Wlidcat Development, 1957

[billski]

"A major ski area is taking form on the north slopes of Wildcat Mountain, about half a mile from Pinkham Notch towards Gorham. The trails have already been cut and seeded so they will be skiable on four inches of snow. One is made up in part of the old Wildcat Trail, widened so that it will be suitable for somewhat less expert skiers than formerly. The other is on the ridge to the east of the towline. Tow facilities this winter will consist of a T-bar lift with a slope about 2,000 feet long, from which the lower parts of the trails will be accessible. The "bubble"-type enclosed lift will probably not be ready until spring, but it will run to the the top of the ridge, connecting with the tops of the trails. The buildings will be partially constructed this year and they will house eating, ski-rental, and other facilities. Manager of the area will be Bill Boardman, formerly at Laurel Mountain, Ligonier, Pennsylvania."

Source:
Appalachia, Vol. XXXI, No. 4, December 15, 2957

 

[SIKSKIER]

You wouldn't see any area today open trails with only 4 inches.

 

[billski]

You wouldn't see any area today open trails with only 4 inches.

But as late as the 80s we skied on trails with rocks, boulders, stumps, grass and gravel. How fussy we've become!

 

[Johnskiismore]

But as late as the 80s we skied on trails with rocks, boulders, stumps, grass and gravel. How fussy we've become!

Hee hee, I do remember in the 80's being at the top of the trail and looking at dirt stumps and a lot of pushed around snow, with a sign stating 'Thin Cover'........ you'd still hit it!

 

[deadheadskier]

Hee hee, I do remember in the 80's being at the top of the trail and looking at dirt stumps and a lot of pushed around snow, with a sign stating 'Thin Cover'........ you'd still hit it!

I remember skiing with YOU this year on Hardscrabble under similar conditions

 

[2Planker]

When I patrolled at Wildcat many years ago... We'd use a cardboard box (Empty case of Bud usually), draw a skull + crossbones on it and write "Stumps, Bumps, Rocks Ski at your own risk"

Ah the good old days.... Now we'd have to keep it closed until it got 10" of coverage, and then groomed

 

[JerseyJoey]

"A major ski area is taking form on the north slopes of Wildcat Mountain, about half a mile from Pinkham Notch towards Gorham. The trails have already been cut and seeded so they will be skiable on four inches of snow. One is made up in part of the old Wildcat Trail, widened so that it will be suitable for somewhat less expert skiers than formerly. The other is on the ridge to the east of the towline. Tow facilities this winter will consist of a T-bar lift with a slope about 2,000 feet long, from which the lower parts of the trails will be accessible. The "bubble"-type enclosed lift will probably not be ready until spring, but it will run to the the top of the ridge, connecting with the tops of the trails. The buildings will be partially constructed this year and they will house eating, ski-rental, and other facilities. Manager of the area will be Bill Boardman, formerly at Laurel Mountain, Ligonier, Pennsylvania."

Source:
Appalachia, Vol. XXXI, No. 4, December 15, 2957

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but according to the source, this ski area will not open for another 948 years.

 

[billski]

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but according to the source, this ski area will not open for another 948 years.

True. This is a very far-sighted group! :razz: