California — It may not seem like it, but there are various ski areas close to Los Angeles. These include Mt. Waterman, Mt. Baldy, and Mountain High. However, what was once the closest ski area to LA, Kratka Ridge, has been closed and abandoned for decades. How did that happen?
A few weeks ago, Andy Lewicky shared a video of his trip to Kratka Ridge. It wasn’t a very snowy winter in the mountains around Los Angeles, but the peaks did get enough snow to make skiing at Kratka possible. The one thing I found fascinating about the video is how many trees and shrubs have grown on the former trails. While it’s not the snowiest spot in California, the one thing this place has going for it is that the views from the summit are exceptional.
Opened back in 1951, Kratka Ridge is best remembered for its single chairlift that serviced the entire ski area. Its history is intertwined with the nearby Mt. Waterman, which also has had a rocky operational life. They were even owned at one point by the same operator.
Kratka Ridge last operated in February 2001, and was shut down that season due to an avalanche that impacted several lift towers. Later that year, a fire destroyed the base terminal of its single chairlift. Kratka’s days as a lift-serviced ski area are likely over, but it’s possible to earn your turns when there’s snow. Meanwhile, Mt. Waterman is transitioning to new management and could reopen with some big changes.
Image/Video Credits: Andy Lewicky, Skimap.org
