In the 1960s, when boots were leather and laced and skis were long, Dr. Harold Richman returned from a ski trip in Vermont with his wife Barbara, inspired to build a family-oriented ski area in central Connecticut. After looking around for just the right spot – aesthetic and convenient, with land and water resources – he discovered a dairy farm in Southington that was for sale. The site was perfec
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Dr. Richman partnered with other members of his family along with the Palmisano family, of Bristol, CT, and other local investors. Together they purchased the dairy farm, carved out trails, installed lifts and snowmaking equipment and began to create the Mount Southington Ski Area of today. A red barn, now known as The Red Barn Café, was converted into a rental shop on the bottom level and an eating area upstairs. A small snack bar was located nearby. The farmhouse was ideal for offices; its windows open for ticket sales. Complete with rentals, ski lessons and the glamour of night skiing, Mount Southington opened in 1964.
