Enfield, New Hampshire — This year has been tough for Whaleback. Since a chairlift failure, Whaleback has been trying to repair it. However, more extensive repairs were needed than expected. With an expected chairlift closure for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, Whaleback announced the need to raise $210k to operate this season. It raised these funds but still faces challenges this upcoming winter due to a limited skiable footprint. However, it looks like a small New York ski area could save the day for the Whale.
Last month, Holiday Mountain donated parts from one of its old chairlifts to Whaleback. This has helped Whaleback out with their chairlift, with a new gearbox and bullwheel planned for installation.
This is thanks to the folks over at Holiday Mountain. In 2023, a local ski patroller and businessman, Mike Taylor, bought the neglected New York ski area. In his first season of offseason improvements, an extensive refurbishment of the Turkey Trot chairlift was completed, including the installation of various new parts. A fixed-grip quad eventually replaced it, but the old lift parts are still in great shape.
In response to Whaleback’s struggles, Holiday Mountain offered parts from its old Turkey Trot lift. In October, Whaleback came through on a rainy day to pick up the parts.
For now, we don’t know whether Whaleback’s chairlift will operate this winter. However, this is a positive step forward for those who want to see Whaleback succeed in the future. Cheers to Holiday Mountain for keeping the stoke alive in the Upper Valley.
Image/Video Credits: Holiday Mountain, Whaleback Mountain
