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Thunderbolt Ski Area
Adams, Massachusetts
Proposed in the 1950s
| Overview |
 As the highest peak in Massachusetts, Mt. Greylock has a rich skiing history. In addition to being home to one of the countries oldest ski areas (the Mt. Greylock Ski Club on the west side), it is also home to one of the most storied alpine ski trails - the Thunderbolt.
In 1958, a small 30 acre, 1,200' long rope tow area was located on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Greylock, off Gould Road. At one point, a massive expansion was planned, including 220 more acres of skiing, a 4,000 foot 'Alpine Lift,' novice to expert trails up to 1.5 miles long, a new 'Rustic Lodge' with 'sleeping accomedations' (sic) for 200, and a 'Modern Restaurant' and ski shop. The developer was Roger Picard of Adams, MA. It is likely that this proposal eventually evolved into the Greylock Glen development.
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| Today |
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Other than some open fields, there are no known remains of the Thunderbolt Ski Area.
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| Quotes |
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A new ski area at the foot of one of the East's oldest and most famous racing trails offers rope-tow, open slope skiing for this winter and the promise of a full-fledged lift area in the near future
Named the Thunderbolt Ski Area, it is located on the 300-acre Louis Picard farm, where climbers have left their cars for the last 25 years, as they headed for Greylock's 3505-foot summit and a run down the state's only Class A racing trail.
Roger Picard, 22-year old son of the land owner, is the developer of the new area, which starts at the 1,400-foot level. Picard captained the Adams High School ski team in 1953.
Work this year will be limited to a 1,200-foot rope tow, running to the top of a 40-acre, stone-free open slope. It will be skiable on four inches of snow.
Future plans call for extending the rope tow another 1,000 feet and the installation of a 4,000 foot Alpine lift, serving the Thunderbolt and new trails, which could be cut up to 1 1/2 miles long.
The Picard barn, 78 by 30 feet, can be converted to a lodge, with dormitory accommodations for 200 and a restaurant and ski shop, said young Picard, who works in Pittsfield as a hairdresser.
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John Hitchcock, Eastern Ski Bulletin, January 10, 1958
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| Images |
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| Resources |
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Mount Greylock - New England's Alpine CCC Ski Trails
Mount Greylock - Wikipedia
What is Greylock Glen - Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Winter Work: The CCC and New England Skiing Chronology - New England Ski Museum
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| Feedback |
Do you have any additional information about Thunderbolt Ski Area?
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