Black Mountain Ski Area

Black Mountain Ski Area
Black Mountain Ski Area
Location	Jackson, New Hampshire, U.S.
Nearest major city	North Conway, New Hampshire
Coordinates	44°10′6″N 71°9′52″W / 44.16833°N 71.16444°W
Status	Operational (seasonally)
Vertical	1,100 ft (340 m)
Trails	45, plus 15 glades
Lift system	2 chairs (1 triple, 1 double),; 2 surface lifts, 1 rope tow
Snowmaking	98%
Website	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.

History

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]