The Legend of the Kissing Bridge
Imagine a place where time slows down, but your heart can’t help but beat faster. Maybe it’s the adrenaline, or the crisp, pure mountain air, or the romance still lingering from a thousand kisses in that fabled covered bridge, but Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort, nestled in the scenic hamlet of Glenwood, New York, surely has a magic that every single soul who visits there experiences.
So the legend goes...
Once upon a time in West New York, in the foothills of the mountain where the Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort now welcomes its visitors, there was a rustic, covered bridge connecting the banks of the tranquil Cazenovia Creek.
This covered bridge wasn’t just a crossing, however, it was an escape for lovers. A sanctuary. Indeed, couples from nearby towns would travel here, their hearts beating with the hope of stolen kisses beneath its wooden beams. The bridge offered a moment of secrecy, a secluded getaway where love could blossom in the suspended embrace of its shelter.
Eventually, this very bridge became known as the "Kissing Bridge," a name synonymous with romance and connection. It witnessed countless love stories, from shy, first smooches to heartfelt proposals, subsequently becoming a cherished memory for all who visited.
While the original bridge eventually succumbed to fire, its legacy endured, inspiring the creation of the Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort — a place designed to capture the heart-beating magic and escape of that beloved spot. An outdoorist’s tribute to the adventure of love.
The Founding Family(s)
Kissing Bridge’s story is deeply tied to the area's history, the entrepreneurial spirit of local families, and the evolution of skiing as an iconic, recreational sport in Western New York. Kissing Bridge Ski Resort opened in 1958, but its roots stretch back to earlier community-driven recreational endeavors in the area.
Glenwood Acres
Before what would become Kissing Bridge Ski Resort in 1958, the Crone family established Glenwood Acres, a popular ski hill near the site of today's resort. Glenwood Acres laid the foundation for organized skiing in the region, fostering a love of the sport among locals and attracting visitors from Buffalo and beyond.
Visionary Founders
The Loomis family, including Harry Loomis, saw the potential to expand skiing in the Glenwood area. Working alongside the Crones and other community members, they conceptualized a larger, more comprehensive ski resort. This vision led to the birth of Kissing Bridge.
Transformation
Harry Loomis was instrumental in rallying community and investor support to create Kissing Bridge. His passion for skiing and commitment to the area's growth helped transform the small ski hill at Glenwood Acres into a larger operation.
Becoming Kissing Bridge
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Kissing Bridge grew into one of Western New York’s largest ski resorts. Major milestones included:
Trail Expansion
The resort expanded to include over 36 trails, grouped into the North, Central, and South areas, offering terrain for all skill levels.
Snowmaking Technology
Early adoption of snowmaking equipment ensured a reliable ski season, which became a hallmark of the resort.
A Sense of Community
Kissing Bridge became a hub for regional skiing competitions and family fun.
Fall In Love With Adventure
Today, Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort is a haven for outdoors lovers and thrill seekers seeking a picturesque escape, far from the hustle and bustle of the City. Arriving here, you’re instantly greeted by the breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, snow-draped slopes, and Western New York’s bountiful nature and wildlife. Perhaps the resort’s charm lies not only in its stunning natural beauty, though, but in the stories woven into every corner of the space.
Visions of Kissing Bridge
Images over time from our fabled history.
