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Bristol Mountain founder, former owner dies in Florida

The man who founded, and subsequently owned, Bristol Mountain for many years died earlier this month, according to family.

Lawrence ‘Larry’ Demarse was 82-years-old. He was an entrepreneur and engineer who opened Bristol Mountain back in 1964. He had partnered with Ron Ratnick, and designed, built, and opened, the resort that gave skiers a 1,200-foot drop.

That was the largest drop of its kind for the time west of the Adirondacks and east of the Rockies.

It put Bristol Mountain in unique territory – being a draw from around the U.S. even before the region was a tourist destination.

Demarse lived in Florida, and previously lived in Fairport. His family says he died on January 3rd.


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