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Allen (2014)
Middlebury College Snow Bowl
Hancock, Vermont
Status: Open
First Season:1939-40
Vertical Drop:1050 feet
Standing Lifts:2 triples, 1 double
Past Lifts:1 double, surface lifts
Left: Allen (2014)
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A Little Ivy League school in northern Vermont, Middlebury College has a well known skiing program headquartered at its ski area in the Green Mountains.

Early Years

The Neil Starr Shelter circa the late 1960s
The Neil Starr Shelter circa the late 1960s

Located south of Breadloaf Mountain on Worth Mountain, Middlebury College Snow Bowl's ski history dates back to the 1930s when ski trails were cut on the mountain, perhaps in conjunction with the first Middlebury College Winter Carnival in 1934.

While the school's first on-campus lift was installed on Chipman Hill in early 1938, a rope tow was installed on the northwest slope of the Worth Mountain in early 1940 by the Middlebury College Mountain Club and Middlebury Winter Sports Club.

By 1941-42, the Worth Mountain facility was called the Bread Loaf Snow Bowl and was the cornerstone for the school's winter sports. In addition to the 600 foot tow, the facility was noted for the Worth Mountain Trail on the northwest slope and the Pleiad Trail on the northeast slope.

By the time the winter of 1942-43 rolled around, the Middlebury Winter Sports Club was discussing plans to expand the ski area to become one of the most popular areas in the East.

Circa 1945, Joe Jones became manager of the Middlebury College Snow Bowl and a ski coach. In 1946, the Middlebury Ski Patrol was formed, while a 300 foot wide slalom slope was cut by students under the direction of Jones, served by a new rope tow. By the time the 1949-50 season rolled around, the school reported nearly 90% of its students were skiers. Jones remained the manager of the Snow Bowl until the spring of 1951.

The Poma lift circa the 1960s
The Poma lift circa the 1960s

In 1954-55, Middlebury replaced a rope tow with what was billed as the longest Pomalift ever installed at that point, making the Snow Bowl a major ski area that was in turn now marketed to the public. The new lift was funded by Joseph Battell's will and Dr. Stewart Ross, who was dubbed the "godfather of the Middlebury College Snow Bowl."

In addition to the new lift, four miles of new trails were opened. The new lift and trails were formally dedicated during Middlebury's Winter Carnival on February 19, 1955.

A new 900 foot rope tow was added for the 1958-59 season.

Big Mountain Changes

Middlebury circa the 1970s
Middlebury circa the 1970s

In March 1961, the Snow Bowl hosted the National Collegiate Ski Championships.

Expansion continued in the 1960s, when the Neil Starr Shelter was constructed in 1962 and two shorter Pomalifts installed on the north side of the ski area in subsequent seasons. The Starr Shelter was billed as "the only base lodge in the country with a well-stocked library."

Middlebury moved into the chairlift age in 1969, when the Worth Mountain Chair was installed to the summit. The original Pomalift was then relocated to open new trails on the back side of the ski area.

Modernization

Racing on the Allen Slope in the 1980s
Racing on the Allen Slope in the 1980s

Middlebury's second double chairlift, named after former coach Bobo Sheehan, was installed for the 1984-85 season, replacing a Pomalift. In addition, an $800,000 top to bottom snowmaking system was constructed. The system allowed the winter carnival to return to the Snow Bowl after five years of snow drought.

Three years later, the Bailey Falls triple chairlift was installed on the east side of the ski area, allowing for continuous top to bottom runs for the first time. While the east side was reportedly envisioned as a new racing venue, attempts at installing snowmaking there were allegedly blocked by environmentalists.

Nevertheless, the mid 1980s improvements resulted in season pass sales quadrupling and the area playing host to the 1988 NCAA National Collegiate Championships.

Longtime employee Peter Mackey was named General Manager of the Snow Bowl circa 1995.

The Sheehan Chair (2014)
The Sheehan Chair (2014)

The Starr Shelter received a major facelift for the 2003-04 season, when it was expanded from 7,500 to more 10,800 square feet as part of a $2.25 million dollar project. The expansion was spurred by a large anonymous donation.

Circa 2009, word emerged that the Worth Mountain double chairlift was no longer up to code and that the ski area may close if a replacement could not be procured. Alumni quickly rallied, funding a new triple chairlift for the 2009-10 season.

A boundary-to-boundary policy was adopted for the winter of 2011-12, making Middlebury a go-to for tree skiing.

Peter Mackey retired in June 2018 after 40 years of working at the Snow Bowl. Starting with the 2018-19 season, Rikert Nordic Center Director Mike Hussey's responsibilities were expanded to include the Snow Bowl.

NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
Month Average Percent of Terrain Open
February85%    (1 report)85 Open
March77%    (3 reports)77 Open
Recent Conditions Reports
Mar. 5, 2023 by rocket21
Packed Powder, Powder
Mar. 5, 2023 by brianna
Packed Powder, Powder
Mar. 20, 2021 by nhalex
Frozen Granular, Spring Snow
Feb. 16, 2019 by rocket21
Packed Powder, Powder
Middlebury College Snow Bowl on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com


Expansion History
Project
Season
Backside
Open
1969-70


Image Gallery
1955-56 Eastern Ski Map1957-58 Eastern Ski Map1959-60 Eastern Ski Map1960-61 Eastern Ski Map1961-62 Eastern Ski Map1962-63 Eastern Ski Map
View All Images in Middlebury College Snow Bowl Image Gallery



Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Standing Lifts
Installed
The Bailey Falls Triple in 2014
Bailey Falls Triple
CTEC
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
1987-88
Sheehan Quad
Skytrac
Chairlift - Quad - Fixed
2023-24
The Worth Mountain Triple in 2014
Worth Mountain Triple
Doppelmayr-CTEC
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
2009-10

Past Lifts
Seasons
Remains of the Bailey Falls Pomalift in 2014
Bailey Falls Pomalift
Poma
Platter
1969-70
-
1986-87
Battell Pomalift
Poma
Platter
1963-64
-
1983-84
The base terminal circa the 1960s
Pomalift
Poma
Platter
1954-55
-
1968-69
The Sheehan Chair in 2014
Sheehan Chair
Poma
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1984-85
-
2022-23
Ski School Pomalift
Poma
Platter
1964-65
-
The Worth Mountain Double in 2006
Worth Mountain Chair
Poma
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1969-70
-
2008-09


Maps
2023-24 Middlebury College Snow Bowl Trail Map
1962-63 Middlebury College Snow Bowl trail map1968-69 Middlebury College Snow Bowl Trail Map1969-70 Middlebury College Snow Bowl trail map1970-71 Middlebury College Snow Bowl trail map1974-75 Middlebury College Snow Bowl trail map1979-80 Middlebury College Snow Bowl Trail Map
View All Middlebury College Snow Bowl Trail Maps

Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass
2020s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2023-24$65.002023-24 Ticket Price Graph$674.002023-24 Season Pass Price Graph10.4 daysDecember 92023-24 Skier Visit Graph
2022-23$60.002022-23 Ticket Price Graph$549.002022-23 Season Pass Price Graph9.2 daysDecember 14April 82022-23 Skier Visit Graph
2021-22$60.002021-22 Ticket Price Graph$529.002021-22 Season Pass Price Graph8.8 daysDecember 4April 32021-22 Skier Visit Graph
2020-21$55.002020-21 Ticket Price Graph$550.002020-21 Season Pass Price Graph10.0 daysDecember 18March 282020-21 Skier Visit Graph
2019-20$60.002019-20 Ticket Price Graph$520.002019-20 Season Pass Price Graph8.7 daysDecember 7March 152019-20 Skier Visit Graph
2010s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2018-19$60.002018-19 Ticket Price Graph$520.002018-19 Season Pass Price Graph8.7 daysNovember 24April 72018-19 Skier Visit Graph
2017-18$55.002017-18 Ticket Price Graph$510.002017-18 Season Pass Price Graph9.3 days2017-18 Skier Visit Graph
2016-17$55.002016-17 Ticket Price Graph$500.002016-17 Season Pass Price Graph9.1 daysDecember 9April 22016-17 Skier Visit Graph
2015-16$55.002015-16 Ticket Price Graph$500.002015-16 Season Pass Price Graph9.1 daysJanuary 1March 202015-16 Skier Visit Graph
2014-15$55.002014-15 Ticket Price Graph$500.002014-15 Season Pass Price Graph9.1 daysDecember 13March 292014-15 Skier Visit Graph
2013-14$50.002013-14 Ticket Price Graph$490.002013-14 Season Pass Price Graph9.8 daysApril 62013-14 Skier Visit Graph
2012-13$46.002012-13 Ticket Price Graph$490.002012-13 Season Pass Price Graph10.7 daysMarch 312012-13 Skier Visit Graph
2011-12$46.002011-12 Ticket Price Graph$490.002011-12 Season Pass Price Graph10.7 daysMarch 182011-12 Skier Visit Graph
2010-11$44.002010-11 Ticket Price Graph$490.002010-11 Season Pass Price Graph11.1 daysApril 32010-11 Skier Visit Graph
2009-10$44.002009-10 Ticket Price Graph2009-10 Season Pass Price GraphMarch 282009-10 Skier Visit Graph
2000s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2008-09$42.002008-09 Ticket Price Graph$470.002008-09 Season Pass Price Graph11.2 days2008-09 Skier Visit Graph
2007-08$39.002007-08 Ticket Price Graph$450.002007-08 Season Pass Price Graph11.5 days2007-08 Skier Visit Graph
2006-07$39.002006-07 Ticket Price Graph2006-07 Season Pass Price Graph2006-07 Skier Visit Graph
2005-06$37.002005-06 Ticket Price Graph2005-06 Season Pass Price Graph2005-06 Skier Visit Graph
2004-052004-05 Ticket Price Graph2004-05 Season Pass Price GraphMarch 272004-05 Skier Visit Graph
2003-04$35.002003-04 Ticket Price Graph$585.002003-04 Season Pass Price Graph16.7 days2003-04 Skier Visit Graph
2002-03$32.002002-03 Ticket Price Graph$585.002002-03 Season Pass Price Graph18.3 days2002-03 Skier Visit Graph
2001-02$32.002001-02 Ticket Price Graph$585.002001-02 Season Pass Price Graph18.3 days2001-02 Skier Visit Graph
2000-01$30.002000-01 Ticket Price Graph$575.002000-01 Season Pass Price Graph19.2 daysDecember 7April 82000-01 Skier Visit Graph
1999-00$30.001999-00 Ticket Price Graph1999-00 Season Pass Price Graph1999-00 Skier Visit Graph
1990s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1996-971996-97 Ticket Price Graph1996-97 Season Pass Price GraphApril 61996-97 Skier Visit Graph
1992-93$25.001992-93 Ticket Price Graph1992-93 Season Pass Price Graph1992-93 Skier Visit Graph
1991-92$30.001991-92 Ticket Price Graph1991-92 Season Pass Price Graph1991-92 Skier Visit Graph
1990-91$29.001990-91 Ticket Price Graph1990-91 Season Pass Price Graph1990-91 Skier Visit Graph
1989-90$24.001989-90 Ticket Price Graph1989-90 Season Pass Price Graph1989-90 Skier Visit Graph
1980s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1988-89$24.001988-89 Ticket Price Graph1988-89 Season Pass Price Graph1988-89 Skier Visit Graph
1987-88$24.001987-88 Ticket Price Graph1987-88 Season Pass Price Graph1987-88 Skier Visit Graph
1985-86$19.001985-86 Ticket Price Graph1985-86 Season Pass Price Graph1985-86 Skier Visit Graph
1984-85$18.001984-85 Ticket Price Graph$250.001984-85 Season Pass Price Graph13.9 days1984-85 Skier Visit Graph
1983-84$17.001983-84 Ticket Price Graph$440.001983-84 Season Pass Price Graph25.9 days1983-84 Skier Visit Graph
1982-83$16.001982-83 Ticket Price Graph$200.001982-83 Season Pass Price Graph12.5 days1982-83 Skier Visit Graph
1970s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1978-79$9.001978-79 Ticket Price Graph1978-79 Season Pass Price Graph1978-79 Skier Visit Graph
1977-78$10.001977-78 Ticket Price Graph1977-78 Season Pass Price Graph1977-78 Skier Visit Graph
1976-77$9.001976-77 Ticket Price Graph1976-77 Season Pass Price Graph1976-77 Skier Visit Graph
1975-76$8.001975-76 Ticket Price Graph1975-76 Season Pass Price Graph1975-76 Skier Visit Graph
1974-75$8.001974-75 Ticket Price Graph1974-75 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 211974-75 Skier Visit Graph
1973-74$8.001973-74 Ticket Price Graph1973-74 Season Pass Price Graph1973-74 Skier Visit Graph
1972-73$8.001972-73 Ticket Price Graph1972-73 Season Pass Price Graph1972-73 Skier Visit Graph
1971-72$8.001971-72 Ticket Price Graph1971-72 Season Pass Price Graph1971-72 Skier Visit Graph
1969-70$8.001969-70 Ticket Price Graph1969-70 Season Pass Price Graph1969-70 Skier Visit Graph
1960s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1968-69$6.001968-69 Ticket Price Graph1968-69 Season Pass Price Graph1968-69 Skier Visit Graph
1967-68$5.001967-68 Ticket Price Graph1967-68 Season Pass Price Graph1967-68 Skier Visit Graph
1966-67$5.001966-67 Ticket Price Graph1966-67 Season Pass Price Graph1966-67 Skier Visit Graph
1964-65$5.001964-65 Ticket Price Graph1964-65 Season Pass Price Graph1964-65 Skier Visit Graph
1962-63$4.001962-63 Ticket Price Graph1962-63 Season Pass Price Graph1962-63 Skier Visit Graph
1961-621961-62 Ticket Price Graph1961-62 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 20April 91961-62 Skier Visit Graph
1959-60$4.001959-60 Ticket Price Graph1959-60 Season Pass Price Graph1959-60 Skier Visit Graph
1950s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1957-581957-58 Ticket Price Graph1957-58 Season Pass Price GraphJanuary 15April 2035,0001957-58 Skier Visit Graph


Visitor Memories
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External Links
  • Middlebury College Snow Bowl - official site
  • Worth Mountain - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • Last updated: March 4, 2019

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