Black Mountain
143 acres, 45 runs near Jackson. New Hampshire's oldest continuously operating resort, Indy Pass.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
15 Nov 2026
Closes
2 May 2027
Days open
168
Annual snow
125in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Black Mountain's summit reaches 2,350 feet, dropping roughly 1,100 vertical feet to a base at 1,250 feet across 45 runs spread over 143 acres near Jackson in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Terrain splits 35 per cent intermediate, 29 per cent beginner, 23 per cent advanced and 13 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 125 inches. The resort carries Indy Pass affiliation. Four lifts, including one double chair and one triple chair, serve the mountain alongside one surface lift and two t-bars.
Black Mountain holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating ski area in New Hampshire, a genuinely rare heritage among the state's resorts. Its affordable, unpretentious character and spectacular Presidential Range views have earned it a loyal following among skiers seeking an authentic alternative to the region's larger destination resorts.
The Civilian Conservation Corps cut the mountain's first ski trail in 1934, and the area, then known as Moody's, opened its trails in 1935. Owner Edwin Moody built the Goodrich Falls Hydroelectric Plant on the Ellis River that same year to power the resort's lift and lodge, and Moody and local inventor George Morton constructed one of the first ski lifts in New Hampshire. In 1936, H. Holland and Helen Whitney purchased the area, renaming it Whitney's and installing the Shovel Handle, later known as the J-Bar, the first overhead cable lift in the country, before adding one of New England's first snowmaking systems in 1957.
John Fichera and his family operated Black Mountain independently from 1995, working to keep the resort open, affordable and accessible. In March 2026, plans for a community cooperative purchase were halted when the resort was instead purchased by general manager Erik Mogensen. Adult daily tickets run from 65 to 85 US dollars, with children aged 5 and under skiing free.
1,099ft
Vertical
45
Runs
143 acres
Skiable
125in
Annual snow
Indy
Pass
The Terrain
45 runs across 143 acres skiable
Black Mountain is a small, old-school hill near Jackson, New Hampshire, with 45 runs over 143 acres (58 hectares). It climbs from about 1,250 ft (381 m) to 2,350 ft (716 m), a vertical of 1,100 ft (335 m). Terrain splits 29% beginner, 35% intermediate, 23% advanced and 13% expert, a more rounded mix than its size suggests. Snowfall averages around 125 inches a year, healthy for the White Mountains. Lift lines stay short, and the whole mountain is easy to learn in a day while still rewarding repeat visits.
Whitney's Slope, where skiing began in 1935, is the historic heart of the mountain, and Lower Black Beauty is another named run worth finding. Black Forest and the other glades give stronger skiers somewhere to hunt, with expert-level tree skiing available despite the modest footprint. Gentler slopes keep first-timers comfortable. Honest scale is the point here: you get character rather than mileage. Black Mountain suits families, budget-minded skiers and anyone chasing traditional New England skiing, while Wildcat, a short drive away, is the pick for bigger vertical.
Terrain split
45
runs
45 runs across 4 grades
Beginner13 runs · 29%
Intermediate16 runs · 35%
Advanced10 runs · 23%
Expert6 runs · 13%
Time it right
When to visit Black Mountain
The 2025-26 season at Black Mountain ran from 13 December 2025 to 25 April 2026, a considerably long season for a resort of its scale, supported by average annual snowfall of around 125 inches. This extended season length reflects Black Mountain's commitment to maximising ski days for its loyal, value-conscious visitor base.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to the mountain's varied terrain, spanning beginner through expert-rated runs. As an Indy Pass resort, Black Mountain draws some visiting skiers holding that multi-resort pass alongside its core regional White Mountains visitor base drawn to its affordable, authentic character.
Given Black Mountain's status as New Hampshire's oldest continuously operating ski area, the resort attracts visitors specifically seeking its historic charm and spectacular Presidential Range views, a contrast to the larger, more developed resorts nearby. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given the resort's substantial beginner and intermediate terrain and free access for children aged 5 and under.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Following the March 2026 purchase by general manager Erik Mogensen, after decades of Fichera family ownership since 1995, Black Mountain continues its long tradition of independent, community-focused operation. The resort's nine-decade history remains central to its seasonal identity.
Season 2026 - 2027
15 Nov 2026
Opens
2 May 2027
Closes
168
Days open
125 in
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Black Mountain, and where to stay
Black Mountain sits near Jackson in New Hampshire's White Mountains, with a base elevation of 1,250 feet and a summit at 2,350 feet across a roughly 1,100-foot vertical drop over 143 acres. This setting places the resort within one of New England's most scenic mountain regions, with spectacular views toward the Presidential Range.
Jackson, a picturesque White Mountains village, provides local lodging, dining and covered-bridge charm within a short drive of the resort. Nearby North Conway offers more extensive shopping and services, giving visitors a range of options within the broader Mount Washington Valley region.
Local roads connect Jackson directly to the resort, a short drive from the village. Winter driving conditions in this White Mountains setting can include snow and ice, though the well-travelled routes are regularly maintained given the region's popularity as a ski destination. There is no direct public transport service to the mountain.
Specific nearest commercial airport details are not confirmed in available resort information, though Black Mountain's White Mountains location keeps it within a reasonable drive of the greater Boston metropolitan area's major airports for visitors travelling from further afield.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Black Mountain, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Black Mountain's ski season?
Black Mountain's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 15 through May 2. That window is roughly 168 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in New Hampshire, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Black Mountain have?
Black Mountain lists about 143 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 45 named runs (58 hectares alongside 143 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Black Mountain?
Trail grading at Black Mountain breaks down roughly as 29% beginner, 35% intermediate, 23% advanced, 13% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Black Mountain have?
Black Mountain operates 5 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 2 t-bars, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair, and 1 surface lift.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Black Mountain?
Base elevation at Black Mountain is about 1,250 ft (381 m), with the summit around 2,349 ft (716 m), giving roughly 1,099 ft (335 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Black Mountain get each season?
Black Mountain averages about 125 inches (318 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Black Mountain accept the Indy?
Black Mountain is affiliated with the Indy. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Indy, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Black Mountain lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$55 to US$85, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Black Mountain before I go?
SnowStash pulls together a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Black Mountain so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Black Mountain have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Black Mountain. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Black Mountain located?
Black Mountain sits in New Hampshire, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026