Prospect Mountain (Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prospect Mountain |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,740 ft (840 m) |
| Prominence | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Woodford, Vermont, U.S. |
| Parent range | Green Mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Prospect Mountain is a mountain found in Woodford, Vermont. It is located in the southern part of Vermont's Green Mountains. This mountain is home to the Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski Area. This ski area has the highest base elevation in all of New England. This means it gets lots of natural snow, making it a great place for cross-country skiing for a long season.
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Discovering Prospect Mountain
People have loved Prospect Mountain for a long time. They enjoy its beautiful views and high ground.
A Mountain's History
Skiing began here in the late 1930s. A man named Alex Drysdale opened the first rope tow. This was a simple way to pull skiers up the mountain.
In the early 1960s, William Morse helped reopen the ski area. He added a new, longer T-Bar lift. This lift was 3,200 feet long! With this new lift, Prospect Mountain grew into a medium-sized ski area. It offered a vertical drop of about 675 feet.
Joseph Parks, a lawyer from Bennington, bought the ski area in 1978. He added night skiing and cross-country skiing trails. Today, Prospect Mountain has over 35 kilometers of well-kept ski trails. These trails are perfect for everyone, from serious racers to families. You can also find trails for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Protecting Nature: George D. Aiken Wilderness
Joe Parks also worked to protect the land around the mountain. He wanted to create a special wilderness area. This area would keep the beaver meadows beyond the peak safe.
This protected area was named the George D. Aiken Wilderness. It honors George D. Aiken, a senator from Vermont. Senator Aiken strongly believed in protecting nature. He helped pass a law in 1975 to create wilderness areas in the eastern United States.
New Owners and Community Spirit
In 1991, Steve Whitham and Andrea Amodeo bought the ski area. Later, they decided to sell it. They worked with a group called the Prospect Mountain Association (PMA). This group is mostly made up of volunteers. They rely on the hard work of people who buy season passes and other supporters.
The PMA bought the 144-acre property in 2018. They also worked with the Vermont Land Trust to protect the land forever. Steve Whitham stayed on as the Mountain Manager. He now works for the PMA.
David Newell, who leads the PMA, shared how they bought the mountain. A large donation came from people who went to Williams College. A grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board also helped. This grant helps protect land.
A Training Ground for Skiers
Prospect Mountain is a popular spot for ski teams. Nordic ski teams from Williams College use it for training and races. High schools like Mount Anthony Union High School and Mount Greylock Regional High School also train here.
Now, Prospect Mountain is the main home for the Williams Nordic team. It also hosts the college's winter carnival. The PMA has a board of directors, and some members are connected to Williams College.
