A while back, before COVID turned the world upside down, I traveled up I-89 in New Hampshire to shoot a feature on Whaleback Mountain—a small, mom-and-pop-style ski area. The feature never materialized, and until now, I hadn’t shared the photos from that assignment.
Whaleback is a unique mountain, deeply rooted in its community. I had only visited the area once before—back in the early 2000s (is “aughts” really the term we’re using?) to cover the Salomon Jib Academy for Newschoolers. Operated by the Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation (UVSSF), the mountain was saved from foreclosure in 2013 and is now run as a nonprofit, providing an affordable, family-friendly skiing experience for everyone in the area.
Although the original feature didn’t come to life, Whaleback’s story of perseverance, driven by passionate locals battling warming weather and economic challenges, deserves the spotlight. The mountain’s focus on accessibility, with programs like after-school lessons and adult race leagues, keeps its spirit alive. Whaleback is more than just a place to ski—it’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and a shared love of all things snow-related.
