Alexander

Thanks to several NELSAP readers, we now know of this ski area that operated in Derry. Joe Fox first pointed this area out to me in 1999, which led me to a quick visit of the area that spring. According to Joe, the area closed several years ago, but the base lodge still serves hot chocolate to skiers and sledders who still hike up and slide down the slopes.

Patrick Sullivan also found a good deal of information about this area. He took a closer look and found that the towers are intact and the rope still hangs. There was an electric motor which powered the lift. It also had night skiing.

Patrick emailed David Barker, who is from the Facilities and Recreation Department of Derry. He states that the area was started in 1963 and closed in the late 1980's. There are no plans to reopen the area.

A neat little family area for sure. Check it out if you're ever in Derry. Head to the center of town, and go south on Birch Road. About 1/2 mile south, take a left on Pierce Road, follow to the end and you're there!

Here's an overhead view of the area. Lift line on left side of slope.

I visited the area in November, 2002. Here's looking up the main slope from the bottom. Rope tow is on the left, and lights for night skiing on the right.