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Resort Guide

Suitability	Resort height: 290m
Families:		[Yes]
Glacier:		[No]
Beginners:		[3]
Intermediates:		[4]
Advanced:		[3]
Snowboarding:		[4]

Loon is one of New England’s leading ski areas, located in the picturesque White Mountain National Forest, it’s an easy two hour drive from Boston on the scenic Kancamagus Highway.

Although not one of the biggest ski areas in the US – the skiable terrain is less than a tenth the size of some of the larger ski areas out West – Loon is in the midst of a ten-year expansion plan on the mountain and in the resort below. The latest stage of development saw the installation of new lifts, including Loon’s fourth high-speed lift, the Lincoln Express in the new South Peak area. The expansion is going ahead after the successful conclusion of a 20 year consultation program on the environmental aspects of the plan. It is moving ahead under new management: Boyne Resorts took over Loon in late 2007. The company has grown to include 10 US resorts from coast to coast, including the nearby Maine resorts of Sugarloaf and Sunday River, which are included in some lift ticket options.

Beginners

Whether taking a ski school class or venturing out on your own, beginners are likely to begin their skiing at Loon at the resort’s Base Camp area, home to the ticket shop, ski rental shop, ski and snowboard school and trails ranging from beginner to intermediate. Most first timers sign up for a Peak Seekers group class which includes equipment, an all-day novice lift ticket, and a group lesson for a low inclusive price. Groups meet on-snow at the base of the Sarsaparilla Handle tow daily.

Intermediates

Two thirds of Loon’s terrain is classified as intermediate. To maximise your time and avoid any crowds, once you arrive, head to the upper mountain first then head west to the Kanc quad midmorning. Fifty acres of new terrain opened for winter 2007-8 on South Peak. This terrain represents only a third of the full expansion planned for completion at Loon Mountain in the next few years. Three options down South Peak include two groomed runs with snowmaking—Crusier and Boom Run, or the gladed trail, Undercut. The wide expanse of the summit narrows at the ledges as Boom Run turns into a classic New England ski trail with twists, turns and intermediate steeps before the run out back to the base. Head to skier's left for Cruiser. The terrain is wide open, and this trail will have the best afternoon light.

Advanced

The East Basin is home to Loon's steepest trails and allows expert skiers and riders to test their skills on old-style trails with double fall lines. Another favourite area is The North Peak, the resort’s highest point, accessed by the North Peak Express Quad. Here there are locally famous runs like the Walking Boss trail and other long, cruising trails that are at their best when packed with fresh powder.

Snowboarding

Loon is highly regarded for its terrain parks and has been voted the best in the Eastern US in several national American boarder polls. The resort can operate up to half a dozen different parks of various sizes and offers the unusual novelty of unannounced ‘secret parks;’ where two or three terrain features are popped up at a random location on the mountain without warning. The main Loon Mountain Park (or the LMP as it has come to be known) is home to the resort’s superpipe along with jibs like the Down-Flat-Down, Down Box, Street Style Set Up, A-Frame box, and a huge Wall Ride. The park is a little over a kilometre (3,600 feet) long and regular events are staged here.

Other Activities and Facilities

Loon has above average facilities for a resort of its size. The Mountain Adventure Centre has ice skating and an indoor climbing wall whilst offering snowshoeing, cross country skiing and horse riding. The Mountain Club at Loon has a comprehensive spa with services including a full range of massage, facials and signature services such as the lavender fields body wrap. Other activities offered by the resort include ski biking and day or night tubing.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Loon has a small but growing base village, although currently most guests stay in accommodation complexes or nearby towns and villages a few miles from the resort, particularly Lincoln.

In Loon itself The Paul Bunyan Room is the original bar and it remains popular to this day with a laid back feel. Further afield the famous Woodstock Inn has its own micro brewery and live music most nights. There are two restaurants, The Clement Room Grill is an up market bistro and the Woodstock Station, voted the White Mountain's favorite restaurant by NH Magazine in 2005 and 2006, is lively and casual.

Families

Loon Mountain’s facilities for children are based in the Camp Wildwoods Children's Center, located next to the Governor's Lodge and near the Kancamagus Quad. For the youngest children daycare is available for children aged from six weeks to six years during holiday periods and at weekends. The award-winning facility features large playrooms providing space for games and activities while allowing children to nap in a quiet area. Lunch is included for one-year-olds and up.

Ski lessons are available from age three up, starting with P.K. Boo Bear Ski Camp for three year olds only. Children will enjoy full-day lift access, snacks, age-appropriate games, and up to two hours of on-snow instruction. The class is designed for skiers of beginner to novice ability.

A variety of other ski school options and group or private lessons are offered through the various age stages of childhood. In lessons, children explore exciting Discovery Zones depicting stories about the history of logging in the local Lincoln area, the surrounding White Mountain National Forest, and woodland creatures found on Loon Mountain. All camps provide the option of full or half-day lessons though half-day lessons may not be available on weekends or holidays. Lessons, lift ticket, hot chocolate breaks and snacks are provided for students and full day participants receive lunch.

Piste Map for Loon mountain

Accommodation in Loon mountain

• Mountain Club On Loon - 3 star, room only

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