Loon Mountain NH (US)

Loon mountain has a team of veteran snow makers (97% trail coverage) that perform an excellent job of making snow to help in sparse winters. This may not generate enough snow in the glades but the trails will have great cover and be groomed nicely.

Beginners and Intermediates:

Most of the mountain can be skied by most as there isn't anything that is really that difficult. There are a few green trails, but most are are rated as blue trails. The mountain stats says: 22% Novice 56% Intermediate 22% Expert. Most of the intermediate runs can be accessed from both the Octagon and Governor Adams Lodge.

Rampasture is a nice wide trail that was nicely groomed.   Rampasture is accessed by taking the Kancamagus Express from Governor Adams Lodge.  Rampasture splits into Lower Northstar, which is also a nice trial underneath the  Kancamagus Express.  Most of the trails accessed from this lift are nice runs for beginners and intermediate skiers. 

Another nice trail is the Boom Run on the South Peak.  Either take the Lincoln Express Quad from the Pemigewasset Base Camp or the Tote Road Quad from the Summit Lodge.  The Tote Road Quad is the only way to get to and from the South Peak, except from taking the shuttle bus.  The quad is a nice ride with a nice view overlooking a lake between the South Peak and Loon Peak.

Expert Runs:

Although there are not any runs which will truly challenge an expert skier, the terrain at Loon Mountain does have a few trails that can be fun for the experienced skier.  The most difficult terrain is on the North Peak.  Take one of the lifts from the Octagon Lodge and ski over to Camp III Lodge and take the North Peak Express.  Both the Upper Walking Boss, Upper and Lower Flume are nice and steep (although groomed).   Another nice and steep run is the Ripsaw on the South Peak.  Ripsaw is the only double diamond run at Loon, which makes it our top pick for Experts skiing this mountain. 

Moguls:

The Loon Mountain trail map conspicuously marks mogul runs with a large "M". Only three expert black diamond runs get this distinguished marking, Lower Flume (North Peak Express Quad lift line), Rolling Bear and Angel Street (next to East Basin lift). The moguls were conspicuously absent.

Trees:

The trail map marks tree skiing areas with a circled tree symbol. These areas are not covered my snow making equipment and thus require a descent snow fall for ground coverage. There are a few areas which might be good if the conditions were right. The "Scaler" area (lower part of the mountain) has some intermediate glades and can be accessed by taking the Seven Brother's lift from the Octagon Lodge. For a little more challenging glades, try "Under Cut" on the South Peak or "Bucksaw" on the North Peak. Neither of these glades were accessible during our visit.

Loon has 5 terrain parks with terrain for every ability. The Loon Mountain Park is the largest terrain park and has large jumps, rails, 32 foot high wall ride. Snowboard Magazine rated Loon in the Top Ten in North America! There is also a 450 foot 18 foot high Superpipe as well as a mini-pipe.

Babe's Blue Ox lounge is located in the upper level of the Governor Adams Lodge and has a mellow aprés gathering. The Paul Bunyan Room will host a better attended and more lively aprés ski gathering, often with live entertainment.

Nightlife is off mountain and in the town of Lincoln NH.