New Hampshire’s Black Mountain To Open This Season

Indy Pass parent company Entabeni Systems announced today that it has reached an agreement with Black Mountain in Jackson, New Hampshire, to remain open for the 2023/2024 season.

In mid-October 2023, the Ficheras, 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.”

The mountain, which has been in continuous operation since 1935, will be offered for sale as an operating ski area. Entabeni founder Erik Mogensen will lead an industry-wide effort to find a sustainable solution.

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. The Goodrich Falls Hydroelectric Plant was constructed in 1935 on the Ellis River to power the resort's lift and lodge. 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

"We all have a role to play in keeping skiing independent, and it is time to step up," said Mogensen. "We are not interested in owning ski resorts, but are firmly committed to supporting independent operators like Black Mountain. The struggles that John and his family overcame for decades are the same struggles many ski areas across the country are facing everyday."

Andy Shepard, whose career has been focused on turning around struggling ski areas, will join the effort at Indy Pass. Andy led the efforts that produced successful outcomes at Saddleback, BigRock, Quoggy Jo, and Black Mountain of Maine. "The Ficheras have played a critical role in keeping one of the country's most historic ski areas running for the last 30 years. We should celebrate their accomplishments as we look for the next owner of Black Mountain," said Shepard 

"We joined the Indy Pass originally to boost awareness and generate a few skier visits. Never did we realize the partnership would be so vital to the survival of Black Mountain as an independent ski area," said GM and owner John Fichera. "I am proud to collaborate with the passionate folks at Indy Pass to find a solution for Black Mountain and affordable skiing." 

Black Mountain will announce an opening date and operating schedule soon. Previously purchased 23/24 Black Mountain season passes will be honored and available again at Blackmt.com. Indy Pass holders will have access to the standard two free days and one additional discount day all season long.

"John Fichera was one of the first owners to believe in the Indy Pass, and we are privileged to help Black Mountain operate this season," said Indy Pass founder Doug Fish. “We encourage all Indy Passholders to visit this gem of a ski area this season.”

Purchasing an Indy Pass is only possible by joining the waitlist at indyskipass.com, which remains open at this time. The Pass is committed to offering affordable skiing and riding at over 180 authentic destinations across three continents.