If you’ve been following my posts here on Unofficial, you might recall that I have a soft spot for New England skiing. The tight trails, tree skiing, blistery weather, and clam chowder shaped me into the skier I am today. Tenney Mountain, NH is the epitome of New England skiing, and the resort is on its way back after facing years of obstacles.

Reemergence

Tenney might not be a household name, but the ski resort has been around for a long time. The resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. However, this storied history has come with a couple of bumps in the road. The resort did not open for the 2010-2011 season and remained closed until March of 2018. Now, with a full season under its belt, Tenney is set to re-establish itself as a must-ski destination in New England. The new owners have spent years revitalizing the main lodge, the trails, and the snowmaking system after they were left in disrepair. I had the chance to speak with a representative of Tenney named James. James told me that Tenney is looking to follow the mold created by Magic Mountain in Vermont. He wants Tenney to be a symbol for true New England skiing. Tight and fun groomers, tree skiing, and community will all be found at Tenney this season.

Uphill Access

Tenney will be one of only two resorts in the US that offers a free lift ride medallion for skinners and hikers that reach the resort’s summit. The only requirement is that skiers and riders must first check-in at the ticketing office for the uphill route. Tenney wants you to enjoy their terrain in more ways than just paying for a daily lift ticket. It’s all about the community at Tenney.

Terrain

Tenney is a glowing example of how New England skiing should be done. You won’t find super-wide “freeways” with tons of Jerrys meandering their way down the mountain. Instead, you will find many of the same narrow (and steep!) trails that were cut by the pioneers of New England skiing so many years ago. James has told me that the resort has invested time and money into cutting out old and new glades alike. The majority of the trails are rated blue or black, so variety in runs is not hard to come by. Tenney also boasts a 1400′ vertical. A more than a respectable number for New England.

Affordability

In the age of mega-passes, corporate take-overs, and price-gouging, it is incredibly refreshing to hear that Tenney will be affordable. For a limited time, season passes are only $329 for an adult, and daily passes only reach $59 on peak days. I think you would be hard-pressed to find lift tickets that are cheaper for a mountain similar in size to Tenney. James told me that Tenney isn’t trying to break your bank for lavish upgrades or for stockholders. The resort is a family-run business that is trying to restore a historical mountain to something that skiers and snowboarders can be proud of. Tenney is all about putting the skiers and riders first.

Proximity

Unlike some other New England resorts, Tenney has the benefit of being centrally located in the region. The resort is only two hours from Boston and less than two hours from Portsmouth, NH. Tenney is comfortably close enough to these cities for a day trip. With peak prices at $59, why wouldn’t residents of Boston and Portsmouth go…?

Tenney Mountain is just beginning to re-establish itself in the New England ski scene. The new owners are dedicated to creating a mountain that is community-focused. Get away from the big-box ski mountains for a change and check out Tenney this season. Enjoy the: $59 lift tickets, sick terrain, and non-existent lift line while you’re at it.