Mount Tecumseh
Beyond Corcoran Pond and the Town Square is Mt. Tecumseh, with some of its ski trails visible from here, is west of town. The Native American leader Tecumseh was born in what later became Ohio and was known for his extensive travels throughout the Midwest and Southeast attempting to build an alliance strong enough to prevent further government takeover of Native American lands. He died in Canada in 1813 while fighting against US troops during the War of 1812.
Official interest in developing skiing in New Hampshire began in 1933 following the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Skiing began on Mt. Tecumseh in 1934 on a trail connecting segments of logging roads. The Waterville Inn was first opened for winter guests in 1936 after being winterized that year, and in 1937 the CCC cut an improved trail on Mt. Tecumseh. This was used by walk-up skiers for almost thirty years. The first ski tow in Waterville Valley was a 1941 rope tow reaching 1000’ up Snows Mountain behind the Waterville Inn. By the late 1950s, trails and tows reached the top of this ski area.
After starting negotiations in 1965 and obtaining a development permit from the Forest Service for Mt. Tecumseh, Tom Corcoran’s Waterville Company became the owner of the Waterville Inn and town property as of February 1, 1966. The Waterville Company cleared 130 acres on Mt. Tecumseh, opening the Mt. Tecumseh ski area for Christmas 1966 with six new slopes and twelve trails. The area had four double chair lifts, a J-bar, and thirty acres of snowmaking – the most of any ski area in New Hampshire
Waterville Valley Historical Society
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