Loon Mountain

Loon Mountain is a prominent peak and major four-season resort located within the White Mountain National Forest near the town of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Developed primarily as a ski destination, it has grown into a comprehensive recreational hub offering alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, and a wide array of summer activities. The mountain is operated by Booth Creek Ski Holdings and is a central feature of the Kancamagus Highway scenic corridor, drawing visitors from across New England and beyond.

Geography and location

Loon Mountain is situated in the Pemigewasset River valley, directly adjacent to the Kancamagus Highway, a famed scenic byway. The mountain's summit reaches an elevation of approximately 3,050 feet, offering expansive views of the surrounding White Mountains, including nearby peaks like Mount Osceola. Its base area lies within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest, with operations conducted under a special-use permit from the United States Forest Service. The geographic setting places it in the heart of one of New Hampshire's most visited tourist regions, providing easy access to other attractions like Franconia Notch State Park and the Flume Gorge.

History and development

The modern development of the area began in 1966 when a group of businessmen, led by Sherman Adams, the former Governor of New Hampshire and Chief of Staff to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, opened the Loon Mountain ski area. Initial development included a single chairlift and a modest base lodge. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, expansion continued under various owners, including the acquisition by Booth Creek Ski Holdings in the 1990s, which led to significant infrastructure investments. A pivotal moment was the construction of the Lincoln Express Gondola in 1992, which greatly increased uphill capacity and transformed the resort's profile.

Ski area and winter sports

The ski area features a diverse terrain park spread across three interconnected peaks, serviced by a network of eleven lifts, including high-speed quad chairs and the iconic Gondola lift. It offers over 370 acres of skiable terrain, with trails rated for all ability levels, and is particularly noted for its extensive snowmaking coverage, which is among the most powerful in New England. Loon Mountain is a regular stop on the FIS Alpine Nor-Am Cup circuit and hosts major events like the Budweiser Mogul skiing Championships. The resort also maintains a renowned cross-country skiing center with trails connecting to the broader network within the White Mountain National Forest.

Summer activities and attractions

During the warmer months, the Gondola provides scenic rides to the summit, where guests can access hiking trails, including a connection to the Appalachian Trail. The resort operates an extensive aerial adventure park with zip lines and rope courses, alongside activities like bungee trampolines, disc golf, and guided fly fishing excursions on the Pemigewasset River. The summit area often hosts concerts and festivals, such as the annual New Hampshire Highland Games, leveraging its panoramic views of the Franconia Range and the Kinsman Range.

Resort facilities and operations

The base village, known as the Loon Mountain Village, includes multiple lodging properties like the Mountain Club on Loon, several restaurants, retail shops, and a conference center. On-mountain dining options range from casual cafeterias to the full-service Summit Cafe at the gondola's top terminal. Resort operations are managed by Booth Creek Ski Holdings, which also oversees other properties such as Waterville Valley Resort and Cranmore Mountain Resort, under the umbrella of parent company Boyne USA Resorts. The resort maintains a close partnership with the United States Forest Service for land stewardship and trail expansion projects within the national forest.

Category:Mountains of New Hampshire Category:Ski areas and resorts in New Hampshire Category:White Mountains (New Hampshire)