- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 20 Aug 2012
Black Mountain is a traditional New England ski resort with a variety of terrain and affordable prices. It has a long history, with skiing beginning here on Whitneys' Slope as far back as 1935, making it the oldest ski resort in New Hampshire. The resort has a warm, family atmosphere and is located in the heart of the Mt. Washington Valley, the most popular of New England's resort areas The local country village of Jackson has picturesque New England charm that hits you as soon as you enter the old red covered bridge. The snow-covered village green is surrounded by country inns with spectacular views of the Presidential mountain range all around.
A traditional New England ski resort with a variety of terrain and affordable prices. Warm family atmosphere.
Mountain
Black Mountain has a compact ski area crammed with 40 ski runs served by two chairlifts (A triple and a double) and two surface tows. Almost all of the terrain has snowmaking cover. The terrain is divided equally in to beginner, intermediate and expert runs. Beginners have their own area at the base of the lifts and lift but can progress on to long easy trails like Sugarbush and Black Beauty further up the mountain. Intermediate runs are largely concentrated to the right of the East Bowl Triple and include classic long cruisers like Galloping Goose (below the steep upper section) as well as the Sugar Glades. Experts can test their skills on the super steep Mr. Rew or the winding narrows of Upper Galloping Goose. They can also check out the Lostbo Glades, the Black Forest Glade or Carter Notch for some of the finest tree skiing in the East. Throughout the season events are organised including skiing around obstacle courses, family fun races, timed competitions and telemark clinics. More the 150km of cross country ski trails can be accessed at the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.
Families
There's a crèche for children aged six months to five years old. This provides non-skiing supervision in a fun nursery environment providing indoor entertainment for your little ones. Tots Snowflakes for three to four year olds gives on-snow fun and supervision. Snow Busters for five to eight year olds and Mountain Action Gang for nine to twelve year olds offer daily ski or snowboard lessons.
Eating Out
The base lodge features a popular cafeteria which serves filling ski area favourites. The slopeside Whitney Inn has a restaurant which has been providing good food for nearly 60 years. Nearby Jackson has a wide range of eateries including the historic Eagle Mountain House which dates back to 1879. Here you choose between fine dining in Highfield's Restaurant or enjoy lighter fare in the Eagle's Landing Tavern. Alternatively head out in to the surrounding Mount Washington Valley for hundreds (literally) of places to spend an evening.
Apres
Apres action is centred on the Lostbo pub, one of the best on mountain après spots in the Mount Washington Valley. There are plenty of places for a quiet drink in nearby Jackson and the surrounding Mt Washington Valley. Serious apres skiers will take a trip to the Woodstock Inn, home to the Woodstock Station (the town's original train station, now attached to the rear of the main inn) which serves a casual 148-item menu for lunch and dinner. Variety, hearty portions, and nightly entertainment have turned the Station into the locals' hot spot. As if that's not enough, the Woodstock Inn Brewery is also on-premises. The seven-barrel brewing system offers six freshly brewed ales at all times. The attached Brewpub is a cosy room where locals and travellers socialize over pints, often watching the brewers at work perfecting their handcrafted ales, porters, and stouts.
Boarding
Snowboarders have a half pipe and two terrain parks to enjoy with snowboard competitions staged throughout the season. Boarders will enjoy the varied terrain and glades, with runs suitable for all abilities and plenty of natural hits to be found on the edges of the trails.
