Prosper Ski Hill

Prosper Ski Hill in Woodstock’s Prosper Valley was built in 1936 by farmer Rupert Lewis, who considered his ski hill a winter crop. Lewis scavenged the parts for three rope tows and a jump; the rope was his only expense. Dean of American ski pioneers and instructor Otto Schniebs provided advice and the Woodstock Electric Co. offered a 15 horse-power motor. Ruth Lewis, Rupert’s wife, ran a cafeteria in the family home. In 1937, Lewis built the warming cabin with a stone fireplace and concession, which was an early purpose-built predecessor of modern ski lodges. Up to 250 people lined up daily to pay 50¢ for an afternoon or $1 for a full day of skiing. Prosper Ski Hill, closing in 1952, operated in the earliest days of mechanized ski tows.