As the Crotched Mountain ski area gets ready to celebrate its 60th anniversary, it opened for the 2023-2024 winter season Dec. 1, its earliest in five years, according to Abigail Allen, New Hampshire spokeswoman for owner Vail Resorts.

Crotched will open for night skiing and riding beginning on Thursday, Dec. 14, and Midnight Madness will return with skiing and riding from 9 p.m. to midnight Dec. 30, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb.10, and March 2. There will be limited edition Midnight Madness giveaways for Crotched’s 60th birthday, a disc jockey and fire pits.

New this season will be the three-part Terrain Park Series Jan. 12, Feb. 16 and March 1, culminating with an overall champion taking home a new snowboard or skis. Crotched will also be hosting college nights on Dec. 29, Jan. 12 and 26, and Feb. 16 and 23. Students can ski and ride for $39 from 5 to 9 p.m., and rentals will be $10. The events will also include live music in the Onset Pub and drink specials. Students must present current college ID at the ticket window to receive a discount. 

Crotched Mountain will celebrate 60 years with an anniversary party Jan. 4, 2024.

“Like most good stories, the history of Crotched Mountain features a number of obstacles, the most impactful of which is the 1990 closure of Crotched East and West,” Allen stated. “While the Crotched Mountain we know and love today was reopened on Dec. 20, 2003, we choose to celebrate the full 60 years of Crotched’s history as the story of hard work and perseverance have come to define Crotched Mountain today, leading us to the next 60 years and beyond.”

As changing weather affects ski areas’ operations, Allen stated that Crotched Mountain has learned to adapt.

“At Crotched, we have an efficient snowmaking system that can cover 100% of the mountain. The team at Crotched is continually improving our snowmaking coverage, ensuring that our resort offers a full complement of activities and services for every level of skier and rider,” she stated. “The team at Crotched installed new webcams this season where guests can take a look at conditions in real time.”

Through Wednesday, Dec. 13, hours at Crotched Mountain are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting Thursday, Dec. 14, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.