| Learn about the History of Snow Valley - from when it was started in 1924 up to what has been done in recent years. Just a stroll down Snow Valley's memory lane, we hope it gives you some insight on how we began and where we are today. |
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| 1924 |
Jack Northrop, world-renowned aviation designer, builds the first "sling lift" in San Bernardino Mountains.
Prior to its construction, people were forced to hike up the hill in order to ski down.
Skis weighed nearly 20 pounds and were roughly eight feet long.
Originally named "Fish Camp" for the pond located nearby (located at the top of Chair 5); the hill quickly became a favorite among the few locals who knew how to ski. |
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| 1937 |
Norwegian ski jumper, Sverre Engen, opens "Fish Camp" as a commercial ski area complete with food concession and ski rentals.
Under a "Ski Permit" granted by the U.S. Forest Service, Engen constructed a small lodge and remodeled the sling lift for the increasing number of visitors. |
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| 1938 |
| Arrowhead Springs Hotel (currently headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ) took over the site with the intention of offering their guests skiing at the "Fish Camp" in the winter, as well as swimming and tennis in the summer. |
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| 1941 |
Arrowhead Springs Hotel forced to file for bankruptcy.
Another Norwegian ski jumper, John Elvrum (member of the 10th Mountain Division in the 2nd World War), purchased the lease to "Fish Camp" for $5000.
"Fish Camp" renamed "Snow Valley Ski Resort". |
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| 1948 |
| Snow Valley incorporates. |
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| 1949 |
| Snow Valley installs their first chair lift. |
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| 1951 |
| Base lodge construction completed. |
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| 1960 |
| First double chair lift built. |
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| 1971 |
John Elvrum, principal owner/operator, sold his interest to the parent company, Snow Valley, Inc.
Jack Rindall, John Elvrum's long-time assistant was appointed General Manager |
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| 1974 |
| W.R. Sauey became an owner Snow Valley. |
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| 1988 |
| Austrian-born Benno Nager assumed the role of General Manager. |
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| 1989 |
| Snow Valley's base facilities burnt to the ground. The fire happened in only a matter of minutes. |
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| 1994 |
Snow Valley spends 1.5 million dollars on a York Automated Snowmaking System. 32 of the 356 snowmaking hydrants are computer controlled and will make minor adjustments for minute changes in weather conditions.
Over 25,000 feet of pipe and 4 miles of wire are laid throughout the mountain in support of snowmaking capabilities for "Slide Peak." |
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| 1996 |
For the 1996/1997 ski season, Snow Valley dramatically lowered the cost of a lift ticket. This came when the Industry standard was to continually raise ticket prices. One year later, another regional market leader followed Snow Valley's lead and lowered their price.
Snow Valley built the most innovative snowboard park in the United States. Enthusiasts from all over the Southland ventured to Snow Valley to see what all the hype was about. Schighridj, (Sky-Ridge) is the first park ever built that actually flowed from hit to hit. For the first time ever, riders were able to link their tricks and maneuvers in a flowing, non-stop continuous run. |
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| 1998 |
Phil Jones, former President and General Manager of the Park City Ski Area in Utah, accepted the General Manager position with Snow Valley Mountain Resort.
In the summer of 1998, Snow Valley made an exorbitant amount of changes and expansion to its base area facilities to provide for a more guest-friendly recreational area. |
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| 1999 |
In the summer of 1999, Snow Valley hosted the Willow Fire base camp for more than 2,200 fire fighters. The Willow Fire was the largest wild fire in the history of San Bernardino County.
Snow Valley successfully made its first summer debut in hosting beautiful on-site weddings. |
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| 2000 |
Snow Valley installs the latest technology snowmaking fan guns, which replace compressed air type snowmaking guns.
Water cooling towers were installed which reduces snowmaking water temps from 49 degrees to 37 degrees. |
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| 2001 |
Snow Valley's base area Chalet is remodeled to provide for more user-friendly food and beverage guest service.
Rick Redin is appointed as Snow Valley's Operations Manager. Rick had previously worked for 23 years at Mount Snow Resort in Vermont. Throughout his employment
at Mount Snow, Rick worked a variety of different positions including his most recent position there as the Maintenance Manager. |
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| 2002 |
| Snow Play proven to be a growing success, Snow Valley enhances its Snow Play area with snowmaking and more terrain. |
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| 2003 |
CLAWA ( Crestline Lake Arrowhead water agency ) and water pipeline approved, Snow Valley continues to move forward.
Two new Bombardier snow grooming machines have been purchased.
Four new snow making fans added.
New tractor with mower to enhance trail maintenance.
Kevin Somes joins the Snow Valley family as Marketing Manager. |
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| 2004 |
New conveyor lift purchased for the Children's Learning Center.
Rick Redin appointed General Manager.
The terrain park is renamed, "The EDGE."
Snow Valley continues to move forward with regards to the CLAWA project, continuing the permit process and working closely with the United States Forest Service. |
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