The Swedish Influence
In 1871, a U.S. diplomat recruited 21 families from Stockholm, Sweden, to settle in northern Maine. The Swedes used skis as a means of transportation. Maine locals found this fascinating.
Poland Spring Ski Resort
In the early 1900s, skis were manufactured in various parts of Maine. Then, in 1916, the first ski resort was opened in Poland Spring.
The 1930s
The chairlift had not yet been invented. While some Maine ski areas had rope tows, in others people had to use their strength and athleticism to climb the mountain, so they could ski back down.
Shawnee Peak
In 1936, Pleasant Mountain consisted of a bunch of cow pastures. However, the residents of the nearby town of Bridgton decided they wanted a ski area. The students of Bridgton Academy carved out a ski trail. In 1953, Maine's first T-bar was installed at Pleasant Mountain, and in 1955, the Pleasant Mountain management installed Maine's first chairlift. In the 1980s, the Shawnee Peak group purchased Pleasant Mountain and changed the name to Shawnee Peak.
Snowmaking
In 1962, Otto Wallingford of Maine invented the country's first snow-making machine.
Article Written By Lisa Mercer
In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.
