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DCSki Lost Ski Areas

According to USA Today, the number of ski areas in the United States has dropped from 727 in 1985 to 485 in 2008. There are around 30 major ski resorts active in the Mid-Atlantic region, from the northern tips of North Carolina to the northern tips of Pennsylvania. But over the decades, there have been many other ski areas in this region that have come and gone. Lost Ski AreasThrough the help of readers, DCSki has uncovered information on 86 "lost" Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

The purpose of this page is to preserve the memory of these lost ski areas. For some areas, we have extensive details including comments and photos from the original operators of the area. For others, we have little more than a distant memory from a DCSki reader. Below, you'll find a compilation of lost ski areas in the Mid-Atlantic. Click on a ski area's name to view historical details about the area.

If you have any additional information about a ski area you would like to contribute, or if you know of additional areas that should be added to this list, let DCSki's Editor know. To learn about lost areas in New England, be sure to check out the excellent New England Lost Ski Areas Project (NELSAP) web site.

You may also view a list of recent updates.

 
Recent Updates
Highland Ski Area
Additional photos from Bob Garison, a former Highland Ski Area employee.
2010-03-08
Crystal Ridge Ski Area
Created profile. Thanks to Dave P.
2010-02-13
Willowbrook Ski Area
Created profile. Thanks to Andrew H.
2010-02-12
Hahn Mountain / Big Valley Ski Area
Added photo of Hahn Mountain Ski School, courtesy of Barry Johnston.
2010-01-17
Ski Cherokee
Added scan of old lift ticket from Cherokee, courtesy of Wes Worek.
2009-12-08
PocoNorth
Added some memories from Jeff Martin.
2009-11-01
Ski Area in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Created profile. Credit to Adam Harrington.
2009-11-01
Wonderview Ski Area
Added some new details from Bob Garison.
2009-09-04
Wolf Hollow Ski Area
Added additional images from Kevin Whipple.
2009-07-03
Tamiment Resort
Added additional images from Kevin Whipple.
2009-07-03
Split Rock Lodge
Added additional photos from Kevin Whipple.
2009-07-03
Ghost or Unfinished Hill near Harmon, West Virginia
Created profile. Credit to John Wuerthner.
2009-06-27
Areas in Garrett County, including Crook's Nest, Sweeney's Hill, and Marsh Hill.
2009-06-27
Hanley's Happy Hill Ski Area
Updated with additional info and photos from Kevin Whipple.
2009-05-23
Pocono Manor Ski Area
Added additional images from Kevin Whipple.
2009-05-23

Recent reader comments on lost area profiles:

Comments on Bear Rocks
My mom and dad have property (land, no structure) and would like to sell it. How do I go about putting it up for sale? I need to get additonal information on the land location and procedures to sell it. Can someone help? thanks

pittnerlf@upmc.edu
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Bear Rocks
Comments on Chadds Peak
I raced at Chadds Peak in 1984 or 1985 as part of the High School race program they had there. I really loved it there. We should band together and re-open it as a private ski area as they have done at Otis Mountin in New York. I am sure we could raise engough support and work something our with the current owners. Anyone else interested? I live close to the site and could coordinate.
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Chadds Peak
Comments on Apple Hill
Thanks Chris. I walked the property twice and never found any chairlift remnants. The vast majority of folks say there was never a double chairlift, but there is an apparently confused 2% that seem to remember one. Great info.
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Apple Hill
Comments on Apple Hill
Sorry Kevin, There was no chair lift at Apple Hill. Apple Hill had A T-bar that serviced the "Expert" and the "intermediate" runs. The other two main lifts were serviced by rope tows. One serviced the "Novice" run and the other serviced the "Beginner" run.
In the late 60's (perhaps before the beginner run) there was a rope tow at the top of the hill which I believe was a teaching area. Unfortunately you had to ride the T-bar in order to get there. This run and tow was only used a year or two. The other rope tow was used sporatically in the latter years and it serviced a hill next to the T-bar. This tow was only used a few times and only when there was enough natural snow. It started approximately where the T-bar loading area was and ran parallel to the T-bar for about 30 yards. and ended at a small plateau.
I will try to illustrate and post a trail map when I get the opportunity. The length of the runs and lifts is a bit foggy but the layout is still clear as a bell. Hope this helps until I can post a trail map.
Regards
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Apple Hill
Comments on Apple Hill
in regards to david ehmer's post on 2/26... anybody know where the loading area was for this double chair would have been? probably fairly close to the aerial images
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Apple Hill
Comments on Apple Hill
To Pete Young, I was in 5th and 6th grade at Parkway Manor School with Sally Brinkerhoff, Andrea Katz, Kim Martin, Johnny Silverberg, Robert Wirth. Kim and I spent countless hours skiing at Apple Hill together. Small world, huh? I have been living in Washington DC for the past 43 years.
This comment was about the lost ski area:

Apple Hill

If you are interested in ski area history from other geographic regions, we recommend these excellent web sites:


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Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced West Virginia skiing. With a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet, the experience is as challenging as you want it to be. Night skiing is also offered during holiday and prime ski weekends. The resort features a 250 room lodge and 23 cabins/cottages for your convenience. Additional winter sports include XC skiing, snow tubing, airboarding and ice skating. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and saunas are also available after a day on the slopes.


Liberty Mountain Resort: Located about an hour from both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, Liberty Mountain Resort is the perfect place for a mountain getaway! Whether you are searching for adventure or relaxation, our mountainside amenities are sure to treat you. Our mountain boasts over 100 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 trails, 3 terrain parks, and a large tubing hill. Our Ski and Snowboard Schools offer a wide variety of lessons for both beginners and advanced. Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing features 15 tubing lanes, party rooms, and food and beverage, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. Take a "snowcation" by lodging in the slopeside Liberty Hotel and dining in one of many eateries, including the popular McKee's Tavern.


Seven Springs Resort: Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the perfect place to escape with your family this winter and reconnect! At Seven Springs, you'll find a mountain of fun - skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, a luxurious spa, sporting clays, delicious dining, nightlife and more. Enjoy a mountain of fun on 285 acres of slopes and trails including beginner trails, black diamond slopes, mogul runs and five terrain parks. Come up to Seven Springs this winter and make a new memory. What are you waiting for? You really should be here!


SnowshoeRealEstate.com: Ski-in/Ski-out, free parking, equipment rental discounts, best rates on the mountain. Great website with lots of pictures of every unit. "3 Clicks to a Reservation," it's fast and easy. We specialize in renting properties that are closest to the slopes. Ski-in/Ski-out ... that's the way we like it. Condos, Townhomes, Mountain Houses. All our units are on top of Snowshoe Mountain with high speed lifts outside your door. Park your car in front of your unit and hit the slopes right away.


Timberline Four Seasons Realty: Timberline Four Seasons Realty is nestled at the foothill of Timberline Ski Resort in Canaan Valley, WV. They offer you a variety of unique on-mountain lodging properties for every budget and group size. Search their site for a range of options. Book online, or contact their Reservations Staff 7 days a week toll-free, at (866) 438-7259. They'll assist you in selecting lodging accommodations tailored to your needs. Timberline Four Seasons Realty's complete collection of ski vacation rentals is at your fingertips. Give them a call, and be sure to check out properties' Virtual Tours!


Whitetail Resort: Head to Whitetail for some of the best skiing and riding in the mid Atlantic Region! Enjoy nearly 1,000 feet of vertical and the Region's only High Speed Quad Chairlift. Spend less time on the road and more time carving down some expert terrain like Bold Decision or intermediate favorites Limelight and Snow Dancer! Don't worry, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ability levels, and for freestylers be sure to check out Jib Junction Terrain Park (not for the faint of heart)! We even have Park Place 101 for the beginner freestyler! Don't forget about Whitetail Adventure Tubing, fun for all ages!


Wintergreen Resort: Wintergreen Resort is an 11,000-acre, four-season resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains three hours from Washington, D.C. With 300 tastefully furnished studios, mountain villas and condominiums, your winter escape has all the comforts of home. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 26 slopes and snowtubing in Virginia's largest park; Ridgely's Fun Park is perfect for small children who want to play in the snow; indoor tennis; a spa with indoor pool and hot tubs; and a variety of enticing dining options. Overnight packages offer great value and savings, call 800-266-2444 or book online - www.wintergreenresort.com. For more information, call (434) 325-2200.

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