The Lost Ski Areas of Worcester: Residents Recall 3 Slopes From the Past

WORCESTER, MA — According to information submitted to the New England Lost Ski Areas Project by several who remember skiing at the city, there are three particular areas - or hills in the Seven Hills - that people particularly recall.

During the 1960s, the city operated a rope tow at Green Hill Park, though "not too much is known about it."

"The City of Worcester had two rope tow areas they operated in the 60s," wrote Mark Lynch on NELSAP. One was located at Green Hill Park within the Golf Course and the other was located at Hadwen Park. Both locations were free and quite crowded. Today they are used primarily for sledding."

Several readers contributing to the New England Lost Ski Areas Project confirmed that there was once skiing at Hadwen Park off of Heard Street, too, that operated from the '60s to the late '80s.

"There was once a pony lift at Hadwen Park," wrote Chris Kulesza. "It was pretty long for a pony lift. I would have to guess about 500 feet or so. It used to have lights for night skiing. I remember it only operated on weekends and believe it was free of charge... It is used for sledding in the winter now. The lift is gone, so is the shack at the base (it was burned by some kids). The lights I believe are still up, but are not used anymore. I never skied there, but remembered the lift. I was hoping one day to use it. It functioned up until the late '80s. When it first was used is unknown."

Almost no information seems to be known about the Speedway Ski Area (Westboro Speedway), and had a 25-degree slope.

Read more on the New England Lost Ski Areas Project.

Do you remember these ski areas? Did you go skiing there? Do you have more information? Share your memories with us in the comments section.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons