Help Save Whaleback Mountain: Support the Chairlift Repair Fundraiser

Whaleback Mountain’s Fight to Keep Community Skiing Alive: A Call to Action

Photo: Indy Pass Media Kit/Whaleback Mountain

Whaleback Mountain is more than just a ski hill. It’s a community hub, a proving ground for young skiers and riders, and a living testament to the power of grassroots support in the face of industry-wide corporatization. Nestled in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Whaleback operates as a nonprofit, dedicated to making skiing and snowboarding accessible to everyone. But right now, the mountain is facing one of its biggest challenges yet—a broken chairlift that could threaten its future.

In February, a gearbox failure forced Whaleback to shut down its only lift that accesses the upper mountain. The loss of summit access has already cost the ski area an estimated $200,000 in revenue—an enormous blow for a nonprofit that relies on community support to survive. To repair the lift and keep the mountain running, Whaleback launched a $250,000 fundraiser. So far, they’ve raised an incredible $100,000, but there’s still a long way to go.

This isn’t just about fixing a lift; it’s about keeping Whaleback’s mission alive. As a nonprofit ski area, Whaleback isn’t driven by corporate interests or financial gain. It thrives on passion, volunteer effort, and the belief that skiing should be accessible to everyone. The mountain’s story is part of a larger movement—one that we at TGR captured in the short documentary Mountains Not for Profit. The film showcases Whaleback and three other nonprofit ski areas that are proving there’s a different way forward for the sport: one rooted in community, not commerce.

Whaleback Mountain, New Hampshire. Photo: Indy Pass Media Kit/Whaleback Mountain

Whaleback’s resilience in the face of financial challenges is nothing new. The mountain has endured closures, ownership changes, and financial uncertainty before, but each time, the community has rallied to bring it back to life. That same energy is needed now more than ever.

If you’ve ever skied here, attended a summer camp, or simply believe in the power of local ski hills, consider making a donation. Every dollar gets Whaleback closer to reopening its lift and continuing its mission to create lifelong skiers and riders.

To donate and learn more about Whaleback’s efforts, visit Whaleback’s Fundraiser Page. Let’s keep this mountain—and the spirit of grassroots skiing—alive for generations to come.

If you haven't had a chance to check out Mountains not for Profit, be sure to give it a watch here!

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stash member Marlowe Kushner