This short-lived ski resort was the brain child of Ernest “Ernie” Forbes, and Austrian skier. Forbes established Eagle’s Peak in 1971, in one of the more peculiar places, near Doyle. As the late Paul Herman informed me that Forbes always wanted his own ski hill. In a 1972 interview Forbes stated “Started a dream that is becoming more and more a reality everday.” He designed the entire operation with the first slope for beginner and intermediate skiers that according to Forbes to accommodate 150-200 skiers at a time. Of course, Forbes offered skiing lessons, since he had been a ski instructor at various resorts in the west. Other amenities included a snack bar, ski rentals and even a free shuttle service on weekends and holidays. Of course, Forbes had grandiose plans of a modern lodge, advanced ski runs and so forth, none ever materialized. Records are rather sketchy but it remained in operation until the early 1980s.
As a naive flatlander from SoCal, we trekked to Eagle Peak shortly after moving to Susanville in late-1970s It was a harrowing experience…unplowed access to find a surprised host. Trip down hill was more harrowing than up. Memories!
I was stationed at nearby Sierra Army Depot when we had a group outing at the mountain. I made friends with Ernie and his wife and they took me under thier wing and I became a ski instructor! I would go on to teach at Hunter Mt, NY; Stevens Pass, WA and Crystal Mt, WA. Thanks Ernie!