Then and now: Too much snow doomed resort
Today there is a ski resort called White Hills operating in Canada. Back in Tahoe history, there was a White Hills Ski Resort at the junction of highways 50 and 28 atop Spooner Summit.
White Hills Ski Resort, circa 1950. Photo/Private Collection
It lasted only six years, starting modestly in 1946. By 1950 it included a chairlift and a T-bar.
But the overwhelming snowfall of 1952 was White Hills Ski Resort’s last gasp. With access to the Lake Tahoe Basin having been shut off for nearly a month, the resort ceased operating that year.
Remnants of the resort are near the U.S. Forest Service fire station on Spooner Summit. Photo/Bill Kingman
There is barely a trace of its ski run today.
— Bill Kingman
Bill Kingman, I think Jack Martin and Stan Pomin, (grandson of the famous Capt. Pomin who piloted many a “steamer” back in the 1800’S around the lake). Jack and Stan used to ski that hill atop Spooner Summit back in it’s heyday. At least that’s what Jackie told me once.
The top of Ski Run blvd .was a ski hill for awhile as well. A rope tow powered by a tractor motor pulled you to the top of the run. OLS
Love these historical stories….. thank you!
Skied there many times but don’t remember a chair lift, only the T bar, was a great run and lots of fun, Also skied Ski Run Blvd many times as we lived on Ski Run on Birch St.
Lake Tahoe Historical Society museum has a poster advertising White Hills and I was always curious to know where it was. Dave Wakeman just told me yesterday, then this information came today. Great story, Bill, and I’m glad to see the photos.
I’ve watched those trees grow there since the 70’s, back then you could clearly tell it was a ski run. Time waits for no one. :)
check out this 24 min video of ski culture gold, shot at Edelweiss Ski Area on both sides of HWY 50, at Camp Sacramento. Another forgotten ski area of old tahoe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtR_k4mYsXc
B.C. The Edelweiss Ski Area! Thank you so much for the video link. It really made my day! All you old timers need to check out this video from the 1950’s of an old ski area near Camp Sacramento. Some classic stuff B.C.!!!!
I remember Lutz and went up the chair at Heavenly Valley once with Spider Sabich when his family lived near Twin Bridges.
Old Long Skiis
Speaking of skiing old ski areas and winters of days gone by… is today a snow day??? I haven’t seen the kids walking to the bus stop or the neighbor warming up her car to take her kid to school. Correct me if I’m wrong. OLS