Whaleback Mountain, NH, Will Operate This Season After Reaching Fundraising Goal

Whaleback Mountain is set to operate this winter after weeks of uncertainty, with the community-backed ski area announcing it has reached 95% of its fundraising goal needed to open for the season. The nonprofit ski area, located along Interstate 89 and long considered a local gem in the Upper Valley, launched an urgent campaign this fall to raise $210,000 to offset operational challenges tied to the shutdown of its aging Summit Chair. The lift, a 1970 Heron-Poma double, has been offline since February 2025 due to extensive gearbox failure. While the chair will not run this season, Whaleback’s latest update signals that the mountain will open thanks to overwhelming community support.

“We couldn’t have made this happen without the support of our amazing community and their love for our Mountain,” Whaleback Mountain wrote on Facebook.

Much of the fundraising progress came from a series of well-attended community events. The Granite Backcountry Film Festival brought the Northeast premiere of Noah Dine’s Still Excited To Ski, drawing strong turnout. Last weekend’s Fall Flannel Fest added more momentum, with live music from Brooks Hubbard, fresh snowfall, auction items, and local food helping push Whaleback toward its operational goal.

In preparation for winter, Whaleback also completed the installation of its new surface lift. Set up over the weekend, the lift will service Lower Spout, the mountain’s main race trail, as well as Canyon and Scrimshaw, which host the terrain park. Newly cut connector trails make accessing this terrain easier and will be especially useful for the popular Thursday Night Race League.

While the summit chair will remain offline for the season, Whaleback officials say skiers can still expect a lively winter atmosphere with events, community gatherings, and accessible terrain. For travelers passing along I-89, where the mountain sits just feet from the highway, the ski area remains one of the most convenient stops in New England.

Months of uncertainty have now given way to optimism, as Whaleback prepares to welcome skiers and riders once again. With the fundraising target nearly reached, the management says it is confident the mountain will open and continue serving the families, racers, and locals who consider Whaleback their winter home.

For more information on supporting Whaleback’s nonprofit mission or to plan a visit, head to the ski area’s website.