Pictured here: The Civilian Conservation Corps group responsible for creating the Thunderbolt trail, along with other local projects such as Notch Road and Roaring Brook Trail
Image courtesy of Jason Campbell via rootsweb.com
With this year’s Thunderbolt ski race originally scheduled to take place on Saturday at Mount Greylock, it seems like the perfect time to share a bit about where our Thunderbolt Blend gets its name.
The Thunderbolt trail was cleared in the 1930s by the 107th Company of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was created to employ Americans as part of the New Deal. The trail became home to a world renowned ski race just one year after its creation. Several official races were held at the Thunderbolt until the last one in 1948, due to waning interest and neglect.
Hoosac Valley High School teacher Blair Mahar created a documentary film in 1999 called Purple Mountain Majesty about the history of the Thunderbolt Trail. The project inspired local skiers to take ownership of the Thunderbolt trail and begin to restore it to former glory.
In 2008, a nonprofit group called Thunderbolt Ski Runners committed to saving the Thunderbolt Trail. Just two years later, they hosted the first race after a long hiatus to celebrate the trail’s 75th anniversary. An official race was held in 2014 and the tradition of the Thunderbolt was reinstated. The race exists today in various capacities and remains dependent on snow conditions. This year’s race was scheduled for Saturday 2/26, hosted by the New England Rando Race Series, but has since been cancelled due to insufficient snow.
Pictured here: The Thunderbolt Ski Runners preparing for a trail maintenance day
Image courtesy of thunderboltski.com
The Thunderbolt trail continues to be cared for in all seasons by its devoted stewards, the Thunderbolt Ski Runners. Anyone interested in donating to the group’s trail maintenance and community building efforts or volunteering directly with the Thunderbolt Ski Runners should visit their website at thunderboltski.com. Connections can also be made via Facebook.
A collection of historical items and information relating to to the Thunderbolt ski run can be found at the Thunderbolt Ski Museum, located inside the Adams Visitors Center in Adams, MA.
Thanks to efforts made by local volunteer groups like the Thunderbolt Ski Runners, backcountry ski enthusiasts, and teacher Blair Mahar who inspired people to care about the Thunderbolt once again, the 88 year old trail has a bright future. There is hope that as more people experience the joy of the Thunderbolt trail in their own lives, they will be inspired to take ownership of this amazing resource. Little by little, a community reclaims its history.