Monteau
Brief Introduction:
According to John and Linda Osgood, this ski area opened in 1975. It operated with a double chair and rope tow and provided skiing on a small but interesting variety of trails and slopes. The ski area was developed within the Mountain Lakes development, which is/was a four season recreation community in the White Mountains. By the late 1980's, the area changed its name to Swiftwater Valley, but closed around 1990.
Details and Pictures:
Late 1970's
(Brochure)
Details from the brochure:
|
Want the
exciting experience of carving perfect turns on our gentle, open slopes? Whether
it's your first time on skis on our easy-to-master beginner's area, or you're
looking for the thrill of plunging down our more difficult trails, Monteau will
give you the wonderful feeling of accomplishment on the slopes.
|
| Whatever your needs, Monteau can accomodate you. With complete skiing facilities for everyone, Monteau is the "exciting alternative" to long lift lines, crowded base lodges and high prices. Whatever your fancy, Monteau is the place for your entire family. |  |
 |
At Monteau, the 2800 foot double chairlift will take you to our three main trails and numerous crossovers withing the nearly 40 acres of ski terrain. And if you're looking for the thrill of skiing as a beginner, our 900 foot rope tow will give you easy access to the slopes best suited for your skiing. |
1982 1987
1990's
1998
Here's a picture of
the base lodge, still used as a function/meeting place.
This picture was taken on the rope tow slope...the
ropes area still attached to this post.
Looking up from the base to the summit.
The double chair lift line is on the left, while the rope tow slope is
on the right.
How to get to Monteau:
(Billy Kidd's
American Ski Guide)
Lifts: 1 tow, 1 chairlift,
1100/hr.
Season: Mid-December to
Mid-March
Trails: 35% beginner, 40%
intermediate, 35% advanced
Vertical
drop: 600 feet
(White's
Book of Ski Areas)
Summit elevation:
1475 feet
Base elevation: 840
feet
Vertical drop: 635
feet
Skiing terrain: Rope
tow trail, novice and intermediate slopes
Lifts: 1 rope tow
and 1 double chair, 1200 skiers per hour
Season: Mid-Dec through
Mid-Mar
Open: Sat, Sun 9-4,
Halfday 9am-12 and 12-4, open holidays and vacations weeks all day
Rates (85-86)
Adult $16.00 full
day, $12.00 half day
Junior: $12.00 full
day, $9.00 halfday
Chalet rentals at
area
Services: snack bar
and lounge, rental shop, ski school
Snowmaking: 60% of
area
Directions: Exit 32
off Rte 93, just off Rte 112
(Microsoft Terraserver)
Here's the view of the mountain
as it appeared in the 1990's. Notice the main lift line and several moderately
wide, twisty trails. A good amount of variety for a relatively small mountain.
(Personal
Visit)
Although its only
been closed for several years, the ski area is still recognizable.
The base lodge is still standing and is still being used. Most of
the slopes are fairly clear. The double chair has been removed, while
the rope tow is still mostly standing.
