Vermont’s First Ski Resort Is Unlike Any Other And It Belongs At The Top Of Your Bucket List

Those who ski know the exhilaration of gliding down the slope in the crisp winter air. While there are many popular resorts in Vermont where you can get your skiing fix for the season, consider making a pilgrimage to the place where it all started. Saskadena Six (formerly known as Suicide Six) in Pomfret is recognized as the oldest ski resort in Vermont and it definitely belongs on your bucket list.

In 1934, the first ever uphill conveyance for skiers was installed on a hill at Clinton Gilbert's Farm. The improvised tow rope was originally powered by a Ford Model T engine. A few weeks later an electric motor was installed by Wallace "Bunny" Bertram, former Dartmouth ski coach.

A few years later, the operation was moved to a steeper hill nearby known as Hill 6. This became the earliest ski resort and is still in operation. They named it Suicide Six and it had 100 acres of skiable areas with 24 trails and slopes.

In 2022 the name that has been synonymous with the area changed to Saskadena Six Ski Area. The name before provoked the sense of danger that was associated with the rush and thrill of downhill skiing. However, the 80-year-old name had with it a connotation that people had become uncomfortable with in recent years. They decided to change the name from flippant verbiage surrounding mental health and settled on Saskadena which means "Standing Mountain". By honoring the Native Americans the hope is to further connect the people and community to the roots of this land and start fresh. Although the name has changed they still want to show the history of the ski resort so you will see many nostalgic pieces showcasing the original name.

Today you can enjoy a ride up the 650-foot vertical rise on a lift rather than by tow rope. Skiing the slopes at Saskadena Six is not only fun but an experience steeped in history.

Pick from a variety of downhill runs with varying difficulty. With 30% of the slopes being rated as beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced, the whole family can enjoy an outdoor adventure here.

Enjoy an exhilarating trip down the longest run of 5,280 feet. Wallace "Bunny" Bertram braved the face of the mountain in 1936 for the first time, and now you can ski in his historical tracks.

Saskadena Six was also instrumental in the development of snowboarding as a sport. The first National Snow Surfing Championships were held at the resort in 1982. The competition would later become the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships.

Enjoy the winter playground from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. Hit the slopes, take a lesson, rent or have your equipment tuned, and enjoy an apres ski meal in Perley's Poorhouse at the resort.

With so many great places to go skiing in the Green Mountain State, it's good to know the history of the oldest ski resort in Vermont. While looking for things to do this winter in Vermont this would be high on your list of places to visit. Bundle up and enjoy the pristine white snow by hitting the slopes! For more information or to get tickets place visit the Saskadena Six Ski Area website. You can also make a whole weekend getaway out of it and stay the night at the Woodstock Inn.

To find the Saskadena Six Ski Area here is the address:  247 Stage Rd., South Pomfret, VT 05067.

For more things to explore, including events, please visit the Town of Woodstock's website.

Did you know that Saskadena Six is the earliest ski resort? Have you ever skied this historical slope? Did you also know that Vermont is home to the longest Nordic skating trail in the United States? Make sure to check out this incredible trail!