Ninety years of history, and one of the last places many people consider the heartbeat of American skiing. Black Mountain in New Hampshire has stayed independent the whole way, with the Fichera family at the helm since 1995 and a stated aim of keeping it open, accessible and affordable.

When the operation came under threat, Indy Pass stepped in with financial and operational support and has since taken over stewardship, as part of a wider effort behind independent mountains. It is not the biggest hill in New England. It is one of the ones people care most about.