The future of Whaleback Mountain’s only chairlift could hinge on the success of a benefit concert this week, as the nonprofit ski area races to raise the final dollars needed for critical mechanical repairs. The small New Hampshire ski hill—closed since March 16—is working to raise $250,000 to rebuild the gearbox on its sole chairlift, which shut down in February after a strange sound was reported, prompting mechanics to discover the gearbox bearings were failing, with a full closure ensuing to avoid further damage.
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Instead of replacing the lift entirely—a move that would cost an estimated $3–4 million—Whaleback opted for a more financially viable option: sending the gearbox out for an 8-to-10-week rebuild. The part will be refurbished by specialists and reinstalled ahead of the 2025–26 ski season.
To help cover the cost, the mountain is hosting a benefit concert on Friday, April 19. Headlined by guitarist Zach Nugent with support from Sunshine Garcia Becker, the event is capped at 180 attendees and will be held on-site at Whaleback. Tickets are $35 and are available on the ski area’s website. All proceeds will go toward the lift repair fund.
As of April 14, Whaleback had raised $180,000—just $70,000 short of its goal, according to an Instagram post from the resort. That includes a strong early push that netted $75,000 in the campaign’s first week.
Even with the lifts quiet, the ski area is keeping momentum going. Whaleback has already started selling 2025–26 season passes, expressing confidence the lift will be back in operation by winter. For those who can’t attend the concert, donations are still being accepted online. All contributions will go toward keeping the independent mountain running—a vital community resource that has long relied on grassroots support.
Founded as a nonprofit, Whaleback Mountain is one of just a handful of U.S. ski areas operating under community ownership. Leaders say they hope to raise enough for repairs now and begin planning for a full lift replacement by the end of the decade.
