When Loon Mountain Resort first opened in the winter of 1966, there wasn’t a whole lot to do besides ski, eat fondue, and pretend to enjoy mulled wine. Back then, town of Lincoln was a sleepy hamlet anchored by a struggling paper mill and few amenities.
Fast-forward 50 years, and the Lincoln-Woodstock area has become a much different place. From dogsledding tours to microbreweries, there’s no shortage of fun things to do all year round. In honor of our 50th anniversary, we drew up a list of our favorite 50 ways to make the most of our little slice of paradise. You’ll find half of the list here; for the rest, check out this year’s edition of Loon Magazine. Enjoy!
- Kilts, Cabers, and Haggis: Oh My!
One of the largest Scottish festivals in the country, the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival features top Scottish bands, classic Highlander cuisine, Scottish heavy athletics, and dozens of other unique cultural attractions. And kilts. Lots of kilts. September 15-17, 2017. nhscot.org
- All Aboard!
Tired of schlepping your skis across the parking lot? Hop aboard the J.E. Henry Railroad, our antique steam locomotive. This wood-fired beast will transport you the 600 feet between the Octagon and Governor Adams lodges. Want to see it in action? Watch the video.
The cars may have changed, but the train hasn’t.
- Powder to the People
On the next powder day, wake up early and score first tracks on North Peak. You’ll be glad you did.
Shredding some pow on Upper Flume.
- Flip For Flapjacks
Flapjack’s Pancake House in downtown Lincoln serves up some of the best hotcakes in town, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Flapjacks, Fluffernutter Flapjacks, and a host of other healthy breakfast choices.
- Toss a Keg
With an Oompah-band providing the soundtrack to a stein-hoisting contest, keg toss, and kids’ activities (including a root beer keg toss and pumpkin painting) you’ll love White Mountain Oktoberfest here at Loon Mountain. Columbus Day Weekend.
- Grab a Burger
After a long day on the slopes, Black Mountain Burger Co. is the perfect place to grab a beer and burger. Pro Tip: Ditch the bun and ask for your burger on a pretzel roll. You’re welcome.
- ‘80s Day
Help us celebrate a decade of big skis, big hair, and bold fashion choices. Once the lifts close, rock out to ‘80s cover band Fast Times. April 1, 2017.
- You Otter See This
On hot summer days, cool off at the Otter Rocks swimming hole, located several miles east of Loon on the Kancamagus Highway.
- Camp III, Take II
This winter, check out the newly-renovated Camp III lodge, and order the venison stew while you’re there. Pro Tip: try the Pulled Pork Sandwich.
The Camp III Pulled Pork Sandwich
- One Love
The One Love Brewery opened in 2015, and it’s been serving up great food – and German-style beers – ever since. The seasonal lineup of Weissbiers, Kolsches, and other German brews changes regularly, so you’ve got a built-in excuse for repeat visits. onelovebrewery.com 603-745-7290
- Kancamagus Moonrise
When the full Harvest Moon arrives in September, drive the Kancamagus Highway to the top of 2,855-foot Kancamagus Pass. As the sun sets, look east and watch the giant orange moon rise slowly over the White Mountains. Bring a camera.
Supermoon rises over the Kancamagus Highway, Sept. 27, 2015
- Going Once…
Even if you don’t snowboard, you’ll love Last Call. Watch as some of the best riders in the country battle each other for bragging rights (and cash) in a supersized Loon Mountain Park. Mid-March.
- Full Moon
The Peaked Moon Farm Stand is a small market that sources all of its farm-fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from Peaked Moon Farm in Piermont, N.H. You can also enjoy a variety of prepared foods including soups, hummus, pesto, salads and more. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
- Get Lost
Find yourself by navigating the labyrinth LogJam Maze here at Loon. This fort-themed jumble of twists, turns and dead ends is sure to put your sense of direction to the test.
- MAXimize Winter
Loon is a proud member of the M.A.X. Pass, which offers five days of skiing and riding at each of 38 mountains across North America. Already have a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or College New England Pass? Just get yourself a M.A.X. Pass Add-On. Find out more at themaxpass.com.
- Aerial Forest
Harness up in our Aerial Forest Adventure Park, where you can explore the high alpine forest via five ropes courses of varying difficulty levels.
- Summer and Fall Gondola Rides
Hop on the Gondola during the summer and fall to enjoy New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride. The trip takes about eight minutes – at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the White Mountains.
- Tiny Snowboarders of the World, Unite!
Thanks to our innovative Burton Riglet Park Experience lessons, kids as young as three can learn to snowboard. Find out more here.
- Island Lunch
The next time you’re skiing or riding, ward off the winter chill by grabbing lunch at the Summit Café near the top of the Gondola. Do as the locals do and order a Reggae Roll and Rum Punch.
Reggae Roll and Rum Punch. Boom.
- Volunteer
Give back to the Loon community by volunteering at New England Disabled Sports. This nationally-recognized, year-round adaptive sports and recreational program offers daily lessons in skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Pray for Snow
Join Loon Mountain Ministry for a nondenominational mountaintop service on Loon Peak every winter Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Easter ‘Sunrise’ Service, hosted by Loon Mountain Ministry.
- Cool Off in a Cave
Explore the glacial caves at the summit of Loon Mountain, where you’ll climb, crawl, and skirt your way through a field of giant glacial boulders.
- Get Mug’d
Join the Mug Club in the legendary Paul Bunyan Room, the heart and soul of Loon’s après scene. Just get here early on opening day – when the mugs go on sale – or you’ll miss out.
Join the club
- New England Ski Museum
Step back in time by visiting the New England Ski Museum in Franconia Notch. You’ll see antique skis, boots – and even one of Bode Miller’s Olympic gold medals.
- Pour Some (Maple) Sugar on Me
When the maple sap flows this spring, visit Fadden’s General Store & Maple Sugarhouse in downtown North Woodstock to see how genuine New Hampshire maple syrup is made.
- Declare Your Independence
Help us celebrate our snowmakers during Independence Weekend, with fireworks, torchlight parade, and groomer rides. January 14-15.
- Hair of the Dog
Need a pick-me-up after a legendary Saturday night in the Bunyan Room? Just head over to Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge for Bloody Mary Mornings, our build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar. #BlueOxBloody
