ENFIELD, N.H. (WCAX) – Whaleback Mountain is marking a milestone this year. The ski area off I-89 in Enfield, New Hampshire, is celebrating its 10th year as a nonprofit.
A modest line formed early Wednesday morning at the bottom of the only lift to the top of Whaleback.
“My dad and I go first chair sometimes when it is a really nice powder day. So, I hope today will be good. Not many tracks yet,” said Julia Stonier of Norwich.
The Hanover High School student was with her older brother, William, who was getting a few turns in before heading back to college. “It reminds me of when we were little. We used to come here for our ski school all the time throughout elementary, middle, and early high school,” William said.
As the first group of skiers headed up towards the clouds, the nonprofit that runs Whaleback, the Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation, is also rounding a corner. “Kind of getting over that hump and showing that we can be sustainable as a nonprofit, which is very rare in the ski industry,” said the foundation’s Jon Hunt.
It’s a milestone that has skiers’ heads spinning, along with the half a foot of new snow. As more skiers and riders arrive in the parking lot, finding a spot usually isn’t a challenge, despite the mid-week lift tickets only costing $35. “We don’t want the cost to be a hindrance to families being able to get out and enjoy the outdoors in the Upper Valley,” Hunt said.
As brother and sister make their way to the bottom, the turns come easier, knowing their hometown hill is here to stay. “You always know who you are going to see here. You always recognize a friendly face when you come to hit the slopes for the day. So, it’s a really great vibe,” William said.
And it’s not just about skiing. Mountain officials say live music here every Friday night also helps build that community vibe.
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