WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Longest running ski hill stalled by lack of snow

Longest running ski hill stalled by lack of snow

Corinth, Vermont - January 7, 2012

Northeast Slopes is an old-fashioned Vermont ski hill.  The longest continuously running ski area in the country. Now, operators are waiting on an old-fashioned snow storm.

Off Route 25, Northeast Slopes in Corinth is the ski area time forgot. Established in 1936, converted cars power the lifts and volunteers provide all the man-hours.

Steve Simpson Sr. call it "Vermont at its best." He learned to ski the rolling terrain in the 60's. Now he helps keep the small hill running, something it's been doing longer than any other site in the U.S.

All his volunteer work has helped the mountain to keep operating. Steve calls it valuable work because "my children and now my grandchildren are able to use the area."

But, the snowmaking at the ski area is also old-fashioned which means the season in Corinth can be as short as seven days or more than 40 depending on what Mother Nature provides

"Haven't been to a big mountain yet this year," said Steve Simpson Jr., "always feel like I have to start here before I can move on to bigger mountains for the year."

All three generations of the Simpson family say they're climbing the walls, and snowcats, waiting for snow to fall on the 26-acre hill.

"it's nice bringing (the kids) here just to come back and show them some of the history from when I was a kid," said Simpson Jr., "and they love it."

"We just hope now for the next big dump," said Simpson Sr., "once we get six inches of snow here we're off and running."

The slopes' history draws skiers and riders from all across the country. Fifteen dollar full day lift tickets appeal to the locals.

Until the snow flies, volunteers say they hope the sweet smells from their new grill will continue bring in visitors to the small lodge.