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 of that 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 photographs and 175+ pull quotes illustrate and celebrate the lasting contributions that the Daniel J. O’Connell family and everyone associated with the success of the Ski Area accomplished.