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Powder Ridge
Middlefield, Connecticut
| Overview |
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Powder Ridge: South Area
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| South Area - 1972 - Abandoned |
The 747 quad chairlift (1970s) |
Shortly after the failed Powder Ridge Rock Festival, the ski area rolled out expansion plans to the local community. Though plans were initially blocked, a special permit was issued on early 1971.
Construction started in 1971, prior to being halted that fall due to lawsuits. After a prolonged legal battle, the Powder Ridge was able to complete work and open the area in 1972-73.
The South Area included a widened Middlin trail, overtaking the Shush-Ka-Put trail. Beyond the big slope, the centerpiece of the expansion was the installation of a Borvig fixed grip quad chairlift - the first four person chairlift in New England. Named the "747," the quad was of a centerpole design.
The center pole chairs were removed in 2001 and replaced with triple chairs.
The Powder Hill trail map circa 1965, prior to the Powder Ridge South expansion
A centerpole quad chair after the conversion of the 747 quad to a triple
The circa 1975 Powder Ridge trail map, after the Powder Ridge South expansion
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| Resources |
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Powder Ridge - NewEnglandSkiHistory.com
Powder Ridge Ski Area - official site
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| Feedback |
Do you have any additional information about Powder Ridge?
Last updated: November 2, 2010
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