One of New Hampshire’s skiing gems, Black Mountain, has decided to suspend its operations for the 2023-24 winter season. The Fichera Family, who have managed the resort since 1995, attribute this unprecedented closure to escalating energy costs, unpredictable weather patterns, regional staffing shortages, and other unforeseen challenges.
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Established in 1935, Black Mountain has enjoyed a rich history in the skiing community, serving as a favorite for locals and tourists alike. As Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski New Hampshire, comments on the closure, she acknowledges the impact it will have on the community while expressing hope for the resort’s potential future revival.
Black Mountain has already initiated the refund process for season pass holders. Throughout the years, the resort has undergone various improvements, from the introduction of snowmaking in 1957 to night skiing in 1959. It was even recently recognized as WMUR’s Viewer Choice Best Ski Area for 2023.
While the decision to close has been challenging for the Fichera Family, they express profound gratitude for the unwavering support from their staff and patrons throughout the years. Although the skiing community faces the temporary loss of Black Mountain, the larger conversation emphasizes the need to support and sustain smaller ski areas in a changing environment.