Letter from the GM- Vacation Week(s)

Even I think I am starting to sound like a broken record. We have again broken our all-time single day visitation and revenue records over the past week. Our offsite overflow parking is helping us get more people making turns at Black Mountain than ever before.  I am extremely proud of our extraordinary staff for constantly taking this place to the next level at every opportunity. This continues to be an unprecedented turnaround.

In between grooming, DJing and a considerable amount of Champagne toasts, I have been skimming the visitation data. Almost 70 percent of visits this past week were from people who have not been to Black Mountain in the past two seasons. That remarkable metric shows me that the word is getting out that Black is back and better than ever. Our parking lots have been jammed packed with out-of-state cars. Including my own.

I sometimes hear folks talk critically of the “Mass” inflow of people from out of state. This is silly and short-sighted. We are beyond thankful here at Black Mountain for everyone who chooses to spend their time and money at the mountain. New guests and first-time visits are extremely important to the long term viability of New Hampshire’s oldest ski area. Keep coming please.

As we move through the weekend and into the local winter break, we are keeping our foot on the gas. I expect this place to be just as busy next week as this past one. Our offer of free season passes for all local kids through 8th grade has been well received, and the energy level will be high all week.  We have jammed the schedule with live music every day. The long-awaited opening of the Sugar Shack happens at 11 am Saturday with yet another ribbon cutting. We are expecting significant natural snowfall in the next 72 hours and somehow conditions will get even better.

As we look beyond next week, it is time to start thinking about the Season Passes, which are currently sold out. We are doing a deep dive to find the correct number to sell for next season. We have not been afraid to cut off day ticket sales and we will not oversell and compromise the vibe that everyone has worked so hard to build. Our current passholders will have the first opportunity to renew and then we will turn to the waiting list to fill the remaining spots. It is likely that being on the wait list may be the only way to get a season pass next year at Black Mountain.

Finally, I am very close to being able to provide an update on the issuance and sale of shares in the Black Mountain Community Corporation, but not in this letter. I hope in the next one.

Thanks for being here.

Erik Mogensen

President and General Manager

Black Mountain Community Corporation