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The Past
The Rise and Collapse of the Early 70s
Richard Tambussi had big ideas for Berkshire East for the early 1970s - a massive development was planned, including three new chairlifts, shops, restaurants, a chapel, and many condominiums. The lower portion of the current Little Spruce trail in fact follows one of the development roads. The top of the present day Outback ski trail was the proposed site for a summit restaurant.
In 1972, two Thiokol double chairlifts were ordered - a 1,700' long chairlift to run opposite the Exhibition Double and a 500' long chairlift to serve the beginner slope near the old lodge. Another double chairlift was planned for 1973, to run opposite the Competition T-Bar.
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A Jumping Competition
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"Kenny's Condo" - The old summit building
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Money woes hit, however. The small double chairlift was partially installed - the footings, three towers, and a top terminal were put in place and the base footings for the longer double chairlift were poured. The footings from the shorter lift are still visible from lower Big Chief and lower Mohawk. The base terminal area for the longer double chairlift was removed when the West Quad was installed in its place.
By 1975, the owner of Berkshire East was a bank. The ski area was in jeopardy - money was needed to fix things up and smart management was needed to keep things running. An experienced ski resort operator from Michigan would soon hear this opportunity.
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The Mid to Late 70s
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