Western Mass Hilltown HikersHike the HilltownsAl Doty and his Memories of Jug End Barn in Egremont

Al Doty and his Memories of Jug End Barn in Egremont

Mr. Al Doty reached out with his memories and experiences at Jug End Barn in Egremont and sent us some photos. He has a large collection of photos that he has pulled out and working on digitalizing. Jug End left so many fond memories, I have heard from so many about their times there, and adventures too! Check out our previous posts and blog on www.hilltownhikers.com for more info!

Jug End Barn Ski Resort in Egremont was 1,600 acres of not just a ski resort but a premiere Berkshire destination for ice skating, rifle range, bowling alley, swimming pools. Indoor and outdoor tennis court, sledding, dancing, food, concerts and entertainment! The name comes from the German “jug end” meaning “youth”. The area utilized the Jug End Barn which was built in 1928 as a deluxe cattle barn. In 1935, the barn was turned into a hotel, and was run by the Guilder Hollow Club for winter sports, as the ski area was originally a hike up and ski down area located on Mt. Sterling. Local residents purchased the hotel/ski area in 1947, and installed two rope tows shortly thereafter. This was followed by a 1500 foot Mueller T-bar in the early 1960’s. The area eventually ended up with 6 trails on a vertical drop of 350 feet. This area, from what I’ve heard, was quite party place. In the 1920’s Mr. Hugh Smiley developed a resort campaign on a farm which the apple trees were planted by Johnny Appleseed himself. In 1936 the ski trails were developed on Mount Sterling. In 1983 this property went into State hands and is part of the DCR Jug End State Park. We explored just a portion, mowed paths offer up glorious views! The silo in the parking lot gives you a starting point for exploration. Learn more at skinewengland.net and get the book “lost ski resorts of the Berkshires” by Jeremy Davis.

#egremontma #hikethehilltownhistory