Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Sugar Loaf Ski Resort - The Siren's Call

We have been coming here for five years to enjoy a week or a long weekend away. For five years I have stood at the base of this mountain. Hearing the Sirens calling out to me. Come. Climb. Explore. Photograph. Yet for five years I resisted because of fear.


Fear of getting caught somewhere I wasn't suppose to be. Fear of the climb up, no ski lift taking me to the top here. Fear of getting lost once up there. Just plain Fear.


This past October I looked that Fear straight in the face and said "I am done with you!". So I gathered up my courage, followed the two track path up the side of the mountain and climbed.


Once up there I texted Glen, who had gone out for a run, "I am on top of Sugarloaf. Tomorrow we are coming back up here together. It is awesome."



With my courage documented I set off to explore. My courage was greatly rewarded.




Sugarloaf Ski Resort has been closed for more than a decade. Closed suddenly to business and money problems. Over the years there have been many rumors of new owners and the resort being restored, so far they have been just that, rumors.


In its hey day in the 70's and 80's, I remember all the kids that skied talking about going to Sugarloaf.




So the first time I saw Sugarloaf five years ago I was quite shocked. This is what it had become. In those early years I was brave enough to walk around the buildings and peek in windows. Beds still made with sheets, blankets and bedspreads. Old tube style televisions sitting on top of the dressers. Layers of dust everywhere.


Even in those early years before I knew what I was doing with a camera, and while I held on to Fear. I could feel the stirrings inside me, the desire to explore and photograph abandoned, decaying, forgotten things.

19 comments:

Andy said...

You got some great photos of the wear and tear of the old resort.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”: FDR

Helen said...

I'm imagining this place in the snow. It looks so sad now it's abandoned. Love the last photo of the chair.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

What a shame it was left to be forgotten....:(JP

cath carbone said...

Très joli post sur la peur! et Superbes prises de vue.
Have a nice day!

Ahayes1225 said...

I can see this is where it all started. Thanks for a peak into your past!

Unknown said...

Hard to believe someone just walked away and left everything there - tv's , sheets on beds. I love the red ski lift chairs. You were brave going up there by yourself!

Unknown said...

Ohhh you are my hero Sarah! These are stunning. And what a time warp to see beds made. I'm surprised there weren't squatters in those rooms. That last shot blues me away!!

Unknown said...

That's BLOWS me away!!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Sarah! I especially like the photos that include parts of the decaying lift structures in front of the beautiful views.

Michelle B said...

What a view! My favorite picture is the last one, red swing with fall colors behind. Beautiful!
So, what mountain is next?

Turn The Page said...

No Kelly, you got it right the first time...it "blues" me away, too!

Turn The Page said...

Wish I could own it! Reminds me of an old Dean Jones movie...Snowball Express. Good family time fun! If you can find it, go ahead and watch it. Will take away your blues of this closing. Speaking of Snowball Express...it's snowing hard here again here in New York. Aloha

Unknown said...

I love it! So interesting. . . . And sad that it's abandoned.

Lynne said...

Brought back memories of skiing there one time. Memories of trips to stay at the Homestead too . . .
Love your photos and facing FEAR accomplishment!

Kim Stevens said...

I can only image the view with snow! Love that last shot!!

Anonymous said...

How beautiful, and sad that it is all abandoned now.

Karen Lakis said...

What a neat place to explore! You got some great shots - and good for you conquering that Fear!

Cathy H. said...

I can imaging the thrill of conquering your fear, climbing the mountain, and see that gorgeous view!! It must be beautiful in the winter! I also love the last picture of the lift chair.

Suburban Girl said...

These photos are wonderful, the capture both the history and the abandonment. I love this post. See the reward for overcoming the fear...although when I do this, my husband sends me my emails signed, "The Bail Bondsman" for a couple days.