Black Mountain Ski Area

Black Mountain Ski Area is an alpine ski area located in Jackson, New Hampshire, United States. First used in the mid-1930s, it has operated seasonally since shortly after World War II. Black Mountain offers terrain for all abilities, including slopes for novices, cruising trails for intermediates, and black diamond trails for experts. The terrain is served by two chairlifts and three surface lifts. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, it also offers summer camps and equine programs.

Black Mountain Ski Area
LocationJackson, New Hampshire, U.S.
Nearest major cityNorth Conway, New Hampshire
Coordinates44°10′6″N 71°9′52″W / 44.16833°N 71.16444°W / 44.16833; -71.16444
StatusOperational (seasonally)
Vertical1,100 ft (340 m)
Trails45, plus 15 glades
Lift system2 chairs (1 triple, 1 double),
2 surface lifts, 1 rope tow
Snowmaking98%
WebsiteBlack Mountain Ski Area

History

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The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cut the first ski trail on the mountain in 1934, making Black Mountain one of the oldest ski areas in New Hampshire.[1] The Goodrich Falls Hydroelectric Plant was constructed in 1935 on the Ellis River to power the resort's lift and lodge.[2] The power plant was built by Edwin Moody, owner of the ski area, then known as Moody's. Moody and local inventor George Morton constructed one of the first ski lifts in New Hampshire and used the plant to power the lift and lodge.[2]

In mid-October 2023, the owning family of the ski area advised that it would not open for the 2023–24 season, stating: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, including soaring energy costs, unpredictable weather, extreme staffing shortages throughout the region, and many other challenges, we have made the very difficult decision to cease operations.”[3] Days later, management announced that an agreement had been reached with an external company that would allow the mountain to operate for the 2023–24 season, and find a buyer.[4]

In October 2024, the CEO of Entabeni Systems, Erik Mogensen, announced that his company would take over ownership of the ski area, "with the intention of transitioning the ski area to a community co-op by the 2025/2026 season."[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Black Mountain Resort History". newenglandskihistory.com.
  2. ^ a b "Goodrich Falls". bartletthistory.org. Bartlett Historical Society.
  3. ^ Palma, Kristi (October 13, 2023). "A New Hampshire ski mountain just announced it will not open this season". Boston.com. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  4. ^ Palma, Kristi (October 20, 2023). "Black Mountain will open this winter after all". Boston.com. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  5. ^ Palma, Kristi (October 7, 2024). "New Hampshire's Black Mountain will become a community co-op". Boston.com. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
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