Last season Black Mountain introduced a new model to make people aware of what the ski area had to offer and to make skiing affordable to families across the state. Many thought the idea was foolish and that we should be raising our prices to survive, instead of offering a $15 lift ticket for everyone and a $150 season pass; something unheard of in the industry. The results were overwhelming.

Advertising a $15 lift ticket early season caught skiers’ attention and people began to discover the Mountain’s friendly experience, great value and great skiing. From that, word of mouth grew and skier visits exploded. We saw a 193 percent growth in skier visits and people begging to extend the season.

We were looking forward to this coming ski season, but with the economic pressures in the community, funding was lost from the town of Rumford and the support from the Libra Foundation ended. The Maine Winter Sports Center was left with no choice but to shut the Mountain down.

This came as a shock to everyone and, for the operating board, not opening this year was not an option. With help from Andy Shephard and the board, a fundraising drive was launched and it quickly triggered an outpouring of support from the community, businesses and friends from across the country.

Money came from young skiers’ piggy banks and a 5k road race organized by two young skiers with a passion for the Mountain. Over 250 runners came to support the cause. Businesses gave generously and challenged a match from other donors. They recognize how valuable the ski area is to the community and the region.

The fundraising effort was intended to show support for the area while the MWSC searched for a new owner. The Libra Foundation was so impressed with the support that they decided to give the Mountain to the community. On Sept. 5, the Black Mountain Ski Resort was gifted to the nonprofit Black Mountain of Maine Corporation.

With all that has happened this summer, Black Mountain is ready to open for the 2013-2014 ski season. In spite of all the summer uncertainty, Jim Carter and his staff have made the Mountain ready for opening with some new surprises for skiers when they arrive.

Thanks to the Marcoux family and friends, skiers will have some great glade skiing to experience. New snowmaking pipe was donated from the Abbington Company with help from Peter Lecour. Bancroft Contracting helped with transportation and the pipe will be in place for next snowmaking season. The volunteer effort this summer helped make the Mountain ready to open.

With good, early-season snowmaking weather, the system was fired up two weeks ahead of schedule and a good charge of snow is already on top of the Mountain. With more help from Mother Nature, we are hoping for an early season opening and a great Christmas vacation.

On behalf of the Black Mountain Ski Resort operating board, we would like to thank each and every one of our generous contributors and volunteers for their unselfish donations to make the Mountain succeed. Please pass the word to all, that Black Mountain is opening and will continue to provide an affordable and great skiing experience. See you on the slopes!