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A 3,556 foot peak located near the southern border of Vermont, Mount Snow is one of the best known ski mountains in the Northeast.
Mount Pisgah Becomes Mount Snow
The Mixing Bowl in 1956 |
As the story goes, Walt Schoenknecht visited a snow covered Mt. Pisgah in Vermont on October 2, 1946 and decided he would one day build a world class ski area there. Walt then operated Brodie, MA that winter and then developed Mohawk, CT the following season.
In searching for a world class resort, Schoenknecht was looking for three characteristics. Firstly, it would need to be accessible. Secondly, it would need to have a long season. Thirdly, it needed to have varying terrain over multiple peaks or faces. Mt. Pisgah fit perfectly.
Circa May 1953, Schoenknecht purchased 500 acres of land on Mt. Pisgah from the family of Reuben Snow for $15,000. Snow's name would eventually be used as the name of the new ski area as well as the government recognized name for the mountain.
Initially a $4 million project, the ski area opened in late fall 1954 (actual dates of first operation vary depending upon the source) with two unique, chain-driven double chairlifts and a rope tow, serving five trails and two slopes. 1954-55 proved to be a 'sensational' year in terms of snowfall, thus helping push Mount Snow into a strong sophomore year expansion. As Schoenknecht later told Sports Illustrated, "a skier won't let you stand still...you must provide something new, something tremendously exciting every year to get him back."
For its second year, Mt. Snow added its longest chairlift yet, a 3,800 foot chain double chairlift. The new chairlift pushed Mt. Snow over the 1,700 foot mark in advertised vertical drop, making it one of the largest ski areas in the northeast. The snowfall was once again abundant, with the ski area reportedly staying open into May.
Business Booms
The Mount Snow summit circa the late 1950s |
For the 1956-57 season, the South Bowl slope was opened and the beginner Mixing Bowl chain double chairlift was installed. Locally, the positive effects of suddenly having a large ski area were felt. Hourly wages in town reportedly increased by 25 to 50%. Gas stations saw 500% increases in gallons pumped. Property values soared.
Another bottom to top chain lift combination was installed in 1957 and 1958, as the Sap Bucket and South Bowl double chairlift lifts were constructed. Also during this time period, a "test trail," called the Jaws of Death, was cut. Three expert trails officially debuted in the new North Face complex for the 1959-60 season, though a long trek back to the main mountain was required for the next few years due to the lack of a lift. In addition, the famous Long John Trail was also built for the 1959-60 season.
Meanwhile, a new swimming pool debuted for the 1958-59 season, with water heated to 96 degrees during the winter.
The new Sun Dance base area (1960s) |
Now billing itself as the World's Largest, Most Exciting Ski Resort, Mount Snow debuted its new Sun Dance base area for the 1960-61 season with a new double chairlift and lodge. After years of complaints about noise and dripping oil from the chain chairlifts, the Sun Dance and Beaver double chairlifts installed this year were of traditional design, built by Carlevaro & Savio.
Meanwhile, a private ski club named Carinthia opened south of the Sun Dance area during the 1960-61 season. Developed by Walter Stugger, Carinthia would remain a surface lift only area for near the first two decades of its existence.
Additional Carlevaro & Savio double chairlifts were installed at Mount Snow for 1961 and 1963, the latter of which finally provided lift service to the expert North Face area.
The Mount Snow summit circa the 1960s |
Considering his 10 year plan complete after only 8 years, Walt Schoenknecht pitched a new 20 year plan following the 1962-63 season. By the mid-1970s, he planned to have 21 double chairlifts, 6 gondolas, 4 tramways, and 6 trail complexes, with the capacity to handle 40,000 skiers per day. The overall estimated price tag for the development was $75-$85 million. As part of the conversation, he (jokingly or not) suggested using an atomic bomb to lower the base elevation of part of the mountain, in order to increase the vertical drop.
Struggling with back problems, Schoenknecht loathed taking his skis off. As such, he devised a skis-on gondola for Mount Snow. His $900,000 G1 'Telecabine' two person gondola (also known as a bubble chairlift) debuted in March 1965. Also that spring, the Air Car opened, a short Carlevaro & Savio tramway connecting the Snow Lake Lodge to the ski area. In addition, 1964-65 saw the debut of the massive geyser in Snow Lake, which frozen into Fountain Mountain in the colder months. In subsequent seasons, last season skiing was featured on the man made feature.
The Mount Snow base area circa the 1960s |
A new 'luxury' ski area popped up down the road from Mount Snow in 1964-65. Complete with a wine and cheese shop, Haystack Mountain opened with ambitious long term plans. Though the upper mountain at Haystack opened the following season, much of the planned luxury remained on the drawing board.
A fourth floor was added to the Mount Snow base lodge in 1967, while an exotic outdoor heated pool was constructed at Snow Lake Lodge.
Fountain Mountain circa the late 1960s |
Starting around 1968, work began on yet another trail complex, later known as Sunbrook.
Early on Sunday morning, January 19, 1969, the Mount Snow summit lodge burned to the ground.
Mount Snow's second Telecabine gondola, the G2, was installed for the 1969-70 season, further increasing uphill capacity. In addition, the new Sunbrook complex made its debut later that season.
Financial Woes
Snow Lake and the Air Car circa the late 1960s or early 1970s |
Mount Snow started to run into financial problems as a result of the capital expenditures and increased energy costs. In the middle of the 1970-71 season, a merger with Davos, Inc. was announced. Walt Schoenknecht stayed on board for a few years, but returned solely to Mohawk likely following the 1973-74 season.
Energy issues and multiple bad winters forced Mount Snow into bankruptcy in 1975. First Wisconsin Mortgage Trust and North American Mortgage Investors ended up taking control of the ski area and worked to find a buyer. Mount Snow was eventually purchased by the Sherburne Corp. in 1977 for $4.5 million. The ski area was later rolled into S-K-I Ltd. (1984), American Ski Company (1996), and Peak Resorts (2007).
Shortly after acquiring the area, Sherburne invested in Mount Snow's first triple chairlift. The 7,370 foot long Yan was ironically advertised as providing "quick and easy" access to the summit, despite a long ride time. Expensive features deemed unnecessary to the ski operation were removed, such as the Air Car, Fountain Mountain, and the Japanese pools.
Expansion by Acquisition
The Yankee Clipper circa the early 1990s |
The adjacent Carinthia ski area was absorbed into Mount Snow in 1986. Nearby Haystack Mountain ski area was added (though never connected) shortly thereafter and would remain aligned with Mount Snow until being sold in 2005.
Not wanting to be left behind the growth curve of its northern competitors, Mount Snow's first high speed quad chairlift was installed for the 1987-88 season. Installed by Yan, the Yankee Clipper was nicknamed the Yankee Slipper due to considerable technological problems encountered (including having to reportedly run the lift for an hour before opening each day in order to get chair spacing correct).
After years of struggling with the Yankee Clipper, Mount Snow eventually installed new high speed quad chairlifts in 1996 and 1997, while also having Poma rebuild the troubled Yan lift. Meanwhile, the last of Walt's chain chairlifts was removed in 1997.
The Bluebird Express (2016) |
While the overall footprint of the ski area has remained steady in recent years, critical upgrades have been rolled out for both the snowmaking and lift systems. Once again remaining cutting edge, Mount Snow installed New England's first high speed six pack bubble chairlift in 2011.
In January 2014, it was announced that Mt. Snow had been approved for taking part in the EB-5 program.
Under the EB-5 program, a foreigner can invest $1 million in an approved United States business (which must then create jobs), in exchange for a green card. With Vermont labeled a Targeted Employment Area, the minimum investment is cut in half to $500,000, making participating rural businesses such as Mount Snow more attractive. Mt. Snow's initial EB-5 plans were to attract over $50 million in capital to fund snowmaking improvements and a new Carinthia base lodge.
While ground was broken on the new West Lake snowmaking reservoir in 2015, the project was delayed due to EB-5 issues. In 2017, the new reservoir went online while the new Carinthia base lodge opened in 2018.
On September 24, 2019, Vail Resorts acquired Mount Snow and the rest of Peak Resorts. Months later, Mount Snow had its earliest modern closing date, as COVID-19 fears shut down the area on March 14.
As part of its Epic Lift Upgrade, Vail Resorts announced Mount Snow's largest-ever lift construction season for 2022, replacing the Sundance Triple and Tumbleweed Triple with a high speed six pack and the Sunbrook Quad with a high speed quad.
NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
| Month |
Average Percent of Terrain Open |
| November | 13% (5 reports) |  | | December | 56% (22 reports) | | | January | 64% (17 reports) | | | February | 84% (13 reports) | | | March | 77% (20 reports) | | | April | 68% (6 reports) | |
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| Recent Conditions Reports |
 | Mar. 18, 2023 by indyskier29
Variable Conditions, Spring Snow |
 | Jan. 19, 2022 by bostonbob
Packed Powder, Loose Granular |
| Dec. 31, 2021 by indyskier29
Variable Conditions, Spring Snow |
| Feb. 28, 2021 by nhalex
Frozen Granular, Loose Granular |
 | Feb. 22, 2021 by nhalex
Powder, Frozen Granular |
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| Mount Snow on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com |
NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
| Recent Articles |
| Southern Vermont Lift Construction in Home Stretch - Oct. 16, 2022 | | Loon, Mount Snow Name New General Managers - Mar. 16, 2022 | | Vail Announces Four New Lifts for 2022 - Sep. 24, 2021 | | Fire at Mount Snow Mountain Operations Building - Jun. 5, 2019 | | State Permitting Hampers Vermont Projects - Aug. 20, 2018 | | Kelly Pawlak Departing Mount Snow to Become NSAA President - Oct. 11, 2017 | | Mount Snow Snowmaking, Trail, and Lodge Construction Continues - Sep. 26, 2017 | | EB-5 Funded Projects Gearing Up at Mount Snow - Jun. 16, 2017 | | Government Approves Peak Resorts I-526 Petition, Unlocking Escrow Account - Dec. 13, 2016 | | Peak Resorts Quarterly Report Reveals Growing Losses, Debt - Dec. 8, 2016 | | Mount Snow NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News Page |
Expansion History
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 |
| 2023-24 | $179.14 | | $795.00 | | 4.4 days | November 23 | April 21 | | | | | 2022-23 | $153.70 | | $735.00 | | 4.8 days | November 20 | April 23 | | | | | 2021-22 | $136.74 | | $619.00 | | 4.5 days | November 26 | April 24 | | | | | 2020-21 | $126.14 | | $849.00 | | 6.7 days | November 25 | April 18 | | | | | 2019-20 | $118.00 | | $739.00 | | 6.3 days | November 13 | March 14 | | | |
| 2010s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2018-19 | $110.00 | | $1129.00 | | 10.3 days | October 27 | April 14 | | | | | 2017-18 | $100.00 | | $999.00 | | 10.0 days | November 11 | April 22 | | | | | 2016-17 | $95.00 | | $999.00 | | 10.5 days | November 23 | April 16 | | | | | 2015-16 | $95.00 | | $1329.00 | | 14.0 days | November 26 | April 3 | | | | | 2014-15 | $90.00 | | $1329.00 | | 14.8 days | November 21 | April 19 | 500,000 | | | | 2013-14 | $85.00 | | $1279.00 | | 15.0 days | November 15 | April 13 | 468,900 | | | | 2012-13 | $83.00 | | $1249.00 | | 15.0 days | November 22 | April 21 | | | | | 2011-12 | $83.00 | | $1249.00 | | 15.0 days | December 10 | March 25 | | | | | 2010-11 | $79.00 | | $1199.00 | | 15.2 days | November 25 | April 16 | 466,200 | | | | 2009-10 | $75.00 | | $1049.00 | | 14.0 days | December 7 | April 11 | 447,100 | | |
| 2000s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 2008-09 | $75.00 | | $1049.00 | | 14.0 days | November 22 | April 19 | 418,313 | | | | 2007-08 | $72.00 | | $949.00 | | 13.2 days | November 10 | April 27 | 408,218 | | | | 2006-07 | $72.00 | | $1458.00 | | 20.3 days | | April 15 | 347,469 | | | | 2005-06 | $69.00 | | $1300.00 | | 18.8 days | November 24 | April 9 | 430,000 | | | | 2004-05 | $67.00 | | $1100.00 | | 16.4 days | | April 10 | 524,000 | | | | 2003-04 | $64.00 | | $1349.00 | | 21.1 days | | April 11 | 490,000 | | | | 2002-03 | $61.00 | | | | | | | 546,000 | | | | 2001-02 | $56.00 | | | | | | | 472,000 | | | | 2000-01 | $55.00 | | | | | | | 558,000 | | | | 1999-00 | | | | | | | April 9 | 513,000 | | |
| 1990s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1998-99 | $52.00 | | $1229.00 | | 23.6 days | November 7 | | 513,000 | | | | 1997-98 | $51.45 | | $1149.00 | | 22.3 days | November 14 | | 602,000 | | | | 1996-97 | $49.00 | | | | | November 2 | | 517,356 | | | | 1995-96 | | | | | | October 31 | May 1 | 510,533 | | | | 1994-95 | $45.00 | | | | | November 11 | April 16 | 425,739 | | | | 1993-94 | $43.00 | | | | | | | 432,149 | | | | 1992-93 | $41.00 | | | | | | | 550,659 | | | | 1991-92 | $40.00 | | | | | November 9 | | 483,954 | | | | 1990-91 | $39.00 | | | | | | | 427,795 | | | | 1989-90 | $36.00 | | | | | | | 470,874 | | |
| 1980s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1988-89 | $34.00 | | | | | October 31 | April 16 | 471,595 | | | | 1987-88 | $32.00 | | | | | November 7 | | | | | | 1986-87 | $30.00 | | | | | November 5 | | | | | | 1984-85 | $26.00 | | $575.00 | | 22.1 days | November 9 | | | | | | 1983-84 | $25.00 | | $550.00 | | 22.0 days | | | | | | | 1982-83 | $23.00 | | $525.00 | | 22.8 days | | | | | | | 1981-82 | | | | | | November 12 | | | | | | 1979-80 | $17.00 | | $397.00 | | 23.4 days | | | | | |
| 1970s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1978-79 | $15.00 | | | | | November 22 | | | | | | 1977-78 | | | | | | November 20 | April 23 | | | | | 1976-77 | $12.00 | | $325.00 | | 27.1 days | November 29 | | 209,000 | | | | 1975-76 | $12.00 | | | | | November 27 | | | | | | 1974-75 | $12.00 | | | | | November 28 | April 20 | | | | | 1973-74 | $11.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1972-73 | $11.00 | | | | | November 17 | | | | | | 1971-72 | $11.00 | | $190.00 | | 17.3 days | | | | | | | 1970-71 | $10.00 | | | | | | | 322,000 | | | | 1969-70 | $10.00 | | | | | | | | | |
| 1960s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1968-69 | $8.50 | | | | | November 16 | | | | | | 1967-68 | $8.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1966-67 | $8.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1965-66 | $6.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1964-65 | $6.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1963-64 | $6.50 | | | | | | | | | | | 1962-63 | $6.50 | | | | | December 7 | | | | | | 1961-62 | $6.50 | | | | | December 17 | April 25 | | | | | 1960-61 | $6.50 | | | | | December 13 | | | | |
| 1950s |
Ticket Price |
Season Pass Price |
Pass Payback |
Opening Day |
Closing Day |
Skier Visits |
| 1958-59 | $5.00 | | | | | | | | | | | 1957-58 | | | | | | December 4 | April 23 | | | | | 1956-57 | | | | | | December 1 | | | | | | 1955-56 | | | | | | | May 7 | | | | | 1954-55 | | | | | | December 12 | | | | |
1997-2005 skier visit figures include Haystack
Visitor Memories
| "I worked at Snow Lake Lodge during the 1971/72 & 1972/73 seasons. The first year as a maintenance man which included plowing the the parking lots of the 3 Mt Snow hotels as well as picking up guests (mostly high school & college students) at the bus stop in Wilmington on Friday nights & taking them back on Sunday. The 2nd season I was a bellhop at the Snow Lake Lodge.
The best part was we got a Mt Snow “ski bum” season pass (couldn’t ski Saturday & Sunday morning) & my schedule was very flexible (I had to put 48 hours in over the 7 day week so I would work 12 hours on Friday & Sunday) that I got 60 days of skiing in my first season. The Snow Lake Lodge “air car” was very convenient because I could get all the hotel parking lot plowing done in the morning, then ski after lunch on the new snow.
Haven’t done any skiing (I’m now only a Spring skier) during Covid due to local limited hours at Mt Wachusett in Central Mass but hopefully things will be back to normal in March/April 2023 so I can get back on “the boards”; not the 215 cm Head Masters skis with Look Nevada bindings I had during the 1971/72 season but now 190 cm Atomic skis that I got around 1995, or so. I’m waiting to see if this “short ski” craze will catch on before I buy new skis." | | Bill Bonczek , Aug. 4, 2022 | | "I worked at Mt Snow at both the stables and base lodge in the early 70's. Stayed at a group of 3 chalets past where the horse stables used to be owned by a local man named Ira. Remember some great singers and characters from the area . Sweet Pie, Ray Frazio etc . Wonder if a special friend Charles Ward is still around. Thank you all for the great memories. I lived in both West Dover and Wilmington VT. " | | Donna Parisi, Jul. 12, 2022 | | "In the early 1970's I "taught" my 2 children to ski on the baby slope of Mt. Snow. Being the least well coordinated human being on earth, I had to take a valium before facing the baby slope. Of course, they learned quickly and rapidly moved onto Intermediate skiing and with a great sigh of relief I promptly quit skiing forever." | | Claudette Hollenbeck, Jan. 19, 2022 | | "I worked in the office at Mt. Snow the fall/winter of 1966-67.
Walter S., Harvey C., Jim Boyle were my bosses. I was 18 years old, from Michigan, and Mt. Snow was my first job out of High School. I lived at Snow Lake Lodge the first month and then in Wilmington, VT. Every day at lunch, I would ride the gondola up and ski down once, then back to work. Skied all day every day off. I remember the Snow Barn, the lake, One full moon night a friend and I climbed Haystack Mountain in the dark. I have come back to the area a few times and always am filled with fond memories of my time at Mt. Snow." | | Mary Fulkerson, Jan. 2, 2022 | | "I first learned to ski at Carinthia in the early 60's. My family then graduated to Mt.Snow I remember vividly the slow chain driven chairlifts and the long lines. I remember Walter giving out cookies to people waiting in the G1 line. I remmber fountain mountain, the aero car coming from Snow Lake Lodge, the 2 bubble chairs,the trailmap sign and the horse drawn sleigh rides. I was there when Jean Claude Killy and the pros raced down Exhibition. I saw Spider Sabich and his girlfreind Claudine Longet there.Great memories. I just retired and hope to ski there again after 35 years.
" | | kevin pauloz, Aug. 23, 2021 | | "Learned to ski here in 1966. Have been back many times . My parents started coming here in the early 1960’s. I remember the outdoor pool. " | | Arie Neumann, Jun. 25, 2021 | | "My family moved to West Dover in 1962. My first job at age 13. I was the switchboard operator at Mount Snow working in the office of Walt Schoenknect. I had never worked before and didn't even know what a switchboard was. I did cut off quite a few calls. I got paid $1 an hour.
" | | Jane Slocomb, Jun. 25, 2021 | | "I really enjoy reading and interacting here.
I would like to thank the host for maintaining this site and all the work that must go into it.
I wish more MT. Snow alumnus were aware of it's existence as I'm sure they would interact. Any thoughts as to how we could promote interest?" | | Dave Patenaude, May. 29, 2021 | | "A few years ago, one of the local architects introduced me to the woods on the backside of Mount Snow. We were both on snowboards, it was a good day when I return to Mount Snow week or two later I was skiing solo. I went down the backside but unfortunately went way too far down the backside way past the lift and got totally lost. I thought I was going to be lost for four days. But I heard the sound of distant snowmobile’s and followed the sound. I eventually found the snowmobile trail, and
When the first snowmobile arrived, he stopped and said “what the hell are you doing down here.â€" | | Greg Morell, Mar. 24, 2021 | | "I am 68 years old and continue to ski. I learned to ski from Peg S. Many many years ago. I was so lucky to have been in her girl scout troop. She took us many times to both mohawk and Mt. Snow. We would actually get to sleep in the attic of Mohawk. What fun we had. One year there was a blizArd and there was so much snow we couldnt ski but we were able to jump off the roof.Thank you to the Shchoenkechts for all the wonderful memories!" | | Pattti Nelson Ardolino, Feb. 25, 2021 | | "I was just watching a Ski School video and memories of "Ski School" days at Dover Elementary School came back to me. I think it was Wednesday afternoons (but not sure) That the bus came after lunch to pick up the students that had signed up for ski school. I do not think any of the ski school team focussed on class work that day. We were a slightly excited group that could not wait to get to the mountain to ski (Mount Snow). The ski class structure was very loose and those that preferred were allowed to train "freestyle" which meant we were set loose on the mountain. I have to say we respected our freedom followed rules and returned at the required time to end the class. Several of us lived at the base and could walk/ski home after class. I'm not sure I appreciated what we were given at the time but as I look back I realize how fortunate we all were." | | Dave Patenaude, Feb. 14, 2021 | | "I grew up skiing mt snow. My dad dick kelly worked at deacons den and security at the snow barn, and stepmom worked christine as a bartender at cousins and snow lake lodge. All these posts bring back a lot of memories!!" | | Jennifer Kelly, Feb. 10, 2021 | | "Laura & Manny,
What great memories. Thank you for sharing." | | Dave Patenaude, Oct. 23, 2020 | | "Happy memories of On The Rocks Lodge. We stayed there 1962-645 Orla & Margaret were fabulous hosts. The best oatmeal!! Games in the evening. around the fireplace. Beautiful decor -we recall that Margaret sewed the drapes. Orla taught us to sing while we skied. Lace-up leather boots and wooden skis. Their Great Dane foster mothered a bunch of kittens and we brought home a calico, Bertie. She was with us 16 years. Orla, we hope you see this message & would love to hear back from you. Thanks for many happy memories. " | | Laura & Manny Bardash, Oct. 19, 2020 | | "Fond memories. Always my favorite ski area during the 60's. Loved the pool. Hated the drippy chain driven chairlifts.It could get cold there. Ski masks were a must. " | | Ralph Haskell, Sep. 26, 2020 | | "The first time I saw Mt.snow it was beautiful,so cool once in awhile I would see carinthia. One day I saw carinthia and I said I would love to ski a it someday." | | Sabina Canning, Apr. 10, 2020 | | "Hi, I just thought I'd keep this post active.
Reaching out to visitors, snowbums and anyone else with memories from Mount Snow. Wondering is Alfie, Brock, Sue or any of the old Snow Barn folks are out there. Do you all remember the season you started the skiing with cowboy hats? It became a fad.
Wondering if Dan the folk singer (who's bike had a plaque reading "Our Magic Pumpkin") is out there. A Jug Band played at the Barn many times called "The Giant Expanding Hat & Coat Rack" any of you out there?
Hope to hear from some of you!" | | Dave Patenaude, Feb. 9, 2020 | | "Early 60's, skied there a lot.Article did not mention indoor ice skating rink? Moved to Vermont,my kids learned to ski there. My son and friends were among first Snowboarders." | | Jay Karetnick, Jun. 13, 2019 | | "My wife Margaret and I came down from Canada in 1954. I was the first general manager and ski school director. The next several days were spent exploring the mountain. There were no wide ski trails cut, only narrow ones of short length. We had many men with chain saws and seven bull dosers making trails. Walt described the assembly line manufacturing overhead conveyor system using :I: bar monorail that he wanted me to use for the ski lifts. They were slow but capacity was high. Biggest problem was that they mixed fallen snow on the rail system with rust and oil, and really made a mess of clothing. I made canopies out of aluminum covering the skiers in their chair seats. Problem solved. That problem got us international coverage. We were referred to as Mount Griss. I built the lifts so that they followed ground contour which would make the riders more comfortable as they would be much closer to the surface. There were times the first year of operation that the snow would get so deep that I had to design a snow plow drag, mounted behind the chairs at fairly long intervals so the skis would not dig into the snow while going up the lift. The summer visitors really loved being close to the ground. After running Mt. Snow for several years, we built a year round inn, called On The Rocks Lodge and Harvey Clifford took over my position. We enjoyed many wonderful years in the Mt. Snow area. One son, Chris, still lives in the area. We have many, many fond memories of Mt. Snow. " | | Orla Larsen, Jan. 21, 2019 | | "Mt Snow was my babysitter in early 70's. I preferred indoor skating and outdoor swimming to skiing at the time. Season passes for local families were $35 for first child, $25 for second and $15 for third, I believe. Plus, Wilmington school kids skied free (with lessons and equipment) on Friday afternoons. Thank you for that, by the way! Throughout high school I worked for Nancy Alfaro with my chums at the Punkin' Patch nursery. Great memories at Mt Snow! I remember Walt. I remember fountain mountain, the fountain under base lodge stairs, mirrored upper deck at pool, best hamburgers EVER, fireworks, cute instructors, and much more. Without Mt Snow life in the area would have been different! Ps, I skied down Slalom Glades only þonce!" | | Susan Davis, Nov. 13, 2018 | | "Rob, Thank you and your family for many great memories. I grew up skiing at Mount Snow and took my daughters to Mohawk to learn to ski." | | Dave Patenaude, Aug. 13, 2018 | | "I grew up as Walt Schoenknecht's youngest son. My family is still active in the ski business. My sister Carol Lugar is an owner of Mohawk Mt.Ski Area in Connecticut. My niece, Cassie is an employee of Mohawk and instrumental in the day to day operation of the area. Keep SKIING! all for now.....Rob Schoenknecht...." | | Rob Schoenknecht, May. 20, 2018 | | "What a great mountain, with its superb cruisers and real steep stuff. I went to Hoosac School and once a winter we had a surprise Snow Day where the whole school would go to Mt Snow. One year we arrived after a huge dump and pretty much had the North Face to ourselves. " | | Stuart Cole, Jan. 17, 2018 | | "I skied MT Snow the first season they opened and remember having our 1950 Studebaker pulled out of the mud more than once. Remember the outdoor pool fountain mt yellow as it was. The old clunker lifts ruined your clothes before mid mt. with oil dripping and other stuff Walt was a inavator like no other and a pleasure to talk with enjoyed over 50 years skiing there" | | Edward Galvin, May. 13, 2016 | | "I have worked at Mount Snow for the past 3 years. I love it. I also learned to ski here when I was 3 years old. I have been ripping up Mount Snow ever since. " | | Madison Scott, Mar. 15, 2015 | | "My family visited Mt. Snow yearly for Christmas break in the 70s. One year we piled up with other kids and got about 14 of us into the Air Car from Snow Lake Lodge." | | John Kohl, Mar. 1, 2014 | | "My father John (Pat) Patenaude worked as a chef at Snow MT. Inn, Snow Lake Lodge for many years and in 1968 managed the Snow Barn Cafeteria with my mother. We lived in the apartment downstairs. I have wonderful memories of those days. Jame's did you by chance know my dad? Many of the ski bums stayed in the staff quarters at the Snow Barn. I can recall championship ping pong matches in the loft!" | | Dave Patenaude, Jan. 21, 2014 | | "My first few years as a ski bum (1961) I worked at the Snow Mt Inn (waiter), was a life guard at the pool (outside) and worked ski repairs at the base.Mt Snow was by far the best place to ski bum. We had great times during the weekly standard races.Great music in Wilmington. My last year was working as a waiter at Snow Lake, then with family headed out only to come back in 1990 as a patroler. Great times great mountain, greater people." | | james (Pepe) gariepy, Dec. 17, 2013 |
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External Links
Mount Snow - official site
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Last updated: April 19, 2022
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