- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 15 Jan 2013
Nestled within the White Mountain National Forest, Loon Mountain shares its heritage with the hardy loggers of old New England. A spirit of rugged individualism and love of the outdoors are cherished traditions at Loon.
Loon was established in 1966 when a new highway into the White Mountains opened up access possibilities to a hundred square miles of mountain wilderness. Loon Mountain was chosen as the best location due to its fairly gentle inclines suitable for the intermediate skier, well-sheltered, northeast-facing slope and only scattered glacial boulders.
The proximity to the nearby town of Lincoln and endorsement by Sel Hannah, a former Olympic skier who had planned over a hundred ski areas across the United States clinched the development. In 1998, Booth Creek Resorts purchased Loon Mountain. Booth Creek owns or operates resorts across the United States. However in 2007 the company sold the resort to an investment company on the understanding that Booth Creek continued to operate it.
This allowed for finance in resort development to move forward and a long planned South Peak Expansion was opened for the 2007/8 season, bringing more lifts (two quads in the first year), more terrain and new resort base development. Two further new trails opened on South Peak in 2011. Today the resort is busy year round and has two base stations, linked by the quaint old JE Henry Steam Railroad.
It is recommended to have a rental car on a ski holiday in New Hampshire. The Mountain Club on Loon offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation, with a range of other hotels, condos and inns found in the town of Lincoln, with Loon standing in the edge of the town.
Nestled within the White Mountain National Forest, Loon Mountain shares its heritage with the hardy loggers of old New England. A spirit of rugged individualism and love of the outdoors are cherished traditions at Loon.
Mountain
From the Peak of Loon Mountain fifty-eight trails and five tree runs stretch out below, each artistically designed and well maintained. There's top-to-bottom snowmaking and a commitment to grooming on a range of runs that include tree skiing, mogul fields, steeps and cruisers. Loon's terrain has been carefully developed over the years with expert slopes on the North Peak complementing the flattering intermediate pistes that wind their way down through the trees. East Basin, originally declared too steep to ski in, also provides challenges for expert skiers. To make the best of your day on the mountain and find the emptier slopes and head to South Peak. Connected from the Summit by the Tote Road quad and served by the Lincoln Express Quad from its own base, South Peak offers fabulous intermediate cruising and black diamond steeps. Beginners quickly progress to the gentle slow skiing area on Bear Claw and gentle slope of Brookway. Loon also organise women's getaways and has some unique annual races including the Briefcase Race to raise money for charity. Guests compete every March dressed in full business attire and carrying a brief case. Cross-country skiers can head out on to 35 km of groomed and tracked trails that wind along the Pemigewasset River and climb through the forest.
Families
Daycare is available for children aged six weeks and older. Loon's award winning facility features large playrooms and provides space for age-appropriate games and activities while allowing children to nap in a quiet area. There is also an outside play area for the children to play in, weather permitting. Lunch is included for one-year olds and up. The P.K. Boo Bear Camp is for three year olds only and is an introduction to skiing. It includes crèche and up to two hours of lessons for children who have never skied before. Children who can already ski will be placed with the four year olds at the discretion of the staff. The Kinder Bear Camp for four to six year olds includes morning and/or afternoon lessons, hot chocolate breaks and snacks. There's a snowboard camp for five and six year olds. Adventure Camp for seven to 12 year olds includes a full day lesson with lunch, hot chocolate and snacks. All programmes except crèche include lift pass but not equipment which can be hired separately.
Eating Out
Loon has a good choice of dining options and there are loads more on Lincoln and the surrounding area. The Summit Café at the top of gondola peak offers great views and food with a Carribean twist. The island specialties and Jamaican specials including the signature Reggae Roll. Camp III, located at the base of the North Peak Express quad, is named after the third of eight logging camps located on Loon Mountain at the turn of the century. Camp III is a rustic log cabin famous for homemade stews, lunch specials and hot from the oven muffins and baked goods. The Octagon Lodge includes the Octagon Corner-side Cafe, home of the Black Forest Panini and Angel Street Hot Wings. Next to the Lodge, the Slopeside Deli sells sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade French onion soup and features Boars Head meats. Java Junction, located across from the Seven Brothers lift, has a cozy slopeside atmosphere and is known for its award-winning espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, distinctive coffees, soothing chai, and specialty hot cocoas. All accompanied by gourmet baked goods, homemade soups, deli sandwiches, and fresh salads. Governor Adams Lodge serves breakfast and lunch daily with specials like Babe's Bleu Cheeseburger or their Cheddar, BBQ, Bacon Burger. The Governor's Lodge Pavilion features soups, pizza, drinks and a variety of succulent snacks. For fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere try the Black Diamond Bar and Grille at the Mountain Club on Loon, which offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Away from the mountain, take a trip to the Woodstock Station in nearby North Woodstock which serves a casual 148-item menu for lunch and dinner. Variety, hearty portions, and nightly entertainment have turned the Station into the locals' hot spot, with weekly Karaoke nights and live bands at the weekend. As if that's not enough, the Woodstock Inn Brewery is also on-premises. The seven-barrel micro-brewery offers six freshly brewed ales at all times. The attached Brewpub is a cosy room where locals and travellers socialize over pints, often watching the brewers at work perfecting their handcrafted ales, porters, and stouts. Truant’s Tavern in North Woodstock is a popular spot at the weekends, with a choice of bars serving into the small hours.
Apres
Loon has several après spots worthy of your time. You can also find a wider choice in nearby Lincoln or further afield in the White Mountains. The Paul Bunyan Room is the original apres gathering spot at Loon, and it's still the ONLY place for many who frequent it. The unique atmosphere, friendly staff, flowing beer, and rockin' apres entertainment make it a good place to unwind after a day on the slopes. Located in the upper level of the Governor Adams Lodge, Babe's Blue Ox usually has a lively atmosphere and often lays on apres entertainment. Try the signature Lumberjack and Paul Bunyan hot sandwiches. This is a "must" place to visit while at Loon. It's a great spot to watch events taking place on the west basin trails, too. Or just cozy up with a hot spiced cider, special coffee, or seasonal micro-brewed beer at the Hearthside Pub in the Octagon Lodge. Away from the mountain, take a trip to the Woodstock Station in nearby North Woodstock which serves a casual 148-item menu for lunch and dinner. Variety, hearty portions, and nightly entertainment have turned the Station into the locals' hot spot, with weekly Karaoke nights and live bands at the weekend. As if that's not enough, the Woodstock Inn Brewery is also on-premises. The seven-barrel micro-brewery offers six freshly brewed ales at all times. The attached Brewpub is a cosy room where locals and travellers socialize over pints, often watching the brewers at work perfecting their handcrafted ales, porters, and stouts. Truant’s Tavern in North Woodstock is a popular spot at the weekends, with a choice of bars serving into the small hours.
Boarding
Loon is consistently voted one of the top terrain parks in the East and in North America. Check out the new Shaping Shack and two new re-designed parks for 2008-09. Loon Mountain Park is the largest of no less than 6 freestyle parks dotted around the mountain and is also where you’ll find the Superpipe. Maybe warm up on the Minipipe in the Governor’s area first, or practice your skills on the Burton Progression Park. Snowmaking ensures the parks open as early as possible each winter.
