New terrain could eventually increase the area's lift served vertical drop.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Black Mountain of Maine is growing once again, as new terrain is being cleared above the existing ski area and in the East Bowl.
Much of the clearing is reportedly part of a logging operation conducted by a private landowner. Meanwhile, the volunteer group called the Angry Beavers of Black Mountain Maine has transformed Black Mountain into one of the largest tree skiing areas in New England, with additional glade projects scheduled for this year.
The recently cleared Moxie Trail
At least two trails are being cleared this summer, both of which have been displayed as Future Expansion on Black Mountain's trail map for half a decade. Moxie is a shorter trail that may be used for skinning this winter, connecting from the top of the triple chairlift to an area near the 2,295 foot towered subpeak of Black Mountain. From there, the Bagaduce trail will drop over 1,000 vertical feet into the East Bowl.
While the trails may not be lift served in the short term, there are discussions of relocating the Moose Run handle tow to the upper mountain area. The terrain could add over 200 vertical feet to the ski area. While the new terrain will not feature snowmaking at this time, Black Mountain may install snowmaking pipe on the popular Allagash trail this year.
Black Mountain's last uphill expansion took place in 2004, when a 1,136 vertical foot Doppelmayr-CTEC triple chairlift was installed, representing a dramatic increase over the original 450 vertical foot Hall T-Bar.
Located just outside of Rumford, Maine, ownership of Black Mountain was transferred to the Black Mountain Operating Board after the Maine Winter Sports Center exited the alpine ski business in 2013. The area receives annual subsidies from the Town of Rumford.
The 2015-16 Black Mountain Trail Map
Black Mountain in 2013 with the East Bowl to the right
