Abbey Hill
Great Barrington, MA
Late 1930's-At least 1953

Abbey Hill was a small rope tow area that operated about 1 mile north of Great Barrington. It was first a hike up and ski down area in the 1930's, and was floodlit at night. Then, after WW II, a rope tow was installed, which operated until at least 1953. The area likely closed at some point in the 1950's.

I tried finding the area in March, 2001 with my family. We found the hill, but was totally overgrown, and no signs of the ski area could be found. Houses were also built in around the base. I'm guessing based on tree growth that the area was simply a large field. We did find Abbey Hill Road which goes up the hill, here's a street sign from that road.

History by the Year

Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source
1939 None Moderate grades, east exposure Night Skiing Skier's Guide to New England
1947-1948 1000' tow 1300' wide slope,, 160' drop, NE exposure Needs 4" of snow to ski, novice and intermediate, operates weekends, holidays, and Sat nights Skier's Guide to New England
1949 1000' tow Not listed, 125' drop served by lift, 160' drop total Located north of town on Housatonic Road, take Rte 7 North to 41, 1 mile, operates weekends, holidays, and Sat nights, canteen MA Ski Guide
1953 Unknown Unknown Area in operation, night skiing Where to Ski

If you have more information on this area just let us know.

Head back to Lost Massachusetts Ski Areas

Head back to the Main Page