In 1934 a Ford Motor Company Model T hummed and pulled skiers to the top of what was as the first ever rope tow in the United States at Woodstock, VT. Nowadays, two groups are trying to revive the historic Vermont ski area by linking its trails a nearby national park as well as the Appalachian Trail.
The property is currently valued at $1.4 million and its historical significance makes it a possible candidate for the nonprofit nature conservation commission. Whatever the case, The Trust for Public Lands and the Vermont Land Trust are hoping to acquire the land (contract pending) in order to protect the area from future developments.
What About The Skiing?
In an interview with Katy Savage from the Vermont Standard, Woodstock Ski Runners coach Bill McCollom had this to say: “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but that’s not in the game plan.”
That said it looks as though the conservation groups are looking at creating a way to visually memorialize the original rope tow. Whether that would be an informational kiosk or small museum has yet to be decided. At this point, anything is possible and group officials are evaluating financial factors to find out what will be the most sustainable use of the land.
We hope that the rope tow is reinstalled in its original Model T format but that may be asking a lot.Â