AND STILL A FIERCELY INDEPENDENT, COMMUNITY MOUNTAIN
Today, Black Mountain is considered by many to be one of the few remaining places that is truly the heartbeat of skiing - the soul of skiing for the past 90 years.
Since 1995, John Fichera and his family have worked tirelessly to keep this place open, accessible, affordable - and, most importantly, fiercely independent. Last October, John announced that he had to close operations due to a lack of staffing and financial viability. The community, far and wide, was heartbroken, and responses and words of support came flooding in. The ski community didn’t want to see this sacred place fail, but little solutions were offered. But that is when Indy Pass stepped in, giving the Fichera Family the financial and operational support he needed to get the mountain open and back in operation.
Now, after another challenging season, John is fully transferring the ownership and stewardship of Black Mountain to the experienced and impassioned team at Indy Pass to keep the mountain open and turn it into a successful community-owned and operated cooperative mountain by the ‘24-’25 season.
Indy Pass is proud to be the steward of Black Mountain, which shows a continued and meaningful contribution to the whole community of independent mountains, those who ride their trails, and the future of skiing for generations to come.
Join the mission and support the independent, community-focused mountain revolution - For the love of skiing.
BLACK MOUNTAIN IS BECOMING A COMMUNITY CO-OP
Please show your love and support of this amazing place by buying a season pass for our 90th season. Buying a season pass will grant you the first opportunity to purchase shares of Black.
Join our community by signing up for emails. We will keep you posted on our progress and other ways you can help.
JOIN OUR MISSION IN SUPPORT OF SKIING
A STORIED PAST AND GENERATIONS OF STORIES STILL TO COME
Since 1935, Black Mountain has been at the forefront of community-focused, independent skiing. The mountain was one of the first in the country to offer lift support and is home to the first overhead lift, now known affectionately as the “J-Bar.” Generations of skiers have discovered their love and nurtured their passion for skiing and community down the slopes of Black Mountain.
Many consider this place “home,” nurturing its independent roots and storied past while staying focused on what we have always been—fiercely independent. We provide affordable and accessible quality skiing in a familial setting to our beloved community of locals, regulars, and visitors alike.
This mission is as vital now as it was 90 years ago, if not more so. With the community’s support, we converted this place into a meaningfully run community cooperative, breathing new life and fresh perspective into what will be considered the birthplace of skiing and community co-op mountains in this country.
With the community’s support, we will continue to thrive and do what we do best - for the love of skiing.
WHY IS INDY PASS DOING THIS?
At Indy Pass, we truly love skiing with a fervor that approaches religion. We are committed to preserving the essence of our sport at all costs.
We look to empower skiers and potential skiers by providing an affordable experience that will introduce the broader consumer to human-scale, independent ski resorts that stand for something—turning those people into lifelong lovers of the sport.
Our goal isn’t merely to sell ski passes and drive revenue; it’s to support, preserve, and share this humble, human-scale skiing experience that has shaped our lives for the better with anyone who wants to enjoy it.
So we are putting our money where our mouth is and supporting John and the Black Mountain community to stay alive and thrive for decades to come.
