"The Ski
Deck"
Indoor Ski Slope
Easton, MA
1994-2003
Thanks to Wayne DeLano Jr. who wrote the following article about this lost indoor ski slope in Easton, MA!
Jacksons Ski Outlet in
Easton Massachusetts was home to a very unique ski slope. This indoor
facility operated from about 1994-2003. It was simply a novelty experiment
conducted by Jackson's to attract business and provide ski instructions to
new-comers and members. The deck, as they refer to it, took up about 7,000 sq.
feet of the building, constructed of an industrial carpeting coated with a
silicon-like material. It was positioned inside the front of a large octagon
shaped building surrounded by several other businesses.
Initially, Jackson's Ski Outlet was just a ski shop providing new and used
equipment as well as rentals, and then they decided to build the deck. Many
people would come and use The Ski Deck to practice, condition themselves, take
lessons from 2-3 instructors, snowplow, and have a good time. There was no rope
tow, but they did operate a functioning stairway, much like an escalator. Skiers
would remove their specially designed skis and take a walk up to the upper
platform and ski back down. The skis were shorter than your typical snow ski
with dulled edges for carpet. From what I understand, many people became
members of The Ski Deck. In front of the outlet was Landry's Bicycles, which was
sub-leased by Jackson's Ski Outlet. Both stores agreed that The Ski Deck would
help bring in new customers and attract new business. They used to hang a
massive banner outside that said "Indoor Skiing." In fact this did work for
several years, but the popularity did not take-off as much as they had hoped
for.
The most contributing factor for its closing was the need to utilize the floor
space more efficiently. The overhead costs were too great to operate the slope
after 2003 and was closed, torn down, and divided into separate offices. The
current area is now a beauty salon, Landry's Bicycles has since moved to
Norwood, Ma but Jackson's Ski Outlet remains on site and is open for all your
skiing needs. It is quite a good store, and the staff is very friendly.
I got a chance to walk around the building last week. It's more like a mini-mall
than an office building. You absolutely cannot tell that there was once an
indoor ski slope due to the new businesses that were divided. The only thing I
noticed that would give it away are the high ceilings. Other than that, it's
completely gone. I hope to get more info and pictures soon!
Jackson's Ski outlet is located of Route 138 in
Easton, MA. Take Route 24 South from 93. Take the Rt 123 exit toward
Easton. Follow to Rt 138 and take a left the the set of lights across from CVS.
Jackson's is located on the left hand side in the mall plaza.
If you have more information on this area just let us know.
Last updated: November 19, 2007