In the winter of 1934, Seattle made national news by opening one of the first municipal ski areas in the country at Snoqualmie summit, championed by Mayor John F. Dore, a skier who envisioned the project as one that could lift his city's spirits during the midst of the Great Depression. The Ski Park grew, installing a rope tow in 1938 and a chairlift in 1954. The Milwaukee Railroad offered access by train from downtown Seattle in two hours. The pass now consists of four alpine ski areas: Alpental, Summit West (formerly named Snoqualmie Summit), Summit Central (formerly Ski Acres), and Summit East (formerly Hyak).

This photo by Seattle Times photographer Josef Scaylea shows Dr. Mark Heilbrun in subzero weather at Ski Acres cross country ski area in 1980.

Handwritten on image: Josef Scaylea.
Handwritten on verso: Cold snap - news feature. 1980. At Ski Acres. Skier Dr. Mark Heilbrun (Seattle) in sub zero weather at Ski Acres - cross country ski area - Snoq. Summit.

Caption information source: "Seattle's Municipal Ski Park at Snoqualmie Summit (1934-1940)" John W. Lundin and Stephen J. Lundin, historylink.org Essay10362