Granite State Stuff : Loon Mountain

Loon Mountain Rated Number One for Access From SKI Magazine Readers

AskLisa — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:14:00 GMT

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain has been rated the # 7 resort in the East, and again # 1 for Access in the East as well as Top Ten for Access in North America by readers of SKI Magazine. In addition to being ranked tops for Access, the resort also received Top-Ten distinctions for: Grooming, Lifts, Weather, Food, Lodging, Après-ski, Off-hill Activities, Family Programs, Scenery and Terrain Parks.

For the past two seasons, skiers and snowboarders have been exploring and enjoying Loon's $16 million South Peak Expansion. Opened in 2007, South Peak currently boasts 5 new trails, 2 lifts, and a total of 65 additional acres of terrain. Additional terrain is planned on South Peak for the future.

Complementing Loon's 2,100 vertical feet, 55 trails, 5 award-winning terrain parks, and activities for the non-skier, is the local Lincoln-Woodstock community. The area offers a variety of lodging, from quaint Bed & Breakfasts to slopeside condominiums and spa, plus a whole host of dining experiences. Ski and stay packages are easy to find, compare and book on http://www.loonmtn.com.

Loon offers New Hampshire's only slopeside spa--The Viaggio. Conveniently located in The Mountain Club on Loon. The Viaggio has all the amenities to make a visit relaxing and rejuvenating after a day on the slopes. Complimentary use of the Health Club is included with any spa treatment or service. The Health Club features an indoor lap pool, outdoor pool (seasonal), indoor and outdoor hot tubs, whirlpools, sauna, steam rooms, tanning beds, and weight and cardio rooms.

The slopes are white, but the environment is green at Loon. Loon Mountain has expanded its base area recycling programs which reduced the waste stream by nearly 40% last season. The 20 proprietary Boyne high-output, energy-efficient fan guns and 50 HKD tower guns purchased last season will be back in action starting November 1, as weather permits.

Loon's terrain parks continue to set the standard of park excellence--once again earning a Top-3 status from readers of Transworld Snowboarding and SKI Magazine. OntheSnow.com honored Loon with its "Best Park in the Northeast" for the second year in a row.

Fun! Days in the Park debuts at Loon December 13, when the park staff will introduce a brand-new feature to one of Loon's five parks. The park crew will be on-hand in the afternoon to ride the feature, chill with riders, answer questions about the design, and listen to ideas for future Fun! elements.

Loon plans to open for the winter season on November 21, weather permitting, and the popular New England Pass, which gives guests access to Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf and Sunday River, is on sale now. Quantities are limited and prices increase after October 12.

For more information and up-to-date events and snow conditions, go to http://www.loonmtn.com or call 1-800-229-LOON (5666).

Horseback Riding and Bungee Jump Join Loon Summer Activities

AskLisa — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:47:00 GMT

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain recently announced that horseback riding will return to Loon's activities lineup when the resort opens for summer Saturday, June 27.

Equestrian guides will ride with guests on Loon's scenic Brookway Trail, then through old logging trails before returning to the base area. The horse barn is now located just a short walk from the Loon's Gondola Skyride, which is the resort's most-popular summer activity.

For visitors looking for a bit more lift in their day, Loon will debut its new 4-person Euro Bungee Trampoline. Located at the Adventure Center, the new bungee trampoline allows up to four people at once to bounce, flip and jump up to 25 feet in the air.

These are not the only reasons vacationers choose Loon Mountain for a day of summer fun. The resort also offers glacial caves; a mountaintop playground; a self-guided nature tour; an observation tower; miles of hiking trails; mountain bike rentals and tours; and an outdoor climbing wall.

To rest or recover from the all the activity, the mountainside Viaggio Spa is open year-round with a full line-up of massage therapy, facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments.

The surrounding towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock make an accessible and convenient base for vacationers. The lodging selections are endless- a slopeside hotel, in-town hotels, motels, condos, country inns, bed & breakfasts, plus a number of campgrounds in the area. Many lodges are within walking distance of downtown Lincoln, and offer family stay and play packages that include Loon's Gondola Skyride.

Other "don't-miss" area activities that includes hiking in the White Mountain National Forest, spending the day at the Whale's Tale Water Park or a driving over the scenic Kancamagus Highway to North Conway and tax-free outlet shopping.

Loon Mountain Offers Instructor Training Course on April 4

AskLisa — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:19:00 GMT

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain will offer a one-day sneak peek at what it takes to be part of Loon's prestigious Snowsports School. To be held on Saturday, April 4, the goals of the Instructor Training Course are to learn about the basics of skiing and riding, learn the rewards and benefits of teaching, as well as improve one's own skiing and riding skills.

A complimentary lift ticket will be given to those who participate in the event, and participants must be at least 18 years of age. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Governor's Lodge, and the event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The day's session will include skill discussion and development by certified PSIA/AASI trainers in topics such as personal improvement, teaching progressions and methodology, mechanics and equipment.

"This is a great way for us to spot some upcoming talent for next season," said Booie Alward, Loon's Director of Snowsports. "With the Instructor Training Course, we are able to cultivate new relationships through the summer and fall, so the staff is ready to go when winter rolls back around next season."

For more information on the Instructor Training Course and all Loon events, visit the Loon Events Page or call 1-800-229-LOON.

Loon plans to be open for skiing and riding through April 19. For updated snow conditions and New England Pass information, visit http://www.loonmtn.com, or call 1-800-229-LOON.

Loon Mountain opens first Double Black Diamond Trail, Rip Saw

AskLisa — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:12:00 GMT

$16 Million Expansion Continues With Two New Trails

Loon Mountain's newest South Peak trail, Rip Saw, opened today. Totaling ten acres and a mile in length, Rip Saw, is Loon Mountain's first-ever double black diamond trail.

Accessed from Boom Run, skiers and riders will experience spectacular views of Franconia Notch and the town of Lincoln as they approach the steeps of Rip Saw. The trail finishes with twists and turns before connecting with Cruiser.

"It's been really exciting to see the plume from the snow guns covering Rip Saw each morning on my way to the mountain," said General Manager Rick Kelley. "This new terrain expands Loon's terrain variety even further and complements the trails we opened last season. Now we offer something for everyone on South Peak-- from low intermediate to expert."

Ski Patroller Richard Riley was one of the first to ski the trail this morning. He summed it up best by saying, "Rip Saw definitely has the feel of an old-time New England trail, but with an attitude."

The second new trail on South Peak this season is Escape Route. This intermediate, blue-square trail accessed off Cruiser, also opened today.

Both Rip Saw and Escape Route are part of Loon Mountain's multi-year expansion. In the past two years, Loon has invested over $16 million in trail and lift construction to open South Peak, as well as investing in the latest snowmaking and grooming technology.

Loon is wide open with prime midwinter conditions, thanks to a long stretch of perfect snowmaking weather and nearly seven feet of snow so far this season. More snow is in forecast for tomorrow.

For the latest photos and video of Rip Saw, visit Loon's Multimedia Page.

Loon Mountain's Award-Winning Superpipe has earliest-ever

AskLisa — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:39:00 GMT

Vans Mini Cup Makes its Only East Coast Stop at Loon - January 10

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.

Loon Mountain adds new "Lift" for skiers and riders from Rhode Island and Boston

AskLisa — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:50:00 GMT

The New 'Loon Express' Luxury Motor Coach Provides Twice Weekly Service and a Lift Ticket to New Hampshire's Loon Mountain, Beginning January 4

Loon Mountain and New England Actions Sports (NEAS) have partnered to create the new 'Loon Express' service, making Loon even more accessible this winter, at a great price.

The Loon Express luxury motor coach will leave from Providence, make several stops in Rhode Island and Boston before continuing to Loon Mountain Resort. Service is available non-holiday Sunday and Friday mornings beginning January 4, 2009.

The price, which includes round-trip motor coach transportation and an all-day lift ticket, is just $59.95 per person for Friday trips and $69.95 per person for Sunday trips.

All passengers must make an advanced reservation by calling New England Action Sports at 1-800-477-SNOW (7669).

The first stop on the Loon Express is the University of Rhode Island, starting at 5:30 a.m. The Express will then stop at the NEAS Parking Lot in Warwick; Brown University; Rhode Island School of Design; and then head to Boston.

Pick-up locations in Boston include the MBTA parking lot on Grove Street, St. Ignatius Church near Boston College in Chestnut Hill, and Boston University.

The Express will leave Loon Mountain at 4:30 p.m. to return skiers and riders back home to Boston and Providence.

Unlike many bus trips that are run to ski resorts, participants do not need to be part of a pre-existing ski club or group. Any individual, couple or small group can make a reservation and take the bus.

"We designed the Loon Express around the fact that a lot of our guests, especially college students, want to ski and ride at Loon, but don't have a car, or they are looking for a way to save on gas expenses," said Andrew Noyes, Loon Mountain Director of Sales.

"With our accessible location, we're easy drive from Providence and Boston, and the best part is skiers and riders can take the Express, enjoy a great day at Loon, and still be home for dinner."

As part of its multi-year expansion, Loon will open two new trails on South Peak this winter, adding 14 acres of terrain. This includes Loon's first-ever double black diamond trail, Rip Saw. Rip Saw starts steep and ends with classic New England twists and turns before connecting with the Cruiser trail at the base of the new South Peak.

Loon kicks off the season as the Number One Resort in the East for Access (SKI Magazine, October 2008, Readers' Poll). In addition, the resort also received Top-Ten distinctions for Grooming, Weather, Food, Dining, Lodging, Après-Ski, Off-hill Activities and Terrain Parks. Transworld Snowboarding readers (October, 2008) named Loon #1 in the East for Parks, Pipe and Overall Resort Atmosphere.

Also last month, Snowboard Magazine named Loon's parks one of the "Top-Ten Most Progressive Parks in North America", and Freeskier Magazine named Loon one of the top parks in the East. And finally, the readers of Onthesnow.com gave Loon the Reader's Choice Award for "Best Park" at the end of the 2007-08 season.

For up-to-date conditions and event information click on www.loonmtn.com, or call Loon Mountain at 800-229-LOON.

To make a reservation for the Loon Express, please call New England Action Sports directly at 800-477-SNOW or click on www.loonmtn.com or www.skitrip.net for more information.

Ski Season starting soon; projected dates

admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:05:00 GMT

Ski Season in New Hampshire is right around the corner. In some cases, the resorts are already open. So get your ski gear together, buy a season pass and get ready to hit the slopes!

Here's a list of the projected dates (dates are subject to weather conditions) for the most popular ski resorts that we were able to get a date for:

Attitash: projected: November 22

Black Mountain: December 6

Bretton Woods: Already Open

Cannon Mountain: projected, November 28

Crotched Mountain: Opening Saturday, November 22

Granite Gorge: November 29

Gunstock: December 5

King Pine: December 12

Loon Mountain: November 22

Mount Sunapee: projected, November 28

Pat's Peak: December 6

Ragged Mountain: projected, November 28

Waterville Valley: projected, November 22

Wildcat: November 29

“The Event Formerly Known As..." kicks off Loon's 08-09 Season on November 28 & 29

AskLisa — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:17:00 GMT

Loon to Premiere “FUN” A ParkUmentary November 29

Loon Mountain is calling all skiers and riders to break out their gear and show some early season skills. “The Event Formerly Known As…” is an under-the-lights rail jam open to male and female skiers and riders of all ages and ability levels, with a $200 cash prize awarded to the top male and female in each competition. Skiers will compete on the 28th and riders on the 29th. Registration will run from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Octagon Lodge both days, with a $15 entry fee per competitor. All competitors must sign a release form; anyone under 18 must have parent’s signature.

Immediately following the contests, awards will be given out in the Bunyan Room. Loon’s park and event crew will host the awards with free pizza and a raffle featuring prizes from Oakley, Four Square, White Flag, and Sweet Time Clothing.

Saturday, November 29, after the awards, Loon will premiere its brand new video, “FUN”, A ParkUmentary. “FUN” was shot during the 07-08 season, and features local riders such as Rob Connors, Kevin Bicknell, Andre Beriau, Tanner McCarty and Chris Carr.

Last month, the readers of Transworld Snowboarding named Loon Number One in the East for Parks, Pipe and Overall Resort Atmosphere. Snowboard Magazine named Loon's parks one of the "Top-Ten Most Progressive Parks in North America" and Freeskier Magazine named Loon a Top Ten Resort in the East.

Loon’s events calendar includes Open Season events taking place December 6, December 27, January 24, and February 15; Salomon Jib Academy, February 14; Fluorescent Nights, February 19-21; Main Event Finals, February 28; Shop Showdown, March 14-15; Last Call with Eastern Boarder, March 25; The Weekend with 382, March 28 -29; and 80’s Day, April 11. For latest on Opening Day scheduled for November 22, check out Loon Mountain.

Loon Mountain posts record season and looks forward to summer

AskLisa — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Lincoln, NH - New Hampshire's Loon Mountain wrapped up its 41st ski season Monday, and announced it had a record year for snowfall and skier visits. This season, Loon received 127.5 more inches of snow, and hosted 30% more visits than last season.

Loon opened the $13 million first phase of its new South Peak terrain last December, adding 50 acres of new terrain that included three trails and two new lifts. Construction is already in progress of two additional trails to open next season on South Peak.

"It has been an incredible year here at Loon,"commented General Manager Rick Kelley. "With a strong start, more consistent weather throughout the season and record snowfall, we were able to offer our guests even more terrain variety, with terrain parks and pipes opening sooner and the gladed areas open for much of the season. Plus, were able to extend the season by a week. Guest reaction to the new South Peak terrain has been very positive and the new terrain we will be opening there next season will rival terrain on North Peak in terms of pitch and challenge."

Not only is Loon Mountain New Hampshire's most popular winter destination, Loon also offers plenty of activities for families vacationing in the White Mountains in the summer and fall. Loon operates New Hampshire's longest scenic gondola skyride, and offers glacial caves, a mountaintop playground, a self-guided nature tour, an observation tower, miles of hiking trails, mountain bike rentals and tours, and an ourdoor climbing wall.

For those looking for more a relaxing day, the mountainside Viaggio Spa is open year-round with a full lineup of massage therapy and spa treatments.

The towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock are great vacation bases for families. The lodging selections are endless - a slopeside hotel, in-town hotels, motels, condos, country inns, bed & breakfasts, plus a number of campgrounds in the area.

Many lodges are within walking distance of downtown Lincoln and offer family stay-and-play packages that include Loon's Gondola Skyride. Other "don't-miss" area activities include hiking in the White Mountain National Forest, spending the day at the Whale's Tale Water Park or driving over the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to North Conway, NH and tax-free outlet shopping.

Loon Announces Season Extension to Apr. 21

AskLisa — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:38:00 GMT

Loon Mountain has received over 17 feet of snowfall so far this season. Here are the details:

http://www.loonmtn.com/winter/conditions.asp?j=4154991&e=lisa@newhampshire.com&l=209305_HTML&u=28764575&mid=60887&jb=0

March has come in like a lion, dumping over a foot of new snow so far this month on New Hampshire's Loon Mountain. With over seven feet falling since February 1st, Loon announced it will stay open through Monday, April 21.

Loon Mountain kicked off its King of Spring event series on March 1, with the resort's annual TJX Briefcase Race, hosted by WCVB-TV's Mike Lynch. The event, which supports the Breast Cancer Research Fund at Boston's Faulkner Hospital Breast Centre, raised over $70,000 in one day. The Briefcase Race has raised over $1 million for breast cancer research over the past 16 years.

Loon is also on track to post record snow totals this season. Over 17 feet of snowfall so far mean incredible March and late-season conditions, giving skiers and riders even more reason to make their way to Loon Mountain.

Loon Mountain First East Coast Resort to Make SkiGreen Tags Available to Guests

AskLisa — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:43:00 GMT

Skiers and snowboarders can reduce environmental impacts of recreational travel by adding a SkiGreen Tag to their lift ticket purchase

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain is pleased to announce it is the first mountain ski resort in the eastern United States to partner with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to make SkiGreen Tags available to skiers and snowboarders.

SkiGreen Tags are a solution for skiers and snowboarders who wish to reduce the associated environmental impacts of their recreational activities, such as the greenhouse gas emissions caused by driving a vehicle to the mountain.

Each SkiGreen Tag represents 100-kilowatt hours of wind energy and offsets 140 pounds of global warming pollution, or approximately the equivalent of driving 150 miles in a vehicle that gets 21 MPG.

Tags are sold for $2 each, and can be purchased at the same time a lift ticket is purchased. Proceeds from the sale of SkiGreen Tags support renewable energy through BEF on behalf of the tag purchaser.

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (http://www.b-e-f.org) is a national non-profit public benefit organization founded in 1998 to support watershed restoration programs and develop new sources of renewable energy.

BEF began the Green Tags program in 2000 to recognize demand for green energy in locations where it is not available, and to support the development of additional renewable energy resources.

Since its inception, BEF has developed programs to help offset impacts from travel, homes, buildings, events and more. The specific 'Ski Green' program started in 2002 and is endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association.

The SkiGreen program is one more facet of Loon Mountain's commitment to sustaining the slopes for generations to come. This winter, Loon began a recycling program in the base lodges so guests can recycle plastic, glass and aluminum. Reusable dishware and silverware is also being used to further reduce the waste stream.

In addition, glass and aluminum recycling is available all around the resort. To date, Loon has spent over $50,000 to implement its sustainability program and will continue to expand environmentally friendly efforts around the resort.

To find our more about Loon Mountain's green efforts visit http://www.loonmtn.com. To find out more information about SkiGreen Tags, visit http://www.skigreen.org or http://www.GreenTagsUSA.org.