Women of Winter | Tannery Pond Center | February 17, 2024
- Tannery Pond Center 228 Main Street North Creek, NY, 12853 United States (map)
Adirondack Women of Winter: Ski Pioneers Lois Perret and Frederica "Freddie" Anderson
Trailblazing women are the focus of a Tannery Pond Center talk about the evolution of skiing in the Adirondacks.
As part of the celebrations for the 90th anniversary of North Creek’s Snow Train, Tannery Pond Center will host an evening discussion with Jim Schaefer on trailblazing women of skiing who helped make the Adirondack region a ski destination. Schaefer’s talk features the legacy of Lois Perret Schaefer (Jim’s mom), who led the organization of the first ski patrol at the North Creek Ski Bowl, and Freddie Anderson, a renowned ski instructor for over 70 years in the Adirondack region, and at 12 years old, was one of the passengers on the very first Snow Train.
Exploring the considerable accomplishments of female skiers in the Adirondack Mountains.
Lois Perret, RN (1901-1992) was asked to head the First Aid Committee of the Schenectady Wintersports Club in preparation for the Snow Trains that were planned for the 1933-34 ski season. She recruited competent skiers, trained them in Red Cross standards for ski-related injuries, and crafted supplies for aiding injured skiers. Many believe Lois’s team was the first organized ski patrol in America.
In 1938, when Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole agreed to organize what was to become the industry standard National Ski Patrol, he replicated many of Lois’s practices and procedures, including the Red Cross training and equipment protocols. The “Memorial Lois Perret, RN Ski Patrol Award” is given in Lois’s honor to recognize outstanding service to members of the Gore Mountain Ski Patrol since 2003.
Frederica “Freddie” Anderson (1921-2022) first started skiing at 3 years of age. Freddie and her family rode the First Snow Train from Schenectady to North Creek. She would later become one of NY’s first certified ski instructors. While she was an instructor at Gore Mountain for 25 years, Freddie is probably most well-known for founding and directing the Schenectady Ski School, which she led for an incredible 64 years, teaching tens of thousands of people to ski. When she was 90, she rode the 2011 Snow Train, retracing the original route from Schenectady to North Creek.
Read more about these fascinating women in our article, The Adirondacks’ Trailblazing Women of Skiing.
2023-2024 Lois Perret (Schaefer), RN Memorial Ski Patrol Award Presentation.
In conjunction with this talk, Jim Schaefer will present this year’s award named for his mom. Nominees in the past have been recognized for their exceptional service to the Gore Mountain Ski Patrol during their career, providing care for injured skiers, riders, bikers, and hikers on and off trails at the Gore Mountain Ski Resort.
The Memorial Award was first presented in 2003 to Dr. Dan O’Keeffe II, who was an original member of the 1933 First Aid Committee.
For more event information, visit Tannery Pond Center’s webpage dedicated to 90th Anniversary events.
Places to explore near North Creek.
Theodore Roosevelt’s historic ride through the ADK in the middle of the night to become President is one heck of a good story.
The spot for made-to-order deli sandwiches, soups, salads and service with a smile in North Creek.
Summer is a perfect time to explore the other side of this Adirondack ski destination.
Getting to the top of Gore Mountain is a breeze on the Adirondack Skyride.
North Creek holds a special place in ski history. March 4 marks the 90th anniversary of the first ski trains that would transform the Adirondacks into a winter recreation destination.
Snow-making innovations help Gore Mountain carve a path toward a brighter, more sustainable future—one powder day at a time.
Escape to this four-season resort to enjoy the many delights of the Adirondack Park.
Among America’s first ski resorts, Gore Mountain is New York’s largest ski center.
Ski Pioneers Lois Perret and Frederica "Freddie" Anderson are the focus of an upcoming event at North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center.
Adirondack winter destinations owe their thanks to the OG, North Creek’s ski bowl.
Visit this charming town off the beaten path in the Gore Mountain & Schroon Lake Region of the Adirondacks.
The Tannery Pond Center is the cultural heartbeat of North Creek, Johnsburg and the Gore Mountain & Schroon Lake Region.
A year-round provider of essential sports and recreational equipment near Gore Mountain.
Get blown away at the Adirondack Glassblowing Studio. Learn to create your own glass treasure.
Visit one of the Adirondack’s highest waterfalls in the Central Adirondacks.
Experience an authentic North Country RR depot and a significant site in American History.
The Barking Spider is the quintessential local watering hole that offers the food you crave at lunchtime, after a long day on the job, or when you are out on the town.
One person’s 9’ tall concrete retaining wall is another person’s magnificent canvas.
The first recognizable ski patrol in America was established in the ADK.
Every town needs a local pizza joint. And finally, North Creek has theirs.
Show your love for the Adirondacks.
Find Tannery Pond Center in North Creek, NY.
Upcoming events in and around North Creek.
- Posted In: Events, North Creek
- Tagged: HIstory, Skiing, Gore Mountain, North Creek Ski Bowl, Snow Train
Beautiful hand-crafted jewelry using authentic Adirondack Garnet gemstones.