Calimont was a very small, short-lived ski area near Berlin, Pennsylvania, southeast of Somerset. Dave Panza remembered it as a narrow hill that operated for only a season or two, while period and later references suggest a lift-served operation in the early 1970s. One account lists a double lift installed in 1972 with about 313 feet of vertical; a 1971 newspaper listing described one slope, 400 feet of vertical, and a chairlift planned for the following season. The differing figures reflect how little firmly documented information survives.
The area’s appeal appears to have rested on steep terrain and abundant snowfall, with local businessmen reportedly developing it while nearby Seven Springs and Hidden Valley drew growing crowds. Panza recalled a ski patrol test held there, an effort to give the fledgling hill exposure. A local story says the first season went well and the second turned a profit, but the operation soon disappeared. Later owners recalled remodeling an original six-apartment complex associated with the former ski and golf property, adding another layer to Calimont’s brief history.
Dave Panza writes:
“One ski area not on your site is a small area only lasting about a season or two called Calimont. It was located near Berlin, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Somerset. When I was patrol leader at White Mountain we had a ski patrol test there to help them get some exposure. Don’t know whatever became of it; it was a small, narrow hill; I don’t remember the vertical.”
DCSki's Lost Areas archive is built from historical research and reader memories. If you have photographs, corrections, trail maps, firsthand recollections, or other details about Calimont, we'd be glad to hear from you.
Contact DCSkiLost Ski Area Patrons make a one-time contribution to help support the continued maintenance of DCSki's Lost Ski Areas archive.
does anyone have pictures or more information about the Callimont ski/golf area by 160 that was in the 1972-1974's??
My husband and i bought the complex and my brother owns the golf course. I am trying to find pictures from the 70's of "house".
DAVE PANZA -
The Callimont ski area was only open for 2 seasons i hear. My husband and I currently are remodeling the original 6 apartment complex. I've only heard of stories and of the history of our new home. I am looking for anyone that was apart of the building process in the 70's. I am looking for newspaper clippings/photos etc. of our house also. Can anyone help??
Join the conversation by logging in.
Don't have an account? Create one here.
Reader Comments