Buckhorn Ski Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club |
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 Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club
Location in California
Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club
Location in the United States
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| Location | Waterman Mountain San Gabriel Mountains Angeles National Forest |
| Nearest city | Azusa, California |
| Coordinates | 34°20′40″N 117°54′52″W / 34.34457°N 117.91437°W |
| Vertical | 680 ft (210 m) |
| Top elevation | 7,903 ft (2,409 m) |
| Base elevation | 7,203 ft (2,195 m) |
| Skiable area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Runs | 5 |
| Lift system | 2 surface lifts |
| Snowfall | 180 in (460 cm) |
| Snowmaking | None |
| Night skiing | None |
| Website | [1] |
The Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club is a special place for winter fun! It's located about 40 mi (64 km) north of Los Angeles in the beautiful Angeles National Forest. The land belongs to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is managed by the United States Forest Service. This club is unique because it's a cooperative, meaning members help out with maintenance. They pay a small fee, but everyone is expected to contribute their time to keep the club running smoothly.
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History of the Buckhorn Ski Club
After World War II, many people started forming ski clubs. These groups often built their own simple rope tows and small warming huts. The Buckhorn Ski Club is the only club like it left in California that is owned and operated by its members.
How the Club Started
In 1948, two groups, the Santa Monica Ski Club and the G. Pepperdine Ski Club, got permission to build two rope tows and small sheds for them. A few years later, these same groups built the main lodge and an outhouse. In 1958, the club officially became the Whittier Ski Club and joined with the Santa Monica Ski Club. Later, in 1984, the club changed its name to Buckhorn Ski Club. It then became the Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club, which is its name today.
Rebuilding After a Big Storm
In February 2005, a huge snowstorm hit the area. It dropped about 8 ft (2.4 m) of snow! This heavy snow caused the roof of the lodge to collapse. But the club members quickly came together. They shoveled snow off the roof and worked hard to protect the lodge. Over the summer, the members rebuilt the roof. They made sure it was even stronger and met modern building rules.
Club Facilities
The main lodge at Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club was built in the early 1950s and is still in great shape. It has an Alpine style, which means it has a steeply sloped roof. The lodge is about 800 sq ft (74 m2) in size.
Inside the Lodge
The lodge is made of wood and has a nice deck with special balcony trim. Inside, you'll find a large main room with a cozy chimney. There's also a kitchen, a pantry, and a utility room. While the old rope tows are not used anymore, the engines that powered them are still there. These include a Chrysler Spitfire truck engine and a Waukesha tractor engine.
Fun Activities at Buckhorn
The main activities at Buckhorn are downhill skiing and snowboarding. The club has over 40 acres (16 ha) of terrain for you to explore. There's a vertical drop of 680 ft (210 m), which means it's a good slope for skiing and riding.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Snowboarding is allowed on both the "Big Hill" and the "Bunny Hill." Snowboarders sometimes find it a bit harder to use the old rope tows than skiers. This is because it can be tricky to keep your balance on a snowboard while being pulled up the hill. If you prefer, you can also try cross-country skiing or snowshoes. These are available for use at the lodge.
Club Events
The club also hosts several fun events throughout the year, both at the mountain and away from it. In September, they have a popular "Wine in the Pines" event, which is a social gathering. In June, the club goes white water rafting on the Kern River for an exciting adventure!
See also
- Mount Waterman Ski Resort
- Kratka Ridge
