Richard Chrenko: Mogensen has done a terrific job, despite the police

This letter is about the saga of Erik Mogensen and Black Mountain. Over the past several months, I’ve been reading about Erik and his activity at Black Mountain. He has invested millions of dollars and much time and effort to make it a viable ski area again. From recent reports, it appears he has been successful, with large attendances, season passes and food and beverage.

Also, he recently received a ski award for his work at Black Mountain and more recently a WMUR survey called Black Mountain the best ski area in New Hampshire. He did this despite certain issues raised by the Jackson police and authorities.

Let me mention a few of the issues.

In early 2025, an activity at Black Mountain drew so many vehicles that there was a parking issue — some cars parked illegally on the roads. I bet other businesses wish they would be so lucky with their activities! The Jackson police called Black Mountain to try to solve the problem. Erik hopped on an off-road vehicle and rushed down as soon as possible. When he got there, he was cited for certain traffic violations. Wow! I would have given him a medal for his quick response. As Erik said, he wasn’t doing any wheelies.

I first wonder, with all the golf carts operating over the year near Eagle Mountain House and Wentworth, I don’t recall any articles in the paper about golf cart violations. Is it really possible that over all those years and many golf cart trips, not one made a traffic violation?

Another issue is about signs about Black Mountain being on public land in the village. With all the local, state and federal rules and laws, how can one know all of them? I bet each of us violates some law we knew or didn’t know every time we drive. Does everyone always leave a 3-foot clearance when passing a bicycle? Also, with so many political signs during election times, I've never read about sign violations of public space. Are election signs exempt from laws?

It is stated that a bathroom will be needed. Does a person really think that a person who spends millions of dollars to make a ski area better is really going to skimp on a bathroom? After all, if Erik hadn't spent the money, time and effort on getting Black Mountain going again, a bathroom wouldn't have been needed. North Conway Village has spent years trying to solve the public bathroom problem.

For a while, both sides, Erik and Jackson, were about to go to court to defend their positions. I'm glad to see that has been avoided. From what I've read, Erik was vindicated on every major issue.

The situation in Jackson reminds me of a TV show, “The Andy Griffith Show,” with Sheriff Andy Taylor in the mythical town of Mayberry. He is firm when needed but laid-back. For example, he doesn't ticket speeding trucks near a hill since if they don't speed, they won't get up the hill. He doesn't ticket old ladies who may park a little out of a legal parking space. Comparing Sheriff Andy Taylor and Jackson, I would say the police situation in Mayberry is one of kindness. The situation in Jackson is one of meanness, at least with respect to one person.

I think there should be a sign on the covered bridge going into Jackson: “Welcome to Jackson, N.H., the only non-kind town in the White Mountains.”

Going out of Jackson's covered bridge should be a sign: “You are leaving Jackson, N.H., where Erik Mogensen has revitalized Black Mountain ski area, received a ski award for his work at Black Mountain and his Black Mountain has been named in a survey by WMUR ‘the best ski area in N.H.’”

As I look to the north with binoculars from my home in Glen, I again have the pleasure of seeing skiers on the trails at Black Mountain.

Black Mountain began in 1935. It's great to see it's still alive. We should give much credit to our Erik. The job he's done is really terrific.

Richard Chrenko

Glen