Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34
Photographed By Karen Key, August 25, 2007
1. McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 Marker
Inscription.
McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34. . The first permanent rope tow in the Eastern Sierra was built west of this site on the east slope of McGee Mountain. This predecessor of Mammoth Mountain ski area was constructed here in 1938 because of its dependable snow and nearness to a highway. Prior to this facility most down hill skiing was done by use of a portable rope tow system (a working gasoline engine, rope, and pullies.) Dave McCoy, world class skier, entrepreneur, and visionary, was instrumental in organizing and promoting skiing here. The success of this rope tow motivated McCoy to move in 1941 to Mammoth Mountain. Subsequently, within a few years, the popularity of skiing here declined and this rope tow was abandoned. Some remnants of that first rope tow can still be seen today along the slopes of McGee Mountain. , , Dedicated September 14, 1996 , Bodie Chapter No. 64 , E Clampus Vitus
The first permanent rope tow in the Eastern Sierra was built west of this site on the east slope of McGee Mountain. This predecessor of Mammoth Mountain ski area was constructed here in 1938 because of its dependable snow and nearness to a highway. Prior to this facility most down hill skiing was done by use of a portable rope tow system (a working gasoline engine, rope, and pullies.) Dave McCoy—world class skier, entrepreneur, and visionary, was instrumental in organizing and promoting skiing here. The success of this rope tow motivated McCoy to move in 1941 to Mammoth Mountain. Subsequently, within a few years, the popularity of skiing here declined and this rope tow was abandoned. Some remnants of that first rope tow can still be seen today along the slopes of McGee Mountain.
Dedicated September 14, 1996
Bodie Chapter No. 64
E Clampus Vitus
Erected 1996 by Bodie Chapter No. 64 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 1878.
Location. 37° 35.451′ N, 118° 47.537′ W. Marker is in Mammoth Lakes, California, in Mono County
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. Marker is on Crowley Lake Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mammoth Lakes CA 93546, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Additional commentary. 1. I lived in the "lodge" My Mom worked at Mammoth Mountain, I worked there "on leave" from the US Navy in 1961 and 1962. Was a "Ski Patrolman/Ski Instructor, in 1961 and "rope tow operator". We only had 1 rope tow then. It was a boatload of fun. We lived in the original ski lodge that Dave's Dad built. Didn't know it was going to be a monument. Would have taken more pictures. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted April 26, 2010.
Photographed By Karen Key, August 25, 2007
2. McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 Marker
Photographed By Karen Key, August 25, 2007
3. McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 Marker
Photographed By Karen Key, August 25, 2007
4. McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 5,388 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.