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 miles north of Los Angeles in the beautiful Angeles National Forest. This club is unique because it's run by its members. They all help out with maintenance and keep the club going. The land belongs to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is managed by the United States Forest Service.
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How the Club Started
After World War II, many people wanted to ski together. So, they formed ski clubs! These clubs often built their own small ski lifts, called rope tows, and cozy warming huts. The Buckhorn Ski Club is the very last club like this in California that is still owned and run by its members.
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, they built the main lodge and an outhouse. In 1958, these clubs joined together and became the Whittier Ski Club. Later, in 1984, the club changed its name to Buckhorn Ski Club. It then became the Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club.
Rebuilding After a Big Storm
In February 2005, a huge snow storm hit the area. It dropped about 8 feet of snow! This heavy snow caused the roof of the lodge to collapse. But the club members didn't give up! They quickly worked together to shovel snow off the roof and protect the lodge. Over the summer, these dedicated members rebuilt the roof. They made sure it was even stronger and met modern building rules.
What's at the Club?
The main lodge was built in the early 1950s and is still in great shape. It looks like a classic mountain cabin with a pointy roof. The lodge is about 800 square feet in size. It has wooden walls and a nice deck with special balcony decorations. Inside, there's a big main room with a fireplace, a kitchen, a pantry, and a utility room.
Ski Lifts
The club used to have rope tows, which are simple ski lifts. While they aren't used anymore, the old engines that powered them are still there. One engine is from a Chrysler Spitfire truck, and the other is a Waukesha tractor engine.
Fun Activities
The main activity at Buckhorn is downhill skiing. There are over 40 acres of terrain to explore. The mountain has a vertical drop of 680 feet, which means you go down that much in height from top to bottom. Snowboarding is also allowed on both the "Big Hill" and the "Bunny Hill." Snowboarders sometimes find it a bit trickier to use rope tows than skiers because it's harder to keep your balance.
Other Winter Fun
If you're interested in other winter sports, the lodge has skis for cross-country skiing and snowshoes you can use. These are great ways to explore the snowy area around the club.
Club Events
The club hosts several fun events throughout the year. Some are held on the mountain, and others are off it. A popular event is "Wine in the Pines," a wine tasting party held in September. In June, club members often go white water rafting on the Kern River.
See also
- Mount Waterman Ski Resort
- Kratka Ridge
