Before the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum says farewell to the Searching for Vermont’s Lost Ski Areas Exhibit on October 19th, our popular Red Bench Speaker Series will kick off the season with a discussion about Underhill’s Lost-But-Not-Forgotten Ski Slopes on September 25th at 6PM.
Grant Allendorf and Roger Frey of the Underhill Historical Society will share the history of development of skiing on the western side of Mt. Mansfield in the late 1930’s when the Underhill Winter Sports Club worked with the State of Vermont and the Civilian Conservation Corps in cutting several trails, including the still popular Teardrop Trail. The club also built two 900-foot rope tows, a warming hut and a 40-meter ski jump before the onset of World War II derailed further development.
Jamie Ide will talk about his research on the skiing infrastructure on the Underhill side of Mt. Mansfield. By studying old maps and hiking the western flank of the mountain he has re-discovered part of the remaining ski area communication system, ski patrol, ski jump, and lift artifacts. He will share his maps and photos of his finds.
In the mid-40’s the Underhill Winter Sports Club was purchased by John Dubrow and Em and William Dubrow who renamed it Underhill Ski Bowl. Allendorf will show an entertaining short video of the Ski Bowl. Joining him to recall its heyday will be Suzy Abair, the Dubrow’s daughter who literally grew up at the ski area. She and Allendorf will talk about infrastructure improvements, but mostly about what made this beloved local ski area so special with its kids ski races, movie nights, school meets, Easter egg hunts, and more. And then sadly, they’ll recall why the area closed in 1981.
The evening will be moderated by Vermont ski historian Brian Lindner.
Join us with your questions and memories as we celebrate one of Vermont’s most beloved lost ski areas on Thursday, September 25th. Doors to the Museum at 1 South Main Street, Stowe, open at 6:00 PM, and guests are invited to explore the exhibits and socialize. The discussion begins at 6:30 PM. Event admission is $10 and can be purchased in advance. Your admission helps support the Museum's mission to “collect, preserve, and celebrate Vermont's rich skiing and snowboarding history.”
Thank you Red Bench Speaker Series sponsors, Spruce Peak, rk Miles, Sisler Builders, and Vermont Ski + Ride.
