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.
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