By Ken Brafman, Image from Roger Hatheway Collection

TITLE: GREEN VALLEY LAKE SNOW BOWL AKA SKI HILL: Not too many years after the first settlements were established in the San Bernardino Mountains, tobogganing, sledding and snowshoeing became popular at private resorts. In the 1910s improved roads allowed many resorts to stay open year-round. As local mountain towns were promoted by developers, winter sports became widely advertised. By the early 1950s it was said that there were more skiers per capita in Southern California than in any other place in the United States. The development of ski facilities near Green Valley Lake began with very primitive rope tows around 1940, but these efforts were delayed until after the end of World War II. The Snow Bowl/Ski Hill site was developed by the Green Valley Lake Corporation, organized October 15, 1946, which included owners Joe Fox and L.W. Ferguson, who is seen in this week’s image. The Warming Hut, also known as the Ski Lodge, was designed by San Francisco architect Frank Wynkoop. In its first winter in 1947/48 the Snow Bowl offered three rope tows, several practice slopes, a small first aid building, and the Warming Hut with rental offices, a small snack shop and restrooms. With continued success the resort grew and expanded, adding additional, more modern equipment. The Warming Hut was enlarged twice. The last owner of the Snow Bowl was the Calvary Chapel. On October 23, 2007, the Slide Fire tore through Green Valley Lake, destroying many homes and business, including the resort. The land was returned to nature.