Nestled within the Cascade Forest, these seven forgotten ski hills offer a glimpse into the past.
Once bustling with skiers, they now stand as silent witnesses to history, each with its own unique story to tell.
Milwaukee Ski Bowl (Hyak, WA)
Imagine the excitement of the late 1930s when the Milwaukee Ski Bowl was a hub of winter activity. Built by the railroad, it featured an unusual ski-boggan lift along with multiple rope tows.
Although closed by 1950, traces of its cleared ski runs and relics of its base area still whisper stories of its heyday.
Today, nature reclaims its slopes, but the echoes of joyful laughter remain.
Paradise Ski Tow (Mount Rainier, WA)
High on the slopes of Mount Rainier, the Paradise Ski Tow tells a tale of ambition from the late 1930s. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was a marvel of its time.
Though skiing ceased decades ago, the original powerhouse remains, a testament to human ingenuity amid the towering pines.
A hike through this area offers a unique glimpse of history intertwined with nature’s beauty.
Mt. Pilchuck Ski Area (WA)
Once a popular destination in the 1950s, Mt. Pilchuck Ski Area hosted eager skiers with its rope tows and later a solitary chairlift. The charm of this place lingered until its closure in 1978.
Today, the rusting tower bases and faint outlines of runs peek through the overgrown vegetation, offering a somber yet captivating sight.
Its ghostly presence continues to attract adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
Martin Ski Dome / “The Dome” (Stampede Pass, WA)
The allure of Martin Ski Dome, opened in 1939 by the Northern Pacific Railroad, is one of quiet solitude. Once bustling with skiers enjoying its rope tows, it closed during WWII, leaving only sparse remnants.
Sold in 1946, its traces are hidden amidst the trees, where nature reclaims its territory.
The whisper of history can still be felt in the chilling winds that sweep through this forgotten place.
Yodelin (near Stevens Pass)
Yodelin, a resort with a vibrant past, operated during the late ’60s and early ’70s. In 1971, tragedy struck when an avalanche destroyed cabins and claimed lives.
Permanently closed in 1974, it has become a favored backcountry ski spot. The memories of its bustling days are etched into the landscape, offering a poignant reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability.
Cle Elum Ski Hill (Snoqualmie Pass region)
In the 1920s, Cle Elum Ski Hill was a pioneer in the Northwest, famous for its exhilarating ski jumping events. As downhill skiing gained traction, it slipped into obscurity.
Officially closing in 1936, it leaves behind a legacy overshadowed by modern resorts.
The echoes of cheering crowds and daring jumps still haunt the landscape, offering a nostalgic glimpse into skiing’s early days.
American River Ski Bowl (near Chinook Pass, WA)
Amidst the serene beauty near Chinook Pass, the American River Ski Bowl operated from the 1930s. Equipped with two rope tows, it provided joyful rides until 1959.
Lower elevation and competition led to its closure, but remnants of the lodge remain.
This hidden gem is a testament to the fleeting nature of popularity, surrounded by the timeless allure of the forest.