New Hampshire Family Ski Resort

Loon Mountain, a New Hampshire Mountain Resort, Gears Up for Summer--with a NEW Zipline!

Thursday, June 10, 2010 by Abby Guinan

The staff is in full swing, transitioning this NH ski area to one of the top New Hampshire family attractions for summer fun and entertainment. The zipline tower poles were in the process of being installed as I left work for the day. It is amazing to think that soon I will be paddling my whitewater kayak on the Pemi River under those adventurous souls "zipping" over me. Yes, you read it right, the zipline will CROSS the river- and return back to the Adventure Center--over Class III whitewater- some of the best paddling in the area.

There is never a dull moment at this New Hampshire ski resort- not only is the staff busy constructing the zipline; they are also busy cutting new trails and preparing for the new snow guns for the 2010-11 ski season.

There are also several fun events in the works for summer 2010- the Loon Mountain Summer Entertainment Series (from what I hear, this will be BIG!); the ever-popular Hot Dog Festival; the new Nor'Easter event with Eastern Mountain Sports, and, who can forget the New Hampshire Highland Games- back again to transform this NH ski resort into a Scottish festival of fun, food, INCREDIBLE music, and, you guessed it- GAMES. Tickets are on sale now! Don't forget to stop by the Governor's Lodge Fish Tent for the best fish 'n chips this side of the Atlantic- you'll be glad you did- and I just may be the one frying your fish!

Wedding season at Loon Mountain kicks off with the wedding of Seth and Stephanie, long-time Loon Mountain season pass holders and huge fans of New Hampshire skiing. They will tie the knot on June 19 in Loon's venue overlooking the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Sure to be an incredible party and a lot of fun, we wish Seth and Stephanie a life of happiness, laughter, and, well, SKIING!

For those already gearing up for the winter, be sure to go to www.loonmtn.com to purchase your New England Pass- it's never too early to wax those skis, check your bindings, and inventory your gear AND your pass for the upcoming ski season at Loon--my favorite New Hampshire Mountain Resort!

Hope to see you "zipping" away in the near future! If you see a red/yellow faded kayak with a ton of stickers on it padding feverishly below you, please, HOLD ON.

Seeking A Goggle Tan?? Consider New Hampshire Skiing at Loon Mountain!

Thursday, April 1, 2010 by Abby Guinan

As you sit at the office thinking of plans for the weekend, it may be a toss up between taking the golf clubs out on the back 9 or taking a trip north to enjoy the last few turns of the season. Sure, your "to do" list may seem a bit overwhelming with the upcoming Easter Holiday (don't forget to pick up the spiral ham!), but I have a solution that will make everyone in your family, especially you, absolutely thrilled.

Turn this sunny April weekend into a short New Hampshire family vacation- Loon Mountain has an action packed weekend full of events, apres ski parties, and, you guessed it- SUN!  Be sure to arrive early at your lodging facility Friday night- if you arrive early enough, swing by the Bunyan Room at Loon for the ever-so-popular Guinness Promo! Be sure to get some rest, however, the registration for the Slush Pool Party starts at 9am on Saturday in the Bunyan Room--this is a popular event and is sure to put a smile on EVERYONE'S faces in the family- bring Grandma, she'll love it too!

After testing the waters (and hopefully not sinking into them) at the Slush Pool party and enjoying some of the finest New Hampshire skiing around, don't forget to grab a cold, smooth draft at the Bunyan Room with our friends from Coors Light- prizes, music, and fun are all on the docket for some end-of-the-day fun!  Grab some dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in town to curb your appetite and hit the hay- it's going to be an early day on Sunday!

The Easter Sunrise Service rivals any holiday service offered- Reverend Skip Schwartz is always entertaining, inspiring, and comical. The gondola starts loading passengers at (gulp!) 5:30am and will only load until 6:15, so be sure to get there on time! I must say, it is an incredibly peaceful journey to the summit at such an early hour! The service begins promptly at 6:30am at the summit.  Following the service, light refreshments will be served in the Summit Cafe before skiers and boarders head down for the first of first tracks, that's for sure! Grandma, Grandpa, even Uncle Harry, or anyone who is not a skier or boarder can download the gondola and meet the rest of the family at the Octagon Lodge for PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY! Yes, you heard it right here- the Octagon Lodge will host the EASTER BUNNY for breakfast at 7:30! Before your friends have even started to make breakfast for the family, you have covered the services, breakfast, AND first tracks! The Easter Bunny and your favorite NH ski resort, Loon Mountain, have it all covered!

After a delightful pancake breakfast, join in on the Egg Hunt starting at 9am on Lower Bear Claw! A treat for all the skiers/riders in your family!  If you are still hungry and craving some lunch before heading back on the slopes or for the journey home, stop by the Cornerside Cafe for some phenomenal paninis-  leave the cooking and dishes to us!

Problem solved- you CAN have your ham and eat it too. Start a new family tradition for the Easter Holiday weekend! Take advantage of New England ski deals and New Hampshire ski and stay packages this weekend by visiting www.loonmtn.com.   There aren't many golf courses that offer a mini New Hampshire family vacation complete with the Easter Bunny, Sunrise Services, and SLUSH POOL fun! I sure wish my parents opted for an Easter Weekend at a New England ski resort instead of a weekend at Grandma's with dinner at the kids' table (yes, until I was 18) with 12 of my cousins....

The Many Uses of Snow at a New Hampshire Family Ski Resort

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Bud Scheller

Take a trip to your favorite New England ski area, or any ski resort for that matter, and you assume that there will be plenty of good skiing and snowboarding available. After watching patrons of my favorite New Hampshire family ski resort on and off for several weeks, I’ve noted there are a lot more uses for snow than just skiing and snowboarding. Some are pretty amusing to witness.

It really wasn’t much of a surprise to note that snow tubing is a fairly popular method of enjoying a snow-covered slope, but the different approaches to sitting in an oversized inner tube and sliding down a banked, well-groomed track are pretty funny. Seasoned veterans of the tubing track, usually around the age of 10, rip through the course like a bobsled driver in the Olympics--although at much slower pace--screaming and yelling with joy, and laughing all the way to the bottom of the run. Their less experienced parents, more often than not, casually make their way through the course at a leisurely rate of speed. They sort of remind me of folks out for a Sunday ride.

One group of youngsters looking for an alternative to skiing or riding, ditched their skis and snowboards and tried winter body surfing. All they needed was a small pile of snow, and room enough to lay down, lift their legs into the air and they were off. The run was short, just a matter of a few feet, but they were having fun. Obviously this form of getting down a slope can't and shouldn't be attempted where it would interfere with anyone on skis or a snowboard.

Snow also makes for great defensive fortifications. A group of kids, also apparently tired of skiing and riding for the day at this New Hampshire ski area, but not too worn out to break up into two groups, built some snow fortress walls and commenced taking turns charging the group making a stand behind the almost-well-constructed defensive snow barrier. The weapon of choice for both sides...what else but a handful of snowballs!

One of the cutest uses I noticed was a young child and her dad playing King of the Mountain out in front of one of the lodges. The little one kept trying to race to the peak of a 3-foot-high pile of snow only to be intercepted by her dad. Both would slip and slide down the hill tangled up in each other's arms, with the smaller of the two laughing and giggling the whole time. The little one always ended up on top and got the best of dad by the time they came to a stop at the bottom. She would smile and laugh some more and then beg to do it again! Nice to see.

Have a good one! -Bud

Even a Ski Mom Needs Some of Her Own Snow

Saturday, February 27, 2010 by Stacy Lopes

My daugther, Tabby, has been on school break this week, so we've been taking our own little New Hampshire family vacation right here at Loon every few days.  It's been a lot of fun being a "customer" vs. "the marketing girl."

Like many eight year-olds, Tabby can ski all the trails at our very own NH ski resort, and she brags about skiing down Rip Saw- Loon's double black diamond. I'm sure many parents reading this have experienced a New England ski area by way of the "snow-plow-behind-child." Luckily, we are two years out of that and we're able to rip it up together, making laps on the Gondola, North Peak, East Basin, South Peak. And let's not forget the laps on Little Sister- hanging out in Burton Progression Park. Together we are both learning to ride the rails and hit the jumps. She has informed me that we have best terrain park (even if I don't let her ski in the big one yet..) and it refreshing to know that I probably have 1-3 years left of being a cool mom....

Now here is my question- Does it make me a bad parent if I say, "Yes, there is something better than skiing with your kids?" It has certainly been a great week hanging out with my A#1 soul-sister, Tabby Lopes. But as I sit here looking at the snow still flying outside, I'm thinking about this morning's first tracks. A few words to describe my time on Angel Street and Upper Walking Boss this morning: heaven, uplifting, inspirational, fuel-for-the soul.

Fellow blogger, Kevin, and I headed up on a mission for the photo of the day. We usually can get this done in one run. But.... c'mon. On a morning like this, we needed to seriously test the product. I wouldn't say the snow on Angel Street was knee-deep, but it sure felt like as I was cutting through the powder down the steeps.  Then we headed up North Peak.  It was time to meet the Walking Boss. I think the best snow of the day was, by-far, on the skiers' right of Upper Walking Boss. It was totally giggle-yourself-happy type of snow.

As we approached Camp III, we glanced over to Brookway Extension, which was a blanket of white- just waiting for one of us glide through its beauty. And that's what we did.  Then, down Brookway to the base, where we were both slapped with the reality that it was back to work!

It certainly was a dream, and I'm thinking, it's only the last weekend in February. For sure, I have a couple more mornings like this in my long-range forecast.

So to wrap this up- skiing with your kid is incredible, but sometimes you have to take time for yourself....

Catch you on the next powder day...
Stacy

Where to say "I Do"? Consider a New Hampshire Mountain Resort!

Saturday, February 27, 2010 by Abby Guinan

Valentine's Day has come and gone, and if you were one of the lucky ones to say "YES" when your special someone popped the question, you are probably elated with joy and excitement, and overwhelmed with planning the "big day". Believe me, I plan weddings in my sleep, and it isn't as difficult as you may think. Most engaged couples think of different ways to make a memorable impression on their friends and family--veering away from the typical stuffy banquet halls and cookie-cutter wedding festivities. Did you know that Loon Mountain is a New England ski resort specializing in weddings in the summer and fall months?

Picture this: Your guests will take the four-person gondola to the summit of Loon Mountain, a premier New Hampshire ski resort. They'll be seated at the summit amphitheater, where they'll witness you and your new spouse exchange vows with the spectacular White Mountains as your "decoration" (heck, they are already there, so no need to pay a florist for that backdrop!). After the ceremony, guests will take the gondola back down to the base area to one of our tastefully-appointed base lodges for your cocktail hour and reception. There is nothing cookie-cutter about that!

Add in fall foliage, hiking, biking, horseback riding--all of our fabulous summer activities offered at New Hampshire's favorite ski area--you have an amazing New Hampshire family vacation for your guests! Destination weddings don't need to cost a bundle for your guests--and they can park their cars and make a long weekend event of it! It doesn't get much better than that!

Our wonderful sales staff, including yours truly, is on hand to help in any way we can--from recommending local vendors to helping with decorations, and just wait until you taste the amazing cuisine from our fabulous chefs! There are certainly many memorable ways to make your big day 2,100 vertical feet above any other, but think no further than Loon Mountain, not only a phenomenal New Hampshire ski resort, but also an out-of-the-ordinary wedding destination!

Fun New Hampshire Family Vacations

Friday, February 26, 2010 by Abby Guinan

Remember how much fun it used to be to pile into the family mini-van or station wagon during vacation week for a special destination? My father used to take a few days off from work and we would head North on Interstate 93- my mother had been planning a New Hampshire family vacation for weeks, but it was always a surprise to us kids.

Back then, everything was done over the phone, so Mom would call around for the best New Hampshire ski deals- often we would find ourselves skiing not too far from home- staying at the Indian Head Resort and skiing at Loon Mountain. Of course, the pool was always a highlight after we were done skiing, but the fact we were away from home (albeit 25 minutes away), staying in a hotel, and skiing one of the finest New Hampshire ski resorts, was pretty cool to talk about when we returned to school.

Planning a New Hampshire family vacation has become much easier since then. You can simply search New Hampshire ski deals and find terrific New Hampshire Ski and Stay packages - I'm sure Loon Mountain will be on the top of the list of the best deals in New Hampshire skiing. Get out there and see what Loon has to offer less than 2 hours from Boston- give your kids something to talk about when they go back to school. Sure, it's not Disney World, but there's always April vacation, right?

Work or pleasure?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 by Bud Scheller

One of the perks of working as the Snow Reporter at Loon Mountain, a New Hampshire family ski resort, is the opportunity to ski on a regular basis as part of your job. It’s pretty hard to accurately discuss snow conditions and trail attributes if you don’t sample the product on a regular basis. But believe it or not, there are times when getting out on the hill does seem like work, not pleasure. Take yesterday, for instance.

My basic morning duties were done early and I knew I should get out on the ski slopes to take Loon's website daily photo and check out a run or two on North Peak, some very popular ski terrain here at Loon Mountain. But, man did I dread the process of getting ready to go ski; I almost envisioned it as something akin to an astronaut getting geared up for a trip into space. Go down to the locker room, get my long johns and knee braces on. Ditch my jeans and get into ski pants and then climb back to the office and get into the ski boots. Geez, did this ever seem like a lot just for one, perhaps two, runs.

It would be a lot different if I were planning to spend the entire day skiing my favorite New Hampshire ski area, but that’s not the case. Did I mention that my office and my skis are at the top of a very narrow spiral staircase that was designed for people under six feet tall and ideally on the petite side...I’m neither, so getting out of the office and down to ground level is a chore in and of itself! Oh well, duty calls.

Somehow I managed to jump on the gondola 20 minutes before the NH ski resort officially opened to the public. Yup, opportunity for first tracks at a New Hampshire ski area--another perk! Halfway down Flying Fox I realized that I really needed people in my daily photo, and I was the only person on the mountain! I’d have to make at least one more run, find a picturesque spot, and get a shot of folks skiing and snowboarding down the ski slopes. Oh, the sacrifices we sometimes make.

Continuing the run down to the base of the North Peak Express ski lift started to erase the memory of all that work getting ready for “just a couple of runs”.   Still no one on the hill, ski trails are beautifully groomed and this is pretty sweet. Sure beats riding a desk!   Once at the summit, I hang around for a few minutes taking in the view and getting a couple of candidates for the photo of the day before heading down the Sunset trail. What a view from the top of that ski trail! You can see much of the New Hampshire ski area's other two peaks, much of town, and lots of vistas in all directions. This isn’t so bad!

Somehow the second--and planned--final run didn’t offer the daily photo shot I was looking for, so I made the supreme sacrifice and headed to the bottom for a third ride to the top and another run to the base area. Still only a few people on the hill and it felt like I was still making first tracks…I like this! To make a long story short, I managed to convince myself that I still had not taken the photo that I wanted and I really needed to make a couple more runs in an effort to get the right shot. The fact that I was having a ball and didn’t want to stop had nothing to do with it. Yeah, right!   Total runs: five. Daily photo: done. Continued complaints about all that bother getting ready to ski: none--until next time, but the results will be the same!

Loon Supports the American Red Cross Relief Efforts This Weekend

Friday, January 15, 2010 by Stacy Lopes

It's been another incredible day in New Hampshire skiing. However, we also recognize the hardship that is currently taking place in Haiti. Loon Mountain, along with its parent company, Boyne Resorts, and sister resorts across the country, has committed to contribute a monetary donation to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. For every lift ticket sold tomorrow, Saturday, January 16, Loon and all US Boyne Resorts will donate one dollar to the American Red Cross relief efforts.

Individual guest donations are encouraged and will be accepted from Saturday, January 16 –Monday, January 18. Donations can be made at all ticket windows, Snow Sports Information Desks and in the coffee shops located in the Octagon and Governor’s lodges.

We hope to see you tomorrow night at the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks! Check out our events calendar for the full weekend schedule.

With a bunch of winter still left, you should consider taking a New Hampshire family vacation. Ski and Stay Packages are available for families of all sizes.

Happy Winter!

-Stacy Lopes

Independence Weekend

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by Stacy Lopes

I can hardly believe that it's already Independence Weekend here at Loon Mountain. Wasn't it just yesterday that Santa was here in New Hampshire skiing??

Independence Weekend has to be one of the longest running traditions at any New England ski resort. We are all about celebrating our snow and our snowmakers, and the highlight for sure is the Fireworks Display and Torchlight Parade on Saturday evening, January 16, starting at 7:00 p.m. Below is the full schedule of events for the weekend:

Saturday
Uncle Sam on Stilts-throughout the resort all day
Mo the Clown in the Governor’s Lodge 3:00-6:00pm
Radio Disney with fun family activities in the Governor's Lodge 4:30 pm
Bud Light Apres Ski Party at Babe's and Bunyan Room 2:30pm
Snowcat Rides, line up at Kanc Quad 4:30-6:45pm
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks 7:00pm

Sunday
Uncle Sam on Stilts-throughout the resort all day
Bud Light Apres Ski Party at Babe's and Bunyan Room 2:30pm

Another little FYI-Our park crew has been working all week building out the rest of Loon Mountain Park. I got a great preview this morning when we were shooting our Thursday b-roll. I know I'm a little partial, but I think we have one of the best terrain parks in New England snowboarding! So meet us on Sunday at noon for Fun! Day in Park. It will take place at the new 1/4 pipe located just above our Superpipe. And did I mention it's the ONLY superpipe open in New Hampshire???

With so much going on this weekend, why not book a Ski and Stay package? Check out the lodging options on our website for the best in New Hampshire ski packages.

I hope you like our new blog. I am super excited that I have another way to tell my stories, and keep you updated with all the fun things happening at Loon!! -Stacy