Berkshire Snow Basin Cummington, Massachusetts Status: Lost/Defunct First Season: 1949-50 Last Season: 1988-89 Vertical Drop: 550 feet Standing Lifts: 0 Past Lifts: Surface lifts Left: The West T-Bar and College Highway slope in the 1980s Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News: 7/25/2016: Berkshire Snow Basin Lift Demolished Located in western-central Massachusetts, Berkshire Snow Basin operated for nearly forty years as a surface lift serviced ski area.



In the 1940s, ski racers and instructors Stan and Ruth Brown began looking for a place to build a ski area. After researching snow depths throughout Western Massachusetts, the Browns determined the north face of 2,080 foot Bryant Mountain in Cummington to be the ideal location for their development.



A 10th Mountain Division veteran of World War II, Stan Brown was involved in the establishment of the Springfield Ski Club and its Blandford ski area. In 1936, he and Ruth were hired to manage the Carlisle Hardware Company Ski Shop in Springfield, positions they held for nearly 30 years.



Circa 1949 or 1950, Stan, his wife, his sister Dorothy, his father Fred, and his mother Mabel moved to West Cummington to establish the ski area. Ski Slopes, Inc. was formed by the Browns as a Massachusetts corporation on June 16, 1949. Initial construction of the ski area reportedly spanned from the spring of 1949 into January 1950.

Berkshire Snow Basin Opens

A Berkshire Snow Basin postcard Berkshire Snow Basin was advertised as a 'new and outstanding' ski area for the 1949-50 season, with two rope tows serving a 350 foot vertical drop. Though trails were cleared for a 550 foot vertical drop, the upper tow wasn't completed in time. A pre-existing barn was converted into a ski lodge.



The ski area operated on weekends and holidays. Fred, a retired accountant, served as general manager. Stan handled outside duties and ran he ski school. Mabel and Dorothy operated the cafeteria, while Ruth sold tickets. Unfortunately, operations were limited during the first season due to a lack of snow.



The ski area was finally expanded upward for the 1952-53 season an when upper rope tow and slope were added. Following this expansion, the growing ski area sported four rope tows and a vertical drop of 550 feet. Meanwhile, word began to emerge about a relocation of Route 9.



A new, "long lift" was proposed during the 1957-58 season to help keep Berkshire Snow Basin competitive whilst areas around it were adding Poma lifts and T-Bars. In addition, a 400 vertical foot upward expansion was also discussed. While the 1957-58 season was Berkshire Snow Basin's biggest to date, the area was about to enter a multi-year struggle due to the relocation of Route 9.



Construction on the relocated highway began in the fall of 1958, placing the new roadway through the middle of the base area. As a result, the base lodge was cut off from the rest of the ski area and much of the parking area lost. The matter eventually landed in court, resulting in Ski Slopes, Inc. being awarded damages from the state in the winter of 1960. That winter, skiers were forced to climb 28 steps up from the slopes, over the guardrail, across the highway, and then descend 28 steps to get to the lodge.



The ski area finally emerged from its lull in 1960, when it was awarded a $30,000 Small Business Administration loan for a new lodge and T-Bar. Though the T-Bar was delayed, a new slopeside base lodge was constructed for the 1960-61 season. Constructed by Healy, Pittsinger, and Mason, the lodge was built "with no unnecessary trimmings" and included a crushed rock floor.



Rope Tows Phased Out

Berkshire Snow Basin circa the late 1960s A "long lift" was finally added for the 1961-62 season, as a new Doppelmayr T-Bar was installed adjacent to the College Highway slope. The 2,750 foot long lift served 550 vertical feet. In addition, a new novice trail was cut. The new lift debuted in mid-January and was advertised as the longest T-Bar south of Vermont.



The new facilities coincided with the growth of skiing in the region, resulting in record breaking sales, including weekends with 1,500 skiers in 1963-64. Meanwhile, the Carlisle Hardware Company was sold to O. W. Siebert Co., which attempted unsuccessfully to convert it into a department store chain. As a result, stores shut down, and Stan and Ruth Brown decided to make the ski area their full time job. Operations were expanded from three to seven days per week, a ski shop was opened, and a snowmaking system was installed.



Though the winter of 1964-65 was a poor one for skiers, the transition to a full time ski area bolstered revenue. Around that time, Stan Brown commented on the evolution of skiers, "They are more interested in how they get up the mountain than how they get down."



The 1966-67 season was a big hit at Berkshire Snow Basin, as continued midweek growth boosted overall numbers by 15 percent. At the end of the season, Berkshire Snow Basin announced the purchase of two more T-Bar lifts, as well as the intention to eventually relocate one of the displaced rope tows to a new northeast bowl at the top of the mountain. Sadly, Dorothy Brown passed away in March at the age of 50.



For the 1967-68 season, the main and upper rope tows were replaced with a Mueller T-Bar, taking some stress off the West T-Bar. In addition, a short T-Bar was purchased from nearby Thunder Mountain and installed on the east side of the facility for novices. As a result of the new lifts and the strong previous winter, season pass sales increased by 15 percent. Berkshire Snow Basin had reached its peak.

Stan Brown Passes Away

Stan Brown circa 1965; Ruth and Gladys Brown circa 1975 Early snowfall in November of 1968 resulted in the earliest known opening day in Snow Basin's history. While it appeared to foreshadow a good season, not all was well at Snow Basin. Stan Brown had cancer.



Stan Brown underwent a major operation in December and was subsequently grounded by the flu, resulting in the area switching to weekend only operations for a period of the 1968-69 season. In addition, Brown was told by doctors that he could no longer ski the mountain. Brown passed away on April 26, 1969 at the age of 60.



With the death of Stan Brown, Berkshire Snow Basin's future was in jeopardy. Ruth considered closing and or selling the ski area, concerned about how much of the work she could handle. In the end, she decided to keep Berkshire Snow Basin open with some changes, becoming one of the first female ski area general managers in the country. Operations were cut back to five days a week, while the snowmaking system, seldom used since installed, was discontinued. Her father-in-law Fred handled the books, while her sister-in-law Gladys Brown helped her with operations. Snow Basin traditions, such as Reverend Warren Wright's mountain top Easter sunrise service would continue. In addition, an annual race was dedicated to honor her late husband.



Though Brown had stopped making snow due to exorbitant rental and operational costs, she was still willing to invest in improving conditions. During the winter of 1969-70, she purchased one of the first hard pack pulverizers from Brodie's Jim Kelly. The machine was put to work in late February, making icy slopes skiable.



The unseasonable winter of 1973-74 kept the natural snow ski area idle until mid-January. Though there were still remnants of the snowmaking system in place, Brown told the Berkshire Eagle that "it would need a lot of work done on it to make it usable." Though other areas responded by creating off season offerings, Brown declined to follow suit, stating she thought area didn't "have anything to offer for the summer."



As she was one to avoid debt, Brown was able to keep the ski area going even after rough seasons. Minor projects were conducted, such as clearing of glades and the rebuilding of the main T-Bar in 1977.



As the end of the decade neared, Ruth Brown was in her 70s and looking for help in running the ski area. Operations were scaled back to weekends and holidays for the 1979-80 season. Around this time, Brown described the essence of Berkshire Snow Basin to Ski magazine, stating, "Skiers recognize other skiers. They take a personal interest in the area and make newcomers feel welcome. It's relaxed, friendly...The food here is unusually good, too. It has a home-cooked taste."



Nearby Ski Areas Lease Berkshire Snow Basin

The base lodge in 1985 Help came from nearby in the form of operational leases. Berkshire East operated Berkshire Snow Basin for the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons while Jiminy Peak operated Berkshire Snow Basin for the 1982-83 season.



Most of the ski assets were sold in December of 1984 to Edwin Waszkelewicz. Additional land was acquired in subsequent months with the hope of expanding to the top of Bryant Mountain, installing snowmaking, and constructing a golf course. While the area likely operated in 1984-85 and 1985-86, trouble was on the way. After failing to operate during the 1986-87 season, Heritage NIS Bank for Savings foreclosed on the ski area in August of 1987. A House of Cards

Berkshire Snow Basin in 2000 In November of 1987, Cummington Farm Realty Trust purchased Berkshire Snow Basin from Heritage NIS Bank for Savings for $380,000. Run by Patrick Goggins and Thomas Beggs, the company opened Berkshire Snow Basin for the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons, the latter season featuring a new trail from the summit of Bryant Mountain. The company also marketed its Cummington Farm Village cross country ski area in conjunction with Berkshire Snow Basin for the 1988-89 season. Larger plans included developing condominiums, cabins, and operating an inn. Beggs stepped down from the company in January of 1989.



Due to losses during both seasons and unsustainable expenses, the company transferred Berkshire Snow Basin to the NIS Development Corporation in June of 1989 in exchange for more financing. The Cummington Farms group was to maintain the grounds of the alpine ski area while a lessee or buyer was sought. A 24 room Inn opened on the Cummington Farm grounds in September of 1989. Cummington Farms closed in January of 1990.



The Cummington Farms property was nearly sold to New England Adolescent Research Institute, Inc. as a school campus, however local opposition likely halted the sale. Instead, the company went bankrupt in June of 1990.



After losing an estimated $3.5 million in the Cummington Farms saga, the Heritage Bank for Savings failed in 1991 and was purchased by Fleet.





The Berkshire Snow Basin West Side in 2006 The Cummington Farm Village nordic ski area was purchased by Peter Laird (co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) in 1991 for nearly $1.5 million and developed for the 1991-92 season as the Swift River Inn ski area. The nordic area saw investments of $1.5 million from Laird and featured a rare combination of snowmaking and night skiing. The area likely closed following the 1996-97 season, after which it became the campus of Academy at Swift River. The Academy at Swift River closed in 2014. Addiction Campuses subsequently purchased the property and opened the Swift River Drug And Alcohol Rehab Center in 2016.



The Berkshire Snow Basin alpine ski area never operated after the 1988-89 season. In the winter of 1994, the ski area was sold to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for $240,500. While lifts and some small buildings remained, the base lodge burned to the ground.





Ruth Brown at her 99th birthday party at nearby Berkshire East in January of 2004 Ruth Brown passed away in 2004, just months after celebrating her 99th birthday amongst friends at Berkshire East.



One of the last visible parts of the ski area disappeared in 2016, when the West T-Bar was demolished. It is unlikely that the ski area will ever operate again.



Expansion History

Project Season Bryant Mountain

Cancelled 1980s

Image Gallery

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Lifts

Click on lift name for information and photos Standing Lifts Installed

Past Lifts Seasons East T-Bar

Mueller

T-Bar 1967-68

-

2015-16 Main T-Bar

Mueller

T-Bar 1967-68

-

West T-Bar

Doppelmayr

T-Bar 1961-62

-

2015-16

Maps

View All Berkshire Snow Basin Trail Maps

Year by Year History

Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass

1980s Ticket Price Season Pass Price Pass Payback Opening Day Closing Day Skier Visits 1988-89 $15.00 December 17 1987-88 January 16 1982-83 $9.00 1970s Ticket Price Season Pass Price Pass Payback Opening Day Closing Day Skier Visits 1978-79 $8.00 1977-78 $7.00 December 24 1976-77 $7.00 1975-76 $7.00 1974-75 $7.00 1973-74 $7.00 January 12 1972-73 $7.00 December 9 March 18 1971-72 $6.00 $65.00 10.8 days November 27 1970-71 $6.00 1969-70 $5.00 1960s Ticket Price Season Pass Price Pass Payback Opening Day Closing Day Skier Visits 1968-69 $5.00 November 16 1967-68 $5.00 1966-67 $4.50 1965-66 $4.50 1964-65 $4.00 January 3 1963-64 $4.00 1961-62 $2.00 1960-61 $2.00 December 26 1959-60 $2.00 January 1 1950s Ticket Price Season Pass Price Pass Payback Opening Day Closing Day Skier Visits 1957-58 April 13

Visitor Memories

"What a wonderful place. Children in Cummington could ski for free. My daughter learned to ski there. Many of my friends in town would be there and we would take turns watching children. My only ski trophy is for The Stan Brown Race." Brenda Arbib, Jan. 18, 2020 "Grew up next door. We used to put our skies on the porch, and ski over after school. Great place to grow up" Danine Loehr, Jan. 17, 2020 "Living in Goshen I would drive my three kids up on Sat and drop them off to ski all day. I have a picture of my son sad that he couldn’t make another run because the lift was shut down. I would ski there (I think it was Wends.). On ladies day. So many friends there. Great times, great memories." Nancy E Grove, Jan. 9, 2020 "I grew up at Bryant farm in the 60,s and 70,s I would ride a snowmobile from the farm to the top of snow basin and visit friends that worked there" Mike Sears, Jan. 8, 2020 "We started skiing at Snow Basin in 1977. It was our great misfortune that we didn’t start skiing there much earlier. Skiing Snow Basin and spending time afterwards at the Remington Lodge were, and continue to be, our best ski memories. If Snow Basin was still operating we’d be there. If the Remington Lodge was still operating, we’d be there too. Some of the best of times were spent in West Cummington. The deepest snow I’ve ever skied was at Snow Basin and I was the only one there until 2 o’clock when Phil Cyr and Marty Seattle’s showed up. We have very special memories of our time at Snow Basin and the Remington Lodge. Wish both were still operating. Nick & Kathy Flynn" Nick Flynn, Jan. 7, 2020 "Aunt Ruthie is my Step-Great Aunt. Uncle Stan and Aunt Ruthie had a deal for us when we were kids. If we worked on the slopes during the summer for 40 hours, we received a Season Pass to ski during the winter months. I learned how to ski a BSB in 1966...and was a frequent visitor until we moved away from Massachusetts in 1974. I loved skiing there and working behind the food counter. I have often thought about Berkshire Snow Basin. I truly miss Uncle Stan and Aunt Ruthie...and thank them for all they did for me and my siblings...and for all the families who had the opportunity to visit BSB over the years." James Kibbee, Nov. 24, 2019 "First off, I would like to thank my son, Justin, for his hard work in discovering the history of BSB and for finding and sharing the photos my parents had saved from when I was growing up. That is actually my older siblings and me pictured in some of the photos shared above! Oh, those were the good ol days, weren't they? BSB is a remarkably special and memorable place for me and my family. Not only did I learn to ski there in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but I had countless wonderful outings with my friends and family right up until it permanently closed. It was a place I couldn't wait to get to and then never wanted to leave. As a parent of two skiers, I now fully realize and greatly appreciate the time, effort, and money my parents put into each and every day we spent on the slopes in West Cummington. I remember so many things about that place including: the wonderful lodge with its rustic feel and its gravel floor, eating Snickers from the Snack Bar, enjoying my Mom's homemade lunches outside or inside by the fire, the freedom of the runs, the challenge of the lifts (I accidentally broke the arm of a ski buddy once when we both fell off the West T-Bar), the fun washboard bumps at the end of Sugar Run, the A Frame house at the top, the sound of the lift motors and bullwheels, the way the T's would slap against the ground if you let go of them in just the right way, and so much more. Of course, there is one memory that rises above them all. In early January 1986, I broke my leg (left tibia bone)on the Main Slope just below Midway. I remember going off a jump and when I landed, I felt the snap, slammed into the ground, and went into shock. Ski Patrol was on the scene in minutes, if not seconds, and I was expertly cared for by Jimmy Miller and his crew. My sister was on a nearby lift and she could see my distinctive hat from her vantage point. She immediately took off and remained at my side until I was taken down by sled. From there, I was transported by my Father in the back of our Chevy Impala station wagon to Cooley Dickinson wearing a large wooden splint (it was faster to take me directly there versus calling for an ambulance.) After that, I was in a heavy plaster cast for over 6 months and then a walking cast for many months after that. It would be nearly two full years before I the doctor said I could ski again. Two years of time at BSB that I was never able to recover. For any of you old ski patrol-ers who see this message, I thank you for taking such good care of me and ensuring that I was ok on that fateful day. I'm 43 now and I remember it all like it happened this morning. BSB never left my heart or memories. So, several years ago, my two boys and I started going back to explore the mountain. We have hiked it from top to bottom, catalogued it with photos and maps, recovered and restored abandoned artifacts and even dreamed about a plan to reopen it someday. And so, BSB continues to provide lasting memories and opportunities for families to bond. While there might only be a handful of us that still visit it, when we do, we can close our eyes and listen to the echoes of a thousand fun days spent in the winter sun and snow. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so very much for keeping these memories preserved. " Graeme Noseworthy, Mar. 7, 2019 "I was the last one to mow the slopes of the snow basin. Great views in the Fall." Robert Aeschback, Jan. 22, 2019 "Does anyone have pictures of the old farm house across the street that was used as headquarters by the Hartford Ski Club? " Tony Blair, Jan. 8, 2019 "I have fond memories of Snow Basin and the old Farm House across the road that the Hartford Ski club used as a headquarters. We had the annual club races there every year. I recognize some of the names above especially Linc and Marti." Robert Widger, Aug. 31, 2018 "I lived just a few miles from the basin and enjoyed skiing there many times. Friendly people, good food, LOW prices. Miss it a lot" Gary Ducharme, Mar. 11, 2017 "I was the Snow Basin babysitter on the weekends for all of the children whose parents wanted to SKI!! Changed diapers, fed them, played and prayed for no tears...winter of 1989!" sandra powers, May. 30, 2016 "raced there on Ruthies Run in the western mass high school championships 68 thru 72, then again in the last 2 Stan Brown Memorial Races in the mid 80's (won them both) so my name was on the big trophy in the gravel floored, picnic tabled base lodge till it burned down" bill chaffee, May. 29, 2016 "As a Hartford Ski Club kid, I logged in many days at The Snow Basin. Lots of friends, still in touch with a good number. Spent 25 years in the ski business, but some of my best memories are of 'Rat-Packing' as kids there. Great fun, and good times!" Marti Austin (Cole), May. 29, 2016 "I skied Snow Basin during the 60's and maybe into the 70's. We were members of the Hartford Ski Club and my father was on ski patrol. I went though the USEASA instructors course taught by Bob Savard,John Bannish and others at the Basin. I also remember the numerous kids that I skied with: Janie, Dotty and others. We had so much fun especially on the jump near the bottom of the T-bar and in the glades to the west of the college highway. I have been patrolling at Mad River Glen, Vermont for 41 years and still have fond memories of the Snow Basin where it all started. " Linc Prescott, Jan. 1, 2016 "Hello, Ginger. It's been a long time. Snow Basin was a family ski area, and I too was fortunate to have grown up skiing there in the 60's and 70's. Great snow, great trails, great ski club pot-lucks and great people. 'No I don't ski anymore. I'm retired'" Rick Gowdy, Jan. 15, 2015 "Fifteen years ago I lived below the back side of Bryant Mountain in Cummington. A friend and I snowshoed over to the top of the old ski slope with our snowboards. Down below, there were some kids sledding near the lift base. When we emerged from the trees above them, riding down the old lift line, their eyes popped out of their heads!" Paul Bissex, Aug. 12, 2014 "Too many wonderful childhood memories to list ! I was a lucky one to have had snow basin - my passion for the sport definitely developed there. For all those snow basiners, I must mention and who can forget ... Gladys' 'last call on the grill'! " Ginger Skipton Wilson, Apr. 29, 2014 Add a memory of Berkshire Snow Basin First Name: Last Name: E-Mail Address: Comments:



External Links

Berkshire Snow Basin - New England Lost Ski Areas Project Last updated: January 6, 2020



