Nestled in the heart of the Lakes Region, Abenaki Ski Area is not just a ski hill-it's a living piece of American ski history. Abenaki Ski Area is a community owned and operated ski area in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, near Wolfeboro.
The Early Years: A Winter Sports Haven
The first trails on Poor Farm Hill were cut and used during the winter of 1936 by the newly-formed Abenaki Outing Club. The members, Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro residents, were interested in promoting winter sports in the area and were convinced alpine skiing would draw winter tourists. With trails cut first in 1936, and the rope tow and the lodge built-in 1940, Abenaki is the oldest small ski area in America, as well as one of the 10 oldest ski areas in the country overall.
The Hersey Family generously allowed the use of their hill to all who came, and by 1940 a rope tow had been installed and a base lodge built, complete with stone fireplace. The Abenaki Outing Club added enthusiastic members and began sponsoring winter carnivals. They erected lights and night skiing became a big hit.
During World War II the area was quiet but activity picked up again immediately thereafter. Abenaki was again the hub of winter activities and was directly linked to the success of Wolfeboro's winter economy, as many skiers from southern New Hampshire and southern New England came specifically to enjoy the skiing.
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In the fall of 1946 plans were made to enlarge the slope by clearing a new novice practice area on the south side of the rope tow, which was then located on the southeast side of the main slope. The tow was later switched to its present location on the west side of the hill. Downhill and slalom races were held, attracting racers from all over New England.
The Mid-Century Heyday
During the early 1950's Abenaki continued to be extremely popular, with the Outing Club in charge of maintenance and running the operation. In the 1960s both Brewster Academy and Kingswood Regional High School ski teams practiced and held races at Abenaki. The rope tow was extended further up the hill and trails on either side of the slope were widened. Night skiing continued to be very popular, especially among the young people from Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro.
The Wolfeboro Parks and Playgrounds Commission took control of the area but the land continued to be owned by the Hersey Family. Later they sold the land to the town. In 1970 the Carroll F. Hersey Memorial Ski Jump was built. It was used by the Kingswood Ski Team beginning in 1971 into the '80s but fell into disuse at the end of the '80s. Presently the jump has been taken over by new-growth saplings and is in disrepair.
Challenges and Revival
During the 1990s the slope was open more sporadically than in the past due to problems with aging equipment such as the old Tucker Snowcat. There were some lean snow years as well, and the number of skiers dwindled as it became a "hit or miss" situation. The cross-country ski trails, however, which run around the perimeter of the area, were consistently alive with many skiers each winter.
When times got really tough and the town was ready to give up, civic-minded skiers came to Abenaki’s rescue. They formed a nonprofit corporation and got busy raising money. Abenaki-lovers responded with deep generosity, giving enough money to install snowmaking and lights for the 2006-07 season. Last year, a spiffy new base lodge went in too, one that doubles as a four-season event facility, bringing in extra revenue.
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To help modernize the ski area, the Friends of Abenaki was started in 2005. The Friends of Abenaki formed in 2005 to help restore the ski area to its former position as a favorite winter recreation spot for Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro residents, young and old alike. Subsequently, their efforts have resulted in the purchase of a modern snowcat and the installation of a snowmaking system. A snow grooming machine was purchased with donated funds by the Friends of Abenaki. It enhances the quality of the snow and makes for a safer skiing surface. The group also purchased a used tow for the novice slope which was installed for the 2006-'07 winter.
With the high cost of lift tickets and inflated traveling expenses, a small town-owned area like Abenaki is even more of an important recreation treasure than ever.
Abenaki Today: A Community Treasure
They are open to the public and offer 7 trails from green to black diamond, glade skiing, night skiing, a terrain park, one of the fastest rope tows on the East Coast, friendly staff and a small lodge with wood stove and space to relax. They have a full size groomer and a small but mighty snowmaking operation-not to mention some of the best conditions you will find in the Northeast.
They’re proud to offer weekday lift tickets for $5 for residents and $17 for our friends from out of town. Because Abenaki is smaller and less crowded than big resorts, visitors enjoy short (or no) lines, consistently good snow conditions, and a cozy, small-town vibe.
The base lodge is rustic and welcoming, with space to kick off skis and warm up. Tickets are also famously affordable - a big win for families, locals, and snow lovers looking for fun without breaking the bank.
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Abenaki is about as old as any ski area in the country. The Wolfeboro Outing Club cut its trails in the 1930s and installed a rope in 1940. Toni Matt skied here sometime either before or after famously straightlining the Headwall at Tuckerman Ravine. Two Olympians, George Macomber and Penny Pitou, are among its benefactors, Swaffield says.
But what matters is that today’s Wolfeboro kids ski and fool around and make mischief in the snow just the way Swaffield could when he was a kid. Night skiing is key-Abenaki’s slopes are busiest on weeknights after school. And snowmaking: Without it, no New England hill can survive. Otherwise, by keeping it small, Abenaki makes it look easy, and it sets an example that ought to inspire winter-loving towns everywhere.
Abenaki Ski Area is Wolfeboro’s beloved, community-owned hill with lots of heart.
Tour of Abenaki Ski Area with Jackson Hipple
Key Features of Abenaki Ski Area
- 7 trails from green to black diamond
- Glade skiing
- Night skiing
- Terrain park
- One of the fastest rope tows on the East Coast
- Friendly staff
- Small lodge with wood stove
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Trails | 7 (Green to Black Diamond) |
| Special Features | Glade Skiing, Night Skiing, Terrain Park |
| Lift System | Rope Tow |
| Atmosphere | Community-focused, Friendly |
| Price | Affordable |
A typical ski area trail map.