New Hampshire Ski Hill Offers Free Skiing, Needs Volunteers

While ski resort prices keep climbing out of reach for many families, one small New Hampshire hill is opening its slopes to everyone for free.

Storrs Hill in Lebanon is offering free lift tickets during school vacation week for the second year in a row, thanks to a grant from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation. The single-run ski area is run almost entirely by volunteers from the Lebanon Outing Club.

"I like not having to pay for a single trip down. That is really fun, actually," said nine-year-old Ben McGary, who visits the hill regularly. Max Townley from nearby Grantham agrees. "It is really nice because I can just go skiing whenever I want."

The free access is filling a real gap in the community. Gary Parent, who has volunteered at Storrs Hill for more than 35 years helping operate the Poma lift, sees it clearly. "There is no cheap skiing anywhere else. It's become unaffordable," he said.

But keeping the hill running on volunteer power alone is getting harder. Michelle Grant, the kitchen director, said food sales help cover overhead costs even when tickets are free. Right now, she's working with just her parents and a few board members to keep everything running smoothly.

The Ripple Effect

The impact goes beyond just free skiing. Parents like Lebanon resident Scott Roberts are noticing the community spirit that makes it all possible. "It's really amazing that these people dedicate their time, so really thankful for the community and the effort the people put in," he said.

The volunteer model shows how communities can come together to keep recreation accessible when costs elsewhere are rising. By giving their time, these volunteers are ensuring kids can experience the joy of skiing without the hefty price tag that now comes with most mountain resorts.

Anyone interested in helping can stop by Storrs Hill or reach out to the Lebanon Outing Club to learn about volunteer opportunities.