Willard Hill located some six miles west of Susanville was a popular winter sports venue. Its initial development came about through Lassen College’s Forestry Program inconjunction with the National Youth Administration. The latter provided each forestry student with not only academic training but to work in related forestry jobs. For their part-time work the students were paid $30 a month, however $20 a month was deducted for room and board in the converted Alpine Hotel dormitory.
In the fall of 1938 the students constructed a ski run, shelter along with other amenities. Once that project was completed the students went and developed another ski run known today as Coppervale. It should be noted that the latter had a private ski jump facility, but not full fledged downhill run.
It should also be noted the Willard Hill facility received its name from Charles Willard. In 1879, Charles Willard located nearby. The Willard family eventually moved to Tehama County and used this location as the summer headquarters of their livestock operation for over 100 years.