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| Northeast Slopes |
| East Corinth, Vermont |
| Status: |
Open
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| First Season: | 1936-37 |
| Vertical Drop: | 360 feet |
| Standing Lifts: | Surface lifts |
| Past Lifts: | |
| Left: Northeast Slopes (2014) |
| Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
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Located off Route 25 in eastern Vermont, Northeast Slopes is considered the longest continuously running ski area in the country. The area is funded by ski revenue, donations, and tax dollars from Corinth, Bradford, and Topsham.
Bradford Winter Sports Club
Eastman Hill (circa 1939) |
The origins of Northeast Slopes date back to March of 1936, when the Bradford Winter Sports Club was organized "as a means for your own enjoyment" and to make Bradford "as popular as Woodstock, Littleton, [and] Hanover." Later that year, a rope tow was installed on a hill at the end of Pleasant Street referred to as Mt. Tug. The tow was built under the supervision of David Dodd, who was involved in the construction the country's first rope tow at Woodstock. Also sporting trails, a ski jump, and a skating rink, Bradford's winter sports complex featured "everything within walking distance in our town." W. Gilbert Cole served as president of the club.
Unfortunately, the winter of 1936-37 had scant natural snowfall, leaving the new rope tow idle. In January, the Bradford Winter Sports Club found a farm 10 miles west of town that was one of the only places around with natural snow. An agreement was made with owner Eugene Eastman and soon the Bradford Winter Sports Club relocated its 750 foot rope tow to East Corinth. The farm had been in Eastman's family since his great-great-grandfather Benjamin Scribner had received a deed for a 50-acre tract in 1793. The future Northeast Slopes, then sometimes known as Eastman Hill, debuted at the end of January. Soon, skiers from as far away as New York City were coming to East Corinth, as it was one of the only lift-served areas around to have snow. In early February, the area had 175 skiers using the slopes with a similarly sized audience watching from the road.
On March 6, the Bradford Winter Sports Club hosted its first Winter Carnival at Eastman Hill. Events included a cross country ski race, a downhill ski race, a scooter race, a ski jumping competition, and a dance. Tickets to the event were 25 cents.
A new rope tow was installed for the 1937-38 season, extending to the top of Eastman Hill. The 1,400 foot tow was reportedly powered by a Buick engine operating the rope at 15 miles per hour. A toboggan slide was set up in conjunction with the tow, while a village skating rink was enhanced. Slopes were improved with the removal of rocks and other obstructions. Plowed parking was set up on the other side of the highway to provide more room for a ski runout. In addition, a log cabin shelter was constructed. The ski season may have started on New Year's weekend.
A unique "combination" race was held in late January. Competitors would ski a slalom course, ride the rope tow, then ski a separate downhill course to the finish line. Eastman Hill once again hosted the Bradford Winter Sports Club Winter Carnival in early March.
Mechanical improvements were made to the rope tow for the 1938-39 season. The town newspaper pointed out that "it is unfortunate that the hill is not nearer to the village, but had the tow been located in or near Bradford, there would probably have been no skiing at all due to the mild weather for the last two years. As it is our tow has operated every week end for the last two winters, which is a record no other tow in New England can boast." The Eastmans also provided overnight accommodations at their house, with Honora providing all-you-can-eat meals.
To help boost participation, club president W. Gilbert Cole studied under Sepp Ruschp at Stowe in January, so that he could become an instructor and offer multi-week lesson plans.
Wanting to provide better opportunities to locals, the Bradford Winter Sports Club installed a rope tow on its original hill for the 1939-40 season, while continuing to use Eastman Hill.
The club's lease of Eastman Hill expired following the 1939-40 season. Weston Blake may have acquired an interest in the area at this time, later reflecting that "When I saw Northeast I was enchanted." A Weston, Massachusetts resident and former Dartmouth College ski team captain, Blake had been operating the Brookline ski area in New Hampshire. Eastman refused to sign a contract, reportedly telling Blake, "Whatever I tell you I'll do, I'll do, but I am not going to sign any contract." The Eastman and Blake families enjoyed a long-lasting business arrangement and friendship.
The 1940-41 season reportedly started in early December and the United Opinion reported "fine business" at Eastman's during the winter of 1941-42. Operations continued in 1942-43, despite World War II. It is not known if the lift operated during the 1943-44 or 1944-45 seasons. Subsequent accounts suggest the area was closed for two winters during the war due to decreased business and gas rationing, though others claim the area remained in operation.
Following World War II, the slopes were advertised as the East Corinth Tow and were open on weekends and by appointment for private parties.
East Corinth Ski Tow Becomes Northeast Slopes
1940s and 1950s advertisements |
The ski area took on its present name of Northeast Slopes during the winter of 1946-47, which likely started just after Christmas. In February, the Boston Globe noted the area "has long been noted for its interesting and variable terrain" and that a portable novice tow was on order.
For 1947-48, Blake constructed a rope tow ski area in New London, New Hampshire near Colby Junior College. Northeast Slopes enjoyed a rare late November start that season and saw base depths approaching two to three feet during a record Washington birthday weekend. Warm rain in mid-March brought the season to a quick end.
The winters of 1948-49 and 1949-50 both had late starts, with little skiing before mid-January. Though Northeast Slopes only had a few inches of base for much of this time, it offered some of the only skiing in pre-snowmaking New England. As a result, skiers drove hundreds of pre-interstate-highway miles to Northeast Slopes. Eugene Eastman later noted that, "My pasture faces north and in the winter, you don't get more than two, three hours of sun on it a day." Blake added, "That slope is so smooth, not a rock, not a pebble, you could ski on very little," noting he had skied it with as little as an inch of snow.
A third tow may have been installed for the 1950-51 season, though subsequent listings continued to note just two. The season likely got underway on minimal snowpack just before New Year's and ran until late March. The 1951-52 season enjoyed a pre-Christmas start and likely ran until late March. 1952-53 was likely not as strong, starting just before New Year's and likely ending in early March.
The 1953-54 season didn't start until mid-January, but an early spring storm allowed skiing to stretch into April. The 1954-55 season also may not have started until January, but lasted into late March.
The 1955-56 season started just before New Year's, but Northeast Slopes was closed for much of January due to a lack of snow. The season kicked into gear in February and lasted until early April.
Earl Cruickshank was hired as manager for the 1956-57 season, as Blake's primary business interests required more of his attention. Blake nevertheless retained his ownership share and continued to bring large groups up from Massachusetts, while he and his wife also enjoyed vacationing with the Eastmans. The 1956-57 season featured pre-Christmas skiing and saw good visitation when thaws zapped snowpack at other areas in late January, thanks to its snow-retaining location. The season may have petered out before mid-March.
The Barre Skyline ski area debuted for the 1957-58 season, placing a Pomalift-served alternative minutes away from Northeast Slopes. A lack of snow delayed opening day until mid-January, but the season managed to extend into late March.
The snack bar was expanded for the 1958-59 season to include "hot and cold running water, increased toilet facilities, and other conveniences." Eastman's son in law, Lawrence Della Santa, managed the snack bar that season, which had an early December opening and possibly an early March closing.
The 1959-60 season started on New Year's Day and likely ran through late March. In a February feature in the Times Argus, Eastman disclosed that Northeast Slopes had never lost money, in part because they abstained from "pomalifts and other modern means" which avoided costs and kept prices low. Eastman's son Glynn managed the snack bar.
The 1960-61 season started just before New Year's, but likely faded out in early March due to a lack of snow. The 1961-62 season also started just before New Year's.
Eastman and Blake Sell the Ski Area
Northeast Slopes (1962) |
During the 1962 offseason, word emerged that Eugene Eastman, now 66 years old, and Weston Blake, about to turn 60, were planning to discontinue operations. Facing closure, a group of locals
formed a plan to sell $6,000 in stock to purchase the ski area. A committee was formed including W. Gilbert Cole, James Perry, Jack Butler, Horace Palmer, Craig White, John Pierson, and Putnam Blodgett. Northeast Slopes Ski Tows, Inc. was registered in Vermont in the fall, with Cole serving as president. A Bombardier snowcat was purchased and improvements were made to the slopes. Larry Williams was hired as manager.
The 1962-63 season got underway after Christmas, operating on a weekend and vacation schedule. An uptick in business was attributed to the arrival of modern grooming. Though no longer an owner, Weston Blake made the trip up from Massachusetts in February to ski at Northeast Slopes and visit the Eastmans.
Beginner options were improved for the 1963-64 season, as a ledge on the novice slope was covered with dirt and the small rope tow was rebuilt. Meanwhile, a conditions sign was constructed in nearby Bradford to inform and direct potential skiers to the area. The season got underway after Christmas, but suffered from scant snowpack at times, shutting down due to lack of snow in early March. The area reopened briefly for a few turns before the end of calendar winter.
A mid-December start was advertised for the 1964-65 season, however a rain storm dashed hope. The area did manage to open just before Christmas, though warm drizzle dampened holiday week conditions. It is not known if there was much, if any, skiing after February.
The 1965-66 season kicked off on Christmas Eve, but was quickly halted when "the weatherman washed much of it off with rain," before resuming a few days later. Advertisements referred to the area as "the most skiing for your money anywhere."
Northeast Slopes (1967) |
A new 24 by 42 foot base shelter with a concrete floor was constructed for the 1966-67 season, featuring picture windows and a fireplace. The original shelter, which had been reportedly expanded three times, was moved to the base of the beginner rope tow. After a barren start to December, a Christmas storm kicked off the season.
While Northeast Slopes had been generally a weekends and vacations operation, it added a Wednesday morning Ladies' Day for the 1966-67 season. For two dollars, ladies were able to get a lesson and use of the novice lift.
Jon Stryker, a 20-year-old student at Vermont Technical College and graduate of Bradford Academy, took over as manager of the ski area for the 1968-69 season.
The 1970s
Northeast Slopes during the 1970s |
The 1969-70 season kicked off just after Christmas. In addition to the usual weekend and holiday operations, weekly ladies days continued, plus a weekly $1 afternoon novice lift session.
In February 1973, Northeast Slopes Ski Tows, Inc. announced a $25,000 stock sale initiative to fund the installation of a T-Bar for the 1973-74 season. Plans for night skiing were also discussed. Adequate funds were not raised by the annual meeting at the end of the year, so the money was returned.
Finances were getting tight, as Northeast Slopes Ski Tows, Inc. requested all who were interested in seeing the area continue operating to attend the 1975 annual meeting. Shareholders worked to develop a plan to break even on operations and entered into an agreement with Glynn Eastman to operate the snack bar.
Operations continued during the late 1970s with assorted fundraisers to help cover costs. Eugene Eastman's wife Honora passed away on February 11, 1977. Eastman later reflected, "My wife was a corker. She could could - wasn't anything that woman couldn't make taste good. She just took care of everything here, the house, the skiers, she could handle anything and never turn a hair. A wonderful woman."
In 1979, the directors of the corporation vowed to increase advertising to help attract new skiers. It is not known if or how many days the ski area operated during the poor winter of 1979-80.
Northeast Slopes operated during the winter of 1980-81 with Carroll Bean serving as manager.
Eastman Sells the Farm
Kitty and Martin Diggins circa the 1981-82 ski season |
Meanwhile, Eugene Eastman, now an octogenarian, had been stepping back from his various duties, including a four-decade tenure as a selectman. Ironically, in his decades of owning the ski area, Eastman had neve learned to ski, telling the Valley News, "Didn't have the time. Had 400 other thigns to do - the farm, the cattle, sugarin'."
Martin "Marty" Diggins and his wife Kitty were searching for property. A manager for Exxon, Diggins was looking to relocate from Connecticut and start a horse ranch. In August 1981, the Diggins acquired Eastman's 165-acre farm, including Northeast Slopes. Eastman continued to reside in the house.
The Diggins' plans for the property included continuing Northeast Slopes, to Marty noted "I've never been on a pair of skis in my life." Noting "You cannot make a living on the ski tow alone," they planned to have horses, fishing, hunting, camping, and accommodations for 12 to 14 people in the farm house. The also hoped to open a bar. Though the ski area would still be referred to as Northeast Slopes, the overall property was named Rainbow Ranch. The 1981-82 season likely started just before Christmas.
Though the Diggins lost money during the otherwise good winter of 1981-82, they hoped to install a new lift for the 1982-83 season. Diggins had reportedly identified four potential second-hand lifts, hoping to acquire one cheaply and install it on his own.
The 1983-84 season started after a snow storm a few days before Christmas and extended into March.
Eugene Eastman passed away in July 2, 1984 at the age of 88.
An Uncertain Future
Northeast Slopes 50th Anniversary (February 1986) |
Circa the 1984-85 season, the Diggins ran into financial problems and the property reverted to Eastman's estate. Northeast Slopes Ski Tows, Inc. had retained ownership of the equipment and kept the area operational.
In the fall of 1985, local developer George Huntington acquired the Eastman farm property. Though the property had been reportedly divided into housing lots, the new owner allowed the corporation to continue operating. Another challenge faced by the corporation was the cost of insurance, which had increased to $3,600, despite no history of claims.
On February 22, 1986, Northeast Slopes held a 50th anniversary gala, which included races, music, and an "Old Timers' Dress Parade." Former Bradford Winter Sports Club president W. Gilbert "Bud" Cole, now 78, brought his wooden skis to the event, telling the Valley news, "We were here before the big ski areas got started. There's been a lot of skiing on this hill." Due to the uncertainty about the property, some worried that the gala may be a farewell bash.
The Non-Profit Takes Over
Northeast Slopes (2008) |
Fortunately for Northeast Slopes, Huntington had no intention with redeveloping the ski area property. He later told the Valley News, "I had learned my skiing as a kid there and taught all my kids on those slopes and I just didn't want to see it go by the wayside." During the 1986 off-season, the non-profit Northeast Slopes, Inc. was formed, which then acquired the 50 acres containing the ski area and adajcent undeveloped property for future expansion. Huntington reportedly provided a gift of $10,000 to $15,000 embedded in the transaction, which was primarily funded by a $52,000 loan from an anonymous donor.
Former owner Weston Blake passed away on February 15, 1994 at the age of 91.
The T-Bar Era
Northeast Slopes (2014) |
Former owner Martin Diggins passed away on June 21, 2003 at the age of 76.
After years of discussions, circa 2005 board members agreed to purchase a T-Bar from Bradford, MA. Fundraising continued in subsequent years, leading to the board authorizing a $70,000 loan to move the project forward.
Thanks to various grants and a $70,000 donation from former Northeast skier Leland Blodgett, installation of the T-Bar commenced in 2008. With virtually all of the work conducted by volunteers, construction continued into 2009. The grand opening of the John A. Pierson Jr. T-Bar took place on December 26, 2009.
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Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass. Window price, including RFID fee and taxes when known.
| 2020s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2023-24 | $15.00 |  | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 19 | March 27 | | | | | 2022-23 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | December 18 | March 29 | | | | | 2021-22 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 17 | March 16 | | | | | 2020-21 | | | | | | January 17 | March 10 | | | | | 2019-20 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 5 | March 1 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 5 | April 11 | | | | | 2017-18 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | December 26 | March 28 | | | | | 2016-17 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | December 26 | | | | | | 2015-16 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 20 | February 20 | | | | | 2014-15 | $15.00 | | $150.00 | | 10.0 days | January 7 | April 1 | | | | | 2013-14 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 2012-13 | $15.00 | | | | | December 29 | | | | | | 2011-12 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 2010-11 | $12.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 2009-10 | $12.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2008-09 | $12.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1993-94 | $9.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1988-89 | $6.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1986-87 | $6.00 | | $75.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | | | 1985-86 | $6.00 | | $75.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | | | 1983-84 | | | | | | December 22 | | | | | | 1981-82 | $10.00 | | $125.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1976-77 | | | | | | December 26 | | | | | | 1974-75 | $3.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1973-74 | $3.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1972-73 | $2.50 | | $18.00 | | 7.2 days | December 23 | | | | | | 1971-72 | $2.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1970-71 | $2.50 | | | | | December 19 | | | | | | 1969-70 | | | $15.50 | | | December 26 | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | | | $15.00 | | | December 21 | | | | | | 1967-68 | $2.00 | | $15.00 | | 7.5 days | December 30 | | | | | | 1966-67 | $2.00 | | $15.00 | | 7.5 days | | | | | | | 1965-66 | | | $12.50 | | | December 24 | | | | | | 1964-65 | | | $12.50 | | | December 23 | | | | | | 1963-64 | $2.00 | | $12.50 | | 6.3 days | December 27 | March 14 | | | | | 1962-63 | $2.00 | | $10.00 | | 5.0 days | December 26 | March 31 | | | | | 1961-62 | | | | | | December 30 | | | | | | 1960-61 | $2.00 | | $20.00 | | 10.0 days | December 30 | | | | | | 1959-60 | $2.00 | | $20.00 | | 10.0 days | January 1 | | | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | $1.50 | | $15.00 | | 10.0 days | December 6 | | | | | | 1957-58 | $1.50 | | $15.00 | | 10.0 days | January 11 | | | | | | 1956-57 | | | | | | December 23 | March 10 | | | | | 1955-56 | | | $10.00 | | | | April 8 | | | | | 1954-55 | $1.50 | | $10.00 | | 6.7 days | | | | | | | 1953-54 | $1.50 | | | | | | April 4 | | | | | 1951-52 | | | | | | December 21 | | | | | | 1949-50 | | | | | | January 7 | April 2 | | | |
| 1940s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1948-49 | | | | | | December 28 | March 20 | | | | | 1947-48 | | | | | | November 29 | | | | | | 1946-47 | | | | | | December 28 | | | | |
| 1930s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1937-38 | $0.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1936-37 | | | | | | January 30 | | | | |
Visitor Memories
| "I go to Northeast slopes every year with my ski team. It is probably my favorite area in New England even though it is the smallest. They have a great staff with really fun skiing. My favorite part is their extremely fast rope tow. it's always a fun time there and I will enjoy continuing to go there." | | Colter LIngelbach-Pierce, Nov. 26, 2017 |
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External Links
Northeast Slopes - official site
Northeast Slopes - SmallSkiAreas.com
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Last updated: August 29, 2023
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