Ski Rattlesnake

Thanks to Ed Fedorich, we now know of this ski area that operated in Somers. Here is his story:

I live in Somers, Ct. I enjoyed your article about the ski area that was once located in Somers on Wells Rd. There was another ski area in Somers called "Ski Rattlesnake" on Rattlesnake Mountain (near the intersection of Stafford Rd. and Cook Rd.). Cook Rd. is now called Cooksville Rd. since a development went in at the old Cook Farm. A friend of mine, Barbara Kenney (nee Courtney), who lived in town from about 1942 to around 1977 gave me the following information: Ski Rattlesnake had a lift and three rope tows. Its vertical drop was about 300 feet. I also recall some oldtimers telling me that it folded because it had a southern facing slope which resulted in the snow cover melting rapidly. I have been to the base of the hill. You can still see the slope although the forest is rapidly reclaiming it.

Here's an overhead view found by Betsy McDonough. Notice how the slopes are rapidly growing in and are hard to see.

Started in the early 60's by E. Foster Hyde and his sons from Ellington. Main hill faced east off Mountain Road by YMCA Camp Ayapo. The main hill was serviced by two rope tows with about 300 feet of vertical lift on about a half mile long slope. A second run dog leg left to the north and was actually below the small lodge/snack bar building in elevation.

A very popular local ski area. I was on the ski patrol run by a man named Salatead from Ellington/Tolland area. He was a troop leader in Troop 96 and got a lot a young people into skiing.

Without snow making, Rattlesnake could not compete with Mt Tom and closed by 1965. I fly over it occasionally and you can still make out the trail outlines.

Met up with Bob Hyde who still owns the property from his Dad. He is planning to put a driveway in and build up near the top of the mountain. Great little local area that is missed. I even drove Dave Scott to Rockville Hospital in my 1950 Pontiac after he broke his leg. So if he reads this in VA Deane and I say hello.