Maple Valley 1963-2000
In 1963, Tyler teamed with brothers Angelo, Joe, and Frank Pirovane of North Haven Construction Company to develop a larger ski area in West Dummerston. Maple Valley Ski Area, Inc. was incorporated that May. Tyler and the construction company designed and built the ski area. For its debut season of 1963-64, Maple Valley featured a lift network consisting of a pair of Hall brand installations - a 3,038-foot-long double chairlift and a 775-foot-long T-Bar. In terms of terrain, the ski area debuted with 5 trails of all abilities. In addition to the downhill facilities, the area also sported 25- and 45-meter ski jumps. Terry Tyler served as General Manager for the first few seasons, while Ed Dunklee served as ski school director. Big changes took place at Maple Valley in 1966, as Connecticut banker Charles "Chuck" Purinton became General Manager of the ski area. The lack of natural snowfall was addressed with installation of a Larchmont snowmaking system on the lower mountain, Though the West River (coupled with a low base elevation) created a suboptimal microclimate, it was an excellent source for snowmaking water.
In addition to snowmaking, efforts were made to spread out Maple Valley's revenue generating potential by adding night skiing. Montreal native Daniel Denis was named Ski School Director. The area played host to what was billed as the first night ski jump meet in New England history in February of 1967. For Purinton's second season, snowmaking was expanded, and the jumps improved. The elementary school group program a focus, providing both a community service and keeping the slopes in use on slow weekdays. Reflecting at the time, Purinton stated, "We're not glamorous and we don't even want to be." Obtaining $125,000 from shareholders, Purinton was able to purchase 75 acres of leased land circa the 1968-69 season, paving the way for future development, including a proposed motel. Corresponding with a real estate development, more changes took place for the 1969-70 season, as an expert trail was added, the main lodge expanded, and other base area buildings constructed. In addition, the ski jumps were removed for that season, making way for a larger practice slope. For 1972-73, a cross country ski course was added, as was a novice surface lift. Unfortunately for Maple Valley and the rest of New England, the following season was terrible weather-wise, resulting in the worst financial results in years. Significant lodge improvements were reportedly made for the 1976-77 season, including a new ski shop, gift shop, and improved food service. Purinton likely completed his time as manager circa 1978. Maple Valley made regional headlines in December 1978, when it offered disco nights. Ski instructors were on the slopes offering free lessons to the beat of disco music blasting from loudspeakers. Former manager Charles Purinton passed away in 1981 at the age of 59. A lack of snowfall delayed the opening of the ski area until Christmas. Though the area did not initially have a snowmaking system, it did employ the use of a shaved ice product called Summer Snow in the fall of 1964, allowing for ski jumping competitions. The area's second chairlift, the North Double, was added for the 1964-65 season. Unfortunately, a lack of natural snow postponed opening day until the end of December, with only the T-Bar initially open.
On June 13, 1989, the 370-acre Maple Valley ski area was sold via a satellite auction for $1.2 million. Due to financial issues, much of the area's infrastructure was run off diesel generator. A new intermediate trail was reportedly added for the 1990 season, which also saw a renovated lodge. Trying to capitalize on the emerging snowboarding market, Maple Valley advertised a lighted snowboard halfpipe circa the mid 1990s. Maple Valley once again found itself on the auction block circa 1995, this time not selling. As a result, the ski area closed following the 1995-96 season. In February of 1997, Maple Valley was purchased at a foreclosure auction by Winchester Stables, Inc. and Frank Mercede & Sons, Inc. owner Nicholas Mercede.
Maple Valley reopened in early 1999, then operated for skiing and snow tubing on weekends and holidays during the 1999-2000 season. The ski area then ceased operating and was put up for lease or sale.
On December 3, 2010, Maple Valley founder Terry Tyler passed away at the age of 78.
After sitting idle for a decade, the ski area started to receive some attention in 2010. In June of 2011, the Dummerston Development Review Board reviewed a permit filed by Mercede, proposing possible year-round activities, such as mountain biking and music concerts. After complaints about what other activities might occur, as well as concerns about light and noise pollution from skiing and snowmaking, the board requested more information before considering the application. In December of 2011, Mercede withdrew his permit application. Around this time, lifts were repainted, and the base lodge was used for some small functions. Mercede refiled the application in 2013, again without success. He passed away on January 19, 2018 at the age of 90. Maple Valley was sold to Sugar Mountain Holdings in the spring of 2018. Though the group's primary focus for the property was to develop a brewery, a long-term vision was announced for possibly reopening the ski area.
It is not known if or when Maple Valley ski area will reopen.
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