowmaking, lights, and snowboard hits. Glenn Parkinson's book "First Tracks" has some more info on the area: "Bill Dunn wanted Kents Hill School, a private school in Kents Hill, to offer skiing to its students. In 1942 he hired "Peg" Goldthwait from Dartmouth to find the appropriate hill, clear the terrain, and begin a ski program, one of the first coed high school programs in the nation.

Thanks to Gail Peble, we now know of this unlikely area in Kennebunkport. Here are her details: Kimball's Hill was located in Kennebunk, on the Cat Mousam Road. I am 46 and can remember my parents taking me there on a Sunday afternoon when I was very small. The had a rope tow run by an old car engine and local people were welcome to ski and toboggan, down to the edge of the Mousam River.

Kings Mountain Slope King's Mountain Slope Bangor, ME Before 1949-? In 1949 this ski area offered skiing on a 750 foot long rope tow, which was ideal for novices. Walter Melville hand drew this map of the King's Mountain Slope...many thanks!

This municipal ski area offered skiing lift served by a 700 foot long rope tow during the 1960's and into the early 1970's. (1971 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Andover, ME Years Operational Unknown A rather small area operated on Lone Mountain. Anybody remember this one? 1951-1952 (Eastern Ski Map) Tow, slope, trail (novice through expert), ski jump, skating

August of 1994 while on a Boy Scout canoe trip along the Fish River in northern Maine. I had never heard of it before, but noticed the area from our campsite in Fort Kent. My dad (who was along for the trip) and I checked the area out. I took some pics, which have since disappeared, unfortunately.

Thanks to Missmerlot for pointing us to this lost area! "There was an area on Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine. After seeing you on Chronicle I checked your list for several of the places I used to ski in the late 60s and 70s. Since Loring was missing, I thought I would inform you of its existence. The instructor came over during the week from Mars Hill and many of the military wives took lessons and skied all winter.

Elaine Polakewich, eager to start a business founded this ski area. "There was no Maggie, it was just a made up name." she quoted in First Tracks. It had closed by 1970. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Augusta, Maine 1951-1955 Thanks to Todd Patenaude for writing up this excellent story on this lost area in Maine. Maine Top Ski Tow was owned and operated by two sisters Cecile Patenaude Morin and Therese Patenaude Rodrigue from 1951 to 1955. They got interested in skiing when their brother Robert Patenaude returned from the service where he was a ski trooper in the 10th Mountain Division during WWII. Hi Point Tow ski hill in the North Augusta, which was run by the Abenaki Ski & Outing Club, closed in 1950.

This small ski area was located on Manor Hill in Rangeley, thats about all I have. Anybody remember this one? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) 2/5 mile long 600 foot tow Warming hut 1951-1952 (Eastern Ski Map) Rope tow, slopes, trails (nov and int)

This small ski area with a 700 foot long rope tow offered skiing in the town of Sinclair. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

This small ski area with a 700 foot long rope tow offered skiing in the town of Sinclair. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

The Year ~ Current Photos History May Mountain is a recent lost area, having closed in the mid 1990's. It was a classic community type area for Maine - just big enough to be interesting, but otherwise small and relatively isolated. According to First Tracks, by Glenn Parkinson, the area opened in the late 1960's by two doctors who learned how to ski. The area had a 2800' long T-bar, and served about a half dozen trails.

From the Skier's Guide to New England, these two rope tow areas were located on McFarland's Hill. There were several trails and a 200 foot vertical drop, located on Mt. Anybody remember seeing these? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Open slope--Twenty acres, 75 to 600 feet wide, 15 degree slope. Mount Desert Island Outing Club Trail Length: 800 feet, vertical 200 feet Tow 1949 (World Ski Book) In 1949, a 1330 foot rope tow operated on McFarland's hill.

Agamenticus York, Maine 1966-1974 *This area is flagged for major updates** Before getting into the ski history of Mt. Agamenticus, let me first thank Dave Hilton, who has helped me with the history of this mountain. All of these pictures on this page are courtesy of his homepage, Agamenticus . This page has more great pictures of this mountain, including the development of the mountain in 1965, the opening ceremonies, and while it was active.

This area also had night skiing and had a Meisters Ski Club. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

According to a 1969 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks, the East Auburn Community Unit ran a 550 foot long rope tow in East Auburn during the 1960's. The area was run mostly for the children in the community, as residents got to ski for free. Here's a topographic map of the area, courtesy of Terraserver. Here's an aerial map of the area(flipped so bottom of slope is at bottom of photo) courtesy of Terraserver.

At least 1949 From the Skier's Guide to New England, this small rope tow area was found. There were several trails on this mountain, but only one, the Winged Drop trail, was accessible by rope tow. In 1949 a rope tow served an open slope in Casco, probably Mt. Anybody remember this area? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Winged Drop Trail Located on mail route, 0.3 mile from Village Store of Postoffice 2/5 mile long 12-15 feet wide Vertical drop: 450 feet, 45 degree slope Upper part expert, lower part intermediates and novices Emerges into large open slope of 10 to 15 degrees.

Powderhouse sign - courtesy Eric Klemarczyk Powderhouse Hill South Berwick, ME Late 1930's, and again 1964-Present Early Powderhouse Hill History ~ Powderhouse Hill Ski Area History, Placenames of South Berwick Powderhouse Hill Ski Area History, Contributors Version Visit the official website here! Many thanks to Bill Page who works at Powderhouse Hill for submitting the following article on this vibrant open ski area! Powderhouse Hill Ski Area is located on Agamenticus Road where it intersects with Route 4 in South Berwick, Maine . It’s open for business and not eligible for membership in The…

Agamenticus September 13, 2008 A great day with ski history enthusiasts!

Norway-Paris Outing Club Ski Area NO-PAR Norway, Maine 1947-1967 Efforts underway to reopen! According to Glenn Parkinson's book First Tracks , this ski aera opened in 1947 by Albert Soule, Lester Soule, and Albert's wife, Jeannette. Jim Thorpe was also involved in the constructionThe area operated on Pike's Hill in Norway. During the operation of the area, they discovered that owner's can't get much skiing in while operating the area, so they sold it, and it closed around 1967.

Just a couple of listings on this one, it had a T-bar, slope, and trail. The name changed from Northmen to Caribou Ski Slope around 1970. They offered free skiing to local children which was a terrific idea! It clearly shows the main slope, and a narrower trail on the left.

Norway-Paris Outing Club Ski Area Norway-Paris Outing Club Norway, Maine Late 1930's This small area lasted briefly during the late 1930's. This may have been a precursor to the Nor-Par ski area , which opened in 1947. A 1939 listing: 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) These twin towns offer open slope skiing. The Norway-South Paris Outing Club has developed novice trails.

Thanks to Greg Kearney , we now know of this lost area that operated in Vassalboro. Here is his information: "As the alumni president for the now closed Oak Grove-Coburn school I bring you word of yet another ski hill run by a private school. The hill at Oak Grove-Coburn school was across US-201 from the main school buildings in Vassalboro, Maine which are now the state police academy. The slope went from the top of the hill down to the playing fields which are still owned by the Oak Grove School Foundation and, as far as a I know, still have the lift equipment in place needing only to be turn…

Thanks to Galen Crane , we first heard of this area that operated in Hebron. First run by the Hebron School at some point in the 1960's, it was taken over by Oxford Hills High School in 1967. Here are his details which best describe this area: "On weekends in 1983 and 84, some of us used to walk with our brand-new wooden Burton snowboards from campus ( Hebron School ) to what I think is called Ben Barrows Hill, about a mile and a half north of Hebron. Here, near a house on a slope in the woods, was the old Oxford Hills High School ski hill, which had one lift and one or two trails.

From the Skier's Guide to New England, this small rope tow area was found. Anybody remember it? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Paradise Park-Length 0.27 miles, 450 feet wide, 28 percent slope, intermediate and novice.

During the 1960's this ski area in Lewiston had a 750 foot long rope tow (1969 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks). According to a guidebook from Brian O'Malley , the area was located off Rte. 196 in Lewiston. According to Gary Henault , the area is now a snow tubing park, with all the old grown up brush removed. Two

This area, located in the famous bottled water capital of New England, operated during the 1960's. It had a T-bar, rope tow, and a few slopes and trails on a 350 foot drop. Chris Bradford found this area during the spring of 2000, and his details best describe it. Definitely a "twist" on the TV commercials of people trying to find the source of Poland Spring and getting turned back by bears, etc.

Many thanks to Frank Emery, we now know about this rope tow in Caribou: "Caribou Prestile Slopes, a rope tow near a motel complex. My Dad and Dana Wallace twice drove up to host a one day ski patrol seminar." If you remember this area and have more information, please let us know.

Thanks to David LaVallee, we first heard of this small ski area that operated in Augusta. Here is his information: Sand Hill was actually Blueberry Hill on the west side of the Kennebec in Augusta.

Here are his details: "An area which does not seem to be on your list is Scottie's (sp) in Rumford Maine. This was a 1300' dog legged rope tow about a mile out of town along the Swift River, run by the Chisholm Ski Club. It was very active until the Black Mountain area was built as its replacement about 1960. There were also three ski jumps located there, the so called grammar school, high school, and the 55 Meter Suicide jumps.

Thanks a few sources, some information was found about this area: David LaVallee : "Silver Hills in Chelsea near Augusta also had a rope tow and several intermediate trails and was family oriented. Grady Erickson was the Cony High ski coach and enjoyed some local success and fame during the 60's and early 70's." First Tracks: "Three rope tows ran on weekends at this area in Augusta. In the 1960's the area offered free ski school clinics and specialized in skiing clinics." Dave Leach: Silver Hills ski area also featured a small building where you could buy snacks and drinks and generally "warm…

Mountain Newburgh, ME Late 1950's-c1990 History ~ Historical Photos ~ Memories History

Originally we had little information on this lost ski area in Fryeburg. I'll let him tell you the story of Ski-W: "I am one of the old owners of Ski-W, which operated on Starks Hill in Fryeburg, ME. Fryeburg Academy had a rope tow in place on the single slope in existence when we acquired rights to the mountain from John Weston in 1972 or so. We [My Step-father, Keith Hodsdon and my brothers Wayne and Joel] began by clearing additional trails and clearing the land for the new lodge.

SkyHy Ski Area Sky-Hy Park Topsham, Maine 1960's - 1970's History By the Year Memories Current Photos Ski Area is on Private Property - Please Do Not Trespass History Sky-Hy park located in Topsham, Maine, was another one of those small local areas that introduced many skiers to the sport. Originally open as a family area by Howard and Lois Babbidge, the area was sold to new owners in the early 1970's. These new owners wanted to appeal to nearby military bases and acquired a liquor license. Unfortunately, this drove away many families, and the area folded.

Thanks to Leslie and Garry Schneider , we now know of this ski area that operated in Winterport, Maine. Here are their details: We used to live in Winterport, Maine. There was a former ski area in that town called Snow Mountain. It was operating when we first moved there in 1972 and folded up a few years later.

During the 1960's this ski area in South Berwick offered on skiing with two rope tows of length 480 and 500 feet. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

Thanks to Paul Jones , we now know the full history of this lost ski area. Here are his details: This ski area existed in Rumford for more than thirty years in many forms. For many years it hosted the outstanding winter carnival of the winter season in Maine. It was the precursor to the Scotty's Mountain Ski Area that was developed starting in 1946 The first ski area in Rumford was located along Spruce Street from the Aker�s Lumber Company (next to what was Puiia�s Hardware) to Breau�s Dairy (next to what is now Community Energy).

Many thanks to Frank Emery, who received the information from his father, Maine Ski Hall of Fame member Franklin Emery , we now know about this rope tow in West Falmouth: "In West Falmouth, Adjacent to Hurricane. Paul Stultz of Stultz Electric became interested in skiing and designed a carriage, towers and shives to hold the rope tow. Paul and his brother Phil became involved with Pleasant Mtn and lost interest in this lift and it closed.." If you remember this area and have more information, please let us know.

Thanks to Nick Malczyk , we first heard of this lost ski area that operated in Alexander, ME on Breakneck Mountain. Here are his details: Back in 1994 while in high school I went with a friend to his family's camp in Alexander, Maine. From what I remember there was an overgrown ski area across the lake from their camp. I think the ski area was probably about 4-500 vertical feet and had about six trails, give or take.

During the 1960's this 300 foot vertical drop ski area had 2 rope tows, 600 and 1200 feet long. There was also a 1400 foot long trail. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

In the 1960's a small ski area with one rope tow operated in Veazie. (1969 Ski Maine Promotion and First Tracks) That's all I have on this one, anybody have anything else to add?

According to a 1969 Ski Promotion and First Tracks, in the 1960's a 1200 foot long rope tow operated at the Western View Golf Course in Augusta. One

This was a small ski area located in Fort Fairfield Maine, that first operated in the late 1970's. White Bunny's heyday was during the 1960's until the mid 1970's. In 1976, Wendell Pierce, who had bought Burnt Meadow Mountain and currently runs Mars Hill, purchased the area. Many people living in the area of Fort Fairfield fondly remember this ski area.

Originally we thought that there was just one ski area on Cate's Hill in Berlin. However, thanks to several

Marcotte remembers this area, and here are his details: There was a ski area that was in North Charlestown. As a small child my folks took us to a place I know it now as the Adams farm, It was a small rope tow and as a child it was lots of fun. To find it take 12 south of Claremont at the point you see Indian Shudders Restaurant turn left and at the end of the street ( not the first street) take a left and you will go past a small grove of apple trees and nest is a large hill I think you can still see the rope tow. If you remember this ski area and have more info, just let us know.

Thanks to several

Patch of the area, from Peter Terkow) Dave Brooks, from the Nashua Telegraph, wrote an article in the winter of 2002 which included some closed ski areas in southern NH. He wrote about this one, and the following is from him, and tells the story of this club-owned area: The Amherst Ski Club started on a hill opposite Wilkins School (in Amherst, also known as Jake's Hill ) but in 1964 bought land on a steeper hill in Mont Vernon, off Brook Road. "We had a bunch of work parties to clear it, moving rocks and burning brush, in the good old days when you didn't have to worry about pollution," joked…

Several nearby schools trained at the hill, which also had night skiing. The area was located on Route 101 on the Amherst/Bedford border. State Senator Peter Bragdon's grandfather owned and operated this ski area, and Peter provides us with the following detailed history of the area: The Amherst-Bedford Ski Tow operated from 1936 to the late 1960�s or early 1970�s, with the exception of �the war years�, on Bragdon�s Hill on State Route 101 in Amherst, NH. The ski tow was started in 1936 by Amherst farmer Orson Bragdon, Sr.

According to the book Where to Ski (1948), provided by Wayne Silver , this area, located 1.5 miles from Jaffrey, had a ski season which lasted from January 1 to March 7. Here's what he has to say: "I visited The Ark ski area yesterday, as well. The Ark was the name of the hotel at the Monadnock Bible Conference. I recall seeing the tows operating as late as the Early '70's.

Listings by The Year History The Arlberg Inn in Gilford operated a 1200' tow for beginners on a 1300' novice slope. Around 1951, the area operated daily, but had switched to weekend only around 1953. Listings by the Year Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1951 1200' tow 1300' novice slope Operates 9am-dark daily. Ski insturction, ski rentals NH Winter Ski Guide 1953 1200' tow 1300' novice slope Operates weekends only.

Thanks to Doug Russwick , who helped found this area, we now know more about its history. Here is his story: Aukee was born at a party in Canterbury by three individuals. The three there Dick Stewartson, Jim Lilly, and Doug Russwick, all three non skiers. They decided it would be a good idea if Canterbury had a ski tow.

A 1938-1939 and 1940-1941 NH Winter Map mentions a Ballentine Tow that operated in Jackson. However, a 1939 Skier's Guide to New England mentions a new Ballentine's Pasture area on Carter Notch Road, with 15 acres of steep slopes, 100 acres of gentle slopes, with the steep parts served by a "sleigh tow". There was also a ski jump of 35mtrs mentioned at the "Thor Lodge". There is no mention of the area after 1941, so it probably closed during World War II.

In 1948, there was a small ski area that offered night skiing and open slope skiing for novices served by one rope tow in Portsmouth.

Durham/Madbury, NH Before 1969-At least 1972 History ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History Beech Hill was a small community ski area started by the Madbury Recreation Commission in Madbury, CT. Sadly, high insurance rates and a few bad snow years resulted in the closure of this ski area, sometime in the 1970's. Today, the area has grown in, but remnants of the tow remain, and can be viewed below. Tom Corrow shares more: I would like to add some more information about the Beech Hill Ski Area in Madbury, NH.

Not much is known of this small ski area that operated in West Rumney on Rte 25. According to the 1938 NH Winter Sports Map, the area had a 900' rope tow, 1.5 mile long trail, and 4 short novice trails. Skating, sleighing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing were also available. There was a main bungalow and 10 cottages for skiers to stay in.

Many thanks to Ben Steele who found and researched this area on Hanover Center Road between Etna and Hanover Center! I'll let him describe it to you: Exploring around my house in Etna, NH (near Hanover), I found the remains of a rope tow: the top truck with pulleys and other pulleys going down the hill. Her family built it in the late 40's and they and their neighbors skied in this former pasture before there were real resorts. It has been abandoned for about 40 years, but there may be skiers from the area who skied there.

Thanks to Cam Marcotte , we now know of this obscure area that operated in Barrington. Me and my friend were recently out backcountry snowboarding behind my house, and I remembered this place with a lot of trails on the side of a hill so we went to check it out, and on a very strait trail going down between some others we found 5 cement bases of what I think might be for the summit lift, and we got to the bottom where we found a large open area with some weeds growing in it that I think was the parking lot and there was a large pile of wood and stone there that might have been from a lodge, we…

This area, located 3 miles from Jaffrey Center, had a ski season which lasted from December 15 to March 15. It was located from 1200 to 1280' in elevation, giving the area an 80 foot drop. This was a small area that was part of the Birchtoft Inn, a Swiss Chalet type of accommodation. Ned Bolle spoke to John Summers and found out the following info: "John confirmed that the Birchtoft Area was later the "Monadnock Recreation Area", now the Birchtoft trail head and picnic area of the Monadnock state park. (Just north of the Poole Rd entrance to the park.

Birchwood Birchwood Londonderry, NH 1965 - 1985 History ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History This small ski area was located in the town of Londonderry.

Blackwater is a private ski area which serves the school and other various high schools in the region, and is open to the public on a few occasions. Cut in the mid-1960s, the Blackwater Ski Area originally operated with a 1500-foot rope tow, serving the students at Proctor Academy, in Andover. In 1970, the school purchased a used T-bar in Michigan, and installed it to replace the original lift. In recent years, that T-bar was replaced with a newer one purchased when King Ridge closed in nearby Sutton.

Many thanks to Bruce Taylor who wrote the following on this lost area! The Blue Hills Skiway was located on what used to be called the Milton Rd ( the original Rt. 16 ) in North Rochester at the Rochester/Milton town line. If you were to try to find the location today, you would be on what is now considered Rt 125, also known as the White Mountain Highway. On an interesting note; the Spaulding Turnpike goes right through the top of what was the ski hill.

It was billed as New Hampshire's Newest Ski Resort around 1970. This area had an interesting feature: a cabin double chairlift. Covered double chairs are rare to be found in New England...the only place I know of that had one is Mt. Most of the trail names were after racing terms, like Daily Double and Finish Line.

Here are the details from her: Bretwood Tow was located across the street from the current Bretwood Golf Course on East Surry Road in Keene, NH. When driving from Keene toward Surry on Route 12A East Surry Rd is on the right. Just after the club house there is a red farm house and barn, as you drive toward the barn you will notice the bottom of the rope tow. The other day while driving past with a friend I saw the bottom of the rope tow and pulled over to take pictures of it for further exploration.

Mountain was a small area that operated in Weirs Beach during the 1970s and early 1980s. The area had a vertical drop of 420ft, 1 chairlift and 1 rope tow, with the longest trail being 3000ft. According to Kevin Thomas , the chairlift was sold to Ski Ward, MA . The best information on this area comes from the following

Details by the Year Personal Memories Pictures and Images History This area had three names at one point! Brookline opened in 1936, but likely closed during World War II. Lisa Melone , whose grandfather owned the area, has this to say about the early history of the area- "My grandfather owned and ran Brookline back in the 30's but they closed due to gas shortages during WWII. I believe my grandfather, Weston Blake, co-owned it with another fellow.

Thanks to Jean Pratt Lynch who sent us the following information about Candy Mountain: " Candy Mountain was situated just off Route 16 in Wakefield or Brookfield New Hampshire and was approximately four or five miles closer to the Village of Union than Moose Mtn. It was operational in the early 60's (perhaps late 50's)with a rope tow .This was a small hill with a one front northern exposure and likely went out of business when Moose Mtn opened. " Another

Pastures was operated by the AMC on Duke's Pasture slope at the base of Cardigan Mountain. A few

According to the 1938-1939 and 1940-1941 NH Winter Sports Map, an 1100' tow serving a 4 acre, 130' drop slope operated on Catamount Mountain. No references list this area after 1941, so it is presumed that it closed during World War II.

Berlin, NH Before 1938-early 50's Originally, we thought that the Cate's Hill development mentioned here and the 12th Street Ski Area were the same, since they were located on the same hill. Thanks to several

According to Larry Rodman , this is a rope tow area run by the Cardigan Mountain School near campus. It is operational as of 2009 - more information can be gleaned by visiting the school website here and viewing recent photos in the galleries on this page . Bradford Edwards tell us that the area is called Clancy Mountain, and is used by the school students and staff only, so its a private area. He and Donald Stowe, a teacher at Cardigan, along with other staff members and students cleared the area to make the ski hill.

We first knew little about this area, but thanks to a

Opened for skiing 2005 Closed for Skiing 2006 Was briefly New England's newest ski area with the oldest lift! Introduction The Mount Washington Cog Railway Ski Train was perhaps the most unique lift served ski area in New England. The Cog offered a one of a kind ski experience on the western slope of Mt. Ironically, when this area opened, it was the newest in New England, but with the oldest lift!

Thanks to Alan Hebert , we now know about this area that operated in Colebrook. Here are his details: "There was a small rope tow area in Colebrook NH many many years ago. The only thing I remember is that my Dad always used to tell me that he pulled the rope up to the top on his snow machine. If you look at a topo map of the area where Hospital Road/Corliss Lane is was the base.

The Contoocook Ski Tow operated during the late 1940's/early 1950's. It had a 700 foot tow which served a floodlit beginner slope. Contoocook Ski Tow by the year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1948-1949 700 foot tow beginner slope, lit for night skiing ski instruction, warming house, snack bar, operates weekends, holidays, and three evenings per week NH Winter Map 1951 same same same NH Winter Guide

Listings by the Year Personal Stories Copple Crown was a semi-private to private mountain that operated for about a decade from the mid 1960's to the mid 1970's. Town & Country Homes, from Reading, Massachusetts, built both the mountain and a housing development. The ski area was used primarily by these homeowners and their guests. The skiing was fairly decent for an area this size, 7 trails and slopes on a 400 to 500 foot drop.

According to several guidebooks, a rope tow served an open slope in the Mt. It was 375' long, certainly a short tow, and was probably used more for practice than use as an all day area. The guidebooks list it as being located on Route 109, south of Deerfield center. Some had drops of 400-500', with steep narrow pitches and curves.

Thanks to Wayne Silver who provided a copy of the World Ski Book by Frank Elkins, we now know about this area that operated in Bethlehem. The following is a description from that book: "Located between Hillsboro on US 202 and S. A 700 foot tow serves open slopes, heated hut, snack bar."

Manchester, NH Early 1960's-1970's Several

This was a small area that operated during the late 1930's and perhaps longer at the Derryfield Park. This was located below the reservoir, where there was also a ski jump. Paul Timmins believes that the tow eventually worked its way over to the Derryfield Golf Club. If you remember this ski area and have more info, just let us know.

History ~ By the Year ~ Recent Photos History Dexter's Lodge, still in operation today, once featured an approximately 800' long rope tow that was used primarily by guests. According to a former innkeeper at Dexter's, Mike Durfor , the area had a ski slope and tow on the hill behind the parking lot. It was originally installed in 1948 and last operated around 1970. It was used as a training area before skiers would head to larger areas like Mt.

By the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History Not too much is known about the Drummer Hill Tow. According to guidebooks, it had a 900 foot tow and operated in Keene in the late 1940's. A search on Terraserver found a reference to a Drummer Hill Park just north of town, which is the location of the ski area. However, in 1951 guidebooks listed a Beach Hill Tow with a lift of almost the same length.

The Dublin Inn Tow appears to be a very short lived area that probably was founded right after World War II and lasted until 1948. A bunk house helped provide lodging during the 1947-1948 season. Dublin Inn Tow by the year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1947-1948 800 feet tow open slope toboggan slide, bunk house NH Winter Map

The Dublin School is a private school in New Hamsphire that operated a ski area, primarily for students, from the 1940's through at least 1983. Originally we knew very little of this area, except for one postcard and a listing in a guidebook. And then we heard from Cornelia Throssel, whose father actually founded the school! Cornelia donated a book on the history of the Dublin School entitled "Dublin School - 1935 to 1970" by her father Paul Lehmann.

Dundee was a relatively small ski area that operated in South Conway, NH. It was built sometime in the late 1960's, and lasted until at least 1973, according to the Ski Guide to the Northeast. On the right is Sno Engineering's plan of the ski area, thanks to Joe Cushing. As you can see, there was just a few trails served by a longer t-bar.

Thanks to Dave Adams , owner of the East Hill Farm, we now know the complete history of this rope tow area. A 600 foot tow served skiers on one slope from the late 1940's until the early 1980's. Here's some more information from Dave : "The rope tow operated weather permitting weekends and school vacation weeks until the early eighties. There was no grooming equipment at that time, it depended entirely on natural snow conditions, snow shovels and strong backs.

The Elm Tree Slope was typical of many early New Hampshire ski areas. It was first founded in the late 1930's as a hike up and ski down area run by the Keene Outing Club. Then, in 1940 a 500 foot rope tow was added to help skiers access the slope. After World War II, Elm Tree was taken over the Keene Recreation Office, and the tow was extended to 800 feet in length.

The Elms was a small rope tow ski area that operated as part of The Elms, a nearby hotel. While short, the ski area did offer recreation for the hotel's guests. The area had a 175' tow during the 1930's/1940's, which was later lengthened to 300'.

Originally, we just knew that this ski area that was located 1 mile north of Epping off Rte 101. In 1938, the area had a 350' rope tow, a 100' vertical drop, and 8 acres of novice and intermediate slopes. During the 1940/1941 seas, the area had changed a bit...it now had 3 acres and a 600' tow. Here's what Bob found out: A ccording to Dan and Sue Harvey, long time residents of Epping, this area was operated during the late 30's.

The Esquimo Lodge Tow opened sometime after World War II and lasted until around 1950. It had a 600 foot rope tow which served an open slope along Rute 101. Ned Bolle visited this area located on Rte 101 in November of 2001. Here's his info: I remember the Esquimo Lodge, although skiing had halted before I donned my first pair of leather boots.

Jump to a particular section: History Fitzwilliam at a Glance Memories Historical Photos 2000 Pics ~ 2007 Pics History - Note, to learn more about the history of the town of Fitzwilliam, please visit fitzwilliam.org . The Fitzwilliam Ski Area was originally built in the late 1940's on Pinnacle Mtn, as a novice/intermediate ski area, associated with the Fitzwilliam Inn. The area expanded in 1961, as the owner of the ski Fitzwilliam Inn, Mt. Bicknell, added two rope tows on the slopes 1/3 mile from the Inn, an upper and lower tow.

Many thanks to Jayne O'Connor who told

Years operational unknown Thanks John Chiarella , we now know that this area operated in Sunapee.

Listings by the Year History The Fox Chase Inn in Bradford, NH once operated a short, 258' private rope tow for guests only. Owned by Harriet and Al Wilmarth, the inn had 300 acres and also featured skating and sledding on the property. Mark Loehr owns the property and has more information: I currently own the property. I have come across equipment in the woods where the lift existed, but I think it was taken out when it became an assisted living residence in 1978.

Mountain operated from 1948 until at least 1952 in Winchester. It had a 700 foot tow and two open slopes, located on the NW Slope of Franklin Mountain. Franklin Mountain by the Year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1948-1949 700 foot tow two open slopes - North Slope 900 feet long, novice and intermediate, and South Slope-800 foot expert Located on NW slope of Franklin Mountain, located 3 miles north of Winchester on Rte 10, warming hut, refreshments, parking 1948-1949 NH Winter Map 1951 same same same, and open weekends 1951 NH Winter Guide 1951-1952 rope tow 2 slopes, novice and expert n…

Rindge, NH cMid 1960's-Early 1980's

During the 1940-1941 season, the area had a 400 foot tow, and a 1000 foot intermediate "schuss". No other guidebooks list the area after 1940, so it probably closed during World War II.

Merged with Wendy's Slope Mid 1940's-Lift operated until c1960 History and Pictures By the Year History and Pictures Thanks to an interview with owner George Greer, we now know the complete story of Frontenac and Wendy's slope. George owned and operated Frontenac from the 1960's until 1991, and still owns the land today. Both areas have closely related, albeit slightly complicated histories. In the mid to late 1930's, Plymouth, NH was a major stop for the snow trains.

Mountain operated briefly by the Aldredge family in Troy, mainly for their family use. During the 1948-1949 season, the area had two 1600 foot rope tows which served open and semi-open slopes. Hiel Lindquist , a volunteer land steward for Gap Mountain, has more information on directions to see this ski area: "Due to continued problems with people driving / walking through the driveway and farm at the end of the road at Gap Mountain the trail has been relocated again. There is no longer any access through the property at the end of the road and the old trail has been closed in with trees and br…

Thanks to Dave Hilton, I first heard of this page about this small rope tow area in Dover, NH. Stillman Rogers received the following three pictures from a friend in California, showing the jump around 1945. Wide shot of the jump - notice the observation tower at the summit. The jump closed several years later, and a rope tow was built on the hill, likely in a different location than above.

The Gilford Outing Club operated a rope tow in Gilford in two locations: the east side of School House Hill in the late 1940's, and another much longer lasting site on Rte 11A near Gunstock from 1950 to 1992. To the right is a Topo image of the approximate location of this brief ski area. The aerial does not show anything that indicated where the former ski area was. Kyle Mikulis found some information on the early history of the Gilford Outing Club: The Gilford Outing Club moved to the "Gilford Tow" site in 1950, after having used a single rope tow on the east side of School House Hill for a…

According to the Skier's Guide to New England, 1947-1948, a tope tow served the Gilman Slope in Alton or Alton Bay. No other information is available, and this is the only listing. If you remember this ski area and have more info, just let us know.

Here are her details: Our father Cyrus Gray ran the tow for many years, our house sat at the base of the hill and we would ski over to the tow once we could see the wheels turning and the rope moving with our binoculars. It was such a great way to spend the weekends with our friends. It is so sad when I go visit my parents and see the hill overgrown with trees and know that the kids and some adults will never know the fun they are missing out on. Its nice to know that you are preserving the memory of the old "ski tow".

Slope operated in North Woodstock during the 1940's and perhaps 1950's. Johnathan Gillen recently visited the area and found out some great info: My name is John and I live in NO. I've been to the Woodstock tow a number of times and the lift shack at the top is still standing. The rope tow line has been trimmed out as a ski run to about 2/3rds its length.

According to the 1940-1941 NH Winter Map, a 1000ft rope tow operated at this ski area.

The Hampshire Country School was a small rope tow ski area that operated at two different locations the School. Open from the early 1960's through 1980, many students learned to ski here. The area closed due to increasing safety expectations and a lack of natural snowfall. William Dickerman, the Admissions Director for the School, wrote us with much more extensive information: "Our first rope tow and ski trails were built in the early 1960s on a small hill we now call Blueberry Hill.

Morris Hill Hampstead, NH 1950s-1971 Some

Thanks to Rodney Morgan , we now know of this ski area that operated in Hanover. Here's his description: "The rope tow at Dartmouth was located on a steep slope between the second and third fairways at the Hanover Country Club in Hanover - steep, but not much vertical. It was primarily used by the College through the early 70's to teach skiing under the student recreational ski program before 'graduating' to the J bar at Oak Hill." M. Dannhauser a has some great memories of Hanover CC that she shared with

Many thanks to Ken Leong , who lives and works at this former area! Here are his details: "There used to be a rope tow at what was Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH. The college is now Maharishi Vedic School where I live and work. Occasionally Hawthorne College alumni will stop by for a visit, and once I spoke with a man who remembered riding the car motor-powered rope tow over and over to ski the slope behind Scarborough Hall, the highest dorm on the property.

According to the 1938-1939 Ski NH guidebook, a 700' rope tow served a novice slope on the north side of Main Street. The slope was floodlighted for night skiing, making it one of the first night skiing areas in the state. The area apparently lasted one more year, until 1939 (The Skier's Guide to New England and Skiing in the East-Ski Trails and How to Get There) before becoming just an open slope. Later guidebooks from the 1940's mention the New London Slopes ski area, and Heidelburg as a hike up and ski down place, so I'm fairly certain the two are not the same area.

Highlands Ski Area Highlands Northfield, NH 1939-1995 Note - this page has been "flagged" as needing a major update, but most of the below information is correct. Highlands mountain started in the late 1930's as a hike up and ski down area, with an interesting novice/intermediate trail. It reopened in the mid 1960's with a summit and mid mountain T-bar and a rope tow. This rope tow was replaced with a poma and eventually a pony tow.

The Holderness School operated a ski area for students in Plymouth, NH from around the 1950's thru at least the 1970's. The area was private, and was intended only for the school's use. Jay Pingree , who attended the area in the 1970's, sent us this article on Holderness. It has some great information about the beginning of the area and the school's strong skiing tradition.

Years operational unknown A few

It was founded by Fred Pabst, who also founded such areas as Oak Hill and Bromley . Huckin's Hill had an 1800' j-bar (hook tow) which served a 350' drop in Plymouth. The area closed in the 1940's, when Pabst opened Bromley and removed the J-bar, moving it to that mountain. The hill is clearly visible from Rte 93N, but no former trails are visible, most likely because its been almost 60 years!

This lost ski area in Hudson, NH was at least partially built, but may never have operated. Kevin Campbell first discovered this lost area in the summer of 2001. Here's what Kevin has to say: There is a lost ski area in Hudson NH off Wasson Road. Last summer my son and I were mountain biking in the woods off Wasson Road when we came upon a steep trail that had a row of poles lined up along one side with automotive type spindles and rims attached to the tops indicative of an old rope tow.

Mound was a small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Newton, most likely during the 1970's. Lots of details can be found by reading various visitor's commentaries below. However, we did see what looked to be a small base lodge which is only 20ft or so off the main road, check out the overhead pic below to see it. This area is on private property and we would recommend that you view the area only from Thornell Road, and don't trespass.

Located in the town of Intervale, the ski area changed a lot during its history. First, it had a J-bar, one of the earliest ever installed by the famous Fred Pabst. Then, Pabst removed the J-bar in 1947 and installed it at Bromley, his home ski area. Although the J-bar was removed, the area changed ownership in 1947 and became the property one Dick Stimpson.

I had heard about this area before so I decided to visit it in July of 1999. I spoke with the then owner, Jack Butler, who gave

According to the 1938-1939 Ski NH guidebook, a 300' long rope tow served an 85' vertical slope just south of the town of Conway. Around 1940 the area expanded by a few acres and got a new name: Hillside Farm. The tow was lengthened to 600ft, and lights were added to the slope. According to guidebooks, the last entry was for 1949 (the next one after that is 1951), so it likely closed around 1950, probably due to competing areas, like Cranmore.

The following was found in the Eastern Ski Map from that year. If you know anything about this area, please email me. 1951-1952 (Eastern Ski Map) Jaffrey Slopes had 4 rope tows, 4 slopes, trails (novice through expert), a ski school and patrol. 1968 (The Colorado Skier) There was a ski area in Jaffrey called the Mondanock Bible Conference Ski Area.

Ramsay has alerted us to the existence of the first ski area at Jake's Hill in Amherst, NH. It was a brief rope tow that operated on the same hill that the Amherst Ski Club operated later. Jacobsen" to me where he was some sixty years my senior), being both friends and neighbors for many years, told me that prior to the rope tow run by the Amherst Ski Club, there was a rope tow on the hill that predated the one installed by the Amherst Ski Club. The first one was installed by a few of the local boys sometime in the 1940's (???).

This area was built by the Amherst Ski Club in the late 1950's to early 1960's. It was basically an open farm slope with a single rope tow, very typical of that time. The area closed in the mid 1960's and was moved to Mont Vernon, NH . Here are her details: There were 2 rope tows in Amherst NH in the southern part of the state.

Thanks to Mary Ruppert , we first heard of this ski area that operated in Bath. Here are her details: "Joy Farm Hill once had a rope tow, but has reverted to pasture. However, the rope tow line and poles (instead of towers) are still easily seen from the road." Eric Hjelm has more information: "I grew up in Bath, NH where "Joy Farm" ski hill was located. I ski raced for Woodsville High School starting when I was in Junior High School in 1972.

This was a small ski area that was in known operation during the late 1940's, other years of operation are unknown. Anybody remember this one? (From the 1949 Eastern Ski Map)

By the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History This ski area started out in the late 1940's as a small, rope tow facility by Bob Keene, at his new hotel, Keene's Lodge in Etna. In the 1960's the ownership changed and the Ashley family ran the ski area, as the number of trails and slopes went from two to five. In 1971 Reg and Nance Pierce purchased the area, and renamed the inn "Pierce's Inn". The elevation of the area ranged from 1100-1370', which helped provide a somewhat longer ski season.

The area had 2 rope tows, and 5 trails, and operated from 1962 to 1967. John Maynard wrote the following on the mountain, which describes it best: John Maynard: KIDDER MOUNTAIN, NEW IPSWICH, NH Kidder Mountain was a small local ski area with two rope tows. It operated in the early/mid 60�s and probably a few years after and I think more than a few years prior to that. I skied it a couple times in 64-65 and almost every weekend (that there was snow) for three winters 65-66, 66-67 and 67-68.

From there skiers could hike to Trails number 1 and 2. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Lakeside trail 1 Located 2 miles south of Whitefield on Kimball Hill 1.25 miles long, 50 to 75 feet 25 degree slope, 550 foot vertical drop Exposure: north 10" of snow to ski, intermediate level 800 foot rope tow Trail 2 Located near #1, 1 mile long, 50 to 125 feet wide 28 degree slope 550 vertical feet North exposure Needs 14" of snow to ski Intermediate

French's Ledges Meriden, NH Probably 1950's-cMid 1970's History ~ Maps ~ Recent Photos ~ Memories History Thanks to Rodney Morgan , we first heard of this lost area in Meriden. This area was the successor to the school's Potato Patch Ski Area nearby . The ski area was moved to French's Ledges which provided more vertical. While we are not sure on the early history of the area, an old GMC vehicle is still found near the slopes and likely powered a rope tow.

Ridge was one of the few closed ski areas I've actually skied while in operation. I had visited this area in 1991 for my birthday with some friends. King Ridge opened in 1961 with at least a T-bar and a rope tow on about a 500 foot drop. All of the trail names had something to do with Alice in Wonderland.

Inn was one of those ski areas that was basically for hotel guest's enjoyment. There was only one rope tow and slope, primarily for beginners. It was close to the Gunstock region, which had several ski areas during the 1960's. 1964 (Eastern Ski Map) King's Grant Inn & Chalets--"A Beginner's Paradise" "Mid week winter vacation, impossible to beat for fun and cost. $59.50 to $79.50 includes ski equipment, lessons, tow privileges, fabulous meals and accomadations, trips, parties, congenial guest, fun galore! 90 Happy people. Comple private winter world at our door includes slope, tow, skating, co…

Weare, NH 1950's-1970's

Slope was one of those classic family owned local ski hills that had its heyday decades ago. I managed to find this area quite at random, and thankfully had some good luck once I did. My friend Dave Kirk has a summer house in Windham, NH, and his mother had told him of the old ski area about 2 miles south of their house. We parked at an elementary school just down the street from it.

Locke Lake Colony Barnstead-Locke Lake Colony Barnstead NH Late 1960's/Early 1970's Thanks to G. Pinkham who sent us the following information about this area that once operated in Barnstead. "This area was located on Route 28 in Barnstead.. I believe it was part of a private development called Locke Lake colony. The base lodge is still there and is operating as a Clam Bar/Ice cream restaurant.

Mailbox Hill Bristol - New Hampton, NH 1938-c1967 (closed WW II) History ~ Older Rope Tow Pictures ~ Skiing Pictures ~ Ski Lessons ~ Grooming ~ Current Pictures ~ Memories History Before we get into the history of Mailbox Hill, I first want to thank Fred Fellows, whose father Ralph was the second owner and longest operator of this lost area. He has provided us with invaluable photos of the area in operation, which are shown below. Mailbox Hill was opened and owned first by Sherburne Graves, as he purchased the property in the spring of 1937. He operated it during the 1937-1938 season, and then…

The Mayhew Turnpike Ski Tow was a small rope tow ski area that operated from the mid 1950's until 1981. The area was open to the public on the weekends, with the ski team using the area during weekdays. The area was run first by the Lions Club, then the Bristol Recreation Advisory Council. It closed in 1981 due to high insurance rates, and the high school ski team moving to Ragged Mountain.

Merrimount Ski Area A picture of the only known Merrimount Ski Area patch known to be in existence. It was donated to the New England Ski Museum by the Robie Family in memory of Lloyd Robie who passed away in 2006. Merrimount Ski Area Hooksett, NH Mid 1940's-c1956 History ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos ~ Listings by the Year History

Not much is known about this ski area that operated in Milton. It was in operation before World War II, and had an 800 foot rope tow and a few trails. The area was operated by the Stearns Brothers and was located on Rte 16 near the Railroad Station. However, in 1951, a guidebook listed a Teneriffe Ski Slope in Milton, and this may or may not have been the same area.

Thanks to Pauline Bonneau, we first heard this small area that operated in the town of Gonic. First run by the Gonic Recreation Department from the late 1960's until the early 1970's, it was subsequently run by the local YMCA. Bad weather and the untimely death of the operator caused it to close in the late 1970's. Here's what Pauline has to say about this area: "Mitchell Hill in Gonic, NH.

The Taft Ski Trail, a historic racing trail from Cannon, once passed through the area which became Mittersill. Skiers from Austria, fleeing from World War II, developed the Mittersill Resort and incorporated part of this trail into their area. They built a resort, complete with a full service hotel, and added a T-bar lift in the mid 1940's with a vertical drop of 450 feet. The area gradually added slopes and trails, and eventually added another T-bar which added another 350 feet by the early 1960's.

According to John and Linda Osgood, this ski area opened in 1975. It operated with a double chair and rope tow and provided skiing on a small but interesting variety of trails and slopes. The ski area was developed within the Mountain Lakes development, which is/was a four season recreation community in the White Mountains. By the late 1980's, the area changed its name to Swiftwater Valley, but closed around 1990.

Listings by the Year ~ Historic Photos ~ Recent Photos History Moose Mountain was a small ski area with associated Lodge that operated for skiing from 1938 to 1942, then again from 1946-1948. The lodge itself was constructed by the Leslie brothers in 1937 and opened for skiing the next year. The ski area consisted of an upper and lower tow on a 250' vertical drop, and was mainly used by guests. Transportation to the lodge was difficult in the days before 4 wheel drive, and the operators often had to transport the skiers to the lodge via bulldozer due to the steep access road.

Littleton, NH 1939-circa mid 1950' late 1950's-circa 1983 Feb 7 2015- Official Website: www.mteustis.org General History Guidebooks Pictures Memories Articles General History: Mount Eustis is a historic ski area that has been in operation in several distinct phases. Due to a community-wide effort of volunteers who dedicated much of their own time, money, and effort, the area reopened on February 7, 2015. Eustis holds the record for the longest closed ski area to reopen in New England - approximately 32 years. Eustis Trail, described in the Nashua Telegraph as a "novice-intermediate run ending…

Many thanks to Phil Cooke, whose father, Ted Cooke, founded this area in Gilford. It was the first rope tow (or as Cooke called it, a Ski Hoist) in New Hampshire, and one of the first in New England. It was also, as far as we can tell, the longest rope tow ever built. There were some early trails on Gunstock Mountain in the 20's and early 30's, but like all trails at that time, none were lift served.

Pero in Plymouth had a 900' rope tow serving a 0.5 mile trail. The tow operated weekends and holidays, and may have been affiliated with the Frontenac Area.

History of the Ski Area ~ Historic Photos ~ Mount Rowe/Alpine Ridge Today ~ Mt. Rowe/Alpine Ridge Memories History of the Ski Area This small ski area operated for about 20 years from the 1960'ss until the middle 1980's in the town of Gilford, right next to Gunstock. This was NOT the original Gunstock Ski Area which happened to also share the same name, Mt. This area was much smaller but offered night skiing and some jumps.

According to information provided by Dick and Christina Rudolph, Benny Schlichting and Ron "Bud" Guyette Mt. The area was built and operated by the Spofford, NH Boy Scouts troop 286. At the time of construction Ken Wiggin was their Scout Master. He has a piece of property off of Spring St. that he leased to the troop for $1 per year.

Jeremy note-we have lots more on this area to add, so stay tuned! Whittier, in West Ossipee, New Hampshire, was truly a unique area. The area was truly unique in that it never operated any chairlifts, just a gondola and several T-bars for the majority of its life. In 1949, three rope tows operated, of lengths 1200, 1000, and 300 feet.

Thanks to Wayne Silver who provided a copy of the World Ski Book by Frank Elkins, we first learned this area that operated in Bethlehem. According to that book, the area had a "A 1500 ft tow serves the Mt. Agassiz Development; two open slopes for beginners-intermediates; intermediate run on Auto Road trail, ski school, lighted rink." Additional information from Donald Lavoie shed some more information: All that is left of Mt Agassiz today is an overgrown patch on the North slope of Mt Agassiz at the end of Cottage Street in the middle of the village. I believe the land was owned by the Churchi…

Thanks to an article written by Barbara Tetreault in the Berlin Sun in Jan 2001, we now know of this ski area. A few readers of the article wrote back to the paper with information on Mt. Here is a clip from the article: "Two people reported another ski area that operated for a short time in Berlin. Walter Nadeau of the Berlin and Coos Historical Society and newspaper columnist and local historian Paul "Poof' Tardif both provided recollections of the Mt.

Gorge is the reincarnation of the former Pinnacle Ski Area that operated in Keene NH.

The New Boston Skiway opened in the late 1930's with a 1000 foot rope tow. By 1938, the area had added a second tow, giving a combined length of 1800'. This was a fairly large area, with 200 acres, runs up to 3000 feet, and a vertical drop of 300 feet. There is a chance this area was reopened years later as Pin Ball Hill Ski Area , since both had similar directions.

The New Hampton School in New Hampton, NH operated a ski area on Burleigh Mountain sometime in the 1950/1960's until likely the early 1980's. This area is very easily seen from Rte 93 southbound, visible just before the Rte 104 exit. For many years I had noticed this area and figured it had to be an area, and turns out it was! When the area closed in the early 1980's, it grew in rapidly.

The Newport Beginner Slope was open during the late 1940's/early 1950's. Newport Beginner Slope by the year: Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1948-1949 Rope tow beginner slope none NH Winter Map 1951 500 foot tow none warming hut, operates weekends, afternoons, and holidays on slope near village by Newport Playground Committee NH Winter Guide

We believe this area to be the Grantham Ski Slopes, which may have become an area called Ledges later on. It was apparently located on Kidder Farm, and was owned by Fred Kidder, sponsored by the Newport NH Ski Club. Here is some more info: In February 11, 1938, the below appeared in the Ski Bulletin. Thanks to Jonathan Robinson for forwarding this along: "Newport, NH, Feb. 1. -- At North Grantham, on the Dartmouth College Highway , between Lebanon and Hanover, a new ski tow serving open slopes and leading to a half-mile trail, has been installed.

By the Year History The Northeast Slopes, later known as the New London Slopes, was the precursor ski area that led to the development of nearby King Ridge . It was operated by the New London Outing Club , still thriving today, and began operations around 1947. The area was founded as a means to provide winter recreational activities for both residents and for visitors to the region. William Clough, the founder of the Outing Club, was one of the most ardent supporters of the ski area.

Many thanks to Doug Reckard, who first alerted us to this lost area in Northwood. He was able to get an image of a poster of the Ski Tow from the Northwood Historical Society, which is on the left. As you can see, it had a 650' tow, a "shack", lunches, and was open weekends. I went to Boy Scout Camp at Camp Wah-Tut-Ca in Northwood, which was located just a few miles from the location of the tow.

Aerial photo of Oak Hill (from Terraserver, found by Betsy McDonough ). The J-bar lift line is right in the center, with two or three trails fanning out from the top. Oak Hill was the site of one of the earliest overhead cable lifts in the country. In fact, it is possible that the J-bar was first built at Oak Hill (The Colorado Skier Newsletters).

According to the 1938-1939 Ski NH guidebook, a 675' rope tow served a 285' drop ski area 1.5 miles south of Conway off Rte 16 on Oak Hill. Several beginner slopes were served by this trail, although other trails were found near the summit. It was described as having "Plenty of space for beginners, but chiefly of interest to the expert, tow operates on weekends only." Here's a map of the area, in the lower-middle section. The area operated for sure until 1941 according to the 1941 Ski NH guide, but probably closed during World War II, never to reopen.

The Oak Lee Ski Lodge operated a 300ft rope tow on a practice slope from just after World War II until perhaps near 1950, according to several Ski NH guides from that era. The area was described as offering a "House-party atmosphere!" No sources for this area are found after 1949, suggesting it closed around 1950. Bradley Kasnet has this tidbit of info which may help to find this lost area: "The Shannon Door Pub in Jackson, NH was once known as the Oak Lee. I don't know if it is somehow related to the Oak Lee Ski Lodge which there is a page about on your website.

This ski area offered a long (1600 foot) tow and 100 acres of skiing in 1939. The area had 100 acres of open slopes and was located on Rte 10 at the south end of Orford Street. By 1941 (NH Winter Map), the tow was now 2000ft long (one of the longest in the state), and was then operated by the Orford Winter Sports Club. There is no mention of the area in any guidebooks after 1941, so it is presumed the area closed during World War II.

Thanks to Candace Rapf , we first heard of this area in Monroe. Here are her details: In the time when many small towns had their own ski hills, Monroe, NH (pop. 410, at the time)(1960 census) built one, too. It was located on Oscar Bedor's farm, at the junction of Rt. 135 and the North Monroe-Barnet, VT bridge road. It had a rope tow and a couple of trails, and a shack at the bottom for tickets and cocoa.

Before describing this lost area understand that this area is totally on private land, so please respect the landowner's rights, and do not trespass. Ossipee Mountain was a small, family ski area with a 370' drop that operated in the 1970's and 1980's in Moultonboro. Notice the trails have more character, more twists and turns, than what's typical for an area this size. By 1992, the area had closed, but possibly still operates as a private area by its owner.

Ossipee ski slopes opened in 1939 with a 1200 foot rope tow and a 300 foot vertical drop. This was located on Thompson Hill, right of Route 171 just off 28. This mountain was not Ossipee Mountain which developed much later, near 1970 in Moultonboro (thanks to John and Linda Osgood for pointing this out!) The area changed its name to Mountainview Ski Slopes in the mid 1940's, and expanded to include several more trails. As to what happened thereafter, I surmise that the area was overshadowed by Mt.

The Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos Many thanks to Jeremy Clark who wrote up this excellent history of Page Hill. We also appreciate David Bowles for providing information, photos, and fact checking on this page! History The Page Hill Slope may have started as an alpine ski area as early as 1929. While the area did not have a lift at this point, (this would have been a few years prior to the Woodstock, Vermont rope tow and Uncanoonuc, New Hampshire incline railway), it soon had an 800 foot long Model A powered rope tow on the skier's right of the slope.

According to the 1940/1941 NH Winter Map, the Pasquaney Inn Pastures operated a 1200 foot rope tow in Bridgewater. Slopes and trails were novice and intermediate, and of 1/2 mi long. We contacted the Inn on Newfound Lake , which used to be the Pasquaney Inn. Here's the info they provided to us: Phelps Boyce from the Inn: We did know of the old ski trails/rope tow.

The area was operated Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, but could be opened other times on arrangement. This area could have been the resurrection of the former New Boston Skiway.

This was a small ski area that was in known operation during the late 1940's, and into at least the 1950's. The area opened around 1947 and was originally called "Omer Giles Tow", named after the owner. In the early 1950's, it was renamed Pinkham Notch but was still operated by Omer Giles. It had a rope tow, 2 slopes, and 4 trails for intermediates and experts (From the 1949 Eastern Ski Map).

Cardigan Mountain School Canaan, NH c1964-1980's History ~ Layout ~ Memories ~ 2002 Photos History One of many "Pinnacle" ski areas, this area operated in Canaan with a T-bar and was run by the Cardigan Mountain School. According to Skilifts.com, in 1964 a Hall T-bar was erected that was 917ft long and served a 260ft drop, and could handle 600 skiers per hour. It was a classic Hall T-bar that was typical of many T-bars at that time. It was used primarily by the school for races, but also for student recreation.

Mountain in Roxbury, NH opened in November, 1959 a few rope tows. The area grew, and by 1963 had added a beginner Pomalift. 5 trails and slopes, including a 2000' novice trail, gave primarily local skiers a great place to learn and practice. A skating rink, nursery, and warming hut rounded out the facilities in that year. Unfortunately, no other guidebooks listed the area after 1963.

The Potato Patch, also known as Pageant Hill, was operated by the Kimball Union Academy from the mid 1930's to the late 1940's. According to Lombard Rice , the school grew much of their own food, although where the potatoes were grown the soil was poor. Lombard Rice sent us an article on skiing at KUA, that was written by Dr. She had interviewed Ira Peabody Townsend, who graduated from the school in 1938.

Prior to King Pine, the Purity Springs Resort operated 4 rope tows at various locations throughout their resort, from 1938-1962. The tows operated until 1962, and closed the year that King Pine opened (there was one overlap year). Thanks to Dan Houde from Purity Spring who sent us the following information on these tows. All photos are courtesy of Purity Spring, and click on each for larger version.

Thanks to Dan Layton , we now know of this ski area that operated in Raymond. Here are his details: I was just scanning your web site on lost areas. It is located on Route 27, around the junction of Sunhill Rd. I did see a pole and I spoke with people that skied there many years ago.

For the first time,

The Red Hill Ski Club, located in Moutonborough, NH, has been operating for nearly 60 years, and today, provides a fun and affordable place for club members to ski. While not open to the general public to purchase lift tickets, anybody can become a paid member for just $25 - what a deal! The area has a vertical drop of about 180', a fast rope tow, and several trails for all abilities. Please visit their website at Red Hill Ski Club and their Facebook page.

Thanks to Mary Ruppert , we now know of this ski area that operated in Littleton. Here are her details: "As students at the Catholic Grade School in Littleton (a short walk from the park) we took school sponsored ski lessons at the Park in the early 60's. In recent years I've not noticed any remnants of the rope tow." Jeff Plant states that the area closed around 1960. Scheib, Jr has some more information: I lived in Littleton until the mid �50�s.

Another tow was added by 1953 to serve the novice and intermediate slopes/trails at the area. There certainly appears to be a rope tow line grown in, but it could be something else. Listings by the Year Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source 1951 400 foot tow 6 acres of novice to intermediate slopes skating, snowshoeing 1951 NH Winter Guide 1953 two 400 foot tows novice and intermediate trails and slopes skating, sledding, tobogganing 1953 NH Winter Guide If you know anything about this area, please email me.

Many thanks to two

Pond was founded sometime before 1938 as a winter sports area for the Concord Ski Club. Originally, skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts had to hike up the area to use it. In 1940, the area added a 500 foot rope tow, which likely operated until World War II. After World War II, it is unknown if the area operated the tow or not, since it was not listed in the 1947 guidebook.

Slope was located in Kearsarge, NH and was operated by Russell's Inn. In 1939 it was described as being located opposite to Russell cottages, with an easy grade and a width of 200 feet. The area installed a 900 foot rope tow in 1948, which operated until at least 1953. Here's a picture of Russell's Slope, likely before the tow (however, the tow may be on the left side of this slope, just can't quite see it).

Nothing was known about this area before

Thanks to Jeffrey Miller, we first heard of this area that operated in Hancock, NH. "The ski area where I learned to ski as a child does not yet appear on the

Before mid 1960's-At least 1969 Thanks John Chiarella , we first heard of this area operated in Enfield. A llen Kerr has some more info though: The LaSalette Seminary was on Route 4A in Enfield, and was formerly a Shaker settlement. The LaSalettes purchased the property in 1927; the site is now privately owned, but all of the great old Shaker buildings have been preserved along with a Shaker Museum, see http://www.shakermuseum.org/ . I'm not sure when the rope tow was installed, but it was there when I became ski coach in 1971.

This tow was located next to the current Town and Country Motor Lodge in Shelburne, NH. While the tow is now gone, the main slope and several trails are still visible. Back in January 2001, Barbara Tetreault interviewed me for an article in the Berlin NH Daily Sun regarding lost ski areas. A few readers responded with great information and pictures thanks to the articles, and now we know a lot more about this ski area.

According to the 1940/1941 NH Winter Map, the Shugah Valley Tow area had a 1200 foot tow which served a slope for all classes of skiers. Since no other records exist for this area, it likely closed during World War II.

Kibby Slopes East Concord, NH 1950's - Late 1970's Snow Pond Ski Area, aka Kibby Slopes, operated on a hill near Snow Pond in East Concord and was owned by a Elgin Kibby. The area operated from the 1950's, until around the later 1970's, when it was abandoned. The area was a fairly large rope tow area, with at least 3-4 trails, 1 or 2 rope tows (possibly two tandem rope tows to summit), and fairly steep terrain. Kibby Slopes was quite a busy ski area, with high school events taking place at the area during the 1960's/1970's.

Thanks to Pat Sullivan , we first heard of this small ski area that operated in Salem. Located just off Rte. 97 just east of Salem Center, this area likely with just one rope tow. Several readers remember it: William Boddy "The Ski Area was located on Bridge St in Salem NH on what is known as Spicket Hill. The Slope had a vertical drop of 160 feet and just over 1000 feet of run.

Mountain was a small ski area located in the famous ski-town of Jackson, NH. In fact, Spruce was one of at least 8 areas that operated in that town at one point in the past. I received this brochure from Spruce Mountain from the 1938-1939 season, just before the War. The brochure from below was sent to one Daniel Rochford, of New York City, who had requested the info in early January, 1939.

Bartlett, NH Before 1938-Late 1940's Stanton Slopes, located about a half-mile east of Bartlett, was a small ski area, of which not too much is known. In 1938, the ski area had an 800' tow which served a 100' drop (1938 NH Winter Sports Guide). According to the late 1940's World Ski Book provided by Wayne Silver, the area had grown to include "a 1200 foot tow which serves the 30 acres of open terrain suitable for all grades on a 300 foot vertical drop known as Stanton Slopes." No other listings appeared after the late 1940's, so it had probably closed by then. Hamilton found this area in March…

Many thanks to Bruce Taylor who wrote the following on Stearns Hill! Stearns Hill was/is located about three or so miles from the center of Rochester on the Ten Rod Rd. It was the cornfield and pasture land of a working farm owned by the Stearns family. During the winter, locals were allowed the use of the hill for skiing and sledding providing one had the ambition to climb to the top under his own power.

A few

Hill Stratham, NH 1960's-Mid 1970's Several

Thanks to Jim Libuda , we first heard of this ski area that operated in Moultonboro. Here are his details: There was another tiny one hill ski area located in Moultonboro, NH. It was located in the community called "Suissevale", located in Moultonboro NH, off of route 109 heading towards Melvin Village. My parents had purchased a chalet in the early 70's, and I think the ski slope was already closed.

Listings by the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos and Visiting the Area History The Sunapee Ski Tows area was initially built in 1938, when the Sunapee Outing Club constructed an expert trail on Blaisdell Hill. Thereafter, the Sunapee Recreation Committee built a tow for the following season, and another tow the year after. The area provided affordable skiing for decades before closing in the mid 1970's due to insurance reasons. Today, the area is the Tilton Park and is publically accessible for outdoor recreation.

Perry first informed

Thanks to Phil Cooke, we now know of this lost area in Meriden that was operated by the Kimball Union Academy. Here are his details: "Around 1949, another KUA ski tow was installed on Sunset Hill not far from the Potato Patch . You can see the return rope clearly in the background at the level of my open mouth. In the upper right of the picture you can make out one of the poles carrying the return tow rope.

This was a small ski area that was in known operation during the late 1940's, other years of operation are unknown. According to the Eastern Ski Map, In 1949 they had a tow that served several slopes and trails, and skating as well. Roger Ahlgren has some more information and directions: The Tamarack "tow" is in Easton on the lower slope of Mt. When in Franconia you cross the bridge in town, DOW ACADEMY would be on your left, keep driving probably 6 miles and the McKenzie Airfield would be on your left with a Big hotel on your right, too long since I was there so I can't do names anymore.

The Year ~ Trail Maps ~ Historic Photos ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos Many thanks to Jeremy Clark who assisted with the history of Temple Mountain. We have lots more to add to this in the future, so stay tuned. Many

Not much is known about this ski area that operated in Milton. According to a 1951 guidebook, this area was located in the village of Milton. It had a 700 foot tow, a novice and intermediate slope, and an 1100 foot trail. It was operated weekends, holidays, Tues/Thu evenings by the Teneriffe Ski Club.

Tenney Mountain Ski Area, Plymouth, NH Tenney Mountain Plymouth, NH 1960-2010, (closed a couple of times 1990's-2000's), now closed Introduction ~ Historic Photos and Trail Maps ~ Recent Photos Introduction Tenney Mountain, located in Plymouth, NH, was a ski area that offered a variety of terrain - mostly twisting intermediate runs, from 1960 until 2010, though there were several closures, ownership changes, and struggles during that time. At the time of its closure, it offered skiing on a 1400' drop, with a double chair to the summit, a triple, and a platterpull. The author skied here several…

According to the 1969 New Hampshire Winter Holidays Guide, the Thomas More School once operated a 535' rope tow for students. The school closed in 1971, andl is now the New England Wellness and Education Center. Dave Mahoney remembers this ski area and has much more inforamation: I attended the Thomas More School for one year as a high school freshman for the 1965/1966 school year. I am not sure when the rope-tow lift opened, but it had been operating for at least one year by the time I arrived in the fall of 1965.

Thorn Mountain Ski Area Thorn Mountain Jackson, NH 1947 - 1956 (Courtesy of the New England Ski Museum ) Introduction ~ History ~ By the Year ~ Memories ~ Photo Gallery Introduction Thorn Mountain, located in Jackson, NH, was one of the largest ski areas to close in the state. It featured a vertical of about 850', 2 tandem single chairlifts, 3 rope tows, and 20 trails, along with spectacular views of Mt. The ski center operated from 1947 until 1956, at which time its chairlifts were condemned and the area folded. Today, it the site is mostly on private property, bisected by roads and homes, th…

Not too much is known about the area, except that it was one slope, one short rope tow, and was for students only. Ken Norton : " Tilton School is a small prep school in Tilton NH. The ski area is literally my backyard" Denis Wang , Ski Coach of Tilton School, has more information: Tilton School's lift served the school and school competitions for ski jumping for many years ending in the 70's. Director of Athletics of the Tilton School, sent us this picture, which is courtesy of the Tilton School Archives.

Nelson, NH Mid-1930's-Late 1940's (Rope Tow Served) 1970's-1980's (Bombardier Served) Still skied by family/locals today (non-lift served) History ~ Historic Photos ~ Recent Photos ~ Memories History Many thanks to Karen Tolman who wrote the following history of this ski area, and sent us extensive historic and recent photos of the ski area. All pictures are courtesy of her, please click on each for the larger version. ON THE SKI HILL AT TOLMAN POND Karen Tolman, 2011 I’ve just lugged a couple of green plastic chairs up to the top of the Jack Rabbit, a hill overlooking Tolman Pond and the 1790…

The Twin Mountain Slopes was a brief local ski area that operated near the present day Carroll Motel in Twin Mountain from before 1938 until likely World War II. Bill Vecchio has provided

Only one reference exists for this ski area from a NH Ski Map: In 1948/1949, a 800 ft tow at the Twin Town inn served a slope 500-800ft wide and an additional intermediate slope.

Tows has a small ski area with a fairly decent, though short, pitch. Located in on Rte 101 in Milford, the area operated from just after World War II thru the 1970's. There's a great article that was written in a Ski Museum newsletter a few years ago which tells the complete story of the area. To the right is a view of the twin tows, unsure of year but likely taken in the 1950's.

Before explaining Tyrol's history, be aware that the mountain is on private property - please do not trespass, thanks! Because of Tyrol's long history, it has been broken up into several sections. Click on one below to jump to a particular section: Tyrol's History Tyrol at a Glance Tyrol Memories Tyrol Today Tyrol's History Our best information about this ski area comes from the following passage which is from Jim Clarke who wrote his Master's Thesis on the Economic and Social History of Skiing in New England, 1920-1980. When it opened during the winter of 1967-1968, Tyrol Ski Area was a relat…

Non lift served late 1940's-1950's Uncanoonuc Mountain was a historically important Snow Train area - for two reasons! First, many skiers from Massachusetts took a Snow Train to near the mountain, and were then brought to the area. Once at the area, they took one of skiing's only incline railroads (originally built in 1905 as a summer tourist attraction) to the summit. This railroad was similar in concept to the Cog Railway which still operates on Mt.

During the 1940-1941 season, a ski area with a 1000 foot tow and 4 trails operated in Walpole. The area closed during World War II, and in 1948-1949, a new 800 foot tow was put in. No other references exist after 1949, so the area probably closed then.

This was a small ski area that was in known operation during the late 1940's until the late 1960's when Rte 89 was built through it. In 1949 in Warner there was a 1000' rope tow (likely 1200 feet) which served several trails and slopes on a 250' drop. The main trail was named Moore Trail. (1949 Eastern Ski Map and Where to Ski, provided by Wayne Silver). After the area closed, a new area in Warner opened to replace it.

James , we now know the full story of this lost area in Warner. Here are his details: This is the ski area that was developed after the original area was dissected by Interstate 89. The replacement area was built on Mink Hill Lane around 1966/67about a mile and a half away from the first area. This one had a small base lodge and a 1,000 foot rope tow with a main slope and a couple of trails.

Waterville Inn / Snow's Mountain Ski Area Waterville Inn Snow's Mountain Waterville Valley, NH c1941-1972, 1974-1996, Feb 28 2015- A 1953 advertisement for Snow's Mountain advertised their new T-bar lift. History ~ By the Year ~ Historical Images/Maps ~ Recent Photos ~ Memories History Snow's Mountain is a historic, long-lasting ski area located in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. The area has operated in several distinct phases - from a pre-World War II rope tow, to a growing area in the 1940's into the early 1960's, to an "overflow area" of Waterville Valley into the early 1970's, to a clos…

Wendy's/Frontenac/Lynx Creek Wendy's Slope Frontenac Lynx Creek Plymouth, NH c1937-1991, 1994-1995 Introduction Wendy's Frontenac Lynx Creek Listings by the Year ~ Historical Photos ~ Recent Photos ~ Memories Introduction Thanks to an interview with owner George Greer , we now know the complete story of Frontenac and Wendy's slope. George owned and operated Frontenac ski area from the 1960's until 1991. Both areas have closely related, albeit slightly complicated histories. In the mid to late 1930's, Plymouth, NH was a major stop for the snow trains.

Memories and Historic Photos ~ More Memories Note - the history presented here is believed to be mostly accurate, but it is still being worked on. History First, many thanks to Art Olive who sent us many scanned images of this lost area which were provided by Dave Potter Whitcomb, the grandson of the founder of this former ski area! Most pictures featured here are from them, unless otherwise noted. Skiing at the Peterborough Golf Club, which is next to what became Whit's, apparently started in the mid 1930's.

This was a small ski area that was in operation during the late 1940's. A ski tow, skating rink, and recreation room were all located on the land of the Inn. They owned 150 acres at 1100 feet elevation. (From the 1949 Eastern Ski Map) Tim Crowley, whose grandparents operated this area, has set up a webpage on the history of the inn...check it out at by clicking here. Here's a picture of the sign that was posted outside the inn.

Thanks to Richard Allen , we now know of this ski area that operated in Ossipee. Here are his details: I have some information for you regarding a ski slope and inn owned and operated by my wife's parents from 1946 to 1950 at West Ossipee, NH. The ski slope was named The Whittier Ski Slope and Tow, located on Rte 25, about a mile and a half south of Rte 16, on what the family called "Little Whittier". Their ski slope is not the one mentioned on your web page: http://www.

It was located between 1200 and 1350 feet of elevation, giving the area a vertical drop of 150 feet. Two rope tows served the area, one was 400 feet long with a 100 foot drop (for beginners). The other was 500 feet long, with a 150' drop, for intermediates. After 1949, no information is available until 1967, when the following photo was taken: Skier's enjoying the rope tow sometime before 1967.

The Silver Fox Outing Club ran a small ski area near the river in Woodsville in the late 1930's. Here's one source: 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) 50 acres of open slopes with 1000 foot tow, run by Silver Fox Outing Club, 360 foot drop.

Salisbury, NH c 1968-1995 History Memories 2002 Pictures 2007 Pictures History In October of 2007,

New England

Years operational unknown Ahah...another one for Rhode Island! Here are the details: "I'm not sure if you know but there is an old abandoned ski area located at Neutaconkanut Hill. It is located on Plainfield Street on the Providence/Johnston Rhode Island line. I metal detect for old coins and have found a few on the slope and surrounding area.

By the Year ~ 2004 Visit ~ 2006 Visit ~ Memories History Pinetop ski area in Escoheag was a classic New England T-bar ski area that opened in the middle 1960's and closed in the early 1980's. Two t-bars and two rope tows originally served this mountain, though in later years the rope tows did not show up in any guides. During the middle 1970's, it had as many as 20 instructors, so I'm sure many locals learned to ski here. Below is an early 1970's trail map, showing the various slopes and liftlines.

Ski Valley USA Ski Valley Cumberland, RI Mid 1960's - Mid 1980's Ski Valley USA shared the same side of the hill as Diamond Hill. Thanks to Mark McCaughey, we now have another confirmation of this area as being separate to Diamond Hill. Originally I had thought they were one area, but this was the clincher. Anyway, the guide books for both these areas are all messed up.

Thanks to Bill Orcutt for sharing with us the following about Altow Ski Area. " I was born in Hanover and started skiing about 1940. There was a popular hill in Norwich called Altow, run by Al Peavey for several years. Betsy Snite lived nearby and skied there as did other Olympians, Ralph Miller for one (he was from Hanover) and probably the Dartmouth skiers of the era--Beck, Corcoran, Dodge, Igaya, etc. The sheaves were, of course, auto wheels hung on wooden posts.

Windham, VT Reborn Since 2000 Introduction ~ Base Area ~ Base Lodge ~ Former Lifts Introduction I'll be the first to admit - I can't believe we haven't covered this rebirth of a lost ski area yet on

Thanks to Bill Orcutt for sharing with us the following about Altow Ski Area. " I was born in Hanover and started skiing about 1940. There was a popular hill in Norwich called Altow, run by Al Peavey for several years. Betsy Snite lived nearby and skied there as did other Olympians, Ralph Miller for one (he was from Hanover) and probably the Dartmouth skiers of the era--Beck, Corcoran, Dodge, Igaya, etc. The sheaves were, of course, auto wheels hung on wooden posts.

Barre Skyline Barre Ski Club Barre "Stars Go By" Barre Granite Ski Center Barre Skyline c1 939-c1971 History ~ Listings by the Year ~ Current Pictures History This ski area went by several names, 2 of which I am sure of. The Skyline and Ski Center were definitely the same area, but there were several rope tows in the vicinity of Barre, one of which was called Stars Go By (interesting name, huh?). By the early 1950's this area had a Poma lift and a rope tow. One benefit for this area was its location: located inside the city allowed people to walk to the area.

We first heard about this area from the VT State Tramway reports. It had a 900 foot rope tow, and operated from before 1969 until 1976. I tried to find this area in Barton while attending college in nearby Lyndonville - but couldn't find any remnants of the area. Jonni Gallup had more luck and found the area, pictures below.

Thanks to new information, this area is taken off the lost vist but put on the found list! The Bellows Falls Village area was a small, community-type ski area that operated in Bellows Falls. According to the VT Tramway reoprts, this area opened before 1970 with a 950' rope tow. For the 1986-1987 season, the area became known as Rockingham Recreation, then back to Village area in 1988, then back to Rockingham in 1990. then closed briefly in 1992.

Thanks to the VT Tramway reports, we first know of this lost area in Bennington. According to those records, it was open before 1969 with a 600 foot rope tow. Around 1972, the area became a municipal area, so was likely run by the town. Several

Ski area was a rope tow area that briefly operated in Dummerston(1953-1962). It was located on the East-West Rd. between Dummerston Center and West Dummerston, about a half mile away from Little Prospect . There are now A frame houses near the location of the former ski area. According to Terry Tyler from Dummerston, he built the rope tow there, as well as another one nearby at Little Prospect in the early 50's.

Castleton/Ira, VT 1961-1962 to ~1967 General History ~ Bill Jenkins' Story ~ Historic Photos Late 1970's Reopening Plans ~ Recent Photos ~ Comparison Photos General History Birdseye Mountain, located in Castleton, VT, is the site of a fascinating lost ski area. There is plenty of history of this mountain, and this

Thanks to Duncan Fordyce, we now know about this likely ski area in Bondville. Here are his details: In the late 1940's, "urban" legend has it that a small rope tow that seems to have been operated for the benefit of the town on a small slope behind what is now the Norse House ski shop on Route 30 - about a stone's throw south of the Stratton Mountain Access Road.

The Bonnyvale Area was small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Brattleboro. This was found in a ski article in Vermont Life entitled "Ski Vermont" in the Winter of 1948. It was found on a map developed by the Vermont Development Commission in that article. Paul Robinson remembers this area: I was raised in Brattleboro.

Anybody remember this one? 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Find Them) The area has 3 short trails and a 20 meter ski jump. An excellent open slope, with a 1400 foot ski tow, is suitable for novice, intermediate, or expert skiers. The slopes and ski tow are accessible by motor car by proceeding 10 miles west on US 25. There are rest rooms and first aid stations in the vicinity of the trails.

Blake has recollections of a rope tow that operated on a back-road on the Fairlee/Bradford line: " We think you missed a small ski area in Fairlee, VT just across the Bradford town line. We have seen the Bull Wheel at the top and understand it was operated by a Mr. It is just barely beyond the Smith's house on a road called Mill Pond Rd in the town of Bradford VT, 10' beyond their house is the Fairlee town line, and there is the old tow, all grown up." Does anyone else remember this one?

This was a small ski area that just operated for a few years in the town of Braintree Valley. There was a 300 foot drop with an 1100 foot long tow. 1939 (Ski Guide to New England) New development with 1100 foot tow 7 trails for all classes, open slope, XC and lodge Ski Tow Slope 700 feet wide 18 degree slope 100 foot vertical drop (for this trail) Tow has length of 1100 feet and 300 foot vertical drop. Also serves Whiskaway trail. 1942 (Complete Skier's Guide) 1100 foot tow serving 5 trails and open slope in Braintree Valley region

According to a 1952 Vermont Winter Guide, this area was located 3.5 miles north of Island Pond on Ten-Mile Square Road. It had a 500' tow, trails, and partially lighted 25 acre open slope. Shelter, food, ski patrol, first aid, and instruction was available.

This small ski area likely operated for a brief time and had a toboggan chute. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Open slopes, two intermediate runs, 900 foot tow Night skiing Toboggan Chute 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Get There) The resort has two trails and several open slopes for practicing. The skiing area is in town and the trails are reached by automobile. A tow located on a hill with two slopes has excellent terrain for novice and intermediate skiers. The area also has two intermediate runs, and facilities for skating and toboganning.

Williston, VT Late 1 950's-1962, 1965-Late 1970's History ~ Recent Photos ~ Memories History Brownell Mountain was a small, private ski area that operated in Williston from the late 1950's into the mid-late 1970's. According to James Roberts, the m ain contributors to the area were Jack Griswold, Grant Bamberger from Essex, the Robert's and Oatman's from Williston, and many others. According to James Roberts, one was "The Challenge" which was a rolling trail with a steep pitch halfway down, and a run-off flat at the end. Grandfather's Clock was a goat trail on the south side that had an almost…

Thanks to Marc Berman, we now know about this private ski area that operate in West Townshend, Vermont. Here are his details: Buckturd Basin was located in West Townshend, VT . There were about 5 trails and glades that were carved out over the years. Operated from about 1980 to around 1990. (Right - the sign for Buckturd Basin, provided by Marc Berman) If you remember this ski area, just let us know.

South Strafford, Vermont Years of operation unknown According to an old brochure, Buena Vista farm had an 800ft ski tow within 50 feet of the house. The brochure says that the hill had varied and interesting skiing for good skiers and a slope where beginners could practice control and turns. At the end of the day skiers enjoyed the warmth of an open fire in the big living room. The farm was located a half hour from Dartmouth College and near to other larger ski areas.

According to undated VT ski area guide (likely from 1950's), the Bunham Hollow Ski Tow operated in Middletown Springs (6 miles east of Poultney). Grant Reynolds found some information on Burnham Hollow that he has shared with

Listings by the Year Family Memories Memories Additional Pictures History: Burrington Hill was founded around 1960 by the late Chet Page of Whitingham, Vermont. The area was a classic mom and pop operation, which taught many folks how to ski. The area was located high up in Whitingham, with a vertical drop of 200' and had a northwestern exposure. As you can see in the picture below, most trails were fairly narrow.

According to Jed Turner, the Campbell family ran a private tow near Bennington college.

According to a 1952 Vermont Winter Guide, this area was located 2.5 miles from South Royalton on Vermont 110. It had a 300' drop, with two tows totalling 2000'. 3 expert trails were available for a combined 1 mile length, along with 2 intermediate trails of 3/4 mile length in total.

Chamberlin Birch Ski Area Newport Outing Club Chamberlin Birch Newport, VT 1930's-1988 History Memories Pictures History Chamberlin Birch, or the Newport Outing Club Area, was a local rope tow that operated from the 1930's until 1988. First located off of Lake Road , it was moved to Lower Glen Road in the early 1970's. Now Located off of Lower Glen Road in Newport Vermont, this area operated with a 700' rope tow. Its name was officially changed to Chamberlin Birch in 1986, but was referred to it by that name since at least 1971, according to Doug Rooney .

The Newport Outing Club and Chamberlin Birch was a rope tow area that operated off of Lake Road (according to Cynthia Adams ) from the 1930's to the 1960's. The area had a 750' rope tow and jump, and 4 ski trails in the late 1930's. According to Cynthia, There was a rope tow and lighted night skiing, but not much else. Anyone who lived on the west side of town used to walk over and ski at night and the weekend.

Originally we thought this area might be lost, but its actually still in operation. Dave Bouchard sends in the following information telling

By the Year Pictures History Chester Ski Area, also known as the Pinnacle, began in the late 1930's near the town center and near the Fullerton Inn. The area had a 1500' tow and a 1300' tow, at least until World War II. The Fullerton Inn and or the Chester Outing Club operated the area for much of its life. Other activities were present in town or at the area, including skating and tobogganing.

Thanks to David Partridge , volunteer at the Vermont Ski Museum, we now know of this area that operated near what is now the Killington base road. Here are his details: "I skied at Dick's Tow, which was under Route 4 about across from where the Killington Road now comes in. I remember driving by the Pico tow and stopping to look at it. The next year we were bolder and we skied at Pico and saw the cable for the Constam lift (T-bar) way up in the air and wondered how it would work.

Dutch Hill Ski Area Jon Regan took this picture of the sign in front of Dutch Mountain in 1988. Dutch Hill Dutch Mountain Heartwellville, VT 1944-1985 History ~ 1954 Vermont Life Article ~ By The Year ~ Historical Imagery ~ More Recent Photos ~ Memories History Before we get into a deep history of the area, here is a quick synopsis and description of Dutch Hill. Dutch Hill was a popular, well liked mid sized ski area that operated in extreme southern Vermont, from 1944 to 1985. It reflected many of the small and mid sized areas the opened in Vermont and New England in the 1940's into the 1960'…

Like the Glenn Skiff farm, this was another brief area on the side of Mt. The following is a direct quote from "Mansfield-The Story of Vermont's Loftiest Mountain." "Ski activitiy meanwhile was also occurring on the Eagan Farm just east of Underhill Center. No tows were ever built at the Halfway House area but in 1937 a 1000 foot rope tow was constructed on a site at this farm which had been scouted out by another of Stowe's emerging ski development principals, Sepp Ruschp. In addition there was a warming shelter and later the slopes were lighted for night skiing.

According to the VT Tramway reports, a 300' rope tow, owned by F. Duncan Case, was inspected in Essex Junction in 1971 or 1972. Here are the details from the family that built it: Leslie Case : F. The 300' tow rope is what I would call another folly of a master Engineer.

Dickey Drysdale in the Winter 1987 Vermont Life, a rope tow operated in Randolph at the Harold J. There was no charge to use the tow and was used mostly by the local children. Farr operated the area solely for the purpose of giving locals (mainly children) a safe and free place to ski during the winter. The area also had a skating rink and a 1000 foot long toboggan chute.

Chelsea Fish and Game A replica of the original Fitts Valley Ski Tow sign, which is displayed at the Chelsea Fish and Game Club. Fitts Valley Ski Tow Run by the Chelsea Fish and Game Club Chelsea, VT 1962-1971 History ~ Historical Photos ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History Many thanks to Rich Gilman who has filled us in with more details on this ski area! This area operated from 1962-1971, with a 950' long rope tow, according to Vermont Tramyway inspections. According to Sara Dunn, the ski area was located at the farm of her great-grandparents, Jack and Isabel Fitts.

Phillips, Ray Thorpe's ski hill was located in the Irasville section of Waitsfield (behind Allen Lumber) in the 1950's.

According to the Vermont Tramway reports, an 800' rope tow was inspected from 1974-1976 in S. If you remember this area and have more info, just let us know.

Thanks to Lucy Wyman who first informed us that a rope tow operated on Baptist Hill Road in Gilman. We then heard from Dennis Smith , who sent us additional history and photos of the area (below). All photos were provided by Don and Giselle Halle and Clarence and Evelyn Smith of Gilman, Vermont. The Ski Tow was constructed and operated by the volunteers of the Gilman Outing Club.

The Glendale Ski Area was a small rope tow area that operated from the mid 1950's to the early 1960's. The area was started by Raymond Severance who was a carpenter and handyman, and was located 3 miles north of Newfane on South Wardsboro Road. Gordon Sadler's family owned the land and had it leased to Raymond. According to Gordon, The area was insured through Lloyds of London.

The best way to describe this ski area comes from the book "Mansfield: The Story of VT's Loftiest Mountain". I'll directly quote the passage from that book. "Credit for the first ski tow in the Mansfield area rests not with individuals in either Stowe or Underhill but to a Jeffersonville man, Wesley Pope. In preparation for the 1935-1936 season Pope built his own 1000 foot long tow using a 1927 Cadillac engine for the motive power. His description for the writer continues: 'It was a baled-hay wire job which I dreamed up out of my own head.

Poultney, VT 1948-1976 Introduction ~ Construction ~ Ski Lessons ~ Grooming Snowmaking ~ Racing ~ Memories ~ Current Photos Introduction Green Mountain College operated a very small, but important ski area on campus from 1951 to 1979. This college area surprisingly was the site of many innovations and quite unique facilities despite its small size. Nearly 5000 students learned to ski area from the 1950's into the 1970's! Bill Jenkins, an inventor and ski pioneer in Vermont, started this area.

Hardwick, VT 1960's I happened upon this area by reading through an old Caledonian Record paper. Most likely, it was a small municipal-owned area that did not operate for an extended period of time.

According to VT Tramway reports, the Hartford school district operated 2 rope tows in White River Junction from 1973 to 1975. Duclos had some info to share: "It is behind the high school next to the interstate. I haven't been there since the late 80's but you can see a slope (although overgrown) and there was a warning sign for the tow. if I'm not mistaken there is a jump behind the hockey rink too. I can't remember the dead end street I used to get there (pierce maybe?) but there are numerous walking trails behind t he school that take you there. " Here's the approximate location of the area,…

The Harwood Union School Ski Area has an interesting and varied history. We are still researching the history of this area and will have new/updated info soon. According to Brian Lindner , d uring the summer of 1967, Stu Campbell came to Harwood as an English teacher. Campbell also became the new ski coach for the union school that had opened in the fall of 1966. (The first year coach had been Bill Heise - Art teacher.

One of The Best" - Ski Area Slogan History ~ Listings by the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos History High Pond Mountain in Hubbardton, Vermont (near Brandon) was a fairly long lasting small ski area with all the amenities of larger resorts. Douglas Burden who also developed Marineland in Miami and in California. The area was initially used mostly by his friends, but the public was able to ski there as well. The area was sold in the 1970's and operated off and on with different owners into the early 1980's before closing. 1951-1952 ad, Eastern Ski Map.

According to VT Tramway Reports, the Hillside Ski Slopes operated with an 850 rope tow in Milton, before 1970 to around 1972.

According to the VT Tramway Reports, the area had a 400' rope tow, and operated from sometime in the 1960's-around 1972. Wilson at the Hinesburg Town Hall, the rope tow was run by a 1948 or 1949 car engine and was located on land owned by five families. The area is located on a private road off Mechanicville Road. The tow was located behind the houses in the northern part of the photo.

History and Photos ~ Memories History and Photos The Hitching Post Farm in Royalton, Vermont was a small rope tow area that operated sometime before 1968 to 1975, according to the Vermont Tramway Commission and John Steinert . There was one wide open slope with tree islands, and a few other trails along the periphery of the area. According to John Steinart, the area had ski camps for kids in the late 1960's. While the area officially closed in 1975, there is a chance the rope tow may still run privately for the owners.

Hogback Mountain Ski Area Hogback Mountain Marlboro, VT 1946-1986 Introduction ~ Full History ~ Historical Articles ~ By the Year ~ Memories ~ Historical Images and Maps ~ Comparison Photos ~ Recent Photos Introduction This page on Hogback is a work in progress, and will be updated with more information in the near future. Hogback was one of the longest lasting, classic family ski areas in the state of Vermont. Operating from 1946 until 1986, hundreds of thousands of skiers enjoyed its trails and slopes over the years. It is located approximately 16 miles west of Brattleboro, Vermont, and was…

According to Dan Cadiz, a rope tow operated at the Horst Farm from 1958 to 1961.

It has no written references that we know of, nor does it have more than one

Due to Hurley Hill being a military training site, do not attempt to explore or visit this ski area. It is a unique one, as it is still used but without an active ski lift, so it is more of a "hybrid" lost area. Hurley, who served in K Company, 87th Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Rober Hurley, the son of Leslie Hurley has more information on his father: My father was M/SGT Leslie J Hurley.

In a back issue of Vermont Life Magazine, it was mentioned that the Hyde Manor Hotel in Sudbury once operated a ski tow. Not only is this ski tow abandoned, but the hotel is abandoned as well, and is sitting in disrepair along Route 30 in Sudbury. If you have any information about the Hyde Manor Ski Tow, please let us know!

Thanks to John and Linda Osgood, we now know of this ski area that operated in Jeffersonville, Here is their info: " There used to be another rope tow in Jeffersonville, VT, this one just behind the town garage on rte 108. This tow was supposedly built the year after the Woodstock tow and ran for many years. The old ski jumps that were made of earth are still visible in the fall and spring." Does anybody else remember this ski area?

History and Photos ~ Recent Photos History and Photos Many thanks to James Jennings who told

Thanks to VT Tramway reports, we know that this area was built before 1970, and closed in 1987. The area was renamed the Vershire School ski area during its last year in operation. Betsy McDonough and I tried to find the area in spring 2000, but no luck.

The Latchis Slope Area was a small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Brattleboro. John Latchis, of the Latchis family and hotel in Brattleboro, operated the ski area in the 1940's and 1950's. Mezzie Barber, who also designed the Sugar Bush Ski Area in Jamaica, VT, designed the Ski Park. Many thanks to James Latchis who provided some of this information!

According to Dan Cadiz, a rope tow operated at the Leake Farm in East Bennington from 1940-1965.

According to VT Tramway reports, "Lincoln Sports" operated an 800' rope tow in Lincoln, VT starting in 1975. Thanks to Matthew Boulanger , we know a bit more of this ski tow that once operated in Lincoln. "There is an area that we all referred to as "the Lincoln Ski Tow" in the town of Lincoln just up the road from Bristol. The base is practically in Lincoln Center and there is one trail, probably over 500 vertical feet. It is a popular sledding hill and to my knowledge it is owned by the town and managed by some sort of a town recreation department.

Ski area was a small rope tow area that briefly operated in the town of Dummerston. It was located on the East-West Rd. between Dummerston Center and West Dummerston, on the right hand side about 50 feet from the intersection of Black Mountain Rd. According to Terry Tyler from Dummerston, he built the rope tow there, as well as another one nearby at Big Prospect in the early 50's. It was a 3500 foot rope in a big open field on the Hickens property.

This small ski area offered a "Sky Line Tow", but had a very short tow of only 240 feet. It was probably at a hotel or inn. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Ski tow, slopes for all classes, trails, club house at Lundhugel New Sky Line Tow of 240 feet, serving 100 acres of open slopes 1942 (Complete Skier's Guide) Slopes for all classes; downhill and cross country trails, 100 acres of open slopes, tow

The Lyndon State College Ski Area opened during the 1963-1964 season, to provide skiing for the students at Lyndon State College. The rope tow was 300 feet long, with a vertical drop of only 60 feet. One slope provided night skiing and racing during local competitions. This ski area was one of the smallest ski areas EVER in the state of Vermont.

The Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos Many thanks to Jeremy Clark who wrote this foundation page up - we will be adding more in the near future! History Maple Valley, located 6 miles northwest of Brattleboro on Route 30, was started by Terry Tyler in 1963. Tyler designed and opened Maple Valley after opening two smaller ski areas in Dummerston - Little Prospect and Big Prospect . The first year of operation was served by the North Double Chair and a T-Bar.

Anybody remember this one? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Open Slope Route 286 1/2 mile south of town 0.12 miles long, 150 feet wide 15 degree slope SW exposure, Novice level New 400 foot tow Toboggan Chute 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Find Them) Fair Haven now has 2 ski trails from 3/4 mile to 1 mile long, and a 400 foot ski tow to the top of the good practice slopes, which may be reached by automobile or bus. Skiers coming to Fair Haven will proceed 1/2 mile south on VT 286 to the Maplewood Winter Sports Area, the starting point for all trails.

Hill was a very small, brief T-bar area that operated in the middle 1970's. The area was located off School Street, just south of downtown Stowe near the elementary school. In its early years, Marshall Hill served as the location for the Stowe Winter Carnival. Little is known however about the alpine operation that started in 1973.

Costello , we first heard of this area operated in East Montpelier on County Road. We then heard from Doug Westin , who talked to Ed Hartman about the area. Here's Ed's info which pretty much tell the entire story of Morse Farm: Morse Farm, County Road, East Montpelier, Vermont, operated in the mid-1960s. Not a large enterprise, the single rope tow was designed by master V.W. mechanic and current movie actor Elliot �Punk� Morse.

This small ski area, though it only operated until WWII, was historically important. It was one of Fred Pabst's ski areas, the founder of Bromley. Aeolus offered skiing on one of the earliest J-bars in New England, and had a decent drop of 600 feet. I believe that Pabst closed this area and focused on Bromley. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) 10 miles of trails and 250 acres of slopes 2600 foot J-bar with 600 foot vertical drop 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Find Them) Mt.

Tom in Vermont was/is located just to the north of town, on Rte 12. It opened during the early 1950's, and was originally owned by a Maurice Wood. The area was subsequently sold to the Rockefeller family sometime in the 1950's/1960's, which own and operate the still open Suicide Six. Tom expanded during the late 1950's/early 1960's, adding two Poma lifts on its 500' drop.

Begun as a rope tow before 1948, it had grown to include a 950 foot T-bar with a rather low capacity of 100 skiers per hour in 1971. Here's a picture of the Club, taken well before a ski area was ever built. (From the VT Life article "Ski Vermont", Winter 1948, and VT Tramway reports.

According to VT Tramway reports, a 339 foot rope tow was operated by the Newbury PTA from before 1970 to around 1973. The area then briefly closed, then reopened with new operators the Newbury Recreational Dept.

In the "Official 1968 Vermont Skiing Guide" published by Vermont Life Magazine, there is an "Official 1968 Vermont Ski Area Map" with a listing called "North Country Ski Park". There is no other information on this ski area, except for a point on the map, which looks to be in the Morrisville/Stowe area. We have seen other listings for a ski area in North Hyde Park, which this could be.

Trails was a small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Halifax. This was found in a ski article in Vermont Life entitled "Ski Vermont" in the Winter of 1948. It was found on a map developed by the Vermont Development Commision in that article.

According to VT Tramway reports, the Northfield Jaycees operated a 600' rope tow in Northfield from before 1970 to 1971. Several

University began as a small rope tow area sometime in the late 1930's, and remained quite small for about 25 years. In 1962 a Poma was added, but skiing was still rather limited. 1970 saw a massive redevelopment of this area. The town and the University collaborated to enlarge the area, and they added a 3680' Hall double chair (capacity 1150' skiers/hour) and several new trails from the summit. The skiing had decent variety with trails for all classes of skiing.

According to VT Tramway reports, the Orleans Ski Club operated a 600' rope tow in Orleans. The area opened before 1970, but closed a year later in 1971. Do you remember this ski area and have more information to add?

Oxbow Mountain Oxbow West Bolton, VT c1971-1976 History ~ Photos History Note-This area is on private property (its located behind a home) so please do not trespass. This small ski area operated from around 1971 until 1976 in West Bolton, and was owned by Jerry Mullen. Two-three main trails (with several smaller loops) were featured on its 380 foot drop. According to the Vermont Tramway inspection forms, the area originally had two pony lifts (1360' combined length), as well as a 500' rope tow during its opening season of 1971-1972.

The Peacham Ski Area was a typical small, community one with a 700 foot rope tow. The vertical drop was no more than 150 feet, but the slopes were fairly steep. The area is located on the Danville/Peacham Road, on the right hand side as you head southward into Peacham. It operated from the 1960's into 1976, closing after that season according to the VT Tramway reports.

Thanks to Brian Lindner , President of the Waterbury, VT Historical Society, Inc., we now know of this ski area that operated in Waterbury. Brian has done some research on the lost ski areas of Waterbury and found several great articles which describe this area best. The rope tow that operated from here most likely, but not necessarily, came from the Perry Hill ski area that operated in Waterbury in 1938. Pinnacle Park operated at Wissell Mountain with the base apparently on Stowe Street.

Thats all I have on this one, anybody remember it? 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) 10 Miles of novice trails New "Hob Bob" trail 900 foot tow with vertical drop of 150 feet Cabin Forest slalom (glade?) under construction 1942 (Complete Skier's Guide) Interesting slalom glade, tow

Thanks to Will Mathis , we now know about this lost, and then reactivated area in Goshen Vermont! Will Mathis is the current owner of this once lost ski area, that is now run for friends and family. According to Will, the area is located on Flora White Road, and operated from 1948 to the early 1950's. There is a 600' rope tow ran by a single phase electric engine.

Pine Top Ski Area Pinetop Ski Area South Vernon, VT Mid 1940's - ? Pinetop (not the one in RI) was a small ski area located near Brattleboro, Vermont. It started in the mid 1940's with a few rope tows and a few trails, and eventually created a Tiny Tot tow. It had a decent vertical drop for a rope tow only area (400 feet), with 4 slopes and trails.

Thanks to Brian Lindner , President of the Waterbury, VT Historical Society, Inc., we now know of this ski area that operated in Waterbury. Brian has done some research on the lost ski areas of Waterbury and found several great articles which describe this area best. The rope tow that operated from here most likely, but not necessarily, came from the Perry Hill ski area that operated in Waterbury in 1938. Pinnacle Park operated at Wissell Mountain with the base apparently on Stowe Street.

Pinnacle Mountain Ski Area Pinnacle Skiways Randolph, VT 1965-1976

Johnsbury built a small ski area behind the Lincoln School around 1958. The ski area operated with a 400' rope tow and served mainly local school children, as the slope was quite small. The area closed in 1970, probably due to its size and the expanding nearby Burke Mountain. Thanks to Betsy McDonough who pointed this one out to

Proctor, VT Before 1969-1974

Prospect was one of those last areas that had no chairlifts that managed to survive into the 1990's. Located in Woodford, VT, at a very high base elevation of over 2200', this area relied on natural snow. Prospect opened in 1939 with a rope tow, but took until 1960 before a much longer T-bar was installed to the summit. A Complete Guide to the Best Vermont Skiing) Prospect opens with a rope tow. 1960 (Ski Vermont!) Prospect begins a major expansion program due to the increase in highway traffic. 1964 (Eastern Ski Map) Lifts: 2 T-bars, 1 rope tow Trails: 3 slopes, 5 trails (novice through exper…

This was another area in the famous skiing town of Woodstock. Here's twp listings that describe the area: 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Find Them) The tow at Prosper Hill is reached by taking VT 12, which turns left at Pine Tree Fork. A large open slope with perfect skiing gradient is found here. From the top of the tow skiers may take either steep or gentle runs.

This was another area in the famous skiing town of Woodstock. Here's one listing that describes the area: (Vermont Life Article, the Rope Tow Turns 50, by Millyn Moore, Winter 1983) Pulsifer's Tow was listed here.

(Ski Tow Hill) Putney, VT 1936-Early 1980's Well, I was lacking general information on this site until I recently contacted the Putney School. Thankfully, the school's Director of Alumni Affairs, Harriet Rogers, told and sent me lots of information. The following best describes the area and comes directly from her. "Yes, indeed, there was a ski area here, small and used almost exclusively by Putney School students. There was a rope tow and a ski jump, located on a hill to the south of the main campus of the school.

The Retreat Tow (also known as Bart's Tow) was a brief ski area that operated in Norrth Sherburne near Killington, VT. Bartenstein was the founder of the area, and had always dreamed of opening up a ski area. In 1947 he started clearing the hill just above Route 100, and opened the area then. The rope tow was 600' long, and served six slopes and trails, including the 1200' long Christmas Tree Alley.

According to VT Tramway reports, a 725 foot rope tow was operated by the Richford Lions Club from before 1970 to 1973 in the town of Richford. Anonymous has more information on this area: " I stumbled upon your New England Lost Ski Areas page and saw the reference to the ski hill run by the Richford Lions Club in Richford Vermont. I can remember skiing on the Richford ski hill in either the 69-70 or 70-71 season. We lived in Montreal, Quebec at the time and my parents rented a farm house in Richford for those two winters so we could ski at Jay Peak.

Although it is unknown how long this ski area operated for (it was definitely closed by 1969), there is some information on it. Here are some details on this ski area: 1939 (Ski Trails in the East and How to Find Them) The village has several trails and practice slopes, offering good downhill skiing. The area contains terrain suitable for novice and expert skiers. A 70 meter jump and 1200 foot ski tow are reached from the town by proceeding 2 1/4 miles north on VT 100, which is well paved.

College operated a small rope tow inbetween Rutland and Castleton. This was found in a ski article in Vermont Life entitled "Ski Vermont" in the Winter of 1948. It was found on a map developed by the Vermont Development Commision in that article.

According to VT Tramway Reports, Rutland Recreation operated a 600' rope tow in Rutland at the Rutland Country Club on Grove Street from before 1970-1976. A couple

Costello , we were first alerted of this area that was operated by the city of Montpelier. Here's what he has to say: "Montpelier Rope Tow, operated by Rec. Vermont College is also defunct-it's now part of Norwich University in Northfield, VT. VT Tramway reports indicate the Vermont College area was open before 1969, and operated until 1975.

The Samoset Country Club in Morrisville was a cottage colony operation for summer tourists on Lake Lamoille in Cadys�s Falls, VT. The country club catered to out-of-town tourists who were primarily from the New York/New Jersey area. Attempting to initiate a winter business, the club constructed a toboggan chute and offered cross-country skiing and ice skating as additional winter attractions. In 1937, downhill skiing was added on a small practice slope.

It had a 1000' rope tow, a 40 meter jump, an expert trail, an 800' 50 acre open slope, half of which was lighted for night skiing.

This small ski area closed due to high snowfalls (lead to unplowable roads) and developing Pico Peak. 1939 (Skier's Guide to New England) Has hut with canteen and caretaker 450 foot tow Slopes of 15 to 25 degrees 1942 (Complete Skier's Guide) Good runs on Shrewsbury Mtn.

Saxtons River, VT 1936-1941 (May have briefly operated after World War II) History ~ Historic Photos ~ Christmas Cards ~ Articles ~ Today ~ Listings ~ Memories History The Bellow Falls Ski Bowl was started by Robert Hogarth, back in 1936. Proctor laid out several trails around New England, including the Sherburne trail at Mt. Washington, and helped run a ski school at Mailbox Hill in NH . The area was fairly unique and well developed for such an early area.

The Ski Haven Tow was a small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Sherburne. This was found in a ski article in Vermont Life entitled "Ski Vermont" in the Winter of 1948. It was found on a map developed by the Vermont Development Commision in that article.

Ski-Morr Ski Area (13th Ski Club) David Grady 13th Ski Club Skimorr Tow Inc. Johnsbury, VT 1936-1948 (non-lift served),1948-at least 1954 History ~ Imagery ~ Listings by the Year History Thanks to Dan Brodien , we now know a lot more about this ski area that operated in St. Johnsbury: I happen to have a resource here in Florida that has been helpful: "I See by the Paper", An Informal History of St. The 13th Ski Club was formed in 1936, named for it's thirteen charter members.

Valley was a historic and long lasting ski area that never seemed to garner enough advertising. In 1939 a rope tow was operating in Manchester, perhaps at Snow Valley. By 1947, however, Snow Valley had installed an Alpine Lift (T-bar) with a vertical drop of 574 feet. They also built a decent sized base lodge (Snow Man's Rest it was called) which appears below.

Rebirth of Snow Valley, VT Snow Valley, Vermont is coming back! Yes, this long abandoned ski area with tons of history and interest for

Nye there once was a rope tow in operation in South Barre: " During the 50's there was a small portable rope tow in So Barre Vt. It was where the Howard's Market is now." Does anyone remember this one?

Kiwanis Ski Area South Burlington, VT 1962-Likely 1967 History ~ Historical Photos ~ Memories ~ Current Photos History According to "The History of South Burlington Vermont 1865-1965", put out by the South Burlington League of Women Voters, "The South Burlington Kiwanis Ski Area, located behind the Cupola Motel (now Sheraton) off Interstate 89, was opened in the winter of 1962-1963. This ski slope, providing a 500-foot rope tow, was officially turned over to the town in ceremonies at the slope in January of 1963. A director was appointed and a successful season was enjoyed. Lights, donated by…

Town of Springfield Tow Springfield Vermont Before 1948-1977, 1985-Sometime After 1987 This small ski area in Springfield has an interesting history. It operated from the 1940's until 1977 when the Springfield Ski Club donated it to the town. It was then abandoned until 1985 when it was restored and reopened. Read on for details. 1948 (Ski Vermont Article, VT Life Magazine, 1948) There was a small rope tow area operating in Springfield that year. 1971-1977 (State of Vermont, Department of Labor and Industry, Tramway Report) For these years a 1000 foot tow was in operation. 1977 (Vermont Life A…

According to the Vermont Tramway Reports, Saint Michael's College operated a 310' long Mitey Mite lift (which is a wire rope tow with plastic handles) from before 1969 to 1978. Joe Connelly , who is the Nordic Ski and Men's Cross Country coach at St Michael's (since 2000) and raced for St Mike's '83-'87,contacted us with more information: "I believe SMC operated a small lift and had a jump across Rt 15 to the west of main campus, not to the south. To the south across Rt 15 is heavily wooded and would not be safe for skiing due to severe obstacles. This is the area below the college observatory…

According to the Vermont Tramway inspections, Sterling School ran a 1200' rope tow from before 1969 to around 1973. John Dodge remembers this area: I remember it well having gone to Sterling between 1966-68 when it was a prep school in Craftsbury Common, Vt . (it's now a college focusing on conservation etc.). Looking at Googlemaps, my best guess is that it was in Albany, one town north of Craftsbury Common . We'd get off the Sterling bus and ski on winter afternoons after classes for an hour or two until it got dark.

This was a small rope tow ski area, not the big one further north, that operated probably from the 1940's until at least 1953. In 1952, they had 2 rope tows, 3 slopes, 5 trails (novice through expert), jumps, and a ski patrol (Eastern Ski Map). Amazingly enough,

The Taterlane Tow Ski Area was a small, rope tow area that operated in the town of Brattleboro. This was found in a ski article in Vermont Life entitled "Ski Vermont" in the Winter of 1948. It was found on a map developed by the Vermont Development Commision in that article.

A Vermont Life article from the Winter of 1983 describes how Bunny Bertram, the founder of Suicide Six. After moving there, Bertram opened a new area just over the ridge called Suicide Six which is still open. Here's a description of that tow (it was called Suicide Tow here) The Suicide Six Tow is reached by taking the right turn at Pine Tree Fork to South Pomfret. This tow carries skiers to the top of the hill and enables them to reach the more moderate slopes and the ski lodge on the other side of the hill.

Glebe Mountain Farm/Timber Ridge Glebe Mountain Farm Timber Ridge Timberside at Magic Windham, VT Mid 1960's-1981, 1982-1985, 1986-1991 Brief History Full History Memories Brief History: Timber Ridge, a small ski area located in Windham, VT, has a long and interesting story to tell. Founded as the Glebe Mountain Farm ski area in the mid 1960's, the area changed its name to Timber Ridge around 1970. The area originally had a T-bar and then added a double chair in the early 1970's. At one point in the past, a lift line and trail were cut on the skier's right side of the area, but a lift was neve…

Thanks to

Phillips, Tucker Hill Lodge in Fayston, run by Fran and Ann Martin, operated a rope tow.

Thanks to Gary Allen , we now know of this ski area that operated in Charlotte. It was a small, private area, located on the side of Mount Philo. Turner asked Murray Foote in Charlotte if he could put a rope tow on a piece of land across the street from his house for his son Glenn and daughter Laura to ski on. It was quite a challenge to grab the rope with soggy mittens and be whisked up a 100' to the top of a small hill and be able to ski powder and moguls on a farm pasture." Mr.

Listings by the Year ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos Note- if any member of the Durbrow family reads this, we'd love to talk to you! Area is on Private Property - Please do not trespass, thanks! Shows the liftline, narrower trail on the left, wide open slope, the Stabil Disc Lift, and another slope on the right. History The Underhill Ski Bowl was a long lasting ski area nestled near Mt.

Campbell has an excellent write up and memory of this ski area which was started by Coach Warren Chivers. It was basically the training hill for the Vermont Academy and was a classic rope tow ski area. M y formative years were spent on this hill from elementary school through high school. I went on to the University of Denver, taught skiing at Arapaho Basin, and have taught at Bromley Mtn. for the past thirty-three years.

Thanks to Richard Henry , who informed us if this lost area in Warren. He pointed us to a website on the history of Warren by Katharine Carleton Hartshorn. Here is the paraphrased account: It was built in the late 1930's and was located on the Ulie Austin Property, now a gravel pit, by Charlie Townsend, David McNeill, Nap Drinkwine, and others. The tow was provided by Roy Long with equipment from Suicide Six down in Woodstock.

It may have utilized parts of the tows of the Perry Hill area and Skiland. If the tow was used, it was shortened to 715 feet long, from the 1000 foot original one. According to Brian Lindner of the Waterbury Historical Society, the area has been mostly lost due to Rte. 89. The area was located on Blush Hill with the base on Intervale ave.

Intrigued by its location (I have a distant cousin, Kate Beattie in that town) I asked around, and sure enough some of her family had skied there. The area was located just north of the town, on Webster's Hill (location also confirmed by

Lamson , we know have some information about the Whirl Away Ski Area in Chelsea. "I got your web site from a recent edition of "The Burlington Free Press," and got on this morning to check it briefly. In the late 1940's/early 1950's the town of Chelsea, Vermont had a ski area called Whirl Away Ski. My father was one of the original stockholders and as I recall, came up with the name of it. I remember my mother saying that she wanted to invest in the town's new grocery store, but my father thought the ski area would do better.

Now why, you say, would this small rope tow area be the ultimate lost ski area? No, the reason why is that it was the FIRST lift served area in the United States! The best way to sum this all up is from an article in Vermont Life Magazine, Winter 1983, entitled "The Ski Tow Turns Fifty", by Millyn Moore. Sections not dealing directly with the area have been dropped.

We recently heard from Bob and Maynard Young about a rope tow that once operated in White River Junction! The elder Young, Maynard, played an instrumental part in the founding of this area!. According to Bob , this tow was located on the old VA Cutoff Road between Hartford Village and the VA Hospital on Route 5. The hill has now given way to a residential development and a portion of Interstate 89 which runs across the lower part of the former slope!

Morgan Center, Vermont 1967-1970 Although we don't have too much info on this area, we have found out a few things. Several people from the surrounding are of Morgan Center have helped me research, but there is basically little to know about this area. Mainly because it only operated from 1967 to 1970 (The Colorado Skier, VT Tramway Reports) There was a lodge which apparently burned. There were two trails or so, served by a 1082' T-bar and 550' rope tow.

Attempted reopening early 1970's Here's another interesting one. Winhall Snow Bowl has eluded proof of existence until just recently. I had read an article once about this lost area at the Lyndon State College library. Unfortunately, this was pre-

Thanks to John and Linda Osgood, we first learned of this ski area that was planned but likely never truly opened. Here's what they found about it: John and Linda Osgood-- Built shortly after the country club of the same name was opened, this mountain was cleared for a chair lift and 4 trails on about 400 vertical feet. An advertisement in Ski Area Management by Borvig Lifts claimed that a fixed grip quad was installed there in 1986. The next year in the same publication, Borvig claimed a triple chair had been installed there.

In addition to Prospect Mountain , there was also a small rope tow area. Campbell for sharing memories of the Woodford Tow: "I seem to remember my mom, dad, and uncle talking about a rope tow in Woodford, near the pond, where people from Bennington, VT would go in the thirties. It was not located at Prospect." Does anyone remember this one?

Thanks to Bill Orcutt for sharing with us the following about Altow Ski Area. " I was born in Hanover and started skiing about 1940. There was a popular hill in Norwich called Altow, run by Al Peavey for several years. Betsy Snite lived nearby and skied there as did other Olympians, Ralph Miller for one (he was from Hanover) and probably the Dartmouth skiers of the era--Beck, Corcoran, Dodge, Igaya, etc. The sheaves were, of course, auto wheels hung on wooden posts.