Lost Valley is a little ski area in Auburn, Maine, offering just four lifts (counting a carpet) and around 20 trails. But its proximity to several major population centers in the New England state and its affordability make it a fantastic little hill for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Plus, Lost Valley’s history plays a pretty major role in the overall ski industry through the creations of founder Otto Wallingford.
It’s not hard to see how Otto’s invention has influenced the grooming of today. While the tracks of the Powder Maker invented in the 1960s don’t look quite like the corduroy we know and love today, the piece of near farm equipment spread across the country and inspired the modern groomers. It’s a pretty fascinating piece of ski industry history.
