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There are now seven destinations that will require reservations in hopes of preserving the ski experience.
18. Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
18. Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
What’s best about Loon is what’s most challenging too: Remarkably easy access means some pretty impressive crowds on weekends. Thankfully, Loon makes snowmaking and impeccable grooming a priority to keep conditions spiffy even on the busiest of days.
On mountain, intermediate groomers rule. You can find your bliss winding down Upper Walking Boss on North Peak (be ready to stop for an “aha” moment and selfie when you spot Mount Washington). Over at South Peak you’ll find thinner crowds, fast-moving lifts, and a nice variety of terrain. To experience Loon at its best, join the locals midweek when the trails are wide open and lines almost nonexistent.
Other than crowds, the most nagging critique of Loon is aimed at its base area, which, truth be told, could use some upgrades. Though Loon skiers are desperate for a new base lodge (or two), there are no plans for updates as of now. There are, however, some great food choices in those somewhat dated buildings—just try to beat the egg sandwich on the menu of the Governor Adams Lodge. – Moira McCarthy
No. 18 in the East: Loon Mountain, N.H.
Loon Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 160″ | 370 | 12 | 61 |
Loon Mountain Pass Info
Loon is on the Ikon Pass and the New England Pass. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the mountains. Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days. The New England Pass gets skiers access to Loon, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf with varying levels of access.
Trip Planning
From lodging and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Loon Mountain, N.H.
Local Tip
Park at South Peak to start your day skiing on parts of the resort where you’ll find more sun, wide cruisers, and fewer crowds.
Down-Day Activity
Snowshoe along the resort’s summer bike trails with a guide, or ride up the gondola and shoe from summit to summit, taking in amazing views.
Best Breakfast
Head to Flapjack’s Pancake House; the made-from-scratch pancakes are decadent, and a model train circles above, for added fun.
Down-Day Activity
Take a guided summit snowshoe tour, go snow tubing, or—get this—zipline across the Pemigewasset River, even in the dead of winter.
On-Mountain Eats
Camp III at the base has a lumberjack feel and hearty fare to match it. Try the pulled pork sandwich (secret recipe) on the deck: The best sunny day spot on the mountain.
Après Spot
Stop by the Paul Bunyan Room, especially during football season and the annual ’80s party. It’s a hoot.
Don’t Miss
The oft-overlooked in winter J.E. Henry Railroad at the base. A classic steam-powered, wood-fired train that takes you between lodges. Kitchy, yes, but cool and fun for all ages.
What’s best about Loon is what’s most challenging too: Remarkably easy access means some pretty impressive crowds on weekends. Thankfully, Loon makes snowmaking and impeccable grooming a priority to keep conditions spiffy even on the busiest of days.
On mountain, intermediate groomers rule. You can find your bliss winding down Upper Walking Boss on North Peak (be ready to stop for an “aha” moment and selfie when you spot Mount Washington). Over at South Peak you’ll find thinner crowds, fast-moving lifts, and a nice variety of terrain. To experience Loon at its best, join the locals midweek when the trails are wide open and lines almost nonexistent.
Other than crowds, the most nagging critique of Loon is aimed at its base area, which, truth be told, could use some upgrades. Though Loon skiers are desperate for a new base lodge (or two), there are no plans for updates as of now. There are, however, some great food choices in those somewhat dated buildings—just try to beat the egg sandwich on the menu of the Governor Adams Lodge. – Moira McCarthy
No. 18 in the East: Loon Mountain, N.H.
Loon Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 160″ | 370 | 12 | 61 |
Loon Mountain Pass Info
Loon is on the Ikon Pass and the New England Pass. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the mountains. Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days. The New England Pass gets skiers access to Loon, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf with varying levels of access.
Trip Planning
From lodging and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Loon Mountain, N.H.
Local Tip
Park at South Peak to start your day skiing on parts of the resort where you’ll find more sun, wide cruisers, and fewer crowds.
Down-Day Activity
Snowshoe along the resort’s summer bike trails with a guide, or ride up the gondola and shoe from summit to summit, taking in amazing views.
Best Breakfast
Head to Flapjack’s Pancake House; the made-from-scratch pancakes are decadent, and a model train circles above, for added fun.
Down-Day Activity
Take a guided summit snowshoe tour, go snow tubing, or—get this—zipline across the Pemigewasset River, even in the dead of winter.
On-Mountain Eats
Camp III at the base has a lumberjack feel and hearty fare to match it. Try the pulled pork sandwich (secret recipe) on the deck: The best sunny day spot on the mountain.
Après Spot
Stop by the Paul Bunyan Room, especially during football season and the annual ’80s party. It’s a hoot.
Don’t Miss
The oft-overlooked in winter J.E. Henry Railroad at the base. A classic steam-powered, wood-fired train that takes you between lodges. Kitchy, yes, but cool and fun for all ages.
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Loon Mountain, NH
A White Mountain beauty heralds the Northeast's largest expansion in almost a quarter-century.
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