In 1947, Skiing Hall of Fame member, Walt Schoenknecht, created Mohawk Mountain Ski Area amidst the rugged beauty of northwestern Connecticut. In 1948 Walt worked with several local engineers to develop the very first snowmaking system ever used at a resort, the basis for the technology used today, worldwide. Mohawk Mountain has remained a family business and a favorite destination for over 70 years. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is a private corporation working in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at Mohawk State Park. Mohawk State Forest has cross-country trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the top of the mountain but are not maintained by or connected with the ski area. Access to the state park is obtained off of Rt. 4 in Cornwall.