Barre Ski Club
Barre "Stars Go By"
Barre Granite Ski Center
Barre Skyline

c1939-c1971

 

History ~ Listings by the Year ~ Current Pictures

History

This ski area went by several names, 2 of which I am sure of.  The Skyline and Ski Center were definitely the same area, but there were several rope tows in the vicinity of Barre, one of which was called Stars Go By (interesting name, huh?).  By the early 1950's this area had a Poma lift and a rope tow.  One benefit for this area was its location: located inside the city allowed people to walk to the area.  There was night skiing in the 1960's from 7 to 10pm.  A second rope tow was also added during this period.  By the early 1970's, this fun little area was closed. 

Here's a view of the trail map, late 1950's or so, from a brochure. Notice that there were a few slopes, and a narrow novice trail.

Here's a view from a late 1950's brochure, showing pomalift and main lodge. Unsure where rope tows stood.

Listings by the Year

Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source
1939 1000 foot rope tow Lighted practice hill, three wooded trails, 0.3 miles long each, intermediate and expert Area developed by Barre Ski Club on East Montpelier Road, parking, clubhouse Ski Guide to New England
1942 Same Same Same Complete Skiers Guide
1947-1948 Rope tow Unknown Area called "Stars Go By" in Barre, may be the Ski Club VT Life Article
1958 Likely poma, baby tow Unknown. Summit elevation 1230', base 760', vertical 470ft From VT Life Article: "...is actually inside the city limits, yet this community project is a complete ski area and its rates are low.  The area has good accomodations, headed up by those in Barre and the state capital of Montpelier."
"...has a special Baby Rope Tow for its children guests, handling 200 skiers per hour."
Base: 760		 (Vermont Life article by Murray Hoyt)
Late 1950's /Circa 1960 1800' poma, 800' tow, 300' tow for littlest beginners. Novice trail, Spring Slope, Novice Trail, Main Slope, Slalom Slope, Jumps. All slopes packed by snowcat. Night skiing - all slopes illuminated with 1500' watt lights. Lodge, one of the finest in the East, is 100' X 30', two stories. Restaurant, Fireplace, Thermopane windows. You can relax on cedar furniture and watch the skiers on the slopes. Ski shop and ski school with latest techniques taught. Parking for 350 cars. Brochure
1966 Poma lift 500' drop No snowmaking America's Ski Book
1968 1950' Poma lift, 500' tow, 800' tow 60 acres, trails for tots, novices, intermediates, and experts, 35 meter jump, night skiing from 7-10pm Ski patrol and first aid, inside city limits off US 2 Vermont - A Guide to the Green Mountain State
1970 1800' poma, 1000 skiers per hour, no rope tows Unknown Rope tows removed in late 1960's VT Tramway Commission
1971 Closed Closed Closed Same

 

Current Pictures
Barre Skyline in November of 1999. Building on the left is the former base lodge. Trails are just about all grown in. Old trails are where some of the newer tree growth is. Upon closer inspection of the ski area, you can see that the poles and lights for night skiing are still standing.

Photo by Andy Dufresne.

An overhead view of the ski area, notice how much it has grown in. Late 1990's.

Does anybody remember skiing at this one? If so, tell us your story.

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