SAM Magazine—Jackson, N.H., Dec. 1, 2025—Black Mountain and the Town of Jackson have reached a settlement, ending a months-long clash over operations at the ski area, including the town selectboard’s move to revoke alcohol service permission for the mid-mountain Alpine Cabin and a federal lawsuit filed by the ski area in response. 

Black Mountain owner and general manager Erik Mogensen detailed the agreement in a letter to pass holders Monday, saying it resolves “all pending concerns” between the two sides. Black will drop its federal lawsuit alleging the town interfered with the resort’s protected business rights. The town, in turn, will no longer pursue its attempt to withdraw support for the Alpine Cabin’s liquor license and has agreed to work with state agencies on permits for several food-and-beverage venues across the mountain.

The settlement comes after a tense stretch leading into Thanksgiving, when police responded to an anonymous noise complaint at 2 a.m. and asked the resort to shut down its snowmaking system. Mogensen refused, saying Black’s snowmaking predates any zoning or noise ordinances. 

According to Mogensen, the settlement affirms snowmaking as a legal preexisting use. It also establishes new communication protocols with the town, including a shift away from the police chief as the resort’s primary contact. Mogensen’s OHRV citation from earlier this year will be dismissed. Noise will be measured from the property line rather than at the source, and the resort will be allowed two fireworks displays a year.

The agreement also outlines steps for improving restrooms, parking, and general coordination as the mountain continues to grow. InDepthNH reported that Black will install two bathrooms at the Alpine Cabin before next season; the town cited restrooms and public-safety concerns in its revocation effort. 

There are no compensatory damages in the settlement.

“This is a big win,” Mogensen said in his message to pass holders.

The resolution caps a period of rapid change at Black Mountain. Since acquiring the ski area in late 2024, Mogensen has invested in fixing lifts, adding snowmaking, and other infrastructure—and the ski area was first to open in New Hampshire this winter for limited operations. 

“The hardest challenge in this remarkable comeback story has been the tension that we have had with the Town of Jackson,” said Mogensen, adding that “ninety-nine percent of the people and businesses in town have been nothing but extremely helpful and welcoming.”

To celebrate the settlement and an incoming storm, the Thursday – Monday ski area (currently operating a Friday – Sunday early-season schedule) will open Tuesday, Dec. 2, for a one-off powder-day session, offering free skiing to Jackson residents and discounted tickets to the public.

“Do not underestimate the importance of this settlement agreement for the mountain and the town,” Mogensen said to pass holders. “Two opposing sides came together and fought to protect the sport and culture of skiing that Black Mountain now represents locally and beyond. 

“Tomorrow, we will celebrate that sport and culture.”