Skiing History, The Journal of the International Skiing History Association just published an interesting article about trail names. It includes a nice mention of Quacky, one of Mad River Glen’s popular intermediate level trails accessed by the Sunnyside Double. Quacky(there are in fact 3 Quackys -I,II and III) is named in honor of long-time General Manager, Ken Quackenbush. Ken was an iconic figure who was responsible for planning and development of much of Mad River’s fabled trail system . Having worked for Mad River’s founder, Roland Pamedo and later for Betsy Pratt he had an impact on the mountain for well over 40 years.
With a few exceptions Mad River Glen’s trails are all named after animals and birds. Only three are are named after individuals; Moody’s is named after Howard Moody, Mad River’s first Mountain Manager. Eaton Run, the short side trail off the Practice Slope is named for longtime MRG loyalist Ed Eaton and his family. Then there is Quacky which as noted earlier is in fact the “main” Quacky and it’s two side entrances Quacky II and Quacky III. Arguably, Rockefellers could be added to the list as is also named after the ski in-ski out family home located just above the “summit” of Callie’s Corner.
Jeff Blumenfeld’s article is an interesting read and we encourage you to give it a gander.
The International Skiing History Association is a nonprofit organization that works to share the history and legacy of skiing with the world. Its members — passionate skiers, industry pioneers and innovators, World Cup and Olympic racers — live across North America and around the world. ISHA publishes Skiing History six times a year, maintains the world’s most extensive ski-history website, and gives annual awards to the year’s best ski history books and films. ISHA is headquartered in Manchester, Vermont.
If you’re not an ISHA member and you’d like to access their digital archives or receive Skiing History in the mail, visit their membership page. Skiing History is published six times a year by the nonprofit International Skiing History Association.
