August 6th, 2013, Winhall, VT – A public meeting was held to discuss the potential reopening of Snow Valley, an abandoned ski hill. A tour of the ski area was conducted, as well as a public hearing in the Winhall Town Hall. Up for discussion was the current proposal to develop the area into a gated community. Included in the communities amenities would be a revitalized ski hill, operating as a private ski area.
Image by, newenglandskihistory.com
The current plans call for the refurbishment of the ski area including: reclaiming five trails following the original trail design, a multi-purpose building at the summit, and a ski patrol building at the bottom. A heli-pad (reportedly for ski patrol) is also planned. In a nod to sustainable development, no snowmaking or night skiing is planned, and the 1977 Borvig double chairlift is to be refurbished, rather than replaced.
Despite being a little mountain, Snow Valley has a strong history. The mountain is thought to have opened in 1942, as a T-Bar area. However, there are some reports that it may have opened as early as 1936. In 1976, a double chair was added and the ski area sported a 900ft vertical drop. After the difficult winters of the early 1980s, the resort was forced to close. Although unclear, it’s believed that Snow Valley shut down after the 1983-84 season. In one final feat, the mountain hosted the 1983 Snowboarding US Open. During the competition competitors were forced to climb the slopes.
Image by, nelsap.org
The refurbishment process has been a long-term project. The mountain has not operated in 29 years. In the year 2000, Snow Valley’s trails were re-cleared. Due to the re-clearing of trails, Snow Valley’s slopes can still be seen from some of the busiest ski areas in the region, and are occasionally frequented by those looking to earn a few turns, while escaping the nearby crowds. Should Snow Valley re-open, the mountain would join Magic Mountain Vermont (open to the public), and Haystack (private club), as the third local mountain to be revitalized.
Snow Valley Fast Facts:
Year Opened: 1938
Year Closed: Approximately 1982
Lifts When Closed: Poma (installed c1960), Beginner Tow, Borvig Double Chair (installed c1977)
Trails When Closed: 15
Vertical: Approx. 700 feet
Snowmaking: Yes
Grooming: Yes
Night Skiing: No
Other Former Lifts: 2 rope tows, 2500′ Roebling T-bar
Other Facilities: Cross Country Skiing
[Info provided by, nelsap.org]
