|
|
Located southwest of Pittsfield on the northern slope of Lenox Mountain and Yokun Seat, Bousquet Mountain is amongst the oldest ski areas in the country.
Earned Turns on a Farm
The new Bousquet Run (January 1935) |
Bousquet ski area was founded by Clarence J. Bousquet in the mid 1930s at his Pittsfield, Massachusetts farm. A native of Spencer, Massachusetts, Bousquet served in the 329th Battalion Tank Corps in World War I, where he sustained severe injuries in battle. Dealing with the injuries after the war, he met a nurse named Margaretha Lehmann, with whom he became engaged in 1923. The couple was married for nearly 43 years prior to his death in 1966.
Following the war, Bousquet and his brothers operated a sporting goods store in the city named Charlie & Charlie. Bousquet also started an early airplane service and was involved in the founding of the Pittsfield Aero Club and the Pittsfield Airport.
Circa 1930, Bousquet acquired a farm off Tamarack Road in Pittsfield, where he raised mink, which he later described as "a good business," but that he "didn't like farming." The farm made headlines in early 1931, when a cat brought two baby minks into its litter, drawing scores of sightseers.
In the spring of 1934, Bousquet and the Mt. Greylock Ski Club publicized plans to use his mink farm as a slope for the club. Bousquet reportedly hired woodsmen to clear the Bousquet ski run with ski club members helping to haul brush and take out stumps. The Bousquet ski run was the "only modern trail" in Pittsfield with a width of 25 to 45 feet and a vertical drop of 570 feet. The bottom three quarters of the trail was completed in time for winter. Open slopes at the bottom were available for novices.
Adequate snowfall finally arrived in late January, as the trail was inaugurated with an informal race on January 26, won by Mt. Greylock Ski Club president and future Jiminy Peak owner Bartlett Hendricks.
Winter sports in Berkshire County changed forever on February 10, 1935. Roughly five hundred New Yorkers boarded a New Haven Railroad train at Grand Central Station, arriving at Pittsfield at noontime. Locals gathered for the arrival, with some referring to it as a "bathing beauty parade" as skis smashed ceiling light bulbs. A half hour bus ride brought them to Bousquet's property for free skiing. Though slopes became overcrowded with an estimated 3,000 onlookers, the event was considered a success, with Bousquet selling 27 gallons of coffee and 500 hot dogs from a snack shack he had built. Bousquet also opened his house to the visitors, resulting in damage to his floors and some equipment.
Rope Tows and Snow Trains
The first snow train unloads in Pittsfield (February 1935) |
During that first winter of organized skiing, Bousquet was given descriptions of a ski tow that in Woodstock, Vermont that had begun operation a year earlier. Following the season, plans were announced for the construction of a rope tow at Bousquet, as well as more skiable terrain and possible non-ski activities. The Mt. Greylock Ski Club (including Hendricks and future Jiminy Peak manager George Maynard) was already at work in April, de-stumping the Bousquet ski run, as well as designing a new trail. Work was set to culminate with a Fourth of July bonfire stretching 600 feet down the slopes to be viewed from the city, however the thorn apple brush would not ignite.
The numerous improvements were publicized in November 1935, including plans for tiered rope tows serving much of the vertical drop. The Bousquet Run was extended further downhill with the relocation of a road. Two new upper mountain trails were cleared east of the Bousquet ski run, named the Yokun Trail and the Russell Trail. The latter trail was named after Bousquet's older son, while Paul's Clearing on the lower mountain slope was named after his younger son. In addition to the new trails, the long novice East Trail was improved.
Federal funds were used to improve Tamarack Road, making the ski area more accessible for bus and automobile traffic. A pond on the farm was expanded for ice skating, while a warming hut was constructed with the dual purpose of housing a rope tow engine. Charles Parker, co-founder of the Springfield Ski Club and the Mt. Greylock Ski Club and coach of numerous college racing teams, directed the ski school based out of the Hotel Wendell for the first season.
In constructing the rope tows, Bousquet chose to construct the lower lift first and to learn from that experience. After meager snowfall, there was finally enough base to welcome snow trains on January 12, 1936. An estimated 1,000 skied at Bousquet that day, arriving by train and automobile. The opening was not without issues, as the 1,400 foot rope tow broke down repeatedly and the new warming hut was found to be woefully undersized. Bousquet continued to tinker with the tow, adding a large gasoline engine later in the month to allow for more simultaneous riders.
With fresh snow, the second weekend proved to be even busier, with trains coming from New York and Springfield and automobiles coming from as far as Minnesota. The rope tow was more reliable, providing an estimated 2,500 rides on one day. Local police took notice of the crowds, only allowing busses on Tamarack Road on a busy day in February.
Late 1930s skiing at Bousquet |
For the 1936-37 season, Bousquet put a focus on making the trails skiable with minimal snow by removing rocks, growing grass and hay, and planting trees to reduce wind. In addition, the upper mountain rope tow was finally constructed. Bousquet told The Berkshire Eagle, "Next year we will be able to tell them in New York that there's good skiing at Bousquet's after we have the first two inches of snow, and we'll continue to have skiing until all of the snow is off the ground." Unfortunately, the winter of 1936-37 was virtually snow free, as the first skiable snow didn't arrive until the middle of March. Skiing started during a blizzard on March 16, including night skiing under recently installed mercury vapor lights. Though snow was adequate for skiing for a few weeks, Bousquet often discouraged skiers from using the slopes on account of dangerously firm conditions.
A third rope tow was added for the 1937-38 season to serve the growing crowds. With concern for safety, Bousquet installed devices at the top of the lifts to automatically stop the machinery if a skier did not unload in time.
At one point in early January, nearly 90% of the vehicles in the parking lot had out of state plates. By this point, Bousquet had a staff of 30 to operate the ski area. Though a late January day attracted 2,500 skiers, the subpar winter season ended on February 22.
A fourth rope tow was added for the 1938-39 season, giving Bousquet the claim of the "most mechanized ski center in the East" with its 7,200 person uphill capacity. The Hartford Courant declared the area "one of America's finest ski developments." The tows consumed 200 gallons of fuel on a typical busy day. In addition to the new lift, the ski area also featured improved parking in conjunction with a Works Progress Administration project that connected Tamarack Road with Barker Road. By allowing the road to be one-way, roadside parking could be allowed so that "no one will be required to walk more than five minutes from their cars to the trails."
Though the 1938-39 season had an early start thanks to a Thanksgiving blizzard, a subsequent lack of snow prevented any skiing until January 30.
A new upper mountain trail was cut for the 1939-40 season with the goal of better distributing skier traffic. The new trail was described as being located in a natural trough with a 22-degree maximum pitch for more advanced skiers. The popular ski area reportedly recorded as many 4,000 skiers in one day.
A fifth rope tow was added for the 1940-41 season, located between the Russell Slope and Paul's Clearing and geared toward improving night skiing operations.
World War II
Bousquet circa 1941 |
Investments continued for 1941, including lengthening the East Slope rope tow and smoothing terrain. The largest investment was a new 41 by 61 foot base lodge, complete with a large fireplace built from bricks from old kilns on the farm. Bousquet was dealt a double-whammy that winter, with the United States entrance into World War II coinciding with poor snowfall.
As the 1942-43 season arrived, Bousquet was fighting to stay in business. Though it appeared he would be able to procure gas for the rope tows after a receiving initial word from the Office of Price Administration and Congressman Treadway, the Pittsfield Rationing Board rejected his application. As a result, Bousquet was forced to significantly scale back operations, running one rope tow on weekends and holidays using what little gas that remained. Meanwhile, with busses shut down and pleasure driving banned, Bousquet improved a cross country ski trail from the railroad station to the ski area. Other skiers arrived on foot, via horse and buggy, and by bicycle.
By this point, Bousquet's oldest son Russell had become his assistant mechanic at the ski area. Upon graduating high school in 1943, Russell Bousquet entered into naval cadet aviation training. He would not return until after the war.
The gas situation improved slightly for the 1943-44 season, as the local fairground loaned Bousquet a generator that ran off non-rationed heating fuel. The area enjoyed another Thanksgiving weekend opening. Later in the winter, Bousquet resumed night skiing at the request of the Mt. Greylock Ski Club. Though pre-war numbers were not achieved, one February day saw 1,300 skiers enjoying four operating rope tows.
With the end of the war nearing, improvements were made for the 1944-45 season, including the development of a new beginner area. Twin rope tows were installed, bringing Bousquet's total count to seven. George Maynard directed the ski school.
The first post-war season started with a foot of snow and a December 1 start. A thaw then took away the early snow, postponing subsequent operations until Christmas time.
Rope Tow Dynasty
The Bousquet Ski Tow Rope Gripper Patent |
Meanwhile, Clarence Bousquet was trying his hand as an inventor, designing a rope tow gripper. His 1939 filing was patented on January 28, 1941, publication number US2230024 A. The C.J. Bousquet Ski Tow Rope Gripper resulted in hundreds of thousands of sales, making rope tow riding dramatically easier for skiers all over.
Growth continued following World War II, as Bousquet sported 10 rope tows for the 1947-48 season. Growth also continued at competing areas, however, as Catamount expanded to 11 tows in 1949 and areas up north started installing chairlifts, T-Bars, and even a tramway. Meanwhile, sons Paul and Russell started managing the ski area.
New Lifts
The Summit Double |
Bousquet was sold to Don Soviero circa 1956. Soviero made an immediate splash by installing a foot 2,500 T-Bar, served by snowmaking. A new canteen and ski shop also debuted. Thanks in part to the snowmaking, the area operated for 82 days that season.
Two Poma lifts were installed for the 1957-58 season, further modernizing the operation. Snowmaking was also tripled, as Bousquet would claim to be the world's largest machine-made snow facility for some time. In addition, Soviero brought in legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright to transform Bousquet and adjacent land into a Sun Valley-like four season resort. Unfortunately for Soviero, the financial supporters of the project backed out before it could see the light of day.
Bousquet stepped into the chairlift age in 1962-63 with the installation of a Carlevaro & Savio double.
Clarence Bousquet passed away on October 22, 1966 at the age of 77.
Soviero likely sold the area prior to the 1967-68 season to a group of local businessmen. Paul Bousquet returned from Killington to purchase the ski area with a group of partners for the 1968-69 season.
A 2,600 square foot base lodge addition was constructed for the 1972-73 season.
A second double chairlift was installed for the 1980-81 season. Unfortunately for ownership, they soon found themselves foreclosed on by First Agricultural Bank.
Night skiing (2004) |
The Jervas Era
In 1981, Four Skiers Enterprises, led by former Butternut employee George Jervas, purchased Bousquet.
Jervas rolled out a summer operation circa the 1990s that included water slides, go carts, and a climbing wall. An aerial adventure park was added in the summer of 2011.
Mt. Greylock as seen from the top of the ski area (2016) |
Circa 2002, a Hall double chairlift was purchased from nearby Eastover and gradually installed at Bousquet, eventually being completed for the 2004-05 season.
Around that time, Jervas suffered a stroke. Citing his health, he put Bousquet up for sale, but was unable to find a buyer. At the age of 76, Jervas suffered a fatal heart attack on August 20, 2012 while at work at Bousquet. His long-time partner Sherry Roberts inherited the ski area and was able to rally the troops to open the ski area for the 2012-13 season. Roberts vowed to keep Bousquet alive.
After years of struggling to keep Bousquet going, Roberts found a buyer. In the spring of 2020, Mill Town Capital acquired Bousquet, keeping the historic mountain in local hands. The owners of Berkshire East and Catamount were brought in to help transform and operate the area. Major investments were made that summer and fall, including massive snowmaking improvements and the replacement of the aging Summit Double with a more modern triple chairlift.
NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
Image Gallery
Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Maps
Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass
| 2020s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2020-21 | $67.00 |  | $449.00 | | 6.7 days | January 9 | | | | | | 2019-20 | $47.00 | | $399.00 | | 8.5 days | December 19 | March 14 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $47.00 | | $399.00 | | 8.5 days | January 8 | March 17 | | | | | 2017-18 | $47.00 | | $399.00 | | 8.5 days | December 20 | March 31 | | | | | 2016-17 | $45.00 | | $399.00 | | 8.9 days | December 15 | March 26 | | | | | 2015-16 | $45.00 | | $399.00 | | 8.9 days | January 6 | March 13 | | | | | 2014-15 | $45.00 | | $389.00 | | 8.6 days | December 3 | | | | | | 2013-14 | $45.00 | | $375.00 | | 8.3 days | December 12 | March 29 | | | | | 2012-13 | $42.00 | | $350.00 | | 8.3 days | December 22 | | | | | | 2011-12 | $42.00 | | $350.00 | | 8.3 days | December 14 | | | | | | 2010-11 | $37.00 | | $325.00 | | 8.8 days | December 9 | April 3 | | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2008-09 | | | | | | November 21 | | | | | | 2007-08 | $37.00 | | $325.00 | | 8.8 days | | | | | | | 2006-07 | $32.00 | | $325.00 | | 10.2 days | | | | | | | 2005-06 | $32.00 | | $325.00 | | 10.2 days | | | | | | | 2004-05 | $30.00 | | | | | | March 26 | | | | | 2003-04 | $25.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 2001-02 | $25.00 | | | | | December 23 | | | | | | 2000-01 | $25.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1999-00 | $25.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1994-95 | | | | | | | March 26 | | | | | 1993-94 | | | | | | | April 3 | | | | | 1992-93 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1991-92 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1990-91 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1989-90 | $24.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1988-89 | $24.00 | | | | | December 10 | | | | | | 1987-88 | $22.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1986-87 | $21.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1985-86 | $18.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1984-85 | $16.00 | | | | | November 23 | | | | | | 1983-84 | $16.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1982-83 | $16.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1981-82 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1980-81 | $15.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1979-80 | $12.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1978-79 | $11.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1977-78 | | | | | | December 6 | | | | | | 1976-77 | $9.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1975-76 | $9.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1974-75 | $9.00 | | | | | November 30 | | | | | | 1973-74 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1972-73 | $8.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1971-72 | $7.50 | | $100.00 | | 13.3 days | November 27 | | | | | | 1970-71 | $7.00 | | | | | December 12 | April 4 | | | | | 1969-70 | $6.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | $6.00 | | $75.00 | | 12.5 days | | March 30 | | | | | 1967-68 | $6.00 | | $75.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | | | 1966-67 | $6.00 | | $75.00 | | 12.5 days | | | | | | | 1965-66 | $6.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1964-65 | $5.50 | | $75.00 | | 13.6 days | | | | | | | 1963-64 | $5.50 | | $75.00 | | 13.6 days | | | | | | | 1962-63 | $5.50 | | | | | December 15 | | | | | | 1961-62 | $4.00 | | $45.00 | | 11.3 days | December 17 | March 29 | | | | | 1960-61 | $4.00 | | | | | December 17 | | | | | | 1959-60 | $4.00 | | | | | | March 27 | | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | | | | | | December 7 | | | | | | 1957-58 | $4.00 | | | | | December 14 | April 5 | 35,000 | | | | 1956-57 | | | | | | December 15 | | 30,000 | | | | 1955-56 | | | | | | November 27 | March 8 | | | | | 1954-55 | | | | | | January 22 | | | | | | 1953-54 | $2.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1952-53 | | | | | | January 3 | | | | | | 1950-51 | | | | | | December 30 | | | | | | 1949-50 | | | | | | December 10 | | | | |
| 1940s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1945-46 | | | | | | December 1 | | | | | | 1943-44 | | | | | | November 27 | | | | | | 1940-41 | | | | | | November 28 | | | | |
| 1930s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1938-39 | | | | | | November 26 | | | | | | 1937-38 | $1.00 | | | | | | February 22 | | | | | 1936-37 | | | | | | March 16 | April 4 | | | | | 1935-36 | | | | | | January 12 | | | | |
Visitor Memories
| "I remember the Ski Trains; the station was down behind Lipton’s. My Dad, Jack Seely and Warren Sears would pick up the donuts for Bousquet’s and take me along during the asking attain days. I have skied 75 consecutive years at Bousquet’s and looking forward to 76 years in January on my 78 Birthday! I certainly remember the Bousquet Tow Gripper and still have one!" | | Bill Seely, Oct. 30, 2020 | | "This is where I learned to ski. We always had a good time. Need to get back out there again, just because....." | | Jane Botelho, Feb. 7, 2018 | | "Wow. Memories. Worked fro Court McDermott , my mentor fro 1963 - 1976 ........had my infamous flip on March 12, 1967..
" | | Jon Mahanna, Feb. 6, 2018 | | "I worked with George from the beginning for eight years and made a bunch of great friends George is missed" | | Lawrence Lavelle, Jan. 2, 2018 | | "I grew up skiing and racing at bousquet, I'm now a back country guide for steamboat Powdercats. Great memories of friends!" | | Kyle Pietras, Mar. 8, 2016 | | "growing up in Pittsfield in the 70's I could see Bousquet from my bedroom window. First place I ever skied and continue to do so to this day. Will always support Sherry and Bousquet." | | Bill O'Gara, Mar. 8, 2016 |
|
External Links
Bousquet Mountain - official site
|
Last updated: December 26, 2020
|
