Mountain Update: 3.10.12
From the words of Ralph Lewis, Director of Skiing Operations
Written by Katelyn Krumperman
We had a great week of fantastic spring conditions with plenty of sunshine. The forecast for the upcoming week is calling for milder temperatures which will mean another week of great spring conditions is ahead of us. We are currently grooming 100% of the hill and our tree skiing areas will be open depending on the conditions.
We are looking forward to a great line up of spring events for the remainder of the season and hopefully the weather will cooperate for those.
For current conditions and updates, check the snow report on our website. Enjoy the spring conditions and we’ll see you on the hill.
A Week in Review: The Daily Chronicles of the Loon Mountain Job Share Team (aka Sales Team)
If you have followed this blog, you have read about the multi-tasking sales team at Loon Mountain. Not much has changed since my last job sharing blog post almost a year ago… we’re still at it but we have two new smiling faces on the team- Jon and Emily.
Honestly, I believe they were bred to job share since they were born, what they didn’t know was WHERE they would be honing in on all the skills they have learned in the past 10 years of their existence. We are insanely lucky to have added such awesome folks to the Loon Mountain Job Share Team—and they’re really good at their “real” jobs in the sales office too! Talk about a win-win situation!
In the week leading up to vacation week, the Sales Team could be seen in several departments. You may not have even realized that the folks getting you fitted for rental equipment, selling tickets, or even driving the bus, would be serving you lunch – even ringing you up at the cash register for your amazing meal; that’s us – Team Sales.
Last week our days started early – we hosted over 300 students from the UK and Ireland DAILY (as well as our favorite Cardigan Mountain School on this side of the pond). Andrew was often the one behind the big blue bus driving the international students from their hotel to Loon Mountain for an amazing taste of US skiing and riding. It was often Adam and Jon greeting the eager students, who then made their way to the rental shop where Jon, Emily, and I would be calling out their names for their pre-set rental equipment for the week. After the students made their way through the rental shop, they would be greeted again by Adam, who was busy coordinating their lessons with Casey and the amazing Loon Mountain Snowsports Team. Then they would head out for their two hour morning lesson, and at that time, the Sales Team would retreat back to the office to respond to e-mails, print tickets, and return calls – basically do whatever we could do in the amount of office time we had. Ironically, one of the biggest Hallmark holidays and one of the record days for engagements fell during this week – Valentines Day. Adding to the countless e-mails were several excited newly engaged couples who were interested in hosting their mountaintop destination wedding at Loon Mountain. AWESOME!!!
Following the brief stint spent in the office (and we do apologize for any lag in e-mail response time), we headed directly to the Governors Lodge to man our various stations to help with the lunch rush. Adam and I posted up at the soup station, Jon was the grill expediter extraordinaire, and Andrew was the guy taking in the money. It was like a well-oiled machine. I even got to re-live last season’s pudding cup assembly, pretzel distribution, and fresh-made wrap construction. Although I did have an opportunity to dabble in assembling salads, the push for macaroni and cheese in a bread bowl was overbearing- so much that even the most accomplished soup person (Adam) couldn’t keep up with the demands. Needless to say, it was a great change and really nice to be working with our guests on so many different levels of experience at Loon Mountain. And please don’t worry; we did wash our hands several times after fitting you for boots and BEFORE serving the food…
As we move forward into the coming vacation week, we all have our various tasks and, while our office time is still minimal yet manageable, we are really excited to work with each and every one of our guests on a face-to-face level instead of behind windowless walls.
This week, you will find Jon, Andrew, and Emily selling tickets at either a snowsports desk or a ticket window. Adam will probably be the one behind the wheel of the big blue bus shuttling you from your hotel to the most amazing skiing and snowboarding conditions in the East, and I’ll be perched at the rental shop selling you excellent (and freshly tuned) rental equipment, tickets, and lessons. After the morning ticket and rental rush, Adam will still be behind the wheel of the big blue bus, Andrew will be at a register in the Governors Lodge, Emily could be, well, anywhere, and Jon and I will be in the best-kept secret in Loon Mountain dining- Wanagan’s Slopeside Deli. Jon will be taking your orders and making some of the most intense hot chocolate cups this side of the Mississippi and I’ll be slinging one of the most incredible steak and cheese sandwiches you have ever had. Please, swing on in and say hi. If you mention you read this blog, you might even get an extra handful of the most amazing homemade potato chips with your sandwich. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Until next post,
Abby Guinan
Sales Manager
Cardigan Mountain School Ski Day a Big Success
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This past Thursday was one for the record books. Thanks to Mother Nature and Austen Hannis, the Cardigan Mountain School Ski Day was choreographed to perfection. Sunny skies, 40 degree temperatures, and 200 of the most well-behaved boys on the planet descended on Loon Mountain in nine buses- and within 30 minutes of arrival, they were all issued lift tickets, rentals, and sent on their merry way to make memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.
At 9:01 p.m. last night, the Cardigan Mountain School Headmaster sent out an e-mail to all students- the date of the ski holiday that is a tradition of both Cardigan Mountain School and Loon Mountain was announced. However, in an attempt to throw the students off, the Headmaster started his e-mail video stating that due to lack of snow, the annual ski day would be cancelled.
Shortly after that statement, he revealed that Loon Mountain still had plenty of snow to host the ski holiday. The dorms erupted in cheer and the kids went to bed psyched knowing classes were cancelled and they would spend the day on the hill- tubing, skiing, snowboarding, lounging around their own slopeside lodge, and swimming in the pool AND eating TONS of pizza – 800 slices of pie, to be exact. You got it, those 200 hungry teenagers politely ate 100 pies AND cleaned up after themselves!!!
I know I blogged about this epic day last year, but I have to tell you, the kids at Cardigan are always such a joy to host at Loon. They are so well-behaved, so thankful, and so happy to participate in a long-standing tradition started by Cardigan many years ago. These students attend Cardigan from as far as California, Florida, China, Spain, you name it. And they get smarter and smarter every year- we had a few students e-mail the info@loonmtn.com address to find out when the ski day was… thankfully, the staff at Loon all recognize the importance of keeping this big ski holiday a surprise and those emails found random replies to throw them off.
You really have to see it to believe how incredible it is to see the nine Cardigan Mountain School buses caravan over the bridge to Loon Mountain- it’s a sight that still, after my seven years of working with this amazing school, gives me a shiver up the spine with sheer excitement. And, less than eight hours later, those nine buses depart- all kids accounted for and happy. We’ll see you next year, Cardigan boys- and no, we won’t reveal the date, no matter how creative you get! Keep up the great work, Cardigan Faculty and Staff- you should be proud of the amazing young men you have at your school!
Until next time,
Abby Guinan
Sales Manager
Mountain Ops Update 2/9/12
By Katelyn Krumperman
From the words of Ralph Lewis, Director of Skiing Operations
Snowmaking will continue into mid February and then we’ll reevaluate and see what the weather is doing. At this point, all snowmaking terrain is open and our main focus right now is to resurface all open terrain and concentrate on grooming.
One of the biggest challenges we have had this winter is dealing with the rain that has been a reoccurance. Fortunately, the rain storms have been followed by cold temperatures so we have been able to recover very quickly.
On the hill, we will be building more moguls, concentrate on getting all of our parks open, and opening a mini-pipe on the West Side. The new trails on South Mountain are very popular and we couldn’t be more pleased with how they came out.
We are looking forward to Fluorescent Nights during February vacation and hoping for more snow in these last couple of months of the season.
Better Late Than Never 1.13.12
By Katelyn Krumperman
You know the saying, ‘Good things come to those who wait?’ Well good things finally came our way. On Thursday, January 12 we picked up 4-6 inches of snow. Yes, SNOW, you know, that white fluffy stuff that falls from the sky and makes everyone smile? And today, even though it was a rocky start, we have picked up two inches of snow so far and it’s still coming down as I type.
Yesterday was a great day on the hill. Check out this video that we shot. It was fresh tracks, and fresh snow all day long!
Thanks to our amazing high efficient Low-E HKD tower snow guns, our fabulous snowmaking and grooming team have been working around the clock as temperatures allow to resurface and open more terrain. More terrain is expected to open tomorrow and we expect to have 97% of our total trail acreage open for the long weekend. I think that’s pretty amazing considering the winter we have had so far. With 50 trails, 322 acres, and over 24 miles of skiing and riding for all abilities where else would you want to be to celebrate Independence Weekend at Loon Mountain.
This is a big weekend for us and we want our guests to have a good time and stay safe. Be sure to check out all the events going on this Independence Weekend. And in conjunction with Independence Weekend, NSAA Safety Week starts tomorrow and lasts until Sunday, January 22. From Free Ski & Snowboard Tips, to helmet demos, and Cash Cabin, Loon Mountain’s Safety Week is sure to blow your socks off. Stop by the Safety Week Headquarters Tent by The Shred Shed to see what we have planned during Safety Week.
Enjoy the long weekend of skiing, watching football, and staying safe. We’ll see you on the hill.
12.25.11 Park Update
12.25.11
Happy Holidays. We now have three parks up and running with a variety of jibs and jumps. We are also pumping snow in both the medium park and the main park. One if not both of those will be coming at you soon.
A Word from the Slopes 12.28.11
From the words of Ralph Lewis, Director of Skiing Operations
After the 1.1 inches of rain that we received last night, we are anxiously awaiting for temperatures to drop this afternoon in order resume snowmaking. We will resurface all open terrain for the next two nights as well as opening additional terrain tomorrow. We will work on opening the remainder of the trails after resurfacing on existing terrain is finished. As long as snowmaking temperatures remain, we will be making snow around the clock.
We are very fortunate to have great conditions and a significant amount of our terrain open at this point. This is all possible because of our snowmaking and grooming team and the investment Loon has made to our snowmaking infrastructure.
Until next week …
Park Update
12.22.11
New DROPLINE Park opens Friday morning with with more jibs and one wicked kicka. The 7 Brothers park is still sharp and 4 features deep. Plus be on the look out for another park in the base area coming soon.
12.16.11
It getting cold out! Snowmaking will be firing up shortly and one of the trails we are going to is our NEW Dropline Park! As long as it stays cold we should have that park online some time next week, stay tuned for a firmer date. Till then enjoy the 2 Top Secret parks!
12.12.11
More features as of 9 am Tuesday morning. They shouldn’t be hard to find. See you out there.
12.8.11
Snowmaking goes back on tonight! Which will hopefully result in more park features for the weekend. For now enjoy the jump and jibs in the Sunset Park! Stay tuned.
12.3.11
Good snowmaking temps and the guns were blazing again last night. Won’t be long before we get some more parks up on the hill. For now the park on sunset is still up and looking good. Stay posted.
Holiday Week Preview
By Katelyn Krumperman
Greetings! How are you? I am much better now that we received seven inches of snow last night at Loon Mountain just in time for the holiday week! Even though we have had a tough start to the winter, we are in good shape as we head into the holiday week at Loon. With 28 trails, 178 acres, and over 12 miles of skiing riding, Loon has the most open terrain in New Hampshire!
Our snowmaking and grooming team has done an amazing job resurfacing and opening new terrain to get that Superior Snow Guaranteed that you love.
Looking for something to do this week? Look no further. Here is a quick run down of what’s going on this week at Loon Mountain.
Saturday, December 24th: Non-denomanational Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in the Governor’s Lodge at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 30th: Family Magic Show in the Octagon Lodge at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 31st: Mo the Balloon Buffoon will be at the Governor’s Lodge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. making balloon sculptures for the kids and entertaining the younger crowd.
- New Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year at the Bunyan Room New Year’s Eve Party. Live music by 6 Foot Sunday. This is a 21+ event and there is a $25 cover charge. Reservations are highly recommended.
Snowmaking continues tonight and on top of the seven inches we received last night, the conditions should be pretty stellar out there. Enjoy the last week in December and Happy Holidays from all of us at Loon Mountain.
Like a Box of Chocolates
By Katelyn Krumperman
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We can all agree that November skiing is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re gonna get. There is usually an early snow storm tease that wets our pallets making us want more followed by mild temperatures and occasional rain showers.
This year in particular has been exactly like a box of chocolates. Snow fell from the sky on Oct. 29 blanketing the brown fallen leaves turning everything white. It was a beautiful. Less than a month later, Loon Mountain opened for the 45th season. Cold temperatures were in the snowmaking’s team favor and Loon was able to make a significant amount of snow to open on Sunday, November 20, a week earlier than anticipated. Three days later, Loon received 8 inches of fresh snow — the first powder day of the season. Currently, we have 11 trails open with top to bottom skiing and riding. To me, that’s pretty amazing for November.
Less than a week ago, it was pounding snow outside and now today, November 29, it is 50 degrees outside with rain showers predicted in our near future. Some say it’s global warming, others say it’s just November skiing and riding in New England. Despite the weather, Loon had a great turnout over Thanksgiving weekend. Guests were smiling and excited to ski and ride. Even though the calendar says November, we have been graced with spring-like conditions and from what I have heard, people are enjoying it.
Life is too short to be anything but happy. So for now, enjoy the spring-like conditions and in your spare time, do a snow dance and think snow. We’ll see you on the slopes.
Loon Opens Today for the 45th Season! 11.20.11
Hey guys!
Another season is upon us. Today is the day you have been anxiously waiting for. We are opening today for the 2011-2012 winter season! Thanks to our fabulous snowmaking and grooming team and some cold temperatures we were able to open earlier than anticipated.
5 trails will be open today from 12-4pm. The East Basin Lift will be open with downloading on the Gondola. The following trail are open; Upper Bear Claw, Bear Claw Ext., Grand Junction, Link, and Upper Picked Rock.
Tickets are $20 today. So come on up to Loon Mountain and enjoy the first day of the season! I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. Stay tuned for more information and pictures from today.
Katelyn
On the Road … Again
It’s a busy time of year for the Loon Mountain Sales Team and we are spreading our wings all over the globe… well, maybe not ALL over the globe, but we’re still marketing the Resort in three countries in three weeks! Jon, our newest addition to the Sales Team, and I headed to Toronto two weeks ago for a six day stint- four days at the Toronto Ski Show and two full days traveling in our trusty Toyota Minivan. Jon’s first day on the job consisted of 13 hours in the minivan and changing windshield wipers (he’s a pro) and co-piloting the excursion. Since I tend to get car sick, I was the one behind the wheel and tried to keep it entertaining by hitting rumble strips to wake up the back-seat passengers… while successful, I don’t think they were as pleased as I was to have two new folks to chat with from the back seat…
We rented a few condos about 1 mile from the Toronto Ski Show. We thought condos would be much more fiscally responsible and allow us room to spread out- after spending five nights in a hotel room the size of a cardboard box in past years, all I really wanted was a couch and a kitchen. The condos were nice, economical, and although we had great intentions of cooking a family style meal each night after the show, reality hit. We were all so exhausted after 10+ hours on our feet that it took all we had just to change and head out to find a place with a reasonable menu to fulfill our cravings of anything BUT pizza. After we broke down at the end of the show, we did find the energy and time to make an excellent feed for all of us while the guys watched baseball…
This past weekend, Adam returned from two weeks in the UK and Jon returned from his second trip to Canada- the Ottawa Ski Show to be exact. Ottawa is always a fun time and the ski show is hands down one of the best. However, as I write this, I have clothes in the washing machine getting ready for the next voyage- Pennsylvania and New Jersey Ski Council Shows. The same host for our Spring Travel shows is putting these shows on and I really can’t wait to get on the road. Sure, being on the road is tough- you’re away from family and the work load never ceases, but we all do a great job of making the most of the great areas we find ourselves in. Greg and I are spending our one day off in Amish Country and, if you know us, you know how psyched we are!
Following our epic road trip to Amish Country and all areas in between, we return for a day before heading out to one of my favorite ski club events of the year- New Hampshire Ski Club Extravaganza. The NHSC folks are just, well, plain AWESOME and it’s always a good time. Following that show, we head directly to Boston for the Boston Ski Show and the last of the travels for this girl until Spring. Bernie and his team always do a great job and I can’t wait for another spectacular show at the Seaport World Trade Center! If you haven’t planned your weekend yet, be sure to visit BEWISPORTS.COM and purchase your discounted tickets for the Boston Ski Show- with Tommy Moe as an honored guest, tons of specials, discounts and more- you can’t go wrong! And, while you’re there, definitely stop by the Loon Mountain booth and purchase your discounted Frequent Skier Cards or purchase your New England Pass! Hands down two of the best deals in New England Skiing and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!!! Hope to see you there!!! Sure, you could spend the weekend going to the dump or doing household chores, but there really is not better way to save a ton of dough by attending the Boston Ski Show!!!
Think SNOW!
Abby Guinan
Sales Manager
What’s New at Loon this Winter
By Katelyn Krumperman
I am sure you are all dying to know what is in store for you this winter at Loon Mountain, right? Well, I’m here to tell you what’s new at Loon Mountain this winter.
After investing $20 million in the past five years to add more terrain, uphill capacity and state-of-the-art snowmaking & grooming technology, Loon Mountain continues its committment to providing a great guest experience in 2011-2012.
This season, a capitol investment of $1.4 million went toward 170 new, highly efficient tower guns, and the opening of four new trails – Upper and Lower Twitcher and Jobber – on South Peak, which adds another 16.5 acres of terrain and Dropline. Both trails on South Peak are derived from the logging heritage.
The Burton Progression Park finds a home on Dropline (1 acre), another new trail located at the lower part of Grand Junction. The Burton Progression Park is a great place for new park riders and skiers to become comfortable with park riding and etiquette and Dropline will be the perfect home for it.
Joining the fleet of groomers, another new grooming machine, the Prinoth Bison-X, will join the team in December.
Weather permitting, we will be ready to start making snow on November 1st and we plan to open in early to mid-November. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Loon Mountain and Think Snow! It’s that time of year again.
Mud, Guts, and Glory – 1st Annual Monster Mud Run
By Katelyn Krumperman
Are you competitive? Do you like to challenge yourself? Do you like getting dirty? If you answered yes, to the following questions then the Loon Mountain Monster Mud Run on October 29 is for you!
The Monster Mud Run is a race for the ambitious, for people who like to push themselves to the limit. It is not about running up a hill, it involves obstacles (natural and man-made), as well as a mud pit and more. Feel the vicotory of tackling the Monster, our course of 14 obstacles and rough terrain! Click on the link below to view the terrain map.
To participate in the MMR, you must be 18 years of age. For event details and registration info. please visit, http://www.loonmtn.com/info/summer/Monster-Mud-Run.aspx
Don’t stray too far after the MMR, we are hosting a Halloween Monster Bash in the Bunyan Room starting at 8pm! Wash the mud off and change into your best Halloween costume! Enjoy live music by the Running Gags and a costume contest.
We’ll see you in a coupl of weeks! Happy training!
Artisan’s Gallery Open at Loon Mountain Summit
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By Katelyn Krumperman
Do you like finding unique gifts for family members and friends? Do you like hand carved wooden products? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should check out the Artisan’s Gallery at the summit of Loon Mountain off of Bear Claw Extension.
Inside the gallery you will find a collection of unique items. From earrings and necklaces to wood carved spoons, the Artisan’s Gallery is a collection of hand made items that you won’t find anywhere else. Hand painted note cards are displayed on the table and paintings hang on the wall. The artist, local Jody O’Callaghan, sits at the table painting.
Interested in buying a hand carved walking stick? On any given day, Jim McHugh, who plays the guitar in the Crunchy Western Boys, can be found outside carving walking sticks.
You will also find hand made hemp necklaces by Sam King who works at the Gondola. Hand made earrings and a local photographers work can be purchased as well.
The Artisan’s Gallery is open 9:30am – 4:00 pm for another two weeks. Enjoy the fall weather and be sure to stop in the gallery and say hi. 
The Leaves They Are a-Changin’
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By Katelyn Krumperman
Patches of sun peek out from the rain clouds and shine down on the tops of the trees. Red, orange, yellow, green, and purple colored leaves illuminate as the sun rays pass over them. Temperatures flucuate from 60 degrees to 50 degrees and cold rain showers pass by; fall has officially arrived at Loon Mountain.
The smell of apple crisp baking in the oven, driving my big wheel through the massive leaf pile my Dad put in the front yard, playing soccer, the crisp cool air, and carving pumpkins are just a few of my favorite memories of the fall growing up as a kid. Don’t get me wrong, I still like jumping in leaf piles but now the fall has a different meaning; winter is right around the corner.
At Loon Mountain we celebrate the fall with beer, German music, and brats at our annual Oktoberfest over Columbus Day Weekend. This year, we will have a few new activities so be sure to check out our website for detailed information. Continuing in the fall festivities, we added two new events to our calendar; the 1st Annual Monster Mud Run and the Halloween Monster Bash in the Bunyan Room. Both events take place on Oct. 29th so be sure to mark your calendars!
Until the snow starts to fly, enjoy the crisp cool air, the smell of applie crisp baking, and leaf piles. We’ll see you soon!
Temporary Two-Lane Vehicular Bridge Slated to Open Mid-November
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By Katelyn Krumperman
The damaged Loon Mountain Resort bridge, which provides access to the Resort from Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway, is being replaced by a temporary, two-lane vehicular bridge with a sidewalk, until the main bridge can be repaired next spring. This will allow normal winter operations to proceed as usual. In the meantime, the Resort remains open for fall events and activities, and alternate vehicular access is available via the South Peak Bridge, located two miles to the west in the town of Lincoln.
Construction of the temporary bridge is being handled by the NH Department of Transportation (NH DOT) and is now underway. The bridge is expected to be in place and open by mid-November. Repair work on the main bridge is slated to begin next spring, after the ski season ends, and will be conducted by an independent third-party contractor to be hired by the Town of Lincoln. The timeline for repair work and the main bridge reopening is not yet available.
Tropical Storm Irene dumped up to 10” of rain over the area on August 28, causing the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River to flood, undermining the bridge abutments and rendering Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway impassable east of the Resort. NH DOT closed the bridge on August 28 and then a portion of the bridge collapsed on August 31. A temporary pedestrian bridge was put in place for the 36th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games, which took place on September 16-18, and Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway was opened a week ahead of schedule on September 10, in plenty of time for the important foliage season.
“We would like to thank Governor Lynch, who recognizes the importance of tourism and the ski industry to the State’s economy, and who made a quick resolution possible in time for the Highland Games and the important upcoming winter ski season,” said Rick Kelley, Loon Mountain Resort’s president and general manager. “We would also like to thank NH DOT, the Town of Lincoln and all the utility companies for their many hours of work on an aggressive schedule to reopen this important access to Loon Mountain.”
Loon’s Gondola Skyride is open daily through October 16 and Segway Tours are available daily through October 10. The Loon Mountain Adventure Center and Riding Stable are open on weekends through October 10. Loon hosts the popular Oktoberfest on October 8-9, followed by the new Monster Mud Run mountain obstacle challenge and Halloween Monster Bash on October 29. New England Passes are on sale at pre-season prices through October 10.
For latest bridge updates, Resort and New England Pass information, and a full calendar of events, visit www.loonmtn.com.
Kilts, Kilts, and More Kilts – 36th Annual Highland Games Recap!
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By Katelyn Krumperman
Scottish flags waved high in the air, bagpipes echoed off the mountain walls, and thousands of people in colored kilts filled the grounds of Loon Mountain. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was in Scotland, not Lincoln, NH. Once again, it was time for the annual Highland Games.
I have always wanted to travel to Scotland and after experiencing my first Highland Games, I want to travel there more than ever. I have never seen so many bagpipes and kilts in my whole life – it was truly an amazing site! From 60 clans to sheephearding and heavy athletic events, the Scottish culture amazed me! I have to admit, I was so enthralled in the culture that I bought a celtic dog collar, a pair of earrings, and the Red Hot Chili Pippers CD.
Despite damage to the main bridge, the 36th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games went off without a hitch and the pedestrian bridge was great for getting people in and out of the games smoothly and organized. It was the highest attended Highland Games thus far and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Overall, it was a very successful weekend.
We’ll see you next year, Sept. 21-23, 2012, at the games! Get your kilt on!
Pedestrian Bridge OPEN to the Public
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By Katelyn Krumperman
Two weeks ago, part of the main bridge to Loon Mountain collapsed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Fortunately, we have been able to redirect traffic to Loon Mountain via the South Peak Bridge in Lincoln. Since then, town, state, and Loon employees have been working around the clock to put up a temporary foot bridge for the 36th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games, Sept. 16-18. The bridge is now OPEN to the public.
Please note, Black Mountain Road has been closed by the town and is expected to open on Wednesday. In the meantime, the town has contacted homeowners about the road closure and Loon has been running a shuttle during the day for affected homeowners. For guests of the Mountain Club on Loon (hotel), there is still parking on site with a short shuttle service for luggage if needed to the lobby.
A BIG thanks goes out to everyone who has helped recover from Irene’s mean path. Once the Games are finished, a two-lane temporary vehicular bridge will be put in place for the upcoming winter season. In the spring, there are plans to rebuild the bridge. Thanks for your support and concern! We look forward to seeing you at the Highland Games this weekend!
Update: Main Bridge Collapses, Loon Open for Summer Activities as Usual
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By Katelyn Krumperman
“It sounded like an earthquake,” said Meg White, assistant manager of the Loon Mountain Adventure Center, who lives at The Village of Loon condos. “It woke me out of bed.”
At 6am Wednesday morning, August 31, 2011, a section of the main bridge to Loon Mountain collapsed. Some remember Gloria … now they’ll remember Irene. Hurricane Irene dumped up to 10″ of rain over the area on Sunday, causing the East Branch of the Pemi River to flood, undermining the bridge abutments and closing Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway east of the Resort.
Thankfully no one was hurt when the bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning. The bridge had been closed on Sunday by the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT). Engineers were here Wednesday to look at the bridge, assess the damage, and to put a plan in place. An excavator was here during the day redirecting the flow of water under the bridge which was the first step of business.
Despite damage to the main bridge, Loon Mountain is open with all of our summer and fall activities. You can access Loon Mountain via the South Peak Resort bridge, located in downtown Lincoln. The 36th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games will take place as planned, Sept. 16-18.
So do us a favor and tell your friends to come up to the White Mountains this Labor Day Weekend and enjoy its beauty. We are OPEN!
For latest updates on the bridge collapse, please visit http://www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/PressDetails.aspx?page=/collagepages/Press/11_12_Bridge-Update-.aspx.xml
UPDATE: New Trails!
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By Katelyn Krumperman
August 4, 2011
Hi there! How are you? Many of you are probably wondering what the status is on our new trails; Twitcher, Jobber, and Dropline. Well, I am here to tell you about our progress.
On May 1st, we started working on Twitcher and Jobber on South Peak. As of right now, all blasting has been completed on steeper pitches. The snowmaking pipe is in place and has been welded and green grass is evident on 90% of the trails! The tower posts for the tower guns are in place as well.
“We are extremely pleased with how both [expert] trails came out,” said Ralph Lewis, Director of Mountain Operations. “It is great fall line skiing.”
NEW: You are probably wondering where and what Dropline is, right? Well the Burton Progression Park that used to be located on Little Sister has been moved to our new trail, Dropline. Moving the Burton Progression Park to Dropline will open more terrain for beginner lessons on Little Sister.
“We started working on Dropline in the middle of July,” said Jay Scambio, Boyne Resorts Terrain Park Development Manager. “We are almost done building the trail. We are just waiting for green grass and snowmaking to go in but everything else looks great.”
Stay tuned for more updates on our trail progress!
I Do … With the Most Amazing View
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July 27, 2011
By Katelyn Krumperman
Two words that mean trust. Two words that mean in sickness and in health. Two words that mean forever.
On July, 15, with the most amazing view set behind them, ”I do,” was said between Sean Donahue and Christina Helgerson at Loon Mountain‘s amphitheater. On a beautiful summer day with bluebird skies and Mount Washington in the distance, I had the privelage of shooting this beautiful couple as they shared their vows with one another.
For me, it wasn’t just any other couple getting married. By surprise, it was my former co-worker’s daughter getting married. Amongst smiles, tears, and hugs, I was able to share in the joy as well.
Every year, after the snow melts, Loon Mountain’s ground crew puts up the ampitheater on Big Dipper and it stays up through the fall. The amphitheater is fully wired for sound and can hold up to 300 people. For the past 15-20 years, Loon Mountain has been hosting weddings in the amphitheater on the mountain and in a given year, Loon hosts 20-30 weddings per year.
“We have coordinated weddings for people as far away as California. We are a destination wedding spot and people come from all over,” said Abby Guinan, Sales Manager for Loon Mountain.
Receptions can be held in either the Octagon Lodge or the Governor’s Lodge. Take it from me, if you are planning a destination wedding and love the White Mountains, plan your wedding at Loon Mountain. Trust me, you won’t regret “I do.”
Saw Lincoln through a whole new light … via a Segway PT Tour
Hi again!
I have to say, the way to see and learn about the history of Lincoln is to go on our new Segway PT Tours. New this summer, Loon Mountain added a new adventure to the already plethera of summer and fall activities. After a 45 minute training session where you watch a short safety video and learn how to ride the Segway, the adventure begins …
Via the beautiful Town of Lincoln’s paved bike path, the two hour guided Segway PT Tour takes you along the Pemi River and through the historic town of Lincoln. Moving up here this spring, I didn’t really know much about the history of Lincoln. From Segway-ing (not sure if that is a word or not) by J.E. Henry’s and Sherman Adams house to learning about the mill, I learned more about Lincoln than I thought I would.
If you are a history buff, this tour is for you. I have to say it was one of my favorite highlights of working at Loon this summer. So do yourself a favor and make a reservation for one of our guided Segway PT Tours, you won’t regret it. Until next time, have a great evening and stay cool.
Katelyn
A Beautiful Skyride with a Delicious End
Hi there!
Today I decided to take a ride up the Gondola Skyride to the summit to take a few pictures and to have lunch at the Summit Cafe. Since this is my first summer working at Loon, I have not had the privilege to see the mountain in the summer. As we rode up the Gondola, I noticed that the slopes were not covered in white but in luscious green – it was beautiful to see the mountain in a different light.
When we reached the summit, the jungle gym was covered with day campers from the A.D.A.P.T day camp visiting Loon Mountain for the day. Children in bright blue t-shirts climbed and played as their counselors looked on. With Sunset in the background and a view of Mount Washington, what a perfect spot to have a jungle gym.
Four cement walls of a new foundation stand where the old Ski Patrol Headquarters used to be. This summer we are building a new Ski Patrol Headquarters for the upcoming winter season. This will be a great addition to the mountain for the winter.
Jamaican colors and reggae music welcomed me as I walked into the Summit Cafe. From the Reggae Roll (Jerk Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, Peppers, Onions in a Tomato Wrap with Mango Chutney and Lettuce) and the Island BBQ (Pulled Pork with Carmelized Onions on a Warm Bun with a Chipolte Lime BBQ Sauce) to Shrimp Tacos, the Summit Cafe makes you feel like you have stepped off a plane and onto the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Thirsty and over 21? Try the Summit’s Rum Punch or Pina Colada and you’ll be sure to have a happy hike or ride down the mountain.
If you are coming to Loon Mountain for the day, take the time to take a ride up the Gondola Skyride. It is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the surroundings. The views from the top are breathtaking and the food is simply delicious.
Until next time,
Katelyn
