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Loon Ski Resort
It’s said that sailors pulling into harbour on the US’s eastern shore often mistake the pale peaks of the White Mountains for clouds. This is the highest range in the northeast and the peaks are wide and white.
It’s hard not to fall for Loon, on the western edge of the range. Skirted by the powerful Pemigawasset river, it’s not a huge ski area by any stretch, but there’s enough to have a good time. 2 hours from Boston, Loon proudly announces the fact it’s the “most accessible” resort in New England, with easy access to neighboring Cannon, Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley for more ski fun further afield.
The pretty base village has restaurants and large, luxurious condos. If you like to stretch your legs, it’s connected to two adjoining New Hampshire towns, Lincoln and North Woodstock. These offer up an assortment of open-air malls along the ever-present “Main Street”, as well as intimate, locally-run eateries and stores - an all-American experience. Even if you’re staying slopeside, you’ll want to head into the towns (only a few minutes’ walk) for a swell time on their bustling main drags.
The mountain above consists of three peaks: North Peak, Loon Peak, and the recently opened South Peak with top-to-bottom runs and top-to-bottom snowmaking on each. Each also has its own base area: Octagon Lodge, Pemigewasset Base Camp and Governor Adam’s Lodge. Did you SNO: the last is named for the Whitehouse Chief of Staff and Governor of New Hampshire who founded the resort. Like the town and the trails, Loon is full of surprises.
Stats & FAQ
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Established: 1966
Open: November - April
Downhill: 370 acres / 61 runs
View our detailed Loon snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Loon snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) | 135 miles, 2 hours |
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| Top Altitude: | 3050ft / 930m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 950ft / 290m |
| Resort Altitude: | 950ft / 290m |
| Longest run: | 2.5 miles |
| Slope Orientation: | N S W |
| Vertical Drop: | 2109ft / 643m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 370 acres / 61 runs |
| Beginner slopes: | 20% |
| Intermediate: | 60% |
| Advanced slopes: | 20% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $85-95 (single day adult pass) |
| Nearby resorts: Stowe, Sunday River | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Loon
At 370 acres, the ski area isn’t overwhelming - an expert will be a very big fish in a small pond. But exceptionally well-kept trails and consistent snow conditions (plus almost obsessive investment in snowmaking) mean intermediates and beginners have always enjoyed themselves. Glades, bump runs, steeps and gentle beginner runs are all features. For freestyle fanatics, Loon has 7 award-winning terrain parks, including a 425ft Superpipe with 18ft walls, while kids will have a whale jibbing and jiving on the innovative Burton Riglet Park and Lil' Stash.
Beginners have everything they need to make progress in a short space of time. Start out on the carpet lift at Sarsapilla and work your way up the mountain. For an end of the week challenge, the longest run in resort, Bear Claw, is 2.5 miles of green from the top of Loon Peak. The Ski School’s Get Good Quick method aims to get you up and running in the shortest possible time.
Intermediates are in their element at Loon with 60% of the trail map, and over 35 blues wind their way down through forest. The newest addition to the map, the area below South Peak, has its own base which can only be reached by shuttle. This was a deliberate design feature which means these slopes are often nice and quiet - check out Cruiser for a long blue bathed in beautiful views.
Loon's expert terrain has several highlights. Runs like Upper Walking Boss and Upper Flume have some of the best snow on the mountain, and the blacks from South Peak are some of the quietest in the resort.
If you’re yet to try cross-country, this is a good place for it. 35km of groomed and tracked trails wind along the Pemigewasset River and climb through the forest.
Always up for some fun, the resort also has some unique annual races including the annual March Briefcase Race, where competitors go head-to-head dressed in full business attire (briefcase and all).
Loon Apres Ski
Loon has several après spots worth a look-in, and when this well runs dry, you can move on to Lincoln for more nightlife.
The Paul Bunyan Room’s army of loyal fans will only après here for its unique atmosphere, friendly staff and an impressive line-up of 24 draft beers. Trying to work out what bartenders are on about as they holler “sweet time!” provides hours of entertainment, and there’s often a live band to spice things up. Babe’s Blue Ox upstairs in the Adam Lodge is also worth a look-in, where you can sip Bloody Marys and gnaw on chicken wings while watching events unfold on the west basin trails below.
Set your sights further afield for more fun. For small town vibes, the Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery serves up a dozen seasonal brews from an old train-depot. We also love the Common Man (especially on wine-down Wednesday…), just one of 30 restaurants between Lincoln and Woodstock.
If you’re not big on taking it easy, the Loon’s Adventure Center is the place to head, with everything from snowshoe rentals and tours to ice skating and an indoor climbing wall. Soaring above the Pemigewasset river, a 700ft zipline keeps the adrenaline flowing and there’s lift-served tubing (day, or better, night). It’s also worth trying out the shopping in the Lincoln-Woodstock locale.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Loon
Best time to visit & ski Loon
Obsessed with snowmaking, 99% of Loon’s trails are covered by snow guns, with the resort having invested several million dollars into snowmaking capacity over the last few years. 163 inches of snow a year is helped hugely by the fact that the mountain is predominantly shaded, north-east facing terrain.
Peak Dates
With everything from Ugly Sweater Parties to kids’ karaoke, Christmas in Loon has festive fun for all.
An annual bash at the Bunyan sees New Year in Loon light up with live tunes, a champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and a whole lot of horse play.
Thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking and great natural conditions at this time of year, Half Term in Loon works well for families and teachers alike.
Candy filled eggs are often strewn about the slopes for Easter in Loon, a sweet treat for rugrats taking a break from the Riglet and Lil' Stash parks.
Families in Loon
One of the first people to ever ski Loon Mountain, a former Olympic skier, came down with the verdict it would "not be an Olympic mountain, but the kids, mothers and fathers would love it". How right he was. With lots of ski-in/ski-out accommodation, lovely Loon is a big hit with the families. As the ski area isn’t massive, it’s easy to keep track of everyone. After lessons (available from as young as 3), kids will adore picking up tricks on the Riglet and Lil' Stash parks, soaring high on the 700ft zipline, rock climbing and night tubing.
If your little one isn’t ready for ski gear, day care’s available with the Children’s Center for sprogs from 6 weeks to 6 years.
GroupsGroup Holidays Loon
A beautiful resort, with plenty of eateries and exciting stuff like “alligator sausages”… This resort has all the ingredients for a great group trip. If you manage to get through all of Loon’s 371 acres within a day or two, easy access to neighboring Cannon, Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley opens up the options.
Wanting to keep group trips hassle free, Loon likes to sweat the small stuff for you. In previous years, it’s offered group lunches like pizza bars and deli platters, and après spreads waiting to greet you fresh off the mountain. For groups of 20 or more, it also often offers group rates for lift passes and discounts on everything from rentals to food.
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