Enfield, New Hampshire — After a tumultuous offseason, Whaleback Mountain has one more costly hurdle to face to make it to opening day.
Yesterday, Whaleback Mountain detailed its operations plans further for the 2025-26 season. The last operating update stated the chairlift wouldn’t be open for the start of the ski season. This update announced what seemed inevitable: the Summit Chair won’t operate this winter. The post raises the stakes even further, as without the chairlift, it’s projected that Whaleback will operate at a $300,000 loss this winter. To operate this winter, Whaleback Mountain will need to raise $210,000. Without raising the $210k, it would create a financial challenge that could further risk the ski area’s future.
Donations can be made here.
This follows a similar plea in March, requesting $250,000 to repair the chairlift in time for the 2025-26 season. However, the needed repairs were more comprehensive than expected.
Whaleback will host a community event tonight at 5:30 p.m. Leaders at the ski area will answer questions regarding potential operations this season and the future.
As someone who lives close to Whaleback and wants to see it succeed, I think the community needs to know more about the future plan for the chairlift.
The Summit Chair has been an issue for years, and it likely doesn’t have much time left, even if the refurbishment is completed. It seems like Whaleback needs to buy a new chairlift or find a used one soon. Ultimately, a chairlift replacement could determine whether the ski area’s future will be sustainable.
Image Credits: Whaleback Mountain
