NewEnglandSkiHistory.com SkiNewEngland.net
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
Hard'Ack Ski Area
Hard'Ack Ski Area
St. Albans, Vermont
Status: Open
First Season:1960s
Vertical Drop:100 feet
Standing Lifts:Surface lift
Past Lifts:
Left: Hard'Ack Ski Area
Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
SkiNewEngland.net Profile
Located on the southeastern slope of Aldis Hill in St. Albans, Vermont, Hard'Ack is a small, non-profit recreational facility that features downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding during winter.

Hard'Ack's skiing history dates back to at least the 1965-66 season, when Hard'Ack, Inc. was registered in the State of Vermont as a business entity.

The ski area likely closed at some point in the 1990s, reportedly due to a lawsuit. Locals later joined together to reopen the ski area.

Snowmaking may have been added for the 2003-04 season.

The ski area continues to operate to this day, serviced by a rope tow.

Visitor Memories
"I grew up in St. Albans in the 1960s - early 1970s. It was absolutely idyllic. I LOVED Hardack. We did a lot of night skiing, and the rope tow was soooo much fun. You had to make sure not to grab it too tightly or you'd suddenly jerk forward. It was a safe place, fun, and then we did Saturday ski lessons for $2.00 for a bus ride, and half-day skiing at Madonna Mountain / Sterling. Hardack Mountain had a myth about the silver wolf that was a ghost on the mountain and there was a big flat rock that was supposed to be where the wolf lived. St. Albans back then was safe, wonderful, and a terrific place to grow up. "
Laura K, Jan. 29, 2022
"I grew up in St Albans in the 80's and we ALWAYS went to Hard'ack. Whether it was for sledding in the winter, or biking/hiking the trails, it was always fun. And kept us out of our parents hairs for HOURS!!! Great memories as a kid. From the look out point on the west side to the stone plack of the grey wolf that was shot there. Herb Mitchell was my neighbor as a kid. From what I understand he was one of the people to donate time, resources, and fabricate the tow rope system. Hopefully they find a way to remember him for his help."
Brian Jackson, Jan. 30, 2018
"I remember skiing there for the first time in 1974, the cabin at the top of the rope tow contained half of a Pontiac with no doors. It had the tow rope connected to the rear differential. A man sat in the seat and operated the car which pulled the skiers up the hill. He said he had no need for the doors so sold them to a skiier that had an identical Pontiac."
Trapper Johnson, May. 25, 2017
"I was one of the reincarnators, the above statements are pretty accurate. The Hard'ack Trustees shal be building the Greg Brown Lodge a 64'x54', 1 1/2 story structure."
Tim Hurlbut, Dec. 10, 2016
Add a memory of Hard'Ack Ski Area
First Name:
Last Name:
E-Mail Address:
Comments:


External Links
  • Hard'ack, Inc. - official site
  • Last updated: November 25, 2016

    Topics       Links       What's New       Feedback
    NewEnglandSkiHistory.com Copyright 2002-2024, All Rights Reserved. SkiNewEngland.net