Mount Equinox: The Inn Atop Mount Equinox

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About The Skyline Drive
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Early History
Why We're Here Today
The Man Behind It All

Overview
Lake Madeleine Project

Mount Equinox Wind Farm

The Inn Atop Mount Equinox
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On the very summit of Mount Equinox at the end of Equinox Sky Line Drive, stands one the most unique and attractive inns in all New England.

Here’s how it came into being. Equinox Sky Line Drive was completed and opened to the public in 1947 and it immediately became apparent that a structure of some sort was needed at or near the summit for rest, relaxation and shelter.

Various plans were discussed that included everything from a very simple shelter to a modern hotel. Since the summit of Equinox had a reasonably flat area of several acres it was decided to place the building, whatever it was, on the exact summit although it was realized that this location would introduce many problems incident to high wind pressure during the winter. On the other hand, location of the building on the summit would permit gorgeous views in all directions.

It was finally decided to build an inn whose exterior would accommodate the rugged conditions encountered in the winter, but whose interior would afford the luxury and comfort of the most modern inn.

It will be of interest to those who are technically minded to know something of the manner in which facilities are brought to the Inn. In the first place, Dr. Davidson’s whole project revolved around two hydroelectric plants, of his own construction and design. His method of generating power is uncommon in New England where the usual case of power development takes the form of a low dam built across a good sized stream or river with a large volume of water flowing through a so-called Francis or reaction turbine. The water from some very small brooks is caused to flow through two pipes having the tremendous fall of 500 and 750 feet, and then through two impulse turbines known as Pelton wheels which are directly connected to electric generators. The whole system is regulated by a governor which is automatic in its action; the flow of water being regulated by a needle valve operating through the governor by which the amount of power being drawn from the generator. The power is brought to Inn over a transmission line some six miles long at 2,400 volts, and is transformed at the mountain top to the domestic services of 110 amps 220 volts.

The hot water at the Inn is really hot and there is plenty of it. It is electrically heated and the temperature again is thermostatically controlled.

Since there are no constant springs at or near the top of Mount Equinox, the problem of providing water became one of the great importance. Many methods were investigated, and finally it was decided to pump the water from a never-failing spring on the west side of the mountain, straight up the mountainside to the Inn. This is a rise of 1500 feet. It may be of interest to note that pumps developing over 1,000 pounds of pressure were necessary. These again are operated by electric power and are controlled automatically by an electronic device which keeps the water level constant in the reservoir water tank located in the basement of the Inn. The water itself comes from a pure crystal-clear never-failing spring, rich in calcium which is quite natural since the spring itself issues from the face of a limestone ledge. The stream from the spring later on disappears into a cavern, the exit of which has never been discovered.

The Sky Line Inn Project (as it was then called) was begun in 1949. At that time the north wing containing four bedrooms, the public lounge, dining room, kitchen and cocktail room with its oval bar were completed. In 1951 four more rooms and many other improvements were added. In 1964 eleven more rooms, a new entrance and lobby were added.

The fireplace hearths are unique and to tell them one must delve a little into the past. About one hundred years ago, it was quite the fashion to climb on foot to the summit of Mt. Equinox by one of the several trails that then existed, The summit at the time had s number of outcropping rock ledges but the stone was father soft, almost inviting the climbers to carve their initials or names on the ledges while they rested. Many accepted the invitation, After twenty-five years or so this mountain climbing vogue seemed to die away, the trails became overgrown and the ledges were gradually covered over with earth, moss and spruce needles. During the clearing that preceded the building of the Inn the old ledges were uncovered and many of the inscriptions, protected as they had been from the weather, were found to be almost as distinct and clear as the day they were carved.

Because of their historical interest, a strenuous effort was made to preserve the best and clearest of the carvings and after a number of unsuccessful attempts a method was found. A diamond studded circular saw was secured and with this instrument, sections of the ledge were cut out and these separate pieces were the fitted together to form the fireplace hearths in the lounge and in the dining room.

You will be interested in looking them over. Many descendants of P.B. Wilcox (1843), E.B. Warren (1851) and L. Brown (1815) live in the valley today. See if you can find the inscription dated 1778 and look for the names on the vertical edge of the hearth. Little did these stone carvers think a hundred years and more age that you, having driven in a few minutes from the valley to the summit of Equinox in what they would have though of as a horseless carriage, would be surveying their handiwork a century later.