Woodstock Vermont - The First Ski Tow in the United States

While in Woodstock, and given the self proclaimed epic nature of my journey, I just had to visit Clinton Gilbert’s farm where, in 1934, he rigged up the first ski tow in the United States using an “endless rope” run off of a Model T Ford engine.  At this time, March 20^th in 2004, the hill wall all grass so although I was unable to ski on snow, I did take a few turns on the grass.  To my pleasant surprise, the current owners were feeding a big bonfire in the backfield and, you know by now, I can’t resist a bonfire. I walked over to meet the Apples, current owner of this historic site, and they even allowed me to warm my hands and get some pictures with them – thanks Mr. Apple.  He had to replace the old rotting utility poles used to hold up the rope – just before the 50^th anniversary 1984 when over 500 people showed up for a big party.

I can easily imagine a bonfire raging back in 1943 with the locals warming themselves between runs.  It is fitting that in this age of energy intensive skiing that I visit the humble beginnings of ski tows – back then one only needed an old Model T to make it easy to get up this hill – now we need high speed quads, snow making and après ski bars to complete our enjoyment.