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Unveiling the Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont: A Nostalgic Journey into the Past

Clarence Mitchell

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Nestled amidst the picturesque Green Mountains of southern Vermont, there lies a hidden history of abandoned ski areas, their once-bustling slopes now reclaimed by nature. These forgotten gems, scattered throughout the region, hold captivating stories of entrepreneurial spirit, community pride, and the allure of winter sports.

Bromley Mountain: The Pioneer

The story of Vermont's lost ski areas begins at Bromley Mountain in Peru. In 1934, a group of local enthusiasts led by Charles Lord cleared a few trails on the mountain's eastern slopes and installed a rope tow. Thus, Bromley Mountain became Vermont's first commercial ski area.

Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont

by Jeremy K. Davis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Bromley's early years were a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its founders. Using surplus materials from the Civilian Conservation Corps, they constructed a lodge and expanded the trail system. By the mid-1940s, Bromley had become a popular destination for skiers from across the Northeast.

Nostalgic Photograph Of Bromley Mountain's Early Ski Trails And Rope Tow. Lost Ski Areas Of Southern Vermont

The Golden Age of Southern Vermont Skiing

The post-World War II era witnessed an explosion of ski area development in southern Vermont. As the popularity of skiing soared, entrepreneurs and investors flocked to the region, eager to capitalize on the growing demand for winter recreation.

Among the most notable ski areas that emerged during this time were Stratton Mountain, Mount Snow, and Magic Mountain. These resorts quickly established themselves as premier destinations, attracting skiers from far and wide with their modern facilities and challenging slopes.

Vintage Postcard Of Stratton Mountain And Mount Snow, Two Iconic Ski Areas From Southern Vermont's Golden Age. Lost Ski Areas Of Southern Vermont

The Victims of Change

The 1970s and 1980s brought significant changes to the ski industry in Vermont. The advent of high-speed chairlifts and snowmaking technology led to the consolidation of the industry, with larger resorts buying out or driving out smaller competitors.

Many of the smaller ski areas in southern Vermont, unable to keep pace with the changing landscape, were forced to close their doors permanently. Some, such as Haystack Mountain and Hapgood Pond, were simply abandoned, their lifts rusting away and their lodges falling into disrepair.

Abandoned Ski Lift At Haystack Mountain, A Poignant Reminder Of The Lost Ski Areas Of Vermont. Lost Ski Areas Of Southern Vermont

Rediscovering the Lost Treasures

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and rediscovering the lost ski areas of southern Vermont. Ski historians, preservationists, and former skiers have joined forces to document and explore these forgotten gems.

Guided tours of abandoned ski areas offer a unique glimpse into Vermont's skiing past. Visitors can hike up old trails, marvel at the remnants of historic lodges, and imagine the excitement that once filled these slopes.

Group Of People Exploring An Abandoned Ski Area In Southern Vermont, Discovering Its Hidden History. Lost Ski Areas Of Southern Vermont

Legacy of the Lost Ski Areas

While the slopes of the lost ski areas may be silent today, their legacy lives on in the hearts of Vermonters. These forgotten resorts were more than just places to ski; they were gathering places for communities, incubators for local businesses, and sources of pride for the entire region.

The lost ski areas of southern Vermont serve as a reminder of the ingenuity, passion, and community spirit that has always defined the state's skiing culture. Their stories continue to inspire and engage, connecting generations of Vermonters through a shared love of winter sports and the indomitable spirit of the human adventure.

Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont

by Jeremy K. Davis

4.7 out of 5