Lost ski areas

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.