RUMFORD – Skiers visiting Black Mountain for the first time this week discovered a new ski lodge, paved parking lot, lights up to the top of the mountain and chairlifts that took them all the way to the top, as well.
The family skiing facility, with a 1,150 vertical drop, opened for the season Monday.
Craig Zurhorst, marketing manager for the mountain, said the new season is the first time the ski area has been fully functional since millions of dollars in improvements were made last year.
The ski area will be open this week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday. Hours after that are: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, New Year’s Day.
Zurhorst said the mountain’s 25 miles of cross-country trails are open, as are the upper and lower Androscoggin Alpine trails, and the Moose beginner trail. The rest of the 20 Alpine trails will likely open within a few days, depending on the weather and snow-making conditions. The tubing park, known as the Edge, is also expected to be open by the end of the week.
Adult all-day tickets are $20; students ages 6-17 all-day tickets are $16. Half-day and other rates are available by phoning 364-8977.
“This is one of the most beautiful lodges in the state and the finest family ski facility in the state,” Zurhorst.
Open hours will change monthly. For January, the schedule is: Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m.; Friday, noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Black Mountain of Maine is a nonprofit organization. It was purchased by the Maine Winter Sports Center a couple of years ago. It is a tobacco-free facility.
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