A nonprofit mountain with a local heartbeat
Whaleback describes itself as a community snow sports facility that welcomes everyone to discover the joy of skiing and riding and to become lifelong snow enthusiasts. That mission shows up in practical ways: affordable access, learning programs, financial aid, community events, and a year-round effort to keep a real hometown hill alive in the Upper Valley.
The values the public site emphasizes
Build community
Whaleback exists for people who want to ski and ride affordably, close to home, and as part of something local.
Be yourself
The mountain presents itself as welcoming to different people, different styles, and different ways of showing up on snow.
Love to learn
Learning is not treated as a side department. It is central to the identity of the place, from first-time lessons to after-school and adult progression.
Keep “Ski it to Believe it” special
On the current site, the slogan is tied to the mountain’s varied terrain and the idea that the best way to understand Whaleback is to actually ski or ride it.
A short history of the Whale
Whaleback’s current public history page traces the mountain through several chapters:
- 1955: Ernie Dion founded Snowcrest with a 1,000-foot Poma surface lift and a second t-bar.
- 1968: Jim Griffiths bought Snowcrest, renamed it Whaleback, and installed the Poma double chair.
- 1984: New owners added snowmaking and lights for night skiing, stretching the season well beyond its earlier length.
- 1990 to 1992: The mountain was closed.
- 1993: Tim and Sally Herbert reopened and improved the mountain and lodge.
- 2001 to 2005: Another closure period.
- 2005: Whaleback Mountain LLC bought the area with a year-round action sports vision.
- 2013 to present: Supporters formed the Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation, and Whaleback became a nonprofit ski area.
Why this matters now
Small community mountains disappear all the time. Whaleback’s own history page points out that New England has lost hundreds of ski areas over the decades. Whaleback’s nonprofit structure is part of the answer to that pressure: donors, sponsors, passholders, campers, volunteers, and event guests all help keep the place real.
Where to go next
- Visit History for the longer historical arc and the New England Ski History embed.
- Visit Our People for current public staff and board listings.
- Visit Support the Whale if you want to help keep the hill going.