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| Beartown Mountain |
| Lee, Massachusetts |
| Status: |
Lost/Defunct
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| First Season: | 1940-41 |
| Last Season: | 1963-64 |
| Vertical Drop: | 820 feet |
| Standing Lifts: | 0 |
| Past Lifts: | Surface lifts |
| Left: Google Earth rendering of Beartown Mountain Ski Area in 1971 |
| Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
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Located in southwestern Massachusetts, Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts was once home to one of the largest ski areas in Southern New England.
The origins of downhill skiing in Beartown State Forest date back to a 1935 Civilian Conservation Corps development By the time the 1938-39 season, the ski area featured multiple trails and slopes, as well as night skiing.
Lift served skiing at Beartown likely commenced for the 1940-41 season, when a 1,500 foot rope tow was installed. In addition, a new lodge was constructed at the foot of the tow. At that point, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had invested $65,000 in the ski area.
World War II soon gripped the nation, resulting in sporadic operations at Beartown. The trails were noted as being recleared for the 1946-47 season. A second tow was possibly added during the late 1940s.
Lift service was expanded upward for the 1951-52 season, making Beartown one of the largest ski areas in Southern New England with 3 tows spanning 820 vertical feet.
Meanwhile, other regional ski areas such as Jiminy Peak, Bousquet, and Catamount were growing and installing modern lifts. As the 1960s started, chairlifts and snowguns began popping up all over the state, giving skiers a more upscale experience. Left behind, Beartown may have closed after the 1963-64 season.
CCC Trails
Expansion History
Image Gallery
Maps
Visitor Memories
| "very interesting operation. recently discovered an old CCC members trunk of memorabilia and 2 photo albums relating to the construction of the ski area. the CCC was a great program, we should have something akin to it today. " | | Kevin Canty, Nov. 6, 2013 |
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External Links
Beartown Mountain - New England Lost Ski Areas Project
Beartown State Forest - Massachusetts DCR
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Last updated: November 15, 2016
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