Ski History timeline

A look back at the important places, people and events of Southen California Skiing.
1960-Present

  • 1961

    Rebel Ridge is the only ski area west of the Mississippi operating during Christmas 1961. Chuck Smith devises successful snowmaking system.

  • 1963

    Dave and Dan Platus buy the Lynn Lift area and rename it "Snow Forest."

  • 1963 - September 12

    Palm Springs Tramway opens.

  • 1966 - June 25

    Ski Villa, first and only year-round ski resort in the U.S. opens in Carbon Canyon.

  • 1969

    Moonridge opens under new ownership as renamed "Goldmine."

  • 1969

    After 25 yrs. operating tows at Mt. Baldy, Herb and Jane Leffler set Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts to Western Resorts.

  • 1971

    After 30 yrs. of ownership, John Elvrum sells Snow Valley.

  • 1974

    Rebel Ridge closes permanently.

  • 1975

    Table Mountain renamed Ski Sunrise.

  • 1975

    Dick Woodworth buys Blue Ridge and renames it Mountain High.

  • 1979

    First ski lift is constructed at Ski Sunrise.

  • 1979

    Terry Tognazzini purchases Holiday Hill.

  • 1980 - February

    Green Valley Lake Cross-Country Ski Center is opened by Dave and Sara Williiams.

  • 1988

    Goldmine is purchased by S-K-I Ltd. and is renamed "Bear Mountain."

  • 1992 - February

    Kerry and Bev Brown open Rim Nordic Ski Area.

  • 1993 - December

    Ski Green Valley Becomes Big Air Green Valley, the nation's sole snowboard-only area.

  • 1997

    Oaktree Capital Management puchases Mountain High from Terry Tognazzini.

  • 1999 - February

    Kerry and Bev Brown, owners of Rim Nordic Ski Area, purchase Green Valley Lake Cross Country Ski Center from Dave Williiams.

  • 2000+

    Future event

  • 2000+

    Future event