Newport
Outing Club
Chamberlin Birch, VT
Newport, VT
Part 1
1930's-1960's
The Newport Outing Club and Chamberlin Birch was a rope tow area that operated off of Lake Road (according to Cynthia Adams) from the 1930's to the 1960's. The area had a 750' rope tow and jump, and 4 ski trails in the late 1930's. By the early 1970's, the area was moved to South Glen Road. That area is documented here.
According to Cynthia, There was a rope tow and lighted
night skiing, but not much else. Anyone who lived on the west side of town
used to walk over and ski at night and the weekend. There were 3 or 4 cleared main trails, but most everyone skiied in the woods.
We do not know much about the history of the first area yet, but we are researching it. Scott Drake's grandparents (the Davios), who live in Newport, remember this area off of Lake Road as well, so we can confirm this location.
Here is one source from 1939.
1939
(Ski
Trails in The East and How to Find Them)
The terrain surrounding
Newport is varied, with altitudes running to 1500 feet. Four ski trails,
much open terrain, a lighted hill with varying slopes, a 750 foot tow and
a 130 foot jump are available. The trails are accessible by bus or car
over well-plowed roads. There are rest rooms equipped with first aid supplies.
If you know more about this area please let us know.