Francestown, NH – A contentious battle between this southern New Hampshire town’s residents and Crotched Mountain ski area finally ended last week Zoning Board of Adjustment gave the resort a variance from its lighting code for the ski area’s night lighting.

Crotched Mountain officials had argued that the 38 new lights added in 2012 were necessary to provide safe illumination for night skiers. Opponents complained that the new lights increased nighttime light pollution. The Zoning Board granted its variance last week on the condition that shields be placed on the lights to direct them to the slopes and not into the night sky.

Crotched officials indicate that the shields may require them to add additional lights to the slopes. Their ski and snowboard season is set to debut this weekend.

Opponents have 30 days to appeal the Zoning Board’s decision.