Hartland Mountain
Hartland, Connecticut
Proposed in the 1940s
Overview
During the 1940s, New Hampshire had captured the attention of other states with its development of Cannon and Sunapee as lift-served, state owned ski areas. The Connecticut State Park and Forest Commission, led by Chairman George C. Waldo, put some consideration into undertaking a similar effort.
While Hartland Mountain in Hartland had a ski trail, a larger development may have been considered. The vertical drop of the area would have likely been around 700 feet.
It is not known how serious or advanced this proposal was, but it is thought the lift served development on Mohawk Mountain in 1947 may have ended talk of the Hartland Mountain proposal.
1946 USGS topographical map of Hartland Mountain
Today
The Tunxis Forest Ski Cabin still stands and is listed on the Register of Historic Places.
A 2009 map of Hartland Mountain
Quotes
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Among Connecticut skiers there has been some talk, or possibly wishful thinking, about a large skiing area in the state including an Alpine lift, rope tows, practice slopes, and instructors. The idea is to provide for skiers the same type of partially self-supporting recreation area as many cities provide for golfers. Because of the nature of a ski area it would have to come under state supervision. The initial outlay would probably be from fifty to a hundred thousand dollars.
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R. D. Britton, 1942
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Arguments for such an area are that localities such as Norfolk or Hartland have as heavy a snowfall as many of the public developments in New York and Massachusetts, and that the exercise which skiing provides is an excellent body builder for the youngsters and much needed relaxation for their parents.
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R. D. Britton, 1942
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The Tunxis run is seven-tenths of a mile long, drops about 700 feet, and is recommended for the intermediate class of skiers
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Hartford Courant, 1945
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Shelter facilities at the Tunxis run include a cabin without windows but with a fireplace.
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Hartford Courant, 1945
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Resources
Britton, R.D. "Along The Ski Trails" Hartford Courant. 21 Jan. 1942.
"Three Runs For Skiers Are Ready" Hartford Courant. 29 Dec. 1945.
Last updated: November 23, 2012
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