Letter From The GM - A Little Mountain That Keeps Going Big

We smashed through a few records this week. 50 snowguns hammered the mountain from summit to base during a full-on snowmaking charge Monday and Tuesday. This is the latest we have ever made snow. Our continuing late-season operations, combined with our earliest opening ever, make this the longest season in Black Mountain’s 91-year history. Having been the first ski area to open in the state on November 15th and now the only remaining open ski area, we can now claim the longest ski season in New Hampshire. This remarkable feat by a south-facing and low-elevation mountain was entirely unthinkable 18 months ago.

Last year, we closed on May 3rd. I am confident that we will surpass that record, pushing lift-served skiing and riding deeper into May. The Black Mountain Glacier™ has an average base depth of over 15 feet. While unlikely, if we see temperatures that are cold enough for snowmaking, we will fire up the system again without thinking twice about it. While it is looking like a toss-up on making it to Memorial Day Weekend, I do know for sure that this little mountain and everyone who works here are going to give it our all and try to make it.

The number of people coming to Black Mountain remains high, and we are open through Sunday, 4/26, then moving to a Saturday and Sunday schedule for as long as possible. Our parking lots have been full on the weekends, and going forward, all staff will be parking off-site to make sure people have room. As the base area parking fills up, we will start up our new dedicated shuttle bus servicing nearby additional parking. Our “Second Season” Spring Events Calendar is live with an incredible lineup of events and live music every weekend through Memorial Day.

We are expecting near perfect weather for Champagne Fest this weekend which will be a celebration across the entire Mountain. Our final Friday Night Lights of the year kicks off the weekend with a heck of a party and a full band at the Alpine Cabin. Get those last uphill laps of the season in, or grab a ride up the triple on foot or with downhill equipment. Everyone is welcome to join, and special $10 pricing applies to all ticket types for this Friday Night Lights Finale, which runs from 5-8 pm, with a banging after party in the base lodge.

Saturday is the day to wear the best ski sweater you can find or borrow. One winner will be awarded a full Black Mountain Season pass for the 26/27 season. I will be DJing from 2-4 pm at the Alpine Cabin with our resident saxophonist. You can bet that some Champagne will be sprayed. Our Champagne pond skim starts at the bottom of the triple at 5 pm. The double is open for skiing and riding till 7.

We have live music all weekend, and the 5-piece E-Block Band will be laying down some smooth evening tunes. Do not miss our Grand Champagne Buffet featuring a carving station, high-end sides, and an incredible charcuterie and dessert spread. Tim O’Sullivan from Veuve Clicquot will be curating a champagne tasting on Saturday evening. Sunday is our Champagne Breakfast Brunch buffet, with a make your own mimosa bar served till noon. Next week, we welcome independent ski area operators and owners from around the world to Black Mountain for the Entabeni and Indy Pass annual gathering. We reopen to the public May 2-3 for our Super Hero Hip-Hop weekend.

Extending the season and producing lively events takes an enormous amount of effort from everyone at Black Mountain. It is easy to close and just focus on the bottom line. Being open matters, and I think we have a few more records left to smash. Thanks for being here.

Erik Mogensen

President and General Manager Black Mountain Community Cooperation