Black Mountain ski area bans tobacco on premises Policy could become ‘template’ for resorts

RUMFORD – Skiers who enjoy a smoke in the lodge or on the lift won’t be able to light up this winter at the Black Mountain of Maine ski area, where the board of directors has banned the use of all tobacco products.

The tobacco-free policy, which takes effect Sept. 1, is the first in the nation, according to an anti-smoking group. It forbids the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco everywhere on the mountain, lifts, parking lots and lodge buildings. The policy applies to skiers, riders, spectators, vendors, employees and construction workers.

“What we’re trying to focus on is creating healthier communities in the state. It seems incongruous to have people smoking,” said Andy Shepard, president of the nonprofit Maine Winter Sports Center, which last year bought Black Mountain. The center aims to help rural communities by promoting a skiing lifestyle in Maine. It also owns ski areas in Mars Hill, Fort Kent and Presque Isle.

The Black Mountain board voted unanimously in favor of the ban. The boards governing the sports center’s other ski areas will look into similar bans during the next few months.

“We did it for health reasons, to create a positive environment for children and adults to recreate,” Terrie Anne Bennett, Black Mountain’s general manager said.

Black Mountain lift tickets cost $18. Last season the resort had 17,000 visitors and hosted the U.S. Cross Country Championships.

People who ignore signs explaining Black Mountain’s tobacco-free policy will be asked to leave the property, though Bennett said she doubted visitors would persist in using tobacco once they understood the policy.

“We’re not against smokers. We’re against people using tobacco products,” she said.