Northeast Slopes
East Corinth, VT
1936-Present

In December of 1936, Dodd constructed a rope tow on the property of Eugene Eastman, powered by an old Reo station wagon. The tow was 1300' long and served a vertical of 360', and a 400' long beginner tow was also constructed. Eugene Eastman was then recruited to operate the area along with Weston Blake, a Dartmouth skier. The two would operate the ski area continually through the winter of 1961-1962, and made many improvements, including a base lodge, adding ski lessons sponsored by the Bradford PTA, and more. The area was also known as Wes Blake's Ski Tow during this time.

For the 1962-1963 season, Eastman wished to spend more time with his maple sugar operation, and by now, Wes Blake was living in Massachusetts. New operators would be needed for that season. So, on November 20, 1962, Northeast Ski Slopes Inc. was officially founded, with 25 stockholders. The new President was Gilbert Cole, Vice-President Putnam W. Blodgett, Treasurer Jack Butler, and Clerk Helen Chatfield. Others involved were Horace Palmer, James Perry, Craig White, and John Pierson, Jr. Larry Williams of East Corinth was hired to operate the ski area. 25 stockholders held stock with the company.

Right - an undated advertisement for Wes Blake's Ski Tow - New England's Most Interesting Open Slope!

Additional improvements followed, with a new warming hut (still in use) built in 1966, and ski lessons for children were expanded. A Tucker Sno-Cat was purchased in the late 1960's to replace the Bombardier.

In 1972, plans were drawn up to build a new T-bar for the 1973-1974 season, to help "insure your children and grandchildren would have a place of their own to ski". A capital campaign commenced, with the sale of $50.00 stock. Unfortunately, there was not enough support, and it would be another 35+ years before a T-bar would be installed.

In the mid 1980's, a non-profit group, Northeast Slopes Inc. was formed to continue the ski operation. Times were tough by the late 1990's as a volunteer base dwindled, but this would not last long. By the early 2000's, the area began to grow again thanks to the efforts of the volunteers. Plans were drawn up to build a T-bar, and a fundraising campaign commenced in 2004. Generous inviduals, including a large private donor, Mascoma Savings Bank, and the Windham, Oakland, Page Hill, and Smith-Dennison Foundations. Ground was broken on August 23, 2008. Billy Ricker and his assistance Matt Fulford worked the excavator and Byron Kidder surveyed the area with assistance from Ben Whiting,  according to this press release on Ropeways.net. John Pierson Jr., a long time volunteer was another driving force in the construction of the T-bar. Geoff Putnam was the project engineer and brought a wealth of knowledge to the operation.

The T-bar was mostly built with components from a former T-bar at Ski Bradford, MA, which had originally come from Stratton Mountain, VT. Construction begain during 2008 and lasted into 2009, and the T-bar officially opened that December. Sadly, John Pierson passed away shortly before the lift officially opened.

Since 2009, the area has seen a continued rebirth, with many new skiers enjoying the T-bar. The area was prominently featured in United We Ski, and should continue to thrive into the future as an affordable, fun, and varied ski area.

Thanks to a 1972 report from Harold Haskins for portions of the history of the area.

Right - an early 1980's trail map of the ski area.

The beginner rope tow provides a gentle ascent on an easy slope.