A book of photographs and history on the Mt. Tom Ski Area

From 1960-1998 the Mt. Tom Ski Area in Holyoke, Massachusetts provided the Pioneer Valley and surrounding communities easy, fun, and fast skiing at the ‘Mountain in your Backyard’. Despite success and expansion for many years, the energy crunch of the 1970s coupled with the rising effects of climate change through the 80s and 90s took their toll, and the Ski Area announced that they were closing their doors on May 11, 1998. After most of the equipment and fixtures had been sold or otherwise removed, the property sat largely abandoned and slowly crumbling for many, many years until Covid accelerated its demise.

James M. Long photographed the Area and researched its history to assemble a book which seeks to celebrate the Mt. Tom Ski Area’s legacy and contributions to the community by examining its past and present through both the camera’s eye and historical record.

Over 100 original photographs plus 175+ pull quotes from regional newspapers illustrate and celebrate the lasting contributions that the Daniel J. O’Connell family and everyone associated with the success of the Ski Area accomplished. 

The book was published in February of 2026 and is available at regional independent booksellers in the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts, and via this site. A book launch will be held at the DCR Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor's Center on May 2nd from 1-3pm.

11” x 11”, 196 pages, hardcover