Black Mountain has reportedly reached an agreement with town officials and will offer free skiing Tuesday.
Police in Jackson, New Hampshire allegedly showed up at Black Mountain in the middle of the night and attempted to shut down the mountain’s snowmaking system the week before Thanksgiving, according to officials at Black Mountain.
It was the latest episode in what has been a simmering tension between the ski area and local officials. However, the ski area has reportedly reached an agreement with town officials and will celebrate by offering free skiing to Jackson residents on Tuesday.
Erik Mogensen, President and General Manager of Black Mountain in Jackson, New Hampshire, stated in a post on the ski area’s Facebook page on Monday, December 1, that police said they were responding to an anonymous noise complaint when they tried to shut down snowmaking on the mountain. However, Mogensen said he refused to shut the system down.
In his post, Mogensen said that tension with the town of Jackson had been the hardest challenge in bringing Black Mountain back. The ski area recently filed a federal lawsuit against the town of Jackson after the town’s select board reportedly attempted to revoke the ski area’s ability to serve alcohol at the Alpine Cabin. Officials with the ski area said the select board’s move was without due process or discussion.
Despite tensions, Mogensen said Black Mountain officials now have a full settlement and agreement with the town of Jackson that addresses all pending concerns. He said the town now agrees that the mountain’s snowmaking operations are legal and a preexisting nonconforming use. Noise will be measured from the property line, not the source, and Black Mountain will be guaranteed two fireworks permits per year.
Also, town officials will reportedly fully cooperate and provide approval to various state agencies for permitting the Alpine Cabin, including the liquor commission. This also extends to other locations, specifically the Sugar Shack, Bull-Wheel Bar, Waffle Cabin, and expanded service on the main lodge deck. Black Mountain has agreed to drop its lawsuits.
“Do not underestimate the importance of this settlement agreement for the Mountain and the Town,” stated Mogensen. “Two opposing sides came together and fought to protect the sport and culture of skiing that Black Mountain now represents locally and beyond.”
They will celebrate that sport and culture tomorrow.
Black Mountain officials had not planned to operate until later in the week. But, with significant snow moving into the region, they are firing up the lifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2 for a powder day celebration.
Jackson residents will be able to ski for free throughout the day. Anyone taking advantage of free skiing must register online prior to arrival. For everyone else, tickets will be $25.
Additionally, season passholders at other mountains that are not operating Tuesday can also ski for free.
The mountain will have food and drink specials all day, and live music beginning at 1 p.m.
