Ski Area Needs $200k In Donations To Operate This Season

New Hampshire’s little non-profit ski area, Whaleback Mountain, continues to persevere despite some significant challenges over the last year.

The mountain’s only lift shut down last February following the failure of a critical gearbox bearing. In response, the community raised more than $250,000 to repair the part and help re-open the lift, which is the only one that accesses Whaleback’s summit, ahead of the 2025-26 season. However, last month, the ski area announced that the lift’s damage was worse than initially expected.

Whaleback still plans to open for the 2025-26 season, but with a caveat. The ski area is currently predicting operating losses of $300,000 without the chairlift, and has turned to the community to ask for help.

“We have committed to opening for the season if we are able to raise 70% of that total ($210,000) by December 1,” read a social media post from the mountain. “Without these funds, we don’t see a financially viable path to maintaining operations all winter long and these losses would clearly create a serious challenge to our long-term survival as a ski area.”

The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

Whaleback hopes to replace it’s chairlift by 2030 at a cost of $3-4 million, but plans to make necessary repairs up until that point, funding dependent.

In order to support the mountain, which is known for it’s strong community, Whaleback has asked folks to continue to visit the mountain, buy passes, spend time at the lodge, and engage with the community. They also asks that folks volunteer either time at the mountain or with financial efforts.

If funds are raised, the mountain plans to continue running all regular programming, including after-school programs, race practice, uphill access, and community events. All lifts beside the chairlift, will be operational for the season, including the new surface lift. The Lodge and Bar will be open as always. Pricing of season and day passes will be adjusted to a reduced rate to reflect the changes in uphill capacity, and the website will be updated shortly to reflect this as well and provide further updates.

Whaleback will also be hosting a Community Night at the mountain to allow folks to hear from mountain management and the Board about the ski area’s challenges and the path forward. “Please come as you are able. This is a vital opportunity to hear directly from us, ask questions, and understand opportunities to get involved,” said Whaleback’s social media. The Community Q&A will take place October 23 at 5:30pm.

Related: How to Enter the POWDER x 4FRNT Pilsner Renegade Giveaway