If you're looking for cheap skiing in New Hampshire, Black Mountain is the place to go. With 1,100 vertical feet, 143 skiable acres, 40 trails and four lifts, it offers a contemporary ski experience in an historical setting that is suitable for beginners to advances skiers, singles to families and boasts the lowest lift ticket prices in the state.
History
Situated on Mount Washington in New Hampshire's Presidential Range, Black Mountain was built in 1935 at the time of the ski-train boom. Twenty-six years earlier, in 1909, a man named Fred Harris proposed the formation of a ski and snowshoe club at Dartmouth College and became the catalyst for New Hampshire's skiing industry.
The Dartmouth Outing Club became a reality in 1911. By 1920, more than two-thirds of the student body had become members and, in 1922, a "ski expert" was called in to give lessons. Ski races were held on trails cut by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Richard Taft Trail boasted New Hampshire's first "up-ski" device in 1933, and soon rope tows were springing up all over the White Mountains. The Snow Trains started in January 1931, and the boom was on.
Basics
Today, Black Mountain stands out from among the crowd of larger ski resorts surrounding it, offering an economical and more charming alternative. The slopes are maintained to the same high quality standards, but host much smaller numbers, allowing for a sense of having the mountain all to oneself.
Beginners to advanced skiers will delight in skiing on classic trails winding through hardwood forests, and experts challenge double-diamond black runs and bash the powder in Black Mountain's glades.
At 3,303 feet, the view from the ski summit is inspiring, with every inch to the bottom utilized. The trails are deceptively long. Shuttled uphill on a classic Meuller Double lift with Riblet Chairs, skiers can dismount at the mid-station to access gentler terrain or ride to the top, where advanced runs cap the mountain. With a southern exposure, skiers are protected from the wind and kissed by the sun all day long. Then, after shredding the slopes, it's time for apres ski.
Additional Features
Black Mountain has something for everyone. A family owned and operated resort, the ski school and race programs are among the best in the business. There is a full rental shop where you can tune up your skis or purchase supplies, such as helmets, goggles, sunscreen and lip balm. A cafeteria serves pub-style food, and there is a never-ending array of special events and activities throughout the season.
Referred to as the "hidden gem," Black Mountain is accessed by crossing a red-covered bridge and entering Jackson, a picture-perfect New England village. Historic Inns, cozy restaurants and quaint shops line the streets. Music pours from the heart of the village, and you're apt to see as many horse-drawn sleighs as automobiles.
Cost
Prices as of 2010 vary depending upon your choice. The season pass tops out at $469 for adults and $319 for juniors, with reduced early purchase rates. A Black Mountain Family Passport, valid for all holidays, two adults and two juniors ages 6 to 17 is only $119 weekends and holidays and $99 midweek.
There are also a number of specialty group rates and every-day ticket deals. A full-day lift ticket is $45 for adults on weekends and $35 weekdays. Juniors, seniors, college students and military rates are $30 on weekends and $20 on weekdays. Children younger than 5 ski free.
Special discounted rates apply for half-day skiing, and specials include: Locals' Monday, "Girls Day Out," Breakfast Club and Carroll County Afternoons.
To Sum it Up
Black Mountain provides enough modern-day amenities to satisfy the young and adventurous while offering a step back in time--a step back to quiet trails, old-fashioned hospitality and affordable ski prices. It's a value you cannot afford to miss if you plan to ski in New Hampshire.
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