Saskadena Six Trail Map
Vermont Business Magazine Saskadena Six Ski Area, the historic ski resort owned and operated by the Woodstock Inn & Resort, introduces the creation of a new connector trail, “Duane’s Drop,” as a tribute to a long-term member of the skiing community.
Once a backcountry route that ski patrollers created to get to from one side of the mountain to the other, the new trail allows dedicated access to the southern side of the mountain. It is now a lasting memorial to the late Joe Duane, a beloved ski patrolman who served the mountain for two decades, most recently as Ski Patrol Director. The name celebrates his enduring legacy and notes his significant contributions to the ski patrol team and the wider “S6” skiing community.
Highlighted on the official trail map in yellow, the new trail will open when the season begins in mid-December. By honoring Joe Duane and his commitment to his passion, the trail aligns with the tradition of recognizing influential figures in the history of Saskadena Six. Perley’s Peril, Bunny’s Boulevard, and Bourdon’s Bowl are three such examples of trails that honor remarkable individuals from Saskadena Six’s past.
Elaine Olson, interim president of the Woodstock Inn & Resort said, “The addition of Duane’s Drop is a milestone for Saskadena Six that enhances the accessibility of our mountain. It’s an honor to celebrate Joe Duane and his family’s commitment to ‘S6’ and to pay tribute to his contributions to our community.”
Skiers and riders will now be able to traverse the entire mountain without relying solely on “Chair 2”, which typically operates on weekends and peak periods. The new trail does not currently have snow making capabilities; however, plans are in place to add a snowmaking pipe for future ski seasons.
Megan Altemose, mountain operations and risk manager at Saskadena Six, said, “Duane’s Drop reflects our commitment to continually enhancing the skiing experience for our visitors. We are excited to offer this intermediate trail option, further catering to skiers and riders of different skill levels.”
Visitors can ski the newly added trail this winter. Find seasonal activity information and prices, along with the history of Saskadena Six at www.saskadenasix.com. Information on winter ski passes can be found on the website.
About Saskadena Six
Recognized as one of the oldest ski areas in the country, Saskadena Six has a storied past that lays claim to a number of ski industry firsts. America’s first rope tow, introduced on nearby Gilbert’s Farm in 1934, evolved into the opening of (then named) Suicide Six in 1936. It is home to the longest running ski race in North America, The Fisk Trophy Race, which started in 1937 and continues today. Saskadena Six is also credited with one of the longest-running ski school programs that began shortly after it opened and with starting the first youth racing program in the United States in 1956 called the Woodstock Ski Runners, both of which are active today. It was also the location of the first National Snow Surfing Championships in 1982, or “snurfing,” considered the beginning of snowboarding. Laurance Rockefeller bought the ski resort in 1961 from original owner Wallace “Bunny” Bertram, and it became part of the Woodstock Foundation, which includes the Woodstock Inn & Resort and Billings Farm & Museum. Most recently, the ski area changed the first part of their name to Saskadena (meaning “Standing Mountain” in the native Abenaki language) to better align with the ski area’s values.
One of Vermont's leading family-friendly ski resorts, Saskadena Six features more than 100 acres of skiing on (now) 25 trails served by three lifts with terrain suitable for all abilities. In the summer and fall, the mountain’s biking and hiking trails are open to the public and free to use.
About the Woodstock Inn & Resort
Located in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn & Resort defines country sophistication in one of New England’s most charming and popular year-round vacation destinations. The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort and a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, offers award-winning dining in two restaurants, ranked among the finest in New England. The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc. Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs. For more information about the resort visit: www.woodstockinn.com.
WOODSTOCK, VT (September 27, 2023) – Saskadena Six Ski Area
