Lincoln, NH, January 7, 2009: Prime snowmaking conditions, new snowmaking technology, which includes over 20 new Boyne Low-E fan guns, and a dedicated terrain park crew allowed New Hampshire's Loon Mountain to open its award-winning Superpipe on December 28.

Not only was this the earliest opening ever for the Superpipe, it also enabled Loon Mountain to claim having the first Superpipe open in the East this season.

"We have a very dedicated group of snowmakers and terrain park staff who put in many hours the past few weeks to get our pipe open as early as possible, plus make sure our parks are in top shape," commented Brian Norton. "It was great to have a variety of freestyle terrain for the recent vacation week."

A new 18-foot Zaugg pipe cutter is shaping the 400-foot superpipe, located at the bottom of the Loon Mountain Park, just above the entrance to the Gondola. "The new Zaugg pipe monster gives our half pipe the best possible shape with taller walls and more transition than ever before," said Brian Norton, Terrain Park Manager.

Currently riders and freeskiers will find two parks open at Loon. These include the Little Sister Park and the Loon Mountain Park. Loon unveiled several new jibs this season including two new 30-foot boxes, snowmaking pipe jibs, creeper rails that can be added to any of the existing boxes, plus a 7-foot by 20-foot monster box.

This week's favorable forecast for snowmaking will enable Loon to quickly expand its park offerings.

The Vans Mini Cup makes its only East Coast stop at Loon this Saturday, January 10. The Mini Cup will take place at the Shaping Shack Street Hubba in the Loon Mountain Park. Registration is free with a lift ticket or New England Pass.

Top finishers will win an all-expense paid trip to Mammoth Mountain, CA to compete in the invitation-only Vans Cup Finals.

Other upcoming events include Open Season 3 on January 24; USASA Halfpipe on January 25; Fluorescent Nights on February 19-21, featuring the Red Bull Buttercup on February 21.

The Main Event Finals returns to Loon this winter on February 28, when contestants will compete for a coveted Wild Card spot to compete at the US Open of Snowboarding in March.

Check out Loon Mountain's new park site for the latest event updates, photos, videos, blogs and more.