Saskadena Six

Saskadena Six is one of America's most historically significant ski resorts and is considered the country's oldest organized ski resort. The first rope lift in the United States was installed here in 1934 – powered by a Ford Model T engine – marking the starting point for modern lift-borne skiing in North America.

The resort was previously called Suicide Six, a name that was coined with self-irony by ski pioneer Wallace "Bunny" Bertram, but which was retired in 2022. The current name Saskadena, which means "standing mountain" in the Abenaki language, was chosen in consultation with the indigenous people and connects the history of the place with a clearer focus on the future.

Saskadena Six is known for its classic New England character: shorter but steeper slopes, clear drop line and a compact ski area where the runs are close to each other. It's skiing that rewards technique and rhythm rather than transport, and the mountain has long been appreciated by competitive skiers and purists.

The Fisk Trophy Race, North America's oldest alpine ski race still in operation, is held here. Since its inception in 1937, the race has been won by profiles such as Bode Miller, Shane McConkey and several Olympic and World Cup skiers – a detail that is often mentioned by skiers who have been there.

Today, Saskadena Six is run in close collaboration with the Woodstock Inn and functions as a low-key but genuine ski resort, where history is embedded in the walls and the focus is on the core of skiing rather than large-scale tourism.