Black Mountain

NH’s oldest ski area, revived and skiing into May.

Skiing since 1935, Black Mountain is a sunny, south-facing hill above Jackson village, now owned by a community corporation backed by the Indy Pass. New snowmaking, new summit terrain, Friday night skiing and constant live music have turned it into a scene; in 2025-26 it ran from Nov 15 to May 17. Expect classic narrow trails and slow lifts, and buy tickets early because daily capacity is capped.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,100 ft

Summit

2,350 ft

Skiable terrain

140 acres

Trails

61

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

100″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 29%
• Intermediate 32%
• Advanced 39%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Sleigh rides
• Ice skating
• Kids programs
• Nightlife

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• New Year’sDec 31 (held in 2025)Usually

  New Year’s Eve torchlight parade & fireworks

  A torchlight parade down the hill and fireworks over the base area.

• New Year’sDec 31, 5 pm – 12:30 am (annual)Usually

  NYE party at the Shovel Handle Pub

  Live bands, firepits, a balloon drop and a midnight toast at Whitney’s Inn.

• EventFridays from early December (first one Dec 5 in 2025)Usually

  Friday Night Lights

  Night skiing with live music in the base lodge afterward.

• FestivalWeekends mid-April to mid-MayUsually

  Spring theme weekends

  80s Weekend, Champagne Fest, Reggae Fest and more, with bands and costumes on soft spring snow.

• MusicMid-May (May 16–17 in 2026)Usually

  Closing weekend

  Lifts until 7 pm, live music all weekend and fireworks after dusk on Saturday.

Where to stay

• hotelEagle Mountain House

  Historic hotel and golf club on Carter Notch Road, just above Jackson village.

  5 min drive
• innWhitney’s Inn

  Historic inn across the parking lot from the lifts, now under the ski area’s ownership, home to the Shovel Handle Pub.

  Slopeside
• innChristmas Farm Inn & Spa

  Jackson inn with a spa, holiday dinners and a festive pop-up bar in December.

  5 min drive
• innThe Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa

  Upscale Jackson inn with a spa and the Forty at Thorn Hill restaurant.

  5 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Jackson XC · 5 min drive

  Community-run cross-country and snowshoe network through Jackson village, with rentals and lessons.

• Nestlenook Farm · 5 min drive

  Austrian-sleigh rides on a lit 1.5-mile trail (from Nov 27, 2026) and skating on 3-acre Emerald Lake when it freezes.

• Mt. Washington SnowCoach · 20 min drive

  Tracked van tours up the Auto Road to treeline at about 4,200 ft.

• Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel · 45 min drive

  Hands-on dog sled tours in Jefferson.

Après and nightlife

• Shovel Handle Pub

  The pub at Whitney’s Inn, across the lot, with live music and a big New Year’s Eve party.

• Alpine Cabin

  Mid-mountain cabin with a big sunny deck, fondue and champagne.

• Lostbo Pub

  Base-lodge bar with live music on weekends and holidays.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Portland International Jetport (PWM) · about 1 hr 35 min drive
• Boston · about 3 hr
• New York City · about 6.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps