Lost ski areas

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 ~ ~ 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".

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 where the original building was but a lot smaller.

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

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…

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

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 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…

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.

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.

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

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 ~ 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 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".

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 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 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 ~ ~ 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 Hill, 1965, fr…

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.

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 ~ 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.