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Rooted in Community. Built on a Love of Skiing.
Rooted in Community. Built on a Love of Skiing.
For generations, Titcomb Mountain has brought people together through a shared love of skiing, outdoor recreation, and the mountains of western Maine. What began as a small group of local skiers working to create a place to ski has grown into a community ski area with a rich history of volunteerism, family traditions, and winter adventure.
From its earliest days on Voter Hill to the development of its slopes on Morrison Hill, Titcomb’s story is one of community members working together to make skiing accessible for generations to come.
The Early Beginnings
The Early Beginnings
Titcomb’s history began in 1939, when a group of local skiers formed the Franklin Ski and Outing Club. After gathering for outings on Voter Hill, the group selected Morrison Hill as the site for a new ski area.
1941: The club formally incorporated as a nonprofit and began developing the slopes. A rope tow likely opened for the 1941–42 season.
1948: The ski area was named Titcomb Slope in honor of Captain John Abbott Titcomb, a local ski instructor and racer who was killed in action in the Philippines in 1945.
1949: A base lodge was dedicated in his memory, funded by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Titcomb.
From these early beginnings, Titcomb grew into a community gathering place rooted in a shared love of skiing and the outdoors.
Growing the Mountain: 1950s–1960s
Growing the Mountain: 1950s–1960s
After more than a decade of operation with a rope tow, Titcomb began expanding its facilities to welcome more skiers and improve access to the slopes.
1956–57: A 1,300-foot Pomalift was installed, supported in part by low-interest loans from the Titcomb family. A new warming hut was also built near the summit.
1964–65: The mountain offered day and night skiing across four trails and approximately 40 acres of skiable terrain. Cross-country skiing and two ski jumps added to the area's winter recreation opportunities.
Facilities Investment:
Late 1960s–1970s
Facilities Investment:
Late 1960s–1970s
As skiing and racing grew in popularity, Titcomb continued investing in its facilities and terrain.
1969 (approx.): The Pomalift was converted to a T-bar, possibly with assistance from the Maine Vocational School.
1971–72: A new racing trail was added to support an expanding ski racing program.
1973–75: A second T-bar was likely installed, and snowmaking was introduced for the 1974–75 season following challenging winters with limited snowfall.
Overcoming Challenges: 1980s-1990s
Overcoming Challenges: 1980s-1990s
A series of difficult winters put financial pressure on the Farmington Ski Club, but community support and targeted improvements helped the mountain recover.
1983: A new snowmaking pump improved the mountain's snowmaking capabilities.
1984–85: Fundraising, improved snowmaking, and more favorable weather helped the club move from operating deficits to a surplus.
1988–89: Following a significant fundraising campaign, the base lodge doubled in size, providing more space for skiers to gather.
1993–94 (approx.): Several trails may have been added, the snowmaking pond was enlarged to approximately three times its previous size, and night-skiing terrain was expanded.
Continued Improvement: 2000's
Continued Improvement: 2000's
Continued improvements expanded the mountain's terrain and created more opportunities for skiers of different experience levels.
2003–04: A handle tow purchased from Cranmore was installed, making it easier for beginners to access the slopes and develop their skills.
2025: After more than 50 years of service at Titcomb, the aging second T-bar was replaced through a major community fundraising effort.
2025–26: The new Doppelmayr T-bar, named Forster’s Flyer, began operating in December 2025. It honors Richard “Dick” Forster, whose more than 50 years of contributions helped shape the mountain.
Titcomb Today
Titcomb Today
Titcomb continues the tradition established by the Franklin Ski and Outing Club in 1939, offering alpine skiing, snowmaking, night skiing, and extensive Nordic terrain. Generations of local skiers, families, racers, and volunteers have helped shape the mountain into a valued part of Farmington's outdoor recreation community.
From its first rope tow to today's facilities, Titcomb remains rooted in community, a love of winter, and a commitment to keeping skiing accessible for future generations.
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