Area was a popular ski area that operated from the 1960’s into the early 1980’s in Wrentham. It was located on Knuckup Hill in downtown Wrentham. The hill has an elevation of 397 feet and a 200-foot vertical drop. Sweatt Recreational Ski Area was part of the Sweatt Memorial Recreation Area put together from several small properties purchased with town conservation funds in 1964 for recreational use. Unfortunately, the lift service and skiing ended in 1981 due to rising insurance costs and lack of natural snow.

 

The original ski hill was serviced by a J-bar tow to the top to access a center steep wide slope, two wooded trails to the side and a cross over trail. During the season, ski trails were maintained by a snow cat trail groomer. Lift tickets cost $1 for a weekend day and 50¢ per day for students after school. The area had lights top to bottom for night skiing. A short, steep walk down the hill to the ballfields demonstrates the challenge this small hill offered skiers. There were warm up huts at the top and bottom of the hill where you could sit by the roaring fire and have hot chocolate. The warming hut stone chimneys also remain.

The Wampanoag Ski Patrol members were certified by the US National Ski Patrol and the Wampanoag Ski Club ran the ski hill. They were a very active ski club holding many activities throughout the year. They had an “Easter Parade” where everyone wore a bonnet and skied. Throughout the year, they held clam bakes, bean suppers, picnics and had lots of fun. Now, many people enjoy hiking the hill year-round where remnants of the abandoned ski lift are still visible today. This area can be accessed on Randall Road from Route 1A in Wrentham. The hill has a commanding view to the north and the town center. It is a great place to go in the fall to view the foliage change.

Submitted by Karen Turner.