Black Mountain, NH OPEN AGAIN more alive than ever

[Edd]

Back open on Thanksgiving, dang.

 

[deadheadskier]

Kicked my season off at Black today. That's something I pretty much never expected to say given I always get going in November and Black rarely if ever has.

All and all it was an okay WROD to start the season. My expectations were pretty low given the big rain we got this week and minimal cold weather. The route they have open for sure needs some love before expanding terrain, but they were busy moving the sled guns around to be ready to expand. Overall a fine opening product.

Observations:

LOTS of new snowmaking infrastructure around. Fans, towers, sleds, pipes. Given how well they did last year with a duck taped together system, I'm eager to see what they do this year.

Looks like they've said goodbye to the handle tow and have expanded parking into that area near the lodge. Maybe they put it back in when they're done. No real loss given what it was, but hopefully a carpet is on their radar for the newbies. The lodge also seemed to be spruced up a bit.

Pretty quick redemption process. I didn't have to sign any waivers. $5 renewal fee on the RFIDs we had from last year. I joked with the guy at the ticket counter that I heard this municipality frowns on peeing in the woods. He didn't get it until I walked away and was kike, "Oh, you mean up at Alpine Hut? Yeah, the town doesn't like that."

Looking forward to getting back mid season. Love that place.

 

[JDMRoma]

I joked with the guy at the ticket counter that I heard this municipality frowns on peeing in the woods. He didn't get it until I walked away and was kike, "Oh, you mean up at Alpine Hut? Yeah, the town doesn't like that."

Good to know ! Cant wait to get back when they are 100% open ! looks like a fun place !

 

[Smellytele]

Just booked a room in Jackson for the beginning of February on a Black Friday deal. 131 for a Saturday night at Christmas farm inn. Can either do 2 days at black or 1 at black and one day xcountry.

 

[deadheadskier]

Good to know ! Cant wait to get back when they are 100% open ! looks like a fun place !

You would find that information useful!!! Haha

 

[Newpylong]

Yesterday after close we restarted snowmaking on Maple and also Lower Juniper (the "field") in preparation for the next big move to Sugarbush.

They started reassemble of that beginner tow now that the parking lot modification is done behind the shop.

 

[eatskisleep]

Heard today is BOGO, $25 for one ticket so $12.50 each… if I were around I’d be there!

 

[deadheadskier]

Yesterday after close we restarted snowmaking on Maple and also Lower Juniper (the "field") in preparation for the next big move to Sugarbush.

They started reassemble of that beginner tow now that the parking lot modification is done behind the shop.

Is there a plan to pull hoses over to make snow on Roller Coaster this season ? Having a third wide snowmaking cruiser would be good to have a Black, especially when Jackson Standard is used for racing.

 

[Newpylong]

I would guess def not considering the high amount of snowmaking acreage elsewhere now. There hasn't been racing at Black in a very long time so Standard and Maple will be the two down the front.

On the west side you have Speedwell to Jubilee, Dipper to Davis, Bob O Link, Ninnow (platter). Standard and Maple (added this year) down the middle. On the East side Black Beauty off the top, Sugarbush (added this year). East Bowl to Juniper or Goose (reconnected this year). Then the Jbar we replaced all the pipe just finished yesterday. So that's quite a bit! We'll see if they get it all, should be doable with the third pump if weather cooperates.

 

[deadheadskier]

Gotcha. Didn't realize they haven't hosted racing in recent years. I do remember it on Jackson in the past.

So my thought was if you add Roller Coaster, that would always give two good wide, consistently pitched cruisers if Jackson has racing or three when it doesn't. That middle area of the mountain is the type of terrain the intermediate masses love. Wide, consistent, moderate pitch for a decent amount of vertical. Where as the periphery of the mountain on either side is more steep / flat / steep / flat.

Ultimately if Black is gonna avoid going NELSAP, having that consist cruiser terrain the masses want needs to be part of the equation.

 

[Edd]

Lawsuit settled. Free skiing tomorrow for Jackson residents or anyone with a season pass to another mountain that’s not currently open.

 

[thetrailboss]

Lawsuit settled. Free skiing tomorrow for Jackson residents or anyone with a season pass to another mountain that’s not currently open.

Amen.

 

[Bosco DaSkia]

Yesterday after close we restarted snowmaking on Maple and also Lower Juniper (the "field") in preparation for the next big move to Sugarbush.

They started reassemble of that beginner tow now that the parking lot modification is done behind the shop.

so, were you there when the cops told the mountain they had to shut down all snowmaking due to "anonymous noise complaints" as per Erik's latest letter?

"The week before Thanksgiving, the Jackson Police showed up in the middle of the night and attempted to shut down Black Mountain’s snowmaking system over an “anonymous” noise complaint. Black Mountain has been making snow since 1957, predating any zoning or ordinances. I refused to shut down the system."

 

[Newpylong]

Gotcha. Didn't realize they haven't hosted racing in recent years. I do remember it on Jackson in the past.

So my thought was if you add Roller Coaster, that would always give two good wide, consistently pitched cruisers if Jackson has racing or three when it doesn't. That middle area of the mountain is the type of terrain the intermediate masses love. Wide, consistent, moderate pitch for a decent amount of vertical. Where as the periphery of the mountain on either side is more steep / flat / steep / flat.

Ultimately if Black is gonna avoid going NELSAP, having that consist cruiser terrain the masses want needs to be part of the equation.

Rollercoaster would be a great addition I'm just not sure if it's really needed right now. See the attached map - blue being existing snowmaking capability prior to this season, red being new for this season. That is a lot... and nearly all of that blue pipe needs to be replaced due to condtion, and keep in mind Black is really water limited (as in supply itself from the river).

 

[LoafSkier19]

The full newsletter from Erik:

There have been an incredible number of challenges we have had to overcome to bring Black Mountain back. Snowmaking, lifts, buildings, infrastructure, marketing, insurance, hiring, and buying the mountain in the first place, but the hardest challenge in this remarkable comeback story has been the tension that we have had with the town of Jackson. I want to be clear, 99% of the people and businesses in town have been nothing but extremely helpful and welcoming. Black Mountain is not only the largest single employer and destination in the Town, but a huge piece of Jackson’s world-class winter recreation identity.



The week before Thanksgiving, the Jackson Police showed up in the middle of the night and attempted to shut down Black Mountain’s snowmaking system over an “anonymous” noise complaint. Black Mountain has been making snow since 1957, predating any zoning or ordinances. I refused to shut down the system.



Jackson, New Hampshire, is a beautiful small town, and I fully admit that there has been an incredible amount of change at the mountain in a very short period of time. However, Black Mountain was clearly unsustainable and needed immediate, meaningful changes. If we want a different and better result, then we must take a different and better action, including finding a collaborative way forward with the Town.



We now have a full settlement and agreement with the town of Jackson that addresses all pending concerns. The Town agrees that our snowmaking operations are legal and a preexisting nonconforming use. The Town will fully cooperate and provide its approval to various state agencies for permitting the Alpine Cabin, including the liquor commission. This requirement also extends to our new F&B locations, specifically the Sugar Shack, Bull-Wheel Bar, Waffle Cabin, and our expanded service on the main lodge deck. Black Mountain will now work directly with a new contact at the police department, Lieutenant Mike Mosher. My OHRV ticket will be dismissed. Noise will be measured from the property line, not the source. We will be guaranteed two fireworks permits per year.



Black Mountain will drop both the Federal and State lawsuits. We have a system in place to collaboratively manage the mountain’s growth with the town, improving parking, restrooms, and communication.



Do not underestimate the importance of this settlement agreement for the Mountain and the Town. Two opposing sides came together and fought to protect the sport and culture of skiing that Black Mountain now represents locally and beyond.

Tomorrow, we will celebrate that sport and culture. While we did not plan to operate until later in the week, we are firing up the lifts from 10 AM - 4 PM on Tuesday, December 2nd, for a powder day celebration. We are expecting significant snowfall. Being open matters, especially on powder days.



We will have free skiing for all Jackson residents to say thank you for making Black Mountain what it is. If you are a season passholder at another mountain that is not operating tomorrow, you are also welcome to join us for free skiing and see this special place first-hand. Anyone taking advantage of free skiing must register online prior to arrival. For everyone else, tickets will be $25 and can be purchased here. Capacity will be limited. The base lodge will be a vibrant scene with food and drink specials all day. Live music starts at 1 PM.



This is a big win.



Thanks for being here.​

 

[thetrailboss]

Lawsuit settled. Free skiing tomorrow for Jackson residents or anyone with a season pass to another mountain that’s not currently open.

Letter From the GM – Town Settlement & Free Skiing Tomorrow
There have been an incredible number of challenges we have had to overcome to bring Black Mountain back. Snowmaking, lifts, buildings, infrastructure, marketing, insurance, hiring, and buying the mountain in the first place, but the hardest challenge in this remarkable comeback story has been the tension that we have had with the town of Jackson. I want to be clear, 99% of the people and businesses in town have been nothing but extremely helpful and welcoming. Black Mountain is not only the largest single employer and destination in the Town, but a huge piece of Jackson’s world-class winter recreation identity.
The week before Thanksgiving, the Jackson Police showed up in the middle of the night and attempted to shut down Black Mountain’s snowmaking system over an “anonymous” noise complaint. Black Mountain has been making snow since 1957, predating any zoning or ordinances. I refused to shut down the system.
Jackson, New Hampshire, is a beautiful small town, and I fully admit that there has been an incredible amount of change at the mountain in a very short period of time. However, Black Mountain was clearly unsustainable and needed immediate, meaningful changes. If we want a different and better result, then we must take a different and better action, including finding a collaborative way forward with the Town.
We now have a full settlement and agreement with the town of Jackson that addresses all pending concerns. The Town agrees that our snowmaking operations are legal and a preexisting nonconforming use.
The Town will fully cooperate and provide its approval to various state agencies for permitting the Alpine Cabin, including the liquor commission. This requirement also extends to our new F&B locations, specifically the Sugar Shack, Bull-Wheel Bar, Waffle Cabin, and our expanded service on the main lodge deck. Black Mountain will now work directly with a new contact at the police department, Lieutenant Mike Mosher. My OHRV ticket will be dismissed. Noise will be measured from the property line, not the source. We will be guaranteed two fireworks permits per year.
Black Mountain will drop both the Federal and State lawsuits. We have a system in place to collaboratively manage the mountain’s growth with the town, improving parking, restrooms, and communication.
Do not underestimate the importance of this settlement agreement for the Mountain and the Town. Two opposing sides came together and fought to protect the sport and culture of skiing that Black Mountain now represents locally and beyond.
Tomorrow, we will celebrate that sport and culture. While we did not plan to operate until later in the week, we are firing up the lifts from 10 AM - 4 PM on Tuesday, December 2nd, for a powder day celebration. We are expecting significant snowfall. Being open matters, especially on powder days.
We will have free skiing for all Jackson residents to say thank you for making Black Mountain what it is. If you are a season passholder at another mountain that is not operating tomorrow, you are also welcome to join us for free skiing and see this special place first-hand. Anyone taking advantage of free skiing must register online prior to arrival. For everyone else, tickets will be $25. The base lodge will be a vibrant scene with food and drink specials all day. Live music starts at 1 PM.
This is a big win.
Thanks for being here.
Erik Mogensen
President and General Manager
Black Mountain Community Corporation

 

[jimmywilson69]

This place has had a wild couple of years...

Sounds like cooler heads prevailed on both sides and they will work together to make it work.

 

[thetrailboss]

To quote the philosophical duo of Hunter/Garcia:

There are things you can replace, and others you cannot.
The time has come to weigh those things.
This space is getting hot, you know this space is getting hot.

 

[LoafSkier19]

I find the line about having a new point of contact with the police department pretty funny

 

[eatskisleep]

Rollercoaster would be a great addition I'm just not sure if it's really needed right now. See the attached map - blue being existing snowmaking capability prior to this season, red being new for this season. That is a lot... and nearly all of that blue pipe needs to be replaced due to condtion, and keep in mind Black is really water limited (as in supply itself from the river).

What was added previous season? Is that also in blue?