Black Mountain Ski Resort of Maine & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1380ft/420m, total trails 50, closest airport 82mi/132km, lifts 3, and more.

Black Mountain Ski Resort ski is only a short drive from the town of Rumford, which is home to a pulp and paper mill that has been the primary employer of the area for over 100 years. Maine is known as a four-season outdoor recreation state, so the idea of bringing downhill skiing to the Rumford area to compliment the already popular Nordic skiing and ski jumping was warmly welcomed.

Black Mountain Ski Resort opened in December 1960, with only two trails, a T-Bar lift and a vertical drop of 470ft/143m. Later that season two ski jumps were added. The ski resort is just off of Isthmus Road, which is easy to find from the main road.

The Chisholm Ski Club which was founded in 1924, and has been instrumental in the development at Black Mountain Ski Resort and in 1962, they decided to open all new facilities at the mountain. The ski club has hosted several Nordic events throughout its long history and received national attention when two local Rumford residents made the US Nordic Ski Team in 1952.

Black Mountain Ski Resort had experienced limited change and growth up until 2005 when a 12,000 sq/ft base lodge featuring post and beam style interior was constructed along with the addition of a Triple chairlift that increased the lift-serviced vertical drop to 1150ft/351m. All these years later the base lodge interior and its style are still reflective of the New England warmth and hospitality.

Over its history, Black Mountain Ski Resort has been operated by several ownership groups and today operates as a non-profit entity that relies on the community and a group known as the Angry Beavers for support.

The Angry Beavers are a group who have dedicated themselves to adding new terrain to the ski resort. Volunteers are the backbone of most community initiatives, and it is no different here. Black Mountain Ski Resort still provides a place where families can come and enjoy a great day out on the slopes.

On the Slopes

• Black Mountain Ski Resort has grown to an area that includes 20 glades and an option to experience the Hike-to-Terrain of the East Bowl, which will add an addition 230ft/70m of vertical drop.
• A little-known fact is that the trails located in the East Bowl, Moxie, Bagaduce, Saco, and Wesserunsett are named after Maine Rivers and Streams as are all the trails at Black Mountain Ski Resort.
• Black Mountain Ski Resort features a terrain park that contains small jumps, rails, boxes and several other features for the park enthusiast.
• The resort hosts a group of dedicated ski and snowboard instructors who are waiting for the opportunity to make your experience on snow a memorable one. Kinder Club and Snow Kids are popular with the younger crowd, and group lessons are available for both children and adults. Don’t forget about the Learn-to-Ski and private and semi-private lessons.

Off the Slopes

• The ski resort features a small retail store where you can shop for essential items, such as gloves, goggles, hats, and many other items.
• The Last Run Lounge is an always popular spot for adults to gather and exchange a story, enjoy a refreshment or a meal before heading back to the slopes or at the end of the day. There is also a cozy cafeteria for the entire family to sit back and relax.
• Black Mountain Ski Resort also provides alternatives to skiing or snowboarding. The Edge Tube Park offers two lanes of thrills and a dedicated lift. Also, there is Nordic Skiing on 17kms of trails, which is a favourite pastime for all age groups.
• Nearby shopping and dining are available in the town of Rumford, as well as in the town of Bethel, only 28mi/48kms to the southeast where you will discover many lodging, shopping, and dining options.
• If you don’t have a car and want to spend a day on the slopes, Mountain Valley Taxi service at 207-364-9900 can answer the call and get you to the slopes for about a $7.00 to $10.00 ride one-way.