It began operation in 1961 opened by Dwight and Jean Miller with a blue Pomagalski (now Poma of America) double chair with shield.

In 1986, the left sheave train (wheel system) of the chairlift failed and fell to the ground.

For six years, Ski Idlewild sat boarded up, though almost all lifts and buildings remained.

It became a frequent target of vandals and looters, as well as an occasional hangout for local kids.

On July 29, 2008 it was announced that the buildings would be burned to make way for a paved road into the adjacent Rendezvous housing development and a park which will be formed on land the current owner plans to donate to the city.