Enfield, New Hampshire — It’s been a rough year to be a chairlift in New Hampshire. Issues with various chairlifts across the state have caused ski resorts to close terrain for significant time periods this season. However, a mechanical issue at Whaleback might be the worst of the bunch, as it risks the future of a modestly sized New Hampshire ski area.
Yesterday, Whaleback Mountain sent an email out to its subscribers, detailing the problems that they are currently facing. The key one is their chairlift, which has dealt with various mechanical issues over the years. Significant repairs are needed, and with them losing a good chunk of their terrain during the last couple of weeks of the season due to the chair being closed, the financials aren’t looking great right now. In order to keep the mountain functional and staff paid through the summer, they need to raise $250,000 immediately.
Whaleback’s had a bumpy history. It’s had various owners over the years and has been closed a couple of times. Despite its shortcomings (the chairlift and snowmaking coverage), it’s become loved in the Upper Valley for its terrain variety, quality terrain park, convenient access off I-89, and strong community vibes. After the prior owner, freestyle skier Evan Dybvig, announced its closure in 2013, locals stepped up to convert it into a non-profit.
Led by executive director Jon Hunt, they’ve been making lots of major improvements over the past several years, including adding more snowmaking equipment, the purchase of a surface lift (which will eventually service the race trail and terrain park), improving the lights for night skiing, adding more food options in the base lodge, the addition of a disc golf course, and diversifying their summer activities and events.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can donate here.
Image/Video Credits: Whaleback Mountain, Teton Gravity Research
