Powderhouse Hill Ski Club opened for the season on Friday December 26th.
Powderhouse is the only lift served ski hill on the Seacoast and one of the oldest in the country. Last season was a banner year for Powderhouse. Record-breaking snowfall and a makeshift grooming device led to a season when the hill was open 49 out of 56 scheduled days. “The whole purpose of a hill like this is to get as many kids as possible outdoors, exercising, and learning a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives”, says club member Bill Page.
As a new member of Powderhouse last season, Page realized that with some sort of grooming, the snow would be better for beginners to learn on. After one failed attempt, he created a makeshift device that could be pulled behind the club snowmobile to smooth and pack the snow on the hill.
“The thing worked pretty well but it’s far from perfect. The sled overheats without fresh powder to cool it and we can’t impact all conditions with the present set-up. We’d really like to get our hands on a used traditional groomer so we can keep the hill beginner friendly regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us. I keep threatening to have a bake sale to get the ball rolling but can’t seem to find the time. It’s time we started an official fund-raising drive I think. If anyone’s interested in helping with the effort, please contact me day or night”, said Page.
Regular hours of operation are Wednesday & Friday nights from 7-9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon-4pm. Lift tickets are just $5.00 per person.
Powderhouse Hill first opened in 1939, has 3 trails, an 800-foot long rope tow and 150 feet of vertical drop. The hill is operated by volunteer members of the non-profit Powderhouse Hill Ski Club. At the base of the hill is a warming lodge with a woodstove and snack bar. “The hill is small, but steep enough to be fun for all ages, said Martin. It’s a perfect place for children to learn the sport.”
For more information on Powderhouse, call their Snow-Phone at 207-384-5858, email them at powderhousenews@comcast.net, or visit their website at www.powderhousehill.com.
Check out these media stories about Powderhouse:
Powderhouse Hill Ski Area Opens For Season
WCSH-TV, ME (Watch the video on the right)
Last weekend’s snowfall has made for some great skiing all over the state, including at what’s perhaps Maine’s smallest ski …
Powderhouse perfect spot for local winter fun
Foster’s Daily Democrat
In small bursts between falls, five-year-old Jordyn Cook slowly made her way down Powerhouse Hill on her new …
nice to see the folks that put in the effort get some credit! another example of what we have to be proud of here in our community.
Thanks for the link to the WCSH page w/ video! I heard they had been at Powder House to film. What a great recreation venue this is for our town. I can’t wait for my son to be old enough to learn to ski and ride there. Who knows maybe a future Olympic medalist will be able to credit Powder House Hill as the place where his or her love of snow sports began.