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   Connecticut: Powder Ridge: Expansions
Ski Area Expansions
 
South Area at Powder Ridge
South Area Details
South Area
Status:Open
First Season of Operation:1972-73
Lifts:1 chairlift
Terrain:Intermediate slope
Return to Powder Ridge Profile
Shortly after the failed Powder Ridge Rock Festival, the ski area rolled out expansion plans to the local community. Marketing efforts quickly accelerated, advertising a new four person chairlift and slope for the 1970-71 season.

In October of 1970, the Middlefield Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a permit request for the expansion. The commission then issued special permit in early 1971.

Construction started in 1971, prior to being halted that fall due to a lawsuit with the Meriden YMCA over ownership of some of the land. 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.


A circa 1965 Powder Hill trail map prior to the Powder Ridge South expansion
A circa 1965 Powder Hill trail map prior to the Powder Ridge South expansion

The 747 quad chairlift circa the 1970s
The 747 quad chairlift circa the 1970s

A circa 1975 Powder Ridge trail map after the Powder Ridge South expansion
A circa 1975 Powder Ridge trail map after the Powder Ridge South expansion

A center pole quad chair after triple chairs were hung
A center pole quad chair after triple chairs were hung

Powder Ridge Expansion History
Project NameSeasonStatus
South Area1972-73Open
Return to Powder Ridge Ski History

Last updated: April 20, 2014

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