If you've been watching the Bartlett, NH real estate market, the news out of Jackson this week is worth paying attention to. Erik Mogensen, the founder of Entabeni Systems and director of the Indy Pass, has announced he is buying out all early investors to take full ownership of Black Mountain, New Hampshire's oldest operating ski area. At the same time, he is permanently relocating the headquarters of both Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems from Colorado to Jackson, NH. For buyers and investors considering property in the Mount Washington Valley, this is not just a ski industry story. It is a real estate story.

What Actually Happened at Black Mountain

Black Mountain's recent history reads like a turnaround story. After nearly closing in 2023, Mogensen stepped in with operating support and then purchased the mountain outright in October 2024 through Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems. The original plan was to transition ownership to a community co-op model, similar to Mad River Glen in Vermont, with three tiers of share ownership open to the public.

That plan has now pivoted. The initial shareholders voted unanimously to sell back to Mogensen. He is consolidating full private ownership and, in the same move, planting his companies firmly in the Mount Washington Valley for the long term. Black Mountain will now serve as what Mogensen calls an 'Independent Mountain Laboratory,' a place to build, test, and refine systems that can help struggling independent ski areas across the country.

Why This Matters for Bartlett and the Mount Washington Valley

Ski area ownership has a direct relationship with nearby real estate values. When a mountain is well-run, well-funded, and actively improving, the properties around it become more attractive. When a mountain is struggling or at risk of closing, it has the opposite effect. The Black Mountain story over the past two years illustrates this clearly — and the latest chapter is a positive one for the entire valley.

Here is what this development signals for buyers and sellers in Bartlett and the surrounding area:

• Investor confidence in the region is strong. Moving the headquarters of a national ski technology company to Jackson, NH is not a casual decision. It reflects a genuine belief that the Mount Washington Valley has long-term economic and recreational staying power.

• Job creation beyond seasonal tourism. The relocation is expected to bring more than 30 full-time, year-round jobs in software development, hardware engineering, finance, marketing, and management. Year-round employment supports year-round demand for housing — a meaningful shift for a market historically driven by seasonal buyers.

• Black Mountain's best season on record. Before the ownership announcement, Mogensen reported that the mountain had already surpassed total revenue from the prior full season — with much of the season still remaining. More skier visits and revenue means more economic activity in nearby towns including Bartlett.

• National attention on the valley. Governor Kelly Ayotte called New Hampshire 'the best place to ski in America and a beacon of economic opportunity.' That kind of profile raises the visibility of the entire region with potential buyers who might not have otherwise considered it.

What This Means Specifically for Bartlett Real Estate

Bartlett already has strong fundamentals. It is home to Attitash Mountain Resort and Bear Peak, Story Land, the Saco River, and one of the lowest tax rates in Carroll County. The Black Mountain news adds another layer of momentum to a market that was already moving.

Buyers comparing North Conway vs. Bartlett often find that Bartlett offers more value per dollar — and that gap may narrow as visibility and demand in the Jackson-Bartlett corridor grow. Properties near Attitash, along Route 302, and in resort communities like The Seasons at Attitash are worth watching closely.

For those specifically choosing a condo community in Bartlett, proximity to two well-funded, actively operated ski areas — Attitash and now Black Mountain — strengthens the short-term rental appeal and long-term resale story.

Bartlett Area Ski & Real Estate Snapshot

The Indy Pass Relocation: A Bigger Signal Than It Seems

The Indy Pass is not a small operation. It provides access to nearly 300 independent ski areas across the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Moving its world headquarters to Jackson, NH is a deliberate commitment to this region — not a short-term experiment.

For real estate buyers, this type of institutional anchor matters. It is the kind of company that brings educated, well-paid employees who need housing, attracts media and industry attention, and creates network effects that benefit local businesses. It also reinforces the narrative that the Mount Washington Valley is not just a weekend escape but a genuine place to build a life and career.

What to Watch in the Coming Months

The Black Mountain story is still unfolding. A few developments worth tracking as a buyer or investor in the Bartlett area:

• New GM appointment at Black Mountain — Mogensen has indicated he will hire a veteran ski industry executive to manage day-to-day operations while he focuses on innovation. Quality leadership at the mountain translates to a better guest experience and stronger annual skier numbers.

• Lift infrastructure upgrades — Outdated chairlifts are a known challenge across the independent ski sector. Mogensen has signaled this is a priority. Any major lift investment at Black Mountain would be a significant quality-of-life and property value signal.

• Seasonal vs. year-round employment mix — As Entabeni Systems grows its team in Jackson, watch whether the area begins to see more year-round housing demand. This would be a meaningful structural shift for the local rental and purchase market.

• New development in Bartlett — Ledge View Lodges and other new construction in the area reflect developer confidence that runs parallel to what Mogensen is doing at Black Mountain. These trends reinforce each other.

The Bottom Line for Buyers

Real estate near ski areas is always a bet on the mountain staying open, staying well-run, and attracting visitors year after year. In Bartlett and the Mount Washington Valley, the picture on all three counts looks stronger today than it did 18 months ago. If you've been on the fence about a second home, an investment property, or a permanent move to this area, the trends point in a consistent direction.

The Pinkham Real Estate team has offices in both North Conway and Bartlett. We know this market well — the mountain communities, the condo associations, the seasonal rental dynamics, and the long-term investment story. Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to make a move, reach out to Pinkham Real Estate and let's talk about what the right property looks like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Black Mountain being in Jackson affect Bartlett real estate?

Yes. Jackson and Bartlett are neighboring towns connected by Route 302, and buyers in the area often consider properties in both. A thriving, well-funded Black Mountain increases the overall appeal of the Jackson-Bartlett corridor, supports short-term rental demand, and contributes to the economic health of the entire valley.

What is the Indy Pass and why does its relocation matter?

The Indy Pass is a multi-resort ski pass that provides access to nearly 300 independent ski areas worldwide. Moving its headquarters from Colorado to Jackson, NH brings stable, year-round professional jobs to the Mount Washington Valley — the kind of employment base that supports sustained housing demand beyond the typical seasonal cycle.

Is now a good time to buy in Bartlett, NH?

The market in 2026 is more balanced than the peak years of 2020-2022, giving buyers more time to evaluate properties and negotiate. Inventory in desirable communities near Attitash and along Route 302 remains limited.

What types of properties are available near Attitash in Bartlett?

The range includes single-family homes, ski-in/ski-out condos, resort community units (like The Seasons at Attitash and Attitash Woods), and vacant land. The Pinkham team maintains exclusive listings and has deep knowledge of the area's condo associations and HOA structures. You can search Bartlett properties here.

How do I stay current on Mount Washington Valley real estate news?

The Pinkham Real Estate blog covers local market trends, community developments, and buyer/seller guidance specific to the North Conway and Bartlett area. You can also sign up to receive new listings directly in your inbox.

Thinking about buying in Bartlett or the Mount Washington Valley? Pinkham Real Estate has been the most experienced and successful team in the valley since 1963. Reach out to connect with a Pinkham agent and start the conversation today.