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With a decent snow base established at the Princeton Snow Bowl, President Ben Lane and his brother, Vice President Ken Lane, began operation on Bearpen Mountain. Many skiers came to enjoy free skiing offered on this day. For the visitors to the summit lodge, electricity was powered by a generator, a round hearth was found in the corner supplying warmth, and food and beverages were served. |
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Throughout the season, fantastic ski conditions drew excellent crowds until the end of April when the mountain closed for the season. In its first year of operation, the ski area more than covered its expenses offering promise to the forthcoming seasons. (Click on picture for more views of the mountain through this season)
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Near the end of the ski season, Ben attended a Roxbury town meeting attempting to continue the right of way for use of the road into Vega. He was surprised to find a couple of people were opposed to the idea and wanted the road closed. It later became apparent that his parking lot attendants, Bruce German and Romeo Signini, had plans to build the Roxbury Ski Center off Sally's Alley. The road to Vega ran through the area they had plans to develop. As a result, the following year's operation would have access only from the Little Westkill Road. |
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During the summer, Ben again supervised Troughbridge Construction to make various improvements to the ski area. The major tow originally used on the SKI SPREE trail was moved to service the new SCHOOL Slope. The "liftline" was created in preparation for a new two-in-one rope tow which offered unloading on the lower ridge and reloading to make the ascent to the summit headwall. This allowed for skiers to pass under the tow uninterrupted. The PLUNGE trail was extended into the valley where it intersected the newly-created "liftline." Several improvements were made to the summit lodge, the road from the valley, and the existing trails. Also added, near the top of the lower ridge was a first aid building. (Click on picture for more views of the construction during this time period)
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Many new ideas were developed to thwart the havoc of the porcupines. Tin linings were installed at the various locations Ben had observed damaged the previous year. These improvements stopped their infiltration without harming a single one of these creatures. |
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As snow fell in November, installation of the new rope tow began. This created a difficult but not impossible situation for the workers to overcome.
(Click on picture for more views of the construction during this time period)
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