DCSki Editorial Overview
The story in brief
Near Ruffs Mill Road in Harford County, a privately owned ski slope offered local residents a simple, informal winter hill. The area relied entirely on natural snowfall, but its wide-open terrain included notably steep sections. The landowner reportedly allowed people to ski free, drawing sizable crowds whenever conditions were favorable. Rope-tow towers and the motor housing remain visible, preserving traces of the operation.
According to the area’s history, the slope stopped welcoming skiers after someone was injured and sued the owners. The rope was later stolen, further ending its use as a ski hill. The property remains in private hands, with limited, special permission now allowing hang glider flights. A reader also recalls a separate Harford County facility at Eden Mill Nature Center, operated by Parks and Recreation before closing years ago; remnants of its parking area and slope reportedly remain. Together, these sites reflect the small, community-oriented winter recreation venues that once depended on local snow and informal operation.
Generated from DCSki's historical profile and reader-contributed memories.
Richard Hays, a member of the Maryland Hanggliding Association, writes about an old ski slope in Harford County:
“There was (and is) an old (private landowner) ski slope in Harford county near Ruffs Mill Road where the rope tow lift towers still exist. It was privately owned and operated for fun. The motor housing still exists there too.
Story goes that the landowner used to let people ski there for free. Lots of people would come when there was snow. Then… someone got hurt and sued them. They stopped letting people come onto their property. Later, someone snuck up and stole the rope off the lift. This site depended upon natural snowfall. Nice little hill, very steep in spots. Wide open. We have limited and special permission to fly hanggliders there now.”
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