Harris Hill To Add Stairs, Adjustable Take-Off in 1922
When Brattleboro’s ski jump was first built, there were no stairs! Ski jumpers and anyone else hoping to reach the top had to climb the hill.
This Vermont Phoenix article from Dec 15, 1922 explains the many improvements being made at the hill shortly after it was built. In addition to the stairs, the committee was planning to build a small building at the top of the hill for ski jumpers to sit and await their turn, plus add a really neat mechanical innovation to allow and encourage others to start their ski jumping careers with ease. The take-off of the jump was to be made adjustable, so beginners could simply slide down the hill before raising it a bit and trying to jump.
Interesting, too, to note that they had scheduled two events (January and February) for jumping, and that they were considering building a skating rink in town.