Update: Indy Pass Saves The Day – Skiing In Jackson This Winter

Breaking news! As the dark clouds loomed over Black Mountain Ski Area due to its decision to shutter its operations… a beacon of light has shown on the oldest ski area in New Hampshire. Just like Rocky Balboa Indy Pass has stepped in and triumphantly yells, “I didn’t hear no bell!” That’s right, Black Mountain WILL be open for the 2023/24 ski season!!!

Indy Pass Not Just A Pass But A Revolution

When Indy Pass first launched, its mission was getting back to the soul of skiing. It is the True Value or Ace Hardware of season passes. Ski resorts are still independently owned but the season pass gave them the power to be competitive in the bigger resort market. Fast forward several years, and little did we realize that Indy Pass’s parent company, Entabeni Systems, would demonstrate their commitment by providing both financial support and resources to keep a ski area operating for an additional season.

As John Fichera the owner of Black Mountain said, 

“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. I am proud to collaborate with the passionate folks at Indy Pass to find a solution for Black Mountain and affordable skiing.” 

Dreams Built On Facts

It’s fine to have it re-open but what is the long term plan? The solution lies in the addition of Andy Shepard to the Indy Pass team. His career is a testament to a string of remarkable successes in reviving struggling ski areas. Andy has been at the helm of transformations at Saddleback, BigRock, Quoggy Jo, and Black Mountain of Maine, all of which have seen a resurgence under his guidance. With a career dedicated to rejuvenating ski areas, Andy Shepard is now part of the Indy Pass initiative, contributing his wealth of expertise. This season, as they celebrate the Fichera family’s accomplishments Andy and his team will seek the next owner of Black Mountain.

Good News Keeps Coming

Amid the recent surge in skiing’s popularity, there is an abundance of positive news. After being closed for over half a decade, Norway Mountain in the Upper Peninsula has announced plans to reopen next year. Hope is also on the horizon in Pennsylvania, where a ski area renowned for its steep slopes in the Keystone State will have its chairlifts turning soon.

Black Mountain Ski Area An Institution

This ski area has a rich history, dating back to the Great Depression when the Civilian Conservation Corps cut the first ski trail on the mountain and constructed the lodge in 1934. Interestingly, the same organization responsible for the iconic Timberline Lodge featured in “The Shining” was involved in this project. This historical connection makes it one of the oldest ski areas in the state. Throughout the years, there were ongoing investments in the ski area’s infrastructure, including the installation of a chairlift in 1948, the addition of new trails, and even the introduction of advanced grooming equipment.

Inconsistent Snowfall Since The Beginning

For generations, the East Coast has struggled with the unpredictability of snowfall for skiing. It’s a theme even highlighted in the classic movie “White Christmas.” As the owner of Black Mountain, Betty Whitney noted “during the late forties and early fifties, literally five years in 10 were poor snow years.” Recognizing the need for a solution, Black Mountain displayed foresight by investing in snowmaking technology in 1958. However, the challenges persisted. For example, in the winter of 1979-80, the ski area could only manage to open for a mere two days.

Bankruptcy Hits

Then in the 90’s financial trouble began to appear. And on March 3, 1995, the company filed for bankruptcy. Luckily with the help of John Fichera and Northern Mountain Trust, they were selected to operate and acquire the ski area. In March of 1996, John and Andrew Fichera formed Alpine Resources Corporation as the owning organization of Black Mountain.

The Final Nail

Over the past few decades, the Fichera family played a pivotal role in guiding the ski area in the right direction. They introduced snowtubing, expanded the glades, and consistently enhanced the snowmaking capabilities. However, with a heavy heart, they originally announced that Black Mountain will not be open for the 2023-24 ski season. They stated that this difficult decision stems from a combination of factors. It included a variety of reasons such as surging energy costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and severe staffing shortages affecting the entire region.

Celebrate The Indy Pass

The good news about Black Mountain Ski Area remaining is a testament that there are still folks out there that still love skiing and snowboard at its core. That Mom & Pops with their funky style is what many are looking for. The revolution is not just a concept; it’s a reality. So much so that another fifty ski areas have now enthusiastically joined the movement.