Black Mountain in Rumford is a great place for beginner skiers. It has the basics for a great day. There are three elements you need when you look for a place to start skiing. You’re going to need lessons, a variety of terrain and some place to not ski.

Let’s start with lessons. It takes a certain breed of person to be an instructor of just about any sport or activity. There needs to be a love for it and sharing it with people. Charley LeDuc is one of those types of people.

My lesson started out on the Milk Run - a small hill. Which was fine for demonstrating the skills I would need and assessing my learning curve. It also worked for a couple very small children who were gaining confidence and experience.

Charley broke the skills down in manageable chunks that built upon each other with patience and encouragement. That was perhaps way more important than learning how to kick my heel out (more on that later). Because there’s nothing like a slippery slope to make you feel like a doofus.

Then he took me over to the green (easiest) trails. There was just enough slope and length to ease me into turns.

Which leads me to the second element for a good beginner ski mountain.

Black Mountain has three green trails accessible from the same lift. Each trail has a different pitch. These trails also are popular with young teens and families. The kids seem to especially love skiing right up to the chair lift. Some even appreciated room at the bottom to wipe out. I know that sounds kind of harrowing. But there’s enough room to avoid all kinds of skiers.

There’s enough there for a couple hours worth of skiing. And a couple hours is a good stopping point. It’s enough time to practice your new skills. It’s also the point that you need to give your legs some rest.

Which leads me to not skiing. Black Mountain has a sizable, comfortable ski lodge. The snack bar has a selection of fast foods and soft drinks. If you need harder hydration, there’s a lounge upstairs. It’s a good base to recover or read while other family members tackle the mountain.

I only sampled a portion of what Black Mountain had to offer. This weekend’s run gave me enough confidence to try more ambitious trails. A half-day pass may fit my budget and stamina better.

http://www.skiblackmountain.org/tickets.html

Ski School going on now.

Please note:

The tubing park is now open!

Hours of Operation

Friday 9 - 4 (skiing only)
Saturday 9am - 4pm & 6 - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

VACATION HOURS:
Feb. 21 - 24
Ski 9 - 4, Tube 12 - 4
Feb. 25
Ski - 9 - 4, 6 - 9
Tube 12 - 4, 5 - 9

Click Here for Snow Conditions on the Mountain

Please call the lodge at (207) 364-8977.

Link to Google Map

Events at Black Mountain

For Information on Nordic Racing at Black Mountain, check out The Chisholm Ski Club!

Plan your winter skiing schedule.  There are many skiing, snowboarding, x-c, telemark options in Maine.  Maine ski season is long, so you’ll have time to take the ultimate ski tour of the state. Whats that?  You do not have time during the day…. check out night skiing!  Each location is unique, below is some basic information to help you discover what the State of Maine offers, (brought to you by SkiMaine) Make it a point to visit them all!

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Ski Maine Association is a non-profit association representing the Maine ski industry. Its mission is to increase the availability and enjoyment of Maine skiing and snowboarding for children, families and individuals. The season begins in November and extends to May 1st! Maine skiing offers a full range of experiences from the community-based areas to the full-service resorts. Why not try a new area at least one day this season? Enjoy a brand-new view, meet other Maine skiers and riders, and maybe discover a favorite new trail for skiing or riding. You are never far from a ski area in Maine and it has never been a better time to get out and enjoy a crisp winter day in Maine and the mountains.

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