The fountain by the Riviera is lit up at night in this November photo.
In May of 1933 the Lake Geneva community gathered at the grand opening of what was to become one of our most charming landmarks, where crowds came to dance the night away while overlooking Geneva Bay. Renovations have have now begun on the iconic Riviera to refresh it and bring it back to its nostalgic glory!
Once again an event is going to be held to celebrate the Riviera, but this time it is virtual. You are invited to hear the history, share your fond memories, and become part of the Riviera’s future at a special YouTube rollout on Sunday, Jan. 24. The video will be available for a limited amount of time. Feel free to check out the YouTube anytime.
Your invitation and link to the YouTube is coming soon. Watch for it on the city website, cityoflakegeneva.com.
Watch now: A look back at Majestic Hills ski hill
The tow rope
Skiers go up a tow rope to the top of a hill at Majestic Hills in this undated photo.
The grand opening
A look back at an advertisement for the grand opening of Majestic Hills.
A cover model
Here Majestic Hills made the cover of a 1957 Chicago American magazine. On the cover is Melita Grunow, whose husband owned the hill. She was a frequent model in photos for the hill, said her son Randy Grunow.
A look at the old lodge in the back
Here skiers go up a tow rope, in the background is the lodge at Majestic Hills before it was remodeled. The lodge was made from old chicken coops because the property used to be the family’s old chicken farm.
Majestic Hills
An old image advertising Majestic Hills in Lake Geneva.
The A-frames
Here the lodge at Majestic Hills is shown after the A-frames were added to give it character.
Making the hill
Here is a look at the area that would later become Majestic Hills ski hill. The family had to build up the area to make it a ski hill.
The hill
Another look at Majestic Hills.
All that is left
All that is left of the former Majestic Hills ski hill is an old fire place that used to be in the chalet that burned down in 1988.
High above the rest
While Majestic Hill was known as more of a beginner hill, that didn’t stop people from more advanced moves and jumps. Here, in this photo from the mid-80s, Randy Grunow, whose skis are sideways in the air, can be seen high over a jump at Majestic Hill. Grunow was the owner’s middle son. Behind him in the air is friend Matt Crocke and under him is ski instructor John Zeigle.
A look back
Majestic Hill ski hill is shown here with its A-frame lodge in the background.
The Roost
The Roost bar was in the upper level of the chalet.
The beginner's hill
Skiers are shown on the beginner's hill at Majestic Hill in the early years of the hill before the A-frame was added to the lodge.
1957 story about Majestic Hills
1957 story about Majestic Hills opening
Making snow
The 1957 story about Majestic Hills opening advertised that people wouldn't have to depend on natural snow because they are able to make 3 1/2 feet of packed snow each week, more than enough to cover to the hill.
The famous flag
In the background to the left a large American flag can be seen. That would fly year-round.
Putting up the lift
A helicopter had to come in to help put up the hill's four-person lift.
The Majestic Hills trail map
House on the hill
For a number of years a house sat on the top of Majestic Mountain. It was later taken down.
Majestic Hills
The many skis
Melita Grunow stands by a row of skis at Majestic Hills. Her and her husband ran the hill.
