Chairlift Speed Dating for Single Skiers This Valentine’s Day

Are you a skier or snowboarder, and single? Maybe you have been looking for love in all the wrong places. Here’s a Valentine’s Day invitation to get vertical – ski and ride, and have a chance at love on the snow. There’s no big commitment or awkward long dinner date, just a 7-minute chairlift chat.

Black Mountain in New Hampshire invites single skiers and snowboarders to chairlift speed dating on Valentine’s Day this Saturday. Ride the “Lift of Love” for Black Mountain’s 8th Annual Chairlift Speed Dating. The event will happen snow or shine, the mountain confirmed on Friday morning due to talk of another snowstorm this weekend.

The event has a track record of success. David and Heather Littlefield met at Black Mountain’s 2011 Speed Dating and married last fall. They will be at Black Mountain on Saturday as Love Consultants to coach anxious alpiners in their pursuit of love on the lift.

Black Mountain’s “lift of love” runs 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday on the double chairlift. Registration is at 12:30 p.m. in the Base Lodge. The dating event is free but you need a lift ticket or season pass to participate. Tickets are $55 or $38 for a half-day of skiing, which starts at 12:30 p.m. After the chairlift dating, head to the après ski in the Lostbo Pub from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. featuring a live band and “love potions” at the bar (drinks with names such as The Love Bug, Absolute Bliss and The Bun Warmer). Prizes will be awarded for the “Best Pick-up Line” and to new couples.

I love the concept of Chairlift Speed Dating. First, there’s limited exposure – it’s a 7- minute ride. And you can circle back if there’s any chemistry, or say thanks and ski off. I also love that you already have a favorite sport in common – skiing. Finally, how cool of a story to tell your kids and grandkids should the match work out. eHarmony meet SkiHamony.

If you don’t meet the ski love of your life at Black Mountain, at least your Valentine’s Day will be full of fresh powder at this classic ski mountain, which is celebrating its 80th year this season. It is the oldest continually operating ski area in New Hampshire (open since 1935). Nothing like a day of fantastic skiing to cushion your disappointment over that missed love connection.