A replica of the original Fitts Valley Ski
Tow sign, which is displayed at the Chelsea Fish and Game Club.
Courtesy Sara Dunn.
Fitts
Valley Ski Tow
Run by the Chelsea Fish and Game Club
Chelsea, VT
1962-1971
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Fitts
Valley Ski Tow |
History ~ Historical Photos ~ Memories ~ Recent Photos
Many thanks to Rich Gilman who has filled us in with more details on this ski area! This area operated from 1962-1971, with a 950' long rope tow, according to Vermont Tramyway inspections. According to Sara Dunn, the ski area was located at the farm of her great-grandparents, Jack and Isabel Fitts. According to her father Jeff, they either donated or sold some of their land to the Chelsea Fish & Game Club who installed the ski tow and used a few of the barns shelter the skiers and serve food and snacks. A few of the barns are still there today and that the engine and pulley system used for the ski tow were still there at the top of the hill. I think it was an old car or truck engine.
Here's what Rich sent us:
| Fitts Valley Ski Tow operated from 1962-1971 on Sunday afternoons. It was owned and operated by the Chelsea Fish & Game Club. It was very popular in the mid 60’s but faded away as the snowmobile craze took over. The tow was approximately 900 ft in length. It had one main slope but a more gradual slope, the “back trail” was also used. Refreshments were sold in the warming hut at the bottom of the hill with music blaring on some speakers placed outside for all to enjoy. |
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According to
Dirk Anderson
and Dave Levasseur,
The rope tow is still visible to the south of the corner of the East
Randolph Road and Brook Road in southwestern Chelsea. If anybody is
driving through, please take a photo for us! This 1996 view shows the slope still fairly clear. |
Jeff Dunn:
Rich Gilman sent in two more images of the ski area, showing the view of the slope (including a ticket), and the engine for the tow. Click on both photos for a larger version.
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A 1964 view shows the open slope and 950' long rope tow. Note that the area was on the Fitts farm, and tickets were just $1.50 for adults! |
| A view of the motor for the rope tow at the summit, along with the operator's shack. |
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The original Fitts Valley Ski Tow sign, courtesy Sara Dunn. |
Thanks to Sara Dunn and her family who sent along some 2013 photos of this lost area:
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The Fitt's Farmhouse. |
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Former ski slope. |
Do you remember this lost area? If so, let us know.
Last updated: April 3, 2016
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