We’re trying to compile a timeline history of Gore. Below is what I have so far, taken from the Gore website. If you have additions, post them in the comments, and I’ll add them.
1934: The first ski patrol was formed by Lois Perret.
1934: The first snow train carrying 378 skiers to North Creek from Schenectady on March 4th.
1946: 300’ Tbar installed servicing 839 vertical feet at the North Creek ski bowl.
1964: Gore Mountain is developed with a J bar, a T bar and a double chair, the longest lift in the East at the time.
1967: Gore installs the first Gondola in New York State.
1976: Installation of the snowmaking system on four trails.
1982: Major improvements to Old Red Gondola, including new hangars and towers, to increase speed to summit (25 minutes) and decrease wind swaying over the first valley, that often puts the Gondola on wind hold.
1984: Installation of the Adirondack Express, a high-speed triple chair – the only lift of it’s kind in the East.
1995: Rumor is cut from the summit. With a 33 degree headwall pitch, it’s one of the steepest trails in the East.
1998: Burnt Ridge North and South Backcountry areas added as part of the nordic trail system. This progressive idea added a very unique aspect to an already diverse skiing experience at Gore.
1999: New hi-speed eight-passenger Northwoods gondola to the top of Bear Mountain replaces the original gondola to the summit of Gore.
2002: Topridge area is introduced on Bear Mountain including a new lift and 4 new trails.
2003: North Creek Ski Bowl is re-opened for lift service tubing.
2006: Ruby Run was added to allow beginners to ski from the summit of Bear Mountain to the base of Gore.
2007: Opening of the Northwoods Lodge and a new lift at the North Creek Ski Bowl for day and night skiing and riding.
2008: The addition of Burnt Ridge Mountain increases Gore’s vertical to 2300 feet providing a new high speed Quad, four new trails and two more glades.
1982: Major improvements made to Old Red Gondola to speed up turtle slow speed to summit (25 minutes) as well as scary and dangerous wind swaying over the first valley, that often puts the Gondola on wind hold. New hangars and tower changes, at a cost of $$$$. Guess what? Didn’t work.
By late 80s planning begins on Northwoods Gondola. Sometime after ski season, I need to wrote a long post about my years riding the Old Red Gondola. Worst part of it: putting sheer beginners on the top of the mountain. Hey, where’s the easy way down?
’98 or ’99, Burnt Ridge North and South Backcountry areas, as part of the nordic trail system.
For a state-run ski center, this was actually a pretty progressive idea. Alas, it was caught in the cross hairs of progress. Severely under-promoted, especially after development proposals commenced. And the customer base was just a little bit behind the curve (for once).
Added a very unique aspect to an already diverse skiing experience at Gore.
2009/2010 season… added paid parking to overcome state budget shortfall. Pissed off a lot of locals said it would be “re-evaluated” which I think means tough luck, it’s here to stay.
BTW, here’s the other areas I’ve skied this season: Targhee, Park City, J Hole, Attitash, Loon, Stowe, Smuggs & Killington. Allegedly there’s “premiere parking”; @ Killington and J Hole but I couldn’t find it.
How about the addition of the Straightbrook chair, Hawkeye and Chatiemac trails?
Was the original summit chair shortened to end at Lies when the old gondola was removed?