With the challenge made by Percy Goff not affecting the land in which the ski area operated, the 1958 season began in January after early snows created a nice base. The  jitneys again brought skiers from the valley on Ski Run Road for weekend enjoyment through the month.

As the month ended, a weather pattern began dropping large amounts of snow which were cleared by Friday night allowing for the trek up to the summit ridge. Continuing into February, this pattern remained in place building huge amounts of snow to move before each weekend operation. By the third week, the task became impossible to overcome and the jitneys could no longer run and thus ceased operation.

Ben decided to contact a company in New Hampshire to bring a newly developed snow cat and attached 36 passenger enclosed trailer to carry skiers to the summit lodge. Upon arrival, this vehicle began the trip up the road only to get halfway before no longer being able to gain traction. It returned to the parking lot, detached the cab and again ascended to the summit, this time with success hours later. Since the key to complete success was the trailer attachment, the ski area was forced to close for the season.

Before the 1959 season, Ben filed for permit with New York State to cross the FOREVER WILD land. This permit was not issued until the middle of January causing a delay to the projected opening day. He also met with a new obstacle as the Town of Roxbury told him they were going to have difficulty with plowing Ski Run Rd. because of the enormous costs associated with maintaining drivable condition. He began his practice as an eye doctor the summer before which lessened his ability to devote the time he previously made the years before. These factors combined forced the ski area to become non-operational for the years to follow. 

In late summer 1968, Percy Goff filed papers challenging the ownership of lots 66 and 67, the heart of the ski area. He cited title going back to the Queen of Holland thus tying up any future improvements and operation of The Princeton Ski Bowl.

In the courtroom, this battle continued over a decade with final resolve finding for Percy Goff.

HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?

Remember that Ben did numerous title searches before attaining ownership from the landowners. One would think this method would derive the necessary right to work the land and develop his dream... NOT.

SURVEY SAYS

In 1901, the original survey set points for the Greene/Delaware county lines. Also established were the intersection of town lines. The lower summit of Bearpen Mountain was chosen as the point for the Prattsville line with a derived number of "chains" to the southwest as the intersection point of the Halcott line. This survey determined the titles attached to the land contained within those boundaries. In 1945, Ed West, surveyor for the State of New York reestablished these intersecting town lines at different points.

1901 SURVEY

1945 SURVEY

Since this survey was conducted and approved by New York State, the courts decision was made based on the lines as they were established through the revision even though the titles were originally based on information which was different.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Surveyor for New York, Ed West, was well connected with then Supreme Court Justice  Paul Fromer.

Surveyor for New York, Ed West, developed numerous business endeavors with Percy Goff.

The loss of this ski area, during the time period it was developed was most likely the greatest the northeast will ever see. If it had succeeded, many things as we know them today would have changed including the growth of skiing in Vermont. The many ideas of Ben Lane are seen in the major northeast resorts skied today yet few knew why until the writing of this story. His vision of tomorrow is one to be applauded and well overdue.