Letter from the GM: Flip the Switch

7 hours ago

3 min read

Early this morning, we flipped the switch on the snowmaking system and supercharged water and air to the summit of Black Mountain. The temperature dropped just enough, and an incredible sunrise lit up another record for this little mountain that could. Making snow on October 7th is an extraordinary feat.

While it is easy to dismiss this as a blow for show social media post, do not underestimate how big of a deal this is for reasons less obvious. I have learned that both making snow and running a ski area is much more than just flipping a switch. Externally, Black’s remarkable comeback story has been a much-needed bright spot for the sport and culture of skiing. Internally, it feels like we have been drinking from a high-pressure snowmaking hose.

Heroic efforts, many of them at the last minute, are exhausting. In our first year here, we started making snow in December. Last year it was mid-November. Going full throttle in early October is a huge win, even if the results will quickly melt. We are finally getting ahead on major projects across the mountain, and it feels good.

Black Mountain’s success now requires that our guests plan ahead as well. Last season we had 7 operating days when we sold out of tickets and closed off the ski area to additional visitors. This year I expect that number to grow substantially. If you want to visit Black Mountain on our busiest days, you will need to plan and purchase ahead. We want to be busy, but never too busy, so we will again strictly limit daily sales this season to protect the authenticity and experience that Black Mountain has become known for.

This morning, we also flipped the switch on our e-store. Day tickets, Friday Night Lights, cat skiing and rides, and lessons are available for purchase. All have a limited quantity and are priced across tiers. We will sell out of most products across the various vacation time periods and weekends. Buying early secures your spot at the lowest price. At the time of publishing, there are a handful of season passes that have been made available until the limits are reached across each pass type.

Keeping skiing and riding affordable remains a top priority for Black Mountain, and we have created price tiers that make every product less expensive than last year if you plan ahead. We will continue to offer all kids in local school districts a free and unrestricted season pass through high school. Parking will remain free, and you can still buy a burger for less than 10 dollars, or alternatively plug in your crock pot at the base lodge. We will never view skiing as a luxury product with extravagant pricing.

Our recent purchase of the Shovel Handle Pub and Whitney’s Inn has expanded our ability to welcome guests to the mountain. The Shovel Handle is open 7 days a week with more bar seating, and every night we have the live music that Black Mountain has become famous for. This winter, the pub will also open for lunch on weekends and holidays. The Inn has been enjoying a high occupancy rate, and with only 26 rooms, suites, and cottages available, you can expect most of the winter to book out. Nightly rates at the only lodging on Black Mountain start at just 89 dollars. I will come back to you in a future letter with more details about how we are reconnecting these historic properties to the mountain.

We have to get one more event out of the way before we start making turns. This long weekend is Oktoberfest at the base of Black Mountain. From noon to 10 PM on October 11th, we will be serving great food, drinks, and live music on the big stage. With foliage peaking, this free event is a great reason to come up for a visit and see what we have been up to. Ashley and I are looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

On Monday, I will be back to checking the weather 10 times a day, looking for a meaningful temperature window. When one does come, we will flip the switch and hammer this mountain with every possible snowgun. Being open matters, and we have never been more ready.

Thanks for being here.

Erik Mogensen

President and General Manager

Black Mountain Community Corporation