Recent Comments

Learned to ski there in 1973 when it was Big Valley. I later taught skiing there at Hahn Mountain for 8 years. Lots of memories.

Does anyone have any information on the possibility of a stone quarry being built near Bear Rocks. I have fallen in love with the area and want to buy a house but I am fearful of the noise and dirt that a quarry would involve. Thanks so much.

Actually - I just did a few searches for the slope and while there is some additional information about it on the web.

It was indeed owned and operated by Blaisdell and it was to provide entertainment to the town of Bradford, Pennsylvania where the zippo factory was located.

There's also a book on Amazon.com that mentions the slope and may have pictures. If anyone has a copy it may help in the search for more information (although the information is copyright so be careful in how you post)

Link to book:
http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Manufacturing-Company-Images-America/dp/0738512540

Also - Here's the google maps terrain of the park and surrounding areas. I'm guessing that NE facing slope with the retention pool at the bottom would be a prime area for someone to check out who's in the area.

Looks like the peak elevation could have been as high as 2260' and base around 1780' so the vertical could have been as high as 500' which would be huge for the 40s! That's only if they utilized the full height though.

http://www.abandonedbutnotforgotten.com/?pageid339&album33&gallery403

http://hauntsandhistory.blogspot.com/2009/04/halls-haunted-tower.html

Hello. After reading all of this information on John P. Hall, it's making me very curious on his life. I'm ready to make an article on his life. I've gotten some information off of this, but it seems I need more information on his so called "mansion" that I have no idea is. So, could some people please email me at foxracin@embarqmail.com with all the information/pictures they have.. I'm very interested to find out what was once a popular place or mansion it seems and what it is of now.. Thanks fellas!

Another great bunch of information-digging by Kevin W. I visited Split Rock in early August 2010. The T-bar towers still stand, and fan guns remain at its base. Best views (at least when leaves are on the trees) are from the tops of the slopes, rather than from the deck on top of The Split Rock itself.

My family has claimed residency to hidden pass since the 50's. the technology of making snow wasn't quite there yet. The slopes weren't really that great either. it also got too much sun and heat.If they tried doing it again it might have a better chance of surviving because of snow making equipment. The people had a brilliant and great vision for a resort.
Im glad it didn't happen though because my property is very quiet and light pollution free. I use it as an escape to get away from people and lights. Everybody who lives up here also feels that way.

It's always interesting catching up on the info flowing into this site, anyway alot of your questions can be answered at our web site, bearrocksconstruction.com, or send me an email with your questions consering history, real estate, palt plans, perk tests, construction, property value, ski slope info, engineering inspections, etc.
Thanks,
Don Boggs

I still remember small wooden radside signs, from the 60's? that said, "Ski Plateau De Mont". In 1977 I moved to Stahl Road, next to Plateau De Mont. I cleared the tram roads through the big woods that came out near Plateau De Mont. I had my own private cross country trail that was several miles long. Sometimes, I would take my faithful lab, Greta, with me. She loved the snow as much as we did. There was one "low bridge" natural vegetation archway that seemed like a gateway to the lost ski area world. You then went through a small woods, then raced across an opening to the top of the ski runs. You didn't want Steve to see you. He owned and lived in the lodge and he discouraged visits, even me. You could see the concrete ski lift structure at the bottom. These slopes were true North facing and snow was a sure thing if there was any snow at all. At that time, it was growing in from the edges but still enough open to Telly Ski to the bottom. Then side step back up, manually packing the slope; ready for tommorow's ski/ Tellyho. The runs to the right were not designed Fall Line, but would keep tuning back into the hill. Back the way I came for a short couple hours of the best winter fun to be had. Usually each winter in the Laurel Highlands was great winters, but some years had a winter thaw. Then it was Seven Springs or Hidden Valley Alpine until the base was built up again. Snowmaking was pretty crude back then, but Herman DuPre of Seven Springs was really a pioneer. There was a popular bumper sticker and greeting, "Think Snow". Another popular saying in expressing how good a skier was , He (She) is "neat-of-foot." or if the base was down, "need-a-foot". When Hank Parke had Hidden Valley cross country, part of the 50km was a trail to North woods; you could turn up another trail that took you to the top of Plateau De Mont mountain, Greenbrier Trail. If you knew where to turn, you could bushwack in to Plateau De Mont. You had to sneak around the lodge from the left. I remember showing Zerick Cook the passage, but by 1993, the trail had grown in with young tree whips. Those were the days, boys and girls, when you had time to sneak out for a couple hours of skiing every day. In the meantime "Think Snow". we "Need-a-foot"

Hi - we vacationed at Henryville House during the 70's. 10 or so families from NJ would descent on the hotel for a couple of days of rest and relaxation - to be honest we did not get a lot of rest - the kids played all day/night - either skiing, togonning, or sledding on the local hill - and or we would travel over to Timber Hill Ski area - (later called Alpine Mountain I think?) or Camelback.

There was no real night skiing operation - although there was a light a the bottom of the hill. We would go through sets and sets of gloves on the old rope tow - being pulled up through the pine forrest only to descent in true bliss down the hill trying not to crash through the hay bails and onto 191.

For entertainment at night - the owners would setup steeplechase rases which were so much fun for the entire family. Food was excellent and the hospitality was fantastic.

Everytime the group get's together we always reminice about the years we spend at this little slice of Pocono Heaven.

I think your right Kathy!!! But I always felt like was an adopted son cause of your Mom and Dad.

Wow... what a flood of great memories...

Here's one Jane... skiing between your legs Huh???
Was I good or what???

Sorry Mike But I think Jane and I have you beat!!! Let's see...It was Deek Lay, Jack Dailey, Neil Barnard and my dad Elmer Hill that fought to get this place going...And poured money in year after year to keep it. Deek, as I recall was either clearing or packing (with the "Tucker") what was known as The Cliff, it rolled and crushed his legs. Never the less, Deek would always be there the first couple of years until we lost him. Neil Passed several years later leaving dad and Jack to keep the place going. Many of the residents of Youngsville did not like the added traffic and strangers in town, there was constant opposition. I have wondered over the years since it closed, how they would feel now...probably a lot more jobs..
It was first named Youngsville Skiways(1961)..then renamed York Mountain(1968)...then Buckaloons(1972-73) and finally purchased by the owners of Peek n'Peak and named Peek n'Mountain..which lasted only a few years...

Designed by famed Otto Schneibs
(I have what I believe is a copy of his original drawing on the back of the Edgewood Court Motel stationary--signature is there but difficult to read)
Opened December 1961
500 ft vertical drop
12 miles of trails
Rates: Adult-day/night $2.50
Child-day $2.00
night $1.50
1/2 day adult $1.50
child $1.25
family $6.60
$5.50 eve.

I think I started skiing at 4 or 5 years old. I can remember getting to go through all the catalogs and picking out my clothes for the upcoming season...and of course that was never ordered for the ski shop so no one else would have the same!! We always had new skis and boots too. My brother Bart and a few of his buddies worked the rentals and eventually were instructors. There was heat in the shop at the ticket window and I couldn't wait to warm up there several times a day. Yes, Jane and I skied constantly...and yes I am still short (Thanks Jane). We had quite a few parties at the cabin on top and in the lodge once it was built. The new lodge had the absolutely most beautiful stone fireplace built by the Luvison Brothers of Youngsville. The lifts were all bought and installed by a company out of Cleveland OH owned by the Sneller family. The Snellers spent nearly every weekend there and would bring busloads of people. Prior to installing the t-bar to the top of the hill, buses would take skiers up. In the beginning there were 2 tow ropes. One on the bunny slope and the other on the front slope. Sometime in the mid 60's snowmaking equipment was installed, I can remember laying in bed and hear it start up..meant it would be good skiing the next day.

Other memories...some good...some bad:spending summer days "picking rocks" off the slopes as they would always emerge after the season was over....working the kitchen....Kettles of chili or ragout...Handicap skiers on seated skies...carnivals...annual crowning of the queen...night skiing--no lights, just torches...race days...(a couple trophies, well earned!)..people...Jane Dailey...Randy Abplanalp...Rob Ostrander...Ron Aiello...Ray Hajnik...Mike Shine...Sonia Donaldson...Scott Donaldson...The Snellers...Mark Borger...The Blume family...Verne Mauk...and so very many more!!

I have you all beat!!! I grew up with the slops in my back yard... In lived in the house directly across the RR tracks from the lodge, and could look out my back window and watch everything... Like a lot of the old guys, Bart Hill a classmate and many of us were allowed to have sleepovers in the lodge and ski for free the next day!!!

I remember the first downhill race I was in, with skis that had no steel edges, and ran down the head wall the length of the T-Bar... several skiers plowed into the little creek that you had to go over!!!

Spent many a night skiing under the lights... and against my Coaches wishes(Harvey Shapiro)

Too many fond memories!!!

Ahhh the memories. My father Jack Dailey was one of the original owners with Elmer Hill, Deek Lay and Mr. Barnard (can't remember the first name). He also designed many of the slopes. We had so many family gatherings over there at the lodge. I remember a slumber party in the lodge for maybe my 13th birthday. My dad gave us the run of the building, and the slopes. My grandfather Jimmy Lucas ran the rope tow and I can still see him tucking stocking caps into people's jackets so they would not get caught in the rope.

I also remember Mike Shine wearing his short skis and carrying me down the slopes. We'd set up "hurdles" on the front slope and he would hurdle them. Guess it made good practice for his silver medal Olympic win.

Kathy Hill and I used to stay in the cabin at the top of the hill and then ski down for breakfast the next day. Or my dad would come up and ski down with us. Kathy was so much shorter than I and we would always be an interesting site on the T-bar. If it was at her butt it was at my knees, if it was at my butt it was under her arms. Lots of fun

My brother Jim Dailey would cook chili in a huge cast iron kettle over an open flame.

The one sad memory is the day Bart Hill was killed in the car accident at the red light crossing the bypass. Bart was like a brother to me in those days. His best friend was Randy Abplanalp. It was never the same at the skiways after that.

Thanks Brad for sending me this link. You were right it brought back so many memories of growing up in Youngsville and the time spent at the skiways.

If you know where to look you can still make this area out from I66 driving west. If you start looking left about 1 mile before the Linden VA exit, there is a big clearing on the mountain with 2-3 (visible) houses built.

I lived in Front Royal in about 1990-91 and me an my dad went up to see what it was about. I was young but I definitly remember having a short sleve t shirt and maybe shorts on while I was there and my dad not willing to pay for the lift ticket/skis for the quality we would get. I wish someone had more "real" pictures of the place... I also remember being really worried about the drive up to the lodge and pretty sure our car would never make it without rolling over.

I remember the limiting factor of skiing at Spruce Run was my ability to maintain my grip on that big rope. I would wait in line of other skiers before going up the big hill; I needed help just to hold up that big rope. I learned not to use knitted mittens, one became bound in rope and it took a long time to catch the right point in time when I could attempt to pull it off the revolving, twisting rope, several attempts were made, I finally gave up and skied less one mitten. I had a pair of leather covers for my mitten the next week.

Another other found memory is what my family calls The Mystery of the Blue Snow. In the early 70s, just after Christmas, my brother John, and our two cousins John and Dan Wood, went skiing over the winter school vacation. We had had a two-foot dump of wet and heavy snow a few days before. In those days, no kids I knew had what would be considered real ski clothes, but we all had the white chicken skin long underwear, blue jeans, winter coats, hats and gloves. Over the course of the day we all got wet, I should add very wet, our legs were soaked thru including our socks, our gloves were dripping water from around the wrist bands. Snow had been scooped up under the back of our coats and our backs were soaked. We all started to notice blue streaks in the snow, not one of use knew or understood why there were areas of blue streaked snow and we were commenting on how we didnt see this in the morning. It seemed like every other run, more and more blue streaks would appear in the snow. It was a mystery, what was causing this to happen; trees, under ground springs, wax on someones skis no one knew but we all had different theories. When we got home at the end of the day, mom insisted that we all stripe off those wet clothes before taking one step into the house! When we did, we couldnt stop laughing, all of our white underwear was died pale blue, or legs were even tinted blue dye. All of us had received new blue jeans for Christmas and wore our new jeans skiing that day. The dye in the blue jeans had ran everywhere thus the mystery of the blue snow was reveled, our numinous wipe outs over the course of the day had left blue steaks in the snow once our jeans were soaked.

I wish I knew the seasonal year that Spruce Run officially closed. I remember waiting for long cold snaps and snow, after every snow, either I our one of my skiing buddies would make the phone call to Elmer Taylor, find out if Spruce Run would be open and let us know. When it did officially closed and the rental equipment was sold, my parents did purchase each of us a set of skies, boots and poles. I still have this equipment, still to this very day, my lace up boots, bamboo poles and wooden skies hang next to my modern equipment. I taught my wife to ski, before she became my wife I doubt that I would have married her if she didnt ski. One day in the early 80s, we were skiing at Greek Peak in upstate NY. While sharing a ride up the hill on the quad chair, an elderly couple struck up the usually conversation where are you from. When I mention Montrose area, they started talking about the Montrose Ski Bowl. This couple was in there late 70s and spoke of skiing in Montrose in the early 40s, staying at the Montrose Inn and the wonderful times they had. After we got off the lift, the conversation went on for another 20 minutes at the top of the slope. I could tell that this couple, with there vast skiing experiences, still considered the days spend in Montrose and at the ski bowl were highlights of their lives and indelible memories, never to be forgotten.

I have taught my kids to ski and still am a moderately active skier. I have skied out west and spend a weeks vacation skiing each year in Vermont and I hit the local slopes as often as I can. A few years ago, I started seeking out the small hills in PA; Denton Hill, Sawmill, Mt Tone, Jack Frost and others I long for the experience of my youth. Even today, I will occasionally turn down Lower South Main Street in Montrose, PA, drive out the dirt road running along the opposite hill side from Spruce Run, stop my car and look over at the over grown hill side of Spruce Run, reminiscing about the experiences I once had on that slope. My kids can recite verbatim, several of my stories. Thank you Elmer Taylor and all those who have made Spruce Run possible, the memories are endearing.

Martin Moore Dimock PA

Resubmiiting in tow sections - I ran out of room

I have many fond memories of the Montrose Ski Bowl, known to me as Spruce Run. Growing up in South Montrose in the 60s & 70s, and the main pass time of my youth was sledding, tobogganing or sliding downhill on snow. My first recollections of Spruce Run happen while visiting my Aunt in the nursing home, Asa Park Manner, which was located on the southern hill directly across the small valley from the ski bowl. What truly grasped my attention was that these people didnt have to walk back up hill. My mother had skied at Buck Hill falls in the Poconos while in college in the 40s and mentioned that she might consider taking me over to the slope someday. In the mid 60s my brother had gotten some wooden ski for Christmas, they were six foot long and had leather straps to hold your foot (loosely) on the ski. Being only 5 years old at the time, I had to try and ski on then at every chance my brother wasnt using them.

My first trip to Spruce Run was in the winter of 67 / 68. In late January of 68, my mother made me go over with my older brother and as she put it, to observe for the day, so I would learn what to do. That was the most tortures day of my life, watching kids, much younger than myself ski down the bunny slope, my brother having so much fun and other adults enjoying themselves while I was there only as a learning experience. As directed, I observed people, and then spent the rest of the day warning my toes at the fire in the lodge, consuming several cups of hot chocolate, three hot dogs and a few candy bars.
The anticipation of being able to ride up that hill was overwhelming.

The next Saturday was my turn; our mother left strict instructions to my brother that I was not to go down the big hill. I rented my first set of real skies and with my brother help and instructions, laced my boots up loosely so my foot would pull out of the boot if I took a bad fall, to squeeze the rope, never grab it, and most importantly, if you fall while going up the hill get out of the way as fast as you can so other riders dont have to stop. I was off, having one of the best days of my life! My older brother challenged me, if I could make it up and down the small hill five times in a row, without falling, he would take me up the big hill. Before lunchtime, I was successful and my brother helped me get up the big hill. When my mother arrived to pick us up, she found my brother first and asked where I was? My brother looked up the lower face of the big hill and pointed at this kid, wide tracking, totally out of control, flying down the hill with a big grin from ear to ear. Needless to say, Mom was not pleased, but accepted my behavior for what it was, or more importantly, fore whom I was! After that day, I skied at Spruce Run as often as I could; all of my wintertime paper route earning was spent exclusively at the hill and in the snack shop. Our local church group (MYF) would hold outing and events, night skiing on the bunny slope. I remember arriving early one weekend; Elmer Taylor had to enlist my brother and I to help shorten the rope on the big hill. He disconnected the rope from the pulleys and we drug one end to his ski shop, where he cut out about 10 feet of the rope. Elmira performed what appeared to be magic, he spliced the to ends together. I was so impressed that rope could be spliced that I practiced the technique several times myself and have become proficient, but I always ask myself if Elmer would think I did a good enough job.

I have many fond memories of the Montrose Ski Bowl, known to me as Spruce Run. Growing up in South Montrose in the 60s & 70s, and the main pass time of my youth was sledding, tobogganing or sliding downhill on snow. My first recollections of Spruce Run happen while visiting my Aunt in the nursing home, Asa Park Manner, which was located on the southern hill directly across the small valley from the ski bowl. What truly grasped my attention was that these people didnt have to walk back up hill. My mother had skied at Buck Hill falls in the Poconos while in college in the 40s and mentioned that she might consider taking me over to the slope someday. In the mid 60s my brother had gotten some wooden ski for Christmas, they were six foot long and had leather straps to hold your foot (loosely) on the ski. Being only 5 years old at the time, I had to try and ski on then at every chance my brother wasnt using them.

I remember the limiting factor of skiing at Spruce Run was my ability to maintain my grip on that big rope. I would wait in line of other skiers before going up the big hill; I needed help just to hold up that big rope. I learned not to use knitted mittens, one became bound in rope and it took a long time to catch the right point in time when I could attempt to pull it off the revolving, twisting rope, several attempts were made, I finally gave up and skied less one mitten. I had a pair of leather covers for my mitten the next week.

I wish I knew the seasonal year that Spruce Run officially closed. I remember waiting for long cold snaps and snow, after every snow, either I our one of my skiing buddies would make the phone call to Elmer Taylor, find out if Spruce Run would be open and let us know. When it did officially closed and the rental equipment was sold, my parents did purchase each of us a set of skies, boots and poles. I still have this equipment, still to this very day, my lace up boots, bamboo poles and wooden skies hang next to my modern equipment. I taught my wife to ski, before she became my wife I doubt that I would have married her if she didnt ski. One day in the early 80s, we were skiing at Greek Peak in upstate NY. While sharing a ride up the hill on the quad chair, an elderly couple struck up the usually conversation where are you from. When I mention Montrose area, they started talking about the Montrose Ski Bowl. This couple was in there late 70s and spoke of skiing in Montrose in the early 40s, staying at the Montrose Inn and the wonderful times they had. After we got off the lift, the conversation went on for another 20 minutes at the top of the slope. I could tell that this couple, with there vast skiing experiences, still considered the days spend in Montrose and at the ski bowl were highlights of their lives and indelible memories, never to be forgotten.

I have taught my kids to ski and still am a moderately active skier. I have skied out west and spend a weeks vacation skiing each year in Vermont and I hit the local slopes as often as I can. A few years ago, I started seeking out the small hills in PA; Denton Hill, Sawmill, Mt Tone, Jack Frost and others I long for the experience of my youth. Even today, I will occasionally turn down Lower South Main Street in Montrose, PA, drive out the dirt road running along the opposite hill side from Spruce Run, stop my car and look over at the over grown hill side of Spruce Run, reminiscing about the experiences I once had on that slope. My kids can recite verbatim, several of my stories. Thank you Elmer Taylor and all those who have made Spruce Run possible, the memories are endearing.

What "RAYTARD" failed to mention is the videos he refers to are of him and his friends with their cars, quads, and bikes terrorizing Bear Rocks. You can find his house easily (right off of Skytop) because there are several dozen black tire marks from burnouts. No one that lives around him has much peace and if he doesn't knock it off and grow up soon, all those videos will be turned over to the State Police. I wonder how impressed they'll be?

i live in tunkhannock and ride my atv on miller all the time. i have pictures on my camera and cell phone if you want more for this web page. they're from the top at wood's cabin that my grandpa help build. it over looks jurisa's farm

awesome trail map! that's the first I've ever seen for Poconorth... thanks Peter B.

When I came out of the Marines in 1969, I found Chadds Peak. I was still living at home in Springfield, and was teaching in Conshohocken. I have fond memories of the Peak and learning how to ski. I became a highly skilled skier, and an instructor at Jack Frost Mountain. After several years of instructing, I stopped, because I wanted to ski, rather than instruct. I skied all of the Poconos and even Vermont. I am 67 now, and can't ski any longer. It was a wonderful time in my life. One song brings back those years I skied at Chadds Peak at night, after teaching school all day-"Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head".

Wow! What a blast. And so many names I remember and some I went to school with at JW Good, Troxel and Parkland High! Cool!
I learned to ski at Apple Hill around 68 when I was 13. What a great place. Bought my first ski's there. Think Joe Dolgos was the sales tech at the time. I remember the courtesy of checking on people when they fell, and calling out "on your right." Sad to say those courtesies are almost gone from skiing.

Now live in Wheeling, WV area and ski mostly at Seven Springs. My wife learned to ski and then we had our kids on skis by age 3.

I lived there from the late 70's through the 80's. Looking back, they were great times. I miss the quiet, and real pine trees. The ones we have in FL are anemic in comparison. I lived on Bethann Rd, where the old ski lift used to circle around I've been told. I haven't been there in over 20 years, but I'll get back one day.

hanleys had two rope tows ,no snow making,one trail was lighted ,i think they were open tues an /or thurs nights till 8pm .it was a great place to hang out and ski,rip hanley was a great guy . i thought there last season was 83/84. does anyone remember anything abuot broad horizons ski area ,south of eagles mere just off of route 42.

I grew up in younsgville and worked and skied at the buckaloons! Too many memories to tell; best part was by working there, you could get free skiing. My family couldn't afford lift tickets, but by working as a parking attendant and lift attendant I took advantage of this great amenity of Youngsville! Too bad it is gone.

Tye Campbell
YHS 1977

excellent find! looks like a good historical area... hope some folks have more info on this one

I skied there about 10 times around 1975, when nearby Bryce mountain was just too crowded. I was around 11 years old and recall having alot of fun there with a couple of friends. Typically there were maybe 100 skiers tops all day divided amongst 3 slopes with most of the adults just hanging out at the base. I had an old trail map showing "future" development that of course never happened. If you drive north on I81 and look over to the ski area, you can clearly see the pine forest that grew up in the area of the runs.

My brother and I learned to ski at Poco North in the winters of 1969 and 1970. The lodge was quite impressive. I recall the beginners rope two and two chairlifts. Equipment cost $20 for GT90 skis and (molded rubber - I.E. COLD) Grenoble boots from Sears. Memories of skiing in a blizzard - older brother very angry that he got his VW van stuck in the parking lot picking us up.

Thanks so much Peter, I knew I wasn't crazy!

Sad News - I just learned from Pat Zweizig that Bill Pendleton (Our Ski SchoolDirector) passed away.
On a more cheerful note; like Paul, I also remember the House of the Turtle. It was great because, except for school dances (too few and in many cases lame), there were not a lot of places for the under 21 crowd to enjoy good bands.

It was in the early 80's that a NASA engineer I worked with told me about Mill Ridge. He was friends with the area sales rep in Banner Elk who sold the cabin lots that were just north of the ski slopes. My wife and I went up there and liked the area but she got pregnant and we never purchased a lot. The skiing was great and the people there were friendly.

After hearing about the demise of the ski slopes, I'm saddened but also glad that I didn't purchase a lot there.

I currently own the "Hadley" cabin at the end of Snowdrift lane. I have had it for 25 years. We have been going to White Mountain and Seven Springs for many more years. How great to hear the Hadley "kids" talk about the cabin we love so much.

Word around the mountain is that one of the Pritts family purchased the old White Mountain Lodge and acreage...someone took dumptrucks full of trash/garbage out the Lodge - it appears to be empty...we'll see what follows!

Wow I hadn't thought about Chadds Peak in years, until I came across this page.

Even though it was more of a hill then anything else, I loved that place. During the winter time it gave my mom who grew up in VT, and MA a slight, very slight taste of home after moving to Wilmington.

I remember my elementary school would do weekly trips, every weds during the winter time, after school for like $5 or $10. Every year at least 1 or 2 kids would end up knee high in that pond or stream, whatever it was, at the bottom of the hill.

Best memory there was kissing my first girl when I was in the 5th grade. Worst memory by far was after it closed they wholesaled everything off, and for the next five or six years I had junky skis, boots and bindings.

Came accross this website while surfing at work.Brings back good memories. In the late 80's early 90's there were many locals who went skiing then snowboarding there on the weekends and Christmas Holiday's. Many very good skiers and snow boarders started on this hill. I have several friends that are now doing amazing things out west and to think they started here. The staff gave my group of friends much leeway and allowed us to build jumps throughout the trails where many of us perfected our skills. The hill just did not have enough local support once the 2000's hit as many people moved out of the area. It's too bad was a great place and for $100 you could ski all year.

dose anybody know who owend the the cherokee ski resort and/or how much money was put in to it

I am looking for a peaceful lot in the area of Shawnee-land. I remember it when I had friends that owned a lot. I would not actually be moving there for a while. What kind of rules do they have as far as horses? I notice that people mention riding, but I didn't know if there were any restrictions.

any one know if mike tomlin bought the place?

we built a jump up there years ago and as soon as we were done someone went on the P.a system at highlands and ordered us off the hill...bummer.

I found this blog searching for folks who might remember "The House of the Turtle". I was and am a musician who traveled there to hear good Rock bands. They had a non alcoholic bar and served exotic smoothies of the day (circa 1971 ish). I think I recall one band named "Dooley". It was enchanting to me at the tender age of 14.

I didn't learn to ski until 20 years later when I played gigs at Shawnee and Big Boulder, but quickly learned how much fun skiing is.

Thanks for all the details of the location. I'm not far away but was too young to remember where the place was! The early 70's......a fading memory....

Can anyone help me find a mt tone ski sticker.
jwvienna@ptd.net 570-675-7913

My brother, sister, and I all bought lots and built homes in Shawnee-land when it was just getting started. My nephew dated one of Don Lambornes (the original owners) daughter. We all knew the whole family. They had a big house in Maryland and lost it when S/L went under. Don/L, then moved up to their house across from the dam. We used to have a great time there on the weekends and all of us had trail bikes. At one time off the road at the top of the mountain there used to be a fire tower, it was manned in the dry season, and people that would climb the steps to the top would get some kind of certificate for doing so. I know why S/L went under but its not my place to address that issue. Yes, at one time they had buffalo in the field to the left as you approached the guard gate. Those who came threw the gate and turned left could go up and across the dam, or turn right to the lodge. The left side/part of the lodge was the older part of the building, and to the left of the dinning room was a beautiful large fireplace and a few comfortable chairs and a large couch to sit on when watching the fireplace burn. Up stairs there were sleeping rooms, and in the basement there was a stream running beneath the buildings support beams. Directly in front of the lodge was a swimming pool and next to the pool was a cabin that they rented out. After they filled in that pool, they built another pool on the right side of S/L at the bottom of Maple, they also had some tennis courts. Before we built our houses our family stayed in that cabin many of times on the weekends. In the early years on the weekends sometimes they would have hayrides to the top of the mountain. The ski area had three slopes and at one time They did have snow making machines, but some of the winters after they had been installed were warmer then usual and they couldnt make much snow in those years so they sold them. Don/Ls son is, (or was), in the real estate business in that area and his name is Rodger, he could tell you a whole bunch about everything, but I wouldnt expect him to tell you too much about his fathers poor investments. We havent been back up there in years, but before we sold our house, S/L became a Sanitary District, and the governing body was the countys board of supervisors. Shortly after that they started putting in the blacktop roads ect. Prior to that the dirt roads were almost impossible to drive on. One womans husband got sick and she called for an ambulance for him and they ended up having to take him out in a helicopter. Well, I guess Id better get off this subject for a while. I hope I have spurred and jarred some memories for some of you people who spent some time in S/L. My wife and I moved up there permanently in the middle 70s for several years before selling our house on Falcon Trail.

Jan. 19, 1963, White Mountain hosted the Western Ski Council Ski race-a 40 gate slalom event. Suzy Treon (time 1:02) and Rem Drury (45 sec) were the female and male winners. Racers from Laurel Mt.-Pittsburgh-Westmoreland-Triple Nine-Mon Valley and Pittsburgh Intercollegiate competed.

Kings Mountain sits between the Laurel Ridge State Park Nordic Ski center (Rt653) and the older Camp Soles Ski center which was located off Barton Church Rd. Camp Soles is no more than 3 miles away from Kings Mt and is operated by the YMCA of McKeesport. Kings Moutain still has the 9 hour golf course, small A-frame houses but very little media attention. There remains no visible evidence of downhill skiing at this location.

I moved into the Knoll 5 years ago and was always interested in finding the remnants of ski area. Can't say I ever skied there, but growing up in Delaware County I knew where the place was. Last week my neighbor John and his kids walked down thru the woods and found it. Yesterday they took me down there. The old buildings are still there, all in a state of disrepair, pump house,motor house, and the remains of the lift system. The snow making pipes are still there with valves on them. Some of the lighting are still on the trees. There was still a t-bar laying on the ground. Cool stuff! We both have pictures, but I'm not sure how to post them.

When in high school in Phillipsburg, NJ in 1964-66 I learned to ski at Apple Hill. For me at the time it was heaven. The skiing experience, and the lodge with its circular fireplace, donuts and hot cider.
The whole experience engendered such a love for skiing that in 1981 I quit my job with CBS News in Cairo and moved to the Swiss Alps, where I have lived ever since, writing as ski correspondent for The Times, Daily Mail and other publications.
I'm sure many others were so inspired by many such small family areas. Despite heliskiing in Alaska, touring the Haute Route, skiing in Alagna and La Grave, my fondest skiing memories are of Apple Hill.

Ben Haseltine and Tom Hemphill were the co-owners and founders of the White Mountain ski area in Fayette County, Pa. It opened in December 1962 via a PPG article Dec 13, 1962. It featured three runs of 2200 feet, 1700 foot long poma lift 18 feet high, and two rope tows.380 ft elevation. The ski lodge had snack bar, ski shop, rentals. There were plans for a 4300 foot long double chair lift for the 1963-64 season. In December 1973 White Moutain was renamed Haseltine Hills via a Dec 27, 1973 PPG article. Dec. 28, 1977 PPG article stated Ben Haseltine leased his ski area to a non-profit group called White Mountain Club led by President David Panza.

Hi! I came across this site while trolling for information on the old Doe Mt. ski area and lodge which in now Bear Creek Resort. I cracked up when I saw the pictures of the kids skiing. That's me standing by the ski school sign and the other two are my brothers! I remember going to The Cactus Grill a number of years back and talking to someone there about the old Piper Hill. My brother mentioned we had some pictures from when we skiied there as kids, but I didn't know he had given copies to the Grill owners. What a hoot to see them here! Those were the days! Love those outfits and skis! Anyone who would like to reminisce about the old local areas can find me on facebook.

I remember skiing at White MOuntain with my dad (Dave Ludwig Jr) and my brothers. I also remember taking friends there to ski after college. Such a serene and beautiful place to ski. Uncle Ben and his family created this family friendly atmosphere to enjoy skiing with family and friends. The way skiing used to be in the "old days".

Like my brother Dave 3, I will hoisting a cold one to Uncle Ben and White Mountain.

My name is David Ludwig (David B the 3rd to be presie). My father and "Uncle Ben" were very good friends..which included skiing in Western Pa. and Mt Tremblant (sp?) in Canada.

I remember White Mountain and skied there with my Dad and brothers Al, Tom and John...oh, yes and my sister Margaret (nick named "Fawn Lawn" for the old run at 7 Springs that took you from Wagner Bowl to what was "Suicide" and later Alpine Meadowns...I think.

I live in Lake Oswego, Oregon, just south of Portland. yes, we can sli 12 months a year so eat your heart out all of you east coast blue ice sliers. Just kidding!

I will hoist one tonight to Uncle Ben and White Mountain.

Dave

We used to take vacations there in the 70s and go camping at the campground. Walk up and down the ski slope and shoot at the shooting range but nothing there was built to last. The shooting range fell in on itself and well. It was just a shoestring type budget but I had good memories there.

True above, it hard to jog the ol 40 year memory