A mere 20 minute ride from Media, PA., made Chadds Peak a popular outing for many. The place was packed on the weekends especially after the holidays when everyone was eager to give their new equipment a test run. For some, this slope was the first experience they had with skiing. It was for me. I was in first grade when I received lessons and what now looks tiny now, looked huge back then. In fact, it was known as "Switzerland in your backyard!"
The place had a ski lodge and rentals with both a rope tow and poma lift on two separate runs. A big pond sat to the left with snow making equipment placed around the slopes. They had lights too, which made for a great time after school skiing for the Penncrest team. Though it couldn't be compared to anything in the Pocono's, it did provide for a lot of fun afternoons and evenings growing up. A LOT OF FUN!
So whatever became of Chadds Peak? It's still there, but hardly recognizable from the glory days. The house and barn where the ski lodge was are still standing, but you can't tell that there was ever any ski slopes. The woods on both sides have re-claimed the area on the hill with mature trees. Both parking lots on ether side of the entrance are still there, but are now low-cut fields. In fact, if you're not paying attention, finding the entrance can be challenging.
From what I understand an Investment/Development company owns the property and aside from a erecting a few shed/barn structures, have left the land untouched. There are some housing developments around the premeter, but not overbearing.
Aside from the pictures below, here are some great photos and comments from the former owner and people who cherished this small bump with snow on it.
Now there is a step back in time! Thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteChadds Peak shaped my outlook on sking for life!
ReplyDelete1966 5 th grade still skiing thanks Chads Peak
ReplyDeleteSkied there in the mid 80's.
ReplyDeleteSkied there in the mid 80's
ReplyDeleteI learned to ski there at the age of 21 way back in winter 1981.
ReplyDeleteI learned to ski there at the age of 21 way back in winter 1981.
ReplyDeleteI was 10 when I learned to ski there in '82
ReplyDeleteUsed to race there for Newark high school every week! Just drove route one today and couldn't remember where to turn. Fun place in its time. Loads of happy memories.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I and friends used to go there after school all the time during the 60's. My brother organized a ski club at our high school and that was where we primarily went for our meetings. Lots of memories.
ReplyDeleteI was a ski instructor at night when I was 20 years old. My role was to try and get the newbies up the slope on the rope tow. Great memories of the huge pile up of young skier attempting to use a rope tow for the 1st time and laughing till it hurt. Chadds Peak Ski Area - one for the books...
ReplyDeleteWe skied here in 1970 - 1974 and my brother Todd & sisterJody used to race here for Henderson & East H. S. Ski teams. Great little ski hill with great memories! Lynn Gruber Powell
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn, Class of 74, last big senior class at Henderson !!
DeleteHey Lynn Bob B here hope you see this an contact me. Have you sat at the end of a dark road lately??
DeleteLooking to visit WC and I was just looking at the Chadds Ford Days Events coming up and thought about Chadds Peak ! WOW, Great memories. Worked there 2 winters in High School while at Henderson. Have been in Colorado now for 40 years (better skiing than PA).
ReplyDeleteLooking to visit Mom and saw the Chadds Ford Days and thought of Chads Peak . WOW, what memories! Worked there for a winter in high school at Henderson . Skiing enticed me to move to Colorado and have been here for 40 years.
ReplyDeleteI skiied here from 1967 until 1971. I sure had fun, did very well, and skiing really isn't that hard to learn.
ReplyDeleteI skiied there in the later '60's; I had lots of fun there
ReplyDelete