In the early 20th century, a young man named Fred Harris embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of winter sports in America. His passion for skiing led him to bring the thrill of ski jumping to Brattleboro, Vermont, and his vision resulted in the construction of the largest ski jump in the Northeast. This endeavor was not only a personal pursuit for Harris but a historic moment that would shape the future of winter sports in the region.
A Visionary in Winter Sports
Fred Harris was a man ahead of his time. From his early days as a teenager receiving his first pair of skis from a local doctor to his daring feats of soaring through the air, Harris was enamored with the thrill of skiing. His enthusiasm for the sport led him to Dartmouth College, where he discovered a lack of winter sports culture among his peers. Determined to change this, Harris founded the Dartmouth Outing Club, igniting a passion for winter sports that would spread throughout the college and beyond.
Building a Legacy in Brattleboro
After serving as a pilot in the Navy Air Corps during World War I, Harris returned to Brattleboro with a grand idea—to build a world-class ski jump. With the support of local businessmen, Harris set out to make his dream a reality. The construction of the ski jump was no small feat, requiring meticulous planning and dedicated labor. The location was carefully chosen, and the design of the jump promised to surpass any other in the region.
As the jump took shape, the anticipation for the upcoming competition grew. Competitors from near and far gathered in Brattleboro, eager to test their skills on the new jump. The event was a spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the daring feats of the skiers as they soared through the air. The competition was fierce, with records being shattered and new champions emerging.
A Legacy of Thrills and Triumphs
The success of the ski jumping competition in Brattleboro was just the beginning of a long legacy. The annual event at the Harris Hill Ski Jump has become a celebrated tradition, attracting top athletes and enthusiastic spectators from around the country. The hill has seen its share of challenges, from wartime cancellations to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has always risen to the occasion, showcasing the best of winter sports to the world.
As the years have passed, the Harris Hill Ski Jump has become more than just a venue for competitions—it is a symbol of community pride and a testament to the enduring spirit of winter sports enthusiasts. Fred Harris’s vision lives on in every daring leap taken from the top of the jump, inspiring new generations of skiers to push the limits and reach for the sky.
The legacy of the Harris Hill Ski Jump is a reminder of the power of passion and perseverance. It is a testament to the enduring impact of one man’s dream and the collective efforts of a community that came together to make it a reality. As the sun sets behind the hills of Brattleboro, casting a golden glow over the jump, the spirit of Fred Harris and all those who have soared from its heights lives on in every gust of wind that whispers through the trees.
