We are heading out on a road trip to discover LPSC’s roots on Saturday, July 27. The RSVP form is due by July 25: LPSC Historical Site Trip Reservation.
In 1937 Ventura County visionaries formed a club dedicated to the budding sport of downhill skiing. They secured a land lease in the Los Padres National Forest, located west of Frasier Park, at Cerro Noroeste / Mt Abel, near Mt. Pinos, and called themselves the Los Padres Ski Club. On that site the Club built a rope tow, powered by a gasoline engine, and a small warming hut. Over the ensuing years, the rope tow gradually fell into disuse as ski areas were developed throughout the state. All that remains now is the hut’s slab and the “bull wheel” and its supporting structure.
The scenic drive is under 2 hours and we encourage carpooling. (Rt.126 to Rt. 5, exit at Fraizer Park). We will meet at 10 AM at the Arco Station in Frazier Park (right side of the road). From there we will caravan to Cerro Noroeste / Mt Abel (8250 ft.). After a moderate hike around – and finding remnants of the original rope tow pulley in a tree – we will have a picnic. Bring your own food and drinks. There is a campground, Campo Alto, at the peak with plenty of parking, picnic tables and two toilets near the campsite. There is no water or trash cans (pack in and out).
Around 3 Pm we will head to nearby Pine Mountain Club. There is a cute little town you can explore. At 4 we will head over to the Pine Mountain Club golf course for the free Concert on the Greens (4-7PM). Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. There will be an outdoor bbq for purchase of food and drinks will be available in the bar. (No outside food or drinks allowed). City Beat and Main Street Horns will be playing R&B, rock and soul. We can dance while the sun sets over the mountains.
Head home or book a room at a local B&B or Holiday Inn Express in Frazier Park. Also, if interested, you can hike up Mt. Pinos on Sunday – the club will not be leading this hike, it is more of an optional meetup. (Note: An Adventure Pass is required to park at Mt. Pinos on Sunday, which can be purchased at Big 5 Sporting Goods).
The RSVP form link is here: LPSC Historical Site Trip Reservation