Brains
For a few years in the late 1970s, Atlanta, Georgia, offered an unexpected twist for thrill-seekers: the Vinings Ridge Ski Area. Far from the powdery peaks of traditional ski resorts, Vinings Ridge operated on a synthetic surface due to the warm climate, making it a unique, year-round attraction.
Situated outside the city on a 780-foot hill, the ski area’s slope spanned 60 feet wide and was designed with synthetic turf and plastic pellets. These small plastic pebbles rolled smoothly under skiers’ feet, reminiscent of snow skiing without the need for cold temperatures or fresh powder. Skiers were able to experience a similar glide to real snow, only it was on a warm Georgia hillside. If nature didn’t provide enough natural moisture, the management would turn on the sprinklers about every hour to help turn the pebbles into ball bearings. The more water there was, the faster the surface conditions. The pebbles would have to be raked back up the hill every couple of days.
Vinings Ridge wasn’t just a small practice hill either. It had features typically found at larger resorts, including moguls and an expert-level pitch, creating excitement for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. An impressive three-story lodge at the base became a lively gathering spot. With a ski shop, rooftop restaurant, and a round bar, the lodge welcomed skiers and onlookers who enjoyed watching the action from its comfortable vantage points and a panorama view of Atlanta. Its rooftop restaurant offered a unique place to dine and socialize, drawing in high-society locals and visitors who loved the novelty of a ski slope amid the warm climate. A lift ticket and rentals cost $6 for adults and $4 for kids 15 years old and under.
The Vinings Ridge area was already known for its natural spring, making it a popular weekend escape. When the ski slope was added, it offered an even more enticing attraction. Though unconventional, the synthetic slope allowed Atlanta residents to ski without the drive to more distant resorts. Families, groups of friends, and curious locals would gather to experience skiing without the cold and snow. This odd, artificial ski slope allowed them to learn the basics, practice turns, and feel the rush of descent, all within minutes of the city.
Despite its popularity, Vinings Ridge Ski Area was ultimately short-lived. As thrilling as it was for residents to experience skiing in the South, the novelty wore off, and the high costs of maintaining the artificial slope outweighed the demand. Skiers also had more options within driving distance, like Appalachian mountain resorts with authentic snow and terrain. Today, Vinings Ridge Ski Area has become a neighborhood, leaving no trace of the recreation opportunity it once offered. However, it remains a quirky chapter in Atlanta’s history and a reminder of the city’s creative attempt to bring skiing to the heart of Georgia.
Same, 34 years in N. Georgia no Atlanta like the back of my hand, and never heard of Vining Ridge
I once skied that hill with the legendary Olympic silver medalist Billy Kidd.
He came to Atlanta for a preseason event and skied with us at Vinings.
His first run down he slipped and fell on the slippery surface, his trademark cowboy hat falling off.
(Plastic mat with plastic pellets is like black ice).
He laughed and took it with good grace.
1980, I believe.
A few years later i took his week long ski racing camp at Steamboat Springs and got to know him a bit. Really classy guy.
On summer evenings in 1974, our three children (9,10 & 11) and I took a series of lessons at Vinings Ridge. It was magical. GLM-method lessons were on yardstick-size straight skis, no poles, consisting of runs hand-in-hand with the instructor, loud music blaring.
Afterwards, we’d eat hamburgers in the restaurant while Warren Miller ski movies ran constantly. We could look at the skiers and at nightime Atlanta.
Though we were just beginners, we skiers felt very tough and cool.
I lived about 3 miles from that location in 95-98’
Never heard a whisper about this place.
Thanks for the fun article
I’ve lived in Atlanta for 54 years, and this is the first I’ve ever heard of that. Thanks for sharing!