Maple Ridge
Old Forge, NY
Before 1939-Likely 90's

History    Maple Ridge by The Year    Historic Pictures    Current Pictures

History

Maple Ridge in Old Forge was a very historic area. The area begun before 1939 as a single rope tow and wide low intermediate slope. Several trails were added during the 1940's, as were a few more rope tows. Most of these trails, however, did not return to the base area, rather they led skiers to other locales in and near Old Forge. Rates during this time were only $1.50 for a full day of skiing.

A view of the area from around 1950 (courtesy of a 1950 ski guide). You can see the rope tow lift line on the right, and the very wide slope. Scattered trails are found in the woods on either side of the wide slope.

During the 1950's, even more rope tows were added, eventually totaling 5. A 40 meter and 15 meter ski jump were also built nearby and were the site of many a competition. Nearby McCauley Mountain opened during the 1958/1959 season. Maple Ridge and McCauley were marketed together as one "area" (kind of like what happened with Cranmore and Attitash during the 1995/1996 season), with tickets valid for both areas. In the early 1960's, a T-bar was installed, and all but one of the rope tows were removed.

Here's a trail map of Maple Ridge during the early 1960's after the T-bar was installed. Notice how the rope tow was located to the right of the T-bar, and that there was only basically one slope at this time.

After 1964, we have no more listings, but it is assumed the area continued to operate thru the 1970's, 1980's, and possibly into the  1990's. I say 1990's because the growth on the slopes is so limited and the lift remains there and in good shape. The area likely closed due to McCauley being a much larger and more varied mountain. McCauley is a great mini-mountain with a good variety for its size, and is definitely worth checking out. 

Maple Ridge by the Year

Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source
1939 1000' rope tow 1000' slope, 200 feet wide at top and 600' wide at bottom, 4" of snow needed to ski None Skiing in the East: Ski Trails and How to Get There
Late 1940's, 1950, 1951 Three tows, 800', 850', 100' beginner's tow 9 trails and slopes directly and indirectly served by tow (it is likely that not all of them ended at the beginning of the tow) NSPS Ski Patrol, instruction, lighted and heated shelter. Rates: $1.50 day, $1.00 half-day, operates daily 1951 Ski New York Guide
1951-1952 4 tows  4 slopes/13 trails Ski school Eastern Ski Map
1952-1953 5 tows Same Same Eastern Ski Map
Mid 1950's 5 tows Indeterminate Jumping competitions, instruction, rentals Mid 1950's Ski NY Guide
1958-1959 5 tows same as above Rentals, food 1958-1959 Where to Ski in New York State
1962,1963 T-bar, tow Slope Ski school, packer Eastern Ski Map
1964 New T-bar, rope tow Slope $4.00/day tickets (good also at McCauley), $3.00 for rope tow, canteen, 40 and 15 meter jumps Buxton's Eastern Ski Slopes
Early 1990's T-bar Same Area closes Educated Guess
2002 None --- T-bar removed due to liability Hennie Kashiwa/Adam Scholten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Pictures

Skiers lining up for the rope tow, 1940's.
Skiers queuing up for the rope tow.

A view of the rope tow. For the same view in 2002, click here.
Skiing down the slope.

Current Pictures

An overhead shot of the area from Terraserver.
Looking up the former rope tow line, Jan 2002. Notice that it has not grown in at all. Small warming hut on left.

A view of the T-bar, Jan 2002. Notice that the cable is still attached, and that the slope is clear. The T-bar was removed during the summer of 2002.

Late 1940's directions to the area:

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

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