Exploring Ski History: 90th Anniversary of the Adirondack Ski Trains to North Creek, NY
90 years ago, the first Ski Train arrived, helping to make the Adirondack Park a winter destination.
Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts arrive in North Creek, NY, via the Ski Train. Photo credit: North Creek Depot Museum.
Tucked away in the southeast Adirondack Mountains of New York State, North Creek holds a special place in ski history. This weekend, the town will celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the first ski train that brought skiers to North Creek on March 4, 1934.
Following its inaugural journey, the Adirondack Ski Train made North Creek a popular winter destination, bringing more visitors to the region for adventure. The Anniversary is a perfect time to visit the area and learn more about this special place in upstate New York.
The birth of ski trains in the Adirondacks.
The Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company launched the first-ever Snow Train, transporting almost 400 skiers from Schenectady to North Creek. Many travelers were part of the Schenectady Winter Sports Club, founded by men and women who worked at General Electric. At the time, GE’s global headquarters were in Schenectady, and the company employed 30,000 people at that location.
Conductor on the platform next to the Ski Train.
When the skiers arrived, they rode in the back of a truck to the top of the slopes (there were no ski lifts at the time). A member of the Wintersports Club, Bill Gluesing, described this practice as "Ride Up, Slide Down," which later became a slogan for the region.
The first North Creek Ski Train arrival marked the beginning of a new era for North Creek. It quickly became a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and gained a reputation as a premier spot for skiing in New York.
North Creek also became the site of many “firsts” in U.S. ski history, including the first organized ski patrol and New York’s first rope tow.
By 1936, Snow Trains began running from Albany and New York City. These trains brought more tourists and boosted the local economy during the Great Depression.
North Creek and Gore host 90th Anniversary weekend events March 2-4, 2024
North Creek is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the ski train with a series of events. From historical exhibitions showcasing the evolution of Adirondack ski areas to special train rides retracing the route of the original ski trains, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a snowshoe tour at the historic North Creek Ski Bowl – Saturday, March 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
The rope tow at North Creek Ski Bowl. Photos courtesy Schenectady Wintersports Club
The tour begins at the North Creek Depot Museum. During the event, there will be a discussion about early Snow Trains. The discussion will cover information about historic ski trails and details about early rope tows in the Ski History Room.
Participants will drive to the Ski Bowl and snowshoe to see where early skiing happened and historical artifacts.
For more information, visit the event webpage.
Join UHTA for a Ride Up/Ski Down reenactment event on Saturday, March 2, from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
The Upper Hudson Trail Association is hosting an event to recreate the original Ride Up, Ski Down journey taken by travelers on the first Ski Trains.
A shuttle will carry skiers from the original North Creek Depot to the Raymond Brook trailhead.
From there, skiers will climb approximately 500 vertical feet before starting the descent back to North Creek.
UHTA will guide the trip. You need backcountry or AT gear to participate. The route covers intermediate backcountry terrain, and conditions can vary.
Visit the UHTA website for more information, including how to register.
Learn the story of America’s oldest ski shop and the family that founded it – Sunday, March 3, 3 to 5 pm.
Tannery Pond Center hosts a conversation with five members of the Cunningham family, who have done much to develop North Creek’s ski community for nearly a century.
Greg Schaefer, whose father Carl installed the first rope tow and established the first ski school, will moderate the session.
Read more about the Cunningham legacy in North Creek.
Commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Snow Train Arrival in North Creek – Monday, March 4, 10:30 am.
Organizers will ring a bell and break a bottle at the North Creek Depot at 10:30 am. This is to celebrate the anniversary of the Snow Train's arrival.
Visit the Tannery Pond Center website for information about the activities and more.
A perfect time to explore New York’s largest ski resort, Gore Mountain.
One of the highlights of any visit to North Creek is hitting the slopes at Gore Mountain ski area. Boasting over 100 trails and a vertical drop of 2,537 feet, Gore Mountain offers a thrilling skiing experience for all levels of enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner taking your first turns, Gore Mountain has something to offer.
Gore Mountain Ski Resort in North Creek, NY.
Gore Mountain has become a premier destination for downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from the region. Gore is New York State’s largest ski resort and one of America’s first ski areas, today they offer a diverse array of trails, breathtaking vistas, and a rich history,
Throughout the weekend, Gore will show a historic film featuring the Snow Train at the Corduroy Café in the Base Lodge near The Tannery. They will also have information about the history of Gore Mountain, North Creek, and the Snow Train. Don't miss the Snow Train Trivia Crossword and giveaways, including Snow Train Stickers and 90th Anniversary Printed Art Pieces.
Celebrating the rich history of the Adirondack Park while looking to the future.
While much has changed since the inaugural ski train journey in 1934, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines Alpine and Nordic skiing in the Adirondacks remains as strong as ever. As North Creek continues to evolve as a winter destination, one thing is sure: the legacy of the ski train will endure for generations to come.
The 90th anniversary of the Adirondack ski train to North Creek, New York, is a time to celebrate the region's rich history and enduring legacy of skiing. From its humble beginnings in 1934 to today, the Ski Train played a pivotal role in shaping the Adirondacks into the vibrant winter destination it is today.
As we look ahead to the future, let us continue to cherish and preserve the heritage of skiing in the Adirondack Park for generations to come.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near North Creek.
