Van Cortland
Park
Bronx, NY
1960's
Thanks to Al Dykes, we first heard of this area that operated in the Bronx, of all places! Here are his details:
In the 60's a tow rope ski area operated in VanCortland Park in the Bronx, New York City. I skied it a few times, last probably in 1966.
Saul remembers skiing here:
There sure was a ski area in Van Cortland
park. I was about 17
years old and dislocated my knee there. I had cable release (actually never
release) bindings and wound up flat on my back in the snow with my left
ski vertical in the ground, front end down, still attached to my foot.
James also shares fond memories of this lost area:
That's where I
learned to ski! My mother took me up there when I was 6 for my first lesson, I
can still remember bits and pieces of the experience. It must have been in 1964.
Naturally, wooden skis with cable bindings. I'll ask my mother if she remembers
any details about the area and pass them on if she does.
Now I've been a
Professional Ski Instructor with the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen for 10
years, and I got my start while living in Manhattan and learning at VCP! (Skiing
is just a *little* bit better out here). Damn, it doesn't seem like that long
ago, but I guess it really is. YIKES!
Kevin McNeill: I just came across your web page on this lost ski area and the memories it triggered were quite amazing, especially the ski area with the rope tow in the Park. If I recall correctly, the Van Cortland boat house was where you could rent ski equipment, and the boat house served as the golf shop in the summer.
If you have more information on this area just let us know.