Black Mountain ski area is everything you want when riding in New Hampshire. Lot of acres, plenty of trails and 98% snowmaking coverage. On top of that, the mountain is technically challenging enough to make you want to come back again in again. Like really technically challenging riding.
We’ll cover some of the what Black Mountain in NH has to offer and answer some of the more frequently asked question that you should know before you go! Stay with us and read on…
Highlights of Black Mountain in NH
Black Mountain is classic NH skiing dating back to 1935. Some of the highlights include –
- 45 Trails
- 5 lifts
- 143 Skiable acres
- 1,100 foot vertical drop
With that amount of choices for trails, you are going to have option after option all day. Plus is there is any crowds, you can often find a trail without them.
Where is Black Mountain Skiing?
Black Mountain Skiing is located in Jackson, New Hampshire. It is one of the last ski resorts you’ll pass before crossing the boarder into Maine.
On the east side of New Hampshire, the ski area is 1 hour to Littleton. It is almost 2 hours to Lewiston, Maine. Portland, Maine is is an hour and 45 minutes further east.
Being almost on the state line, Black Mountain gets a mixed bag of visitors but the ones that come know they can find something a bit more peaceful at Black Mountain.
Does Black Mountain NH Have Lodging?
While there isn’t lodging directly at Black Mountain, you can find it relatively close if you are making a trip. North Conway is the closest place to stay with reasonable hotels. They have a Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn which usually aren’t too much more than $115 a night. North Conway is about 20 minutes from Black Mountain.
Other options are to rent a cabin or private place to stay closer to the mountain on something like Vacation Rental by Owner. It is worth checking out but booking the chain hotels are relatively inexpensive and easy.
Does Black Mountain Ski Area Have Night Skiing?
Black Mountain Skiing does not have night skiing. All lifts run until 4 p.m. There are other resorts nearby with night skiing but Black Mountain isn’t one of them. After a day on the slopes though you can grab a bite to eat at the Lostbo Pub or catch some live music on the weekends.
The Best Time to Go to Black Mountain to Ski or Snowboard
The best time to go to Black Mountain skiing and snowboarding is to get on the slopes midweek at 9 a.m. Another tip is to get ready an hour before hand with your own gear so you can beat most of the rentals out onto the mountain. It will make sure you get to the fresh groomed runs first.
Does Black Mountain Ski Area Have a Ski Shop?
Black Mountain Ski area has a rental shop that rents HEAD skis and Burton boards. If you don’t have equipment or want to leave your equipment at home than Black Mountain has everything you need to have a fun day skiing or snowboarding on their trails.
Terrain Park at Black Mountain
Black Mountain is an all mountain ski and snowboard area. They don’t have a terrain park. The closest thing to freestyle riding is the powdery glades. It’s almost just as much fun to cut through the glades.
Is Black Mountain Good for Beginners?
Black Mountain is a easy place for beginners to learn. Ask some one on the lifts and they will likely tell you they learned at Black Mountain. Whitney’s Hill trail has been teaching skiers and boarders for years. You could be next, try it!
Key Takeaway: If you are on the fence about going out to Black Mountain this year and learning to ski or snowboard, don’t be. Go out, take a lesson and you will love it.
Does Black Mountain Blow Their Own Snow?
98% of the trails are covered by snow making at Black Mountain. Don’t worry because by the end of December there is always plenty to ride. It is mainly just the glades that rely on the natural snowfall. Come mid January, generally everything is open which makes it a good time to come up and visit.
The Trails at Black Mountain – Things to Know
There are 45 trails at the Black Mountain spread over 143 skiable acres. The mountain has some serious expert runs but it is still split pretty evenly among beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Have a look at the Black Mountain trail map before you go so you know what to ride. The tougher the trail tends to see fewer riders.
Key Takeaway: There is more than enough trails to get away from crowds if you ever go on a more crowded weekend.
What Are Some Other Winter Activities at Black Mountain Ski Area?
Black Mountain doesn’t just offer downhill skiing but they also have cross country trails. You could spend a day just riding cross country if you want to do something other than downhill. If that isn’t enough than you can even take their uphill trails.
Final Thoughts
Can you see yourself going down a well groomed trail, little traffic in the morning? Picture yourself at Black Mountain. For a refreshing day out on the slopes, it is worth a trip up there this Winter. It doesn’t matter if you are new or a 10+ year rider, there is a trail you’ll fall in love with, if you haven’t already.
Let us know what your favorite trail is below. Does Upper Speedwell or Black Beauty make your list?
