Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 12:13 pm
Morgantown, West Virginia was home to Chestnut Ridge Ski Area from 1966 until 1980. The area was located in Cooper’s Rock State Forest, about 12 miles east of Morgantown.
With a base elevation of 2,100 feet and a summit of 2,270 feet, the first rope tow in West Virginia was likely at Chestnut Ridge. Said rope tow was powered by a Model A Ford engine purchased for $25 by the Mountaineer Winter Sports Club. The engine’s expense paled in comparison to the cost of the actually rope, which was $500 for 1,200 feet of rope. Today you can hardly purchase a soft drink for under a dollar, but during Chestnut Ridge’s short time open, a full day of tow fees was only $1.00 for adults and $.50 for students. As many as 200 skiers would show up for Sunday ski sessions.
Today, in Cooper’s Rock State Forest, you’ll still find two cross-country ski trails: one two mile intermediate loop as well as a three mile advanced trail. The Chestnut Ridge ski area is now known as Chestnut Ridge Park and offers hiking, fishing, swimming, camping and many more recreational activities.
If you have any information or photos about this ski area, post here or drop us an email at [email protected]. This portion of the messageboard was implemented so that those who have skied or played at any of the closed ski areas can share their experiences and discuss "old times". Understand that the content shared may not be 100% accurate.
With a base elevation of 2,100 feet and a summit of 2,270 feet, the first rope tow in West Virginia was likely at Chestnut Ridge. Said rope tow was powered by a Model A Ford engine purchased for $25 by the Mountaineer Winter Sports Club. The engine’s expense paled in comparison to the cost of the actually rope, which was $500 for 1,200 feet of rope. Today you can hardly purchase a soft drink for under a dollar, but during Chestnut Ridge’s short time open, a full day of tow fees was only $1.00 for adults and $.50 for students. As many as 200 skiers would show up for Sunday ski sessions.
Today, in Cooper’s Rock State Forest, you’ll still find two cross-country ski trails: one two mile intermediate loop as well as a three mile advanced trail. The Chestnut Ridge ski area is now known as Chestnut Ridge Park and offers hiking, fishing, swimming, camping and many more recreational activities.
If you have any information or photos about this ski area, post here or drop us an email at [email protected]. This portion of the messageboard was implemented so that those who have skied or played at any of the closed ski areas can share their experiences and discuss "old times". Understand that the content shared may not be 100% accurate.