New Hampshire’s Black Mountain has been at the forefront of community-focused, independent skiing since they opened up shop back in 1935. In the ensuing 90 years they have continually empowered the local ski community with an affordable human-scale skiing experience.
Since 1995 John Fichera and his family have owned and operated the mountain and their tireless work has kept the resort open, accessible, affordable and fiercely independent. Last October John made the tough decision to close operations due to staffing shortages and financial viability. With few viable solutions available, the future of the historic resort was looking bleak before the folks at Indy Pass stepped in and provided the Fichera Family the financial and operational support needed to keep the chairlifts spinning and a local community skiing.
Now, after another challenging ski season, John is fully transferring the ownership and stewardship of Black Mountain to the capable team at Indy Pass who are committed to keeping the mountain open and to turn it into a successful community-owned and operated cooperative mountain.
A STORIED PAST AND GENERATIONS OF STORIES STILL TO COME
Since 1935, Black Mountain has been at the forefront of community-focused, independent skiing. The mountain was one of the first in the country to offer lift support and is home to the first overhead lift, now known affectionately as the “J-Bar.” Generations of skiers have discovered their love and nurtured their passion for skiing and community down the slopes of Black Mountain.
Many consider this place “home,” nurturing its independent roots and storied past while staying focused on what we have always been—fiercely independent. We provide affordable and accessible quality skiing in a familial setting to our beloved community of locals, regulars, and visitors alike.
This mission is as vital now as it was 90 years ago, if not more so. With the community’s support, we converted this place into a meaningfully run community cooperative, breathing new life and fresh perspective into what will be considered the birthplace of skiing and community co-op mountains in this country.
With the community’s support, we will continue to thrive and do what we do best – for the love of skiing.
INDY PASS’S INTENTIONS:
At Indy Pass, we truly love skiing with a fervor that approaches religion. We are committed to preserving the essence of our sport at all costs.
We look to empower skiers and potential skiers by providing an affordable experience that will introduce the broader consumer to human-scale, independent ski resorts that stand for something—turning those people into lifelong lovers of the sport.
Our goal isn’t merely to sell ski passes and drive revenue; it’s to support, preserve, and share this humble, human-scale skiing experience that has shaped our lives for the better with anyone who wants to enjoy it.
So we are putting our money where our mouth is and supporting John and the Black Mountain community to stay alive and thrive for decades to come.
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