at Allegany State Park

This is the site of Allegany State Park's 30-meter and 50-meter ski jumps. The two jumps and the park;s ski slopes at Bova were Depression-era projects constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and New York State's Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. The park's ski facilities were the first in western New York and paved the way for the development of the area's privately operated resorts. Art Roscoe Sr., park forester, and former Olympic skier, Karl Fahrner, were responsible for the construction of the jumps.

Allegany State Park's ski jumps had an international reputation. Made of all natural materials, they were rated among the best in the country. The first jumping meet, sponsored by the Muffalo Ski Club, was held February 24, 1935. An estimated 5,000 spectators attended. Annual tournaments featured cross-country and downhill races, slalom competitions, and jumping meets. Many participants and spectators traveled to Salamanca by train and then by bus from the railway to the park, filling accommodations to overflowing. The last meet was held February 3, 1979.

This map [see photo - submitter], produced by the Inter-State Ski Club shows the ski trails and facilities within Allegany State Park in 1937. The ski club was formed on March 6, 1936, and hosted annual tournaments until 1971. Club members came from 19 different organizations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Ontario, Canada as well as New York State.

Records

50-meter jump

188 feet

Set in 1956 by professional Austrian skier, Franz Elsigan.

50-meter jump (amateur)

163 feet

Set in 1940 by Paul Ricci, a Niagara University Student.

30-meter jump

108 feet

Set in 1948 by George Boyer, Jr. of Red House, New York.

Marker is on S. Mountain Rd 0.3 miles from Allegany State Park Route 1, on the left when traveling west.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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