PREFACE

For the purpose of this book, a lost ski area is any area, public or private, that was outfitted with at least one tow or lift that no longer exists or is no longer operating. Included are two unique areas that were never graced with a flake of natural snow: Sepp Benedikter’s Pine Needle Ski Slope in North Hollywood and Ski Villa in Carbon Canyon. Both areas operated rope tows for skiers to practice their turns on pine needles or schuss down a slope carpeted with plastic tiles.

Geographically, all ski areas located between Los Angeles and San Diego are included. With the exception of the Pine Needle Ski Slope and Ski Villa, all others were located in the Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Mountains or Cuyamaca Mountains.