WINTER
2013-14
MAGAZINE
MEET THE SNOWMAKERS NEW $1.3 MILLION INVESTMENT IN SNOWMAKING
BORN FROM ASH BUILDING LOON’S FIRST TERRAIN PARKS
LINCOLN & WOODSTOCK
BASE CAMP FOR MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
INSIDE LOON LOWDOWN #LOONEVENTS LOONMTN.COM | LINCOLN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
AREA LODGING GUIDE
WAFFLES OR PANCAKES? Apple or Android? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Red Bull? Olives or a twist? Bluebird or Pow?
WINTER 2013/14 * Worst movie you’ve ever seen? EDITOR Molly Mahar VP Marketing mmahar@loonmtn.com *Gigli (see Bart’s answer below) MANAGING EDITOR Greg Kwasnik Communications Manager gkwasnik@loonmtn.com *Glitter PRODUCTION MANAGER Kevin Bell Marketing Manager kbell@loonmtn.com *Letters to Juliet ART DIRECTOR Bart King Senior Graphic Designer bking@loonmtn.com *Any movie with Jennifer Lopez. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tyler Davis, Greg Kwasnik CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Bell, Dan Brown, Allan Guilbeault, Sherri Harkin, Bart King, Greg Kwasnik, Jeremy Mayhew, Dan Moore, Gus Noffke, Michael Riddell, Dennis Welsh ADVERTISING SALES Dyke Shaw, TransCoast Media dyke@transcoastmedia.com
Free will. Don’t tread on me. And don’t fence me in, either. We Americans love our freedom. And our choices, large and small, have a role in defining who we are. We research, talk to our friends, and scour the internet and social media sites for information, reviews and opinions. Sometimes we use a methodical process to arrive at our choices, and we can clearly articulate the reasons why we made them. And sometimes we can’t explain why we made the choices we did. But, at the end of the day, it comes down to doing the right thing and being satisfied. Happy, even. So why do we choose a place? Because it’s new. Exciting. Dynamic. Big enough to explore, but maybe not too big. Diverse. Comfortable. Welcoming. Close, but still far enough away. Maybe you’ve never been here and you’re looking for a new experience. And, if you’re reading this, you have already chosen Loon, at least to some degree. Perhaps you want a place to spend the holiday break with your kids, to watch them progress in their lessons and share some solid family time on the mountain together. You may have attended college nearby and spent most of your extra-curricular hours lapping our lineup of terrain parks. You might be a loyal New England Pass holder who’s discovered our serious commitment to great snow. Or you could be here with friends, and you’re skiing for the first time. There are many different reasons to choose Loon, and we’ve tried to capture some of them here, both in our words and those of our guests. In this issue, you’ll meet our snowmakers, relive the early days of Loon’s terrain parks, take a ride on the JE Henry Railroad, get the goods on snowsports lessons and programs, the best dining and après, events and entertainment, where to stay, and more information that will help you make the most of your visit–whether you’re here for a weekend or the whole season. #ichooseloon Choose it and share it. We’d love to hear from you. –Molly Mahar Editor And, in case you’re wondering: Apple, chocolate, coffee, olives, both.
Twitter: @loonmtn Instagram: @loonPOV @loonparksNH facebook.com/loonmtn /loonparksNH blog.loonmtn.com
Loon is the only place where I feel truly FREE. And that is why #ichooseloon | CM
PUBLISHED BY Loon Mountain Resort 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH 03251 A Boyne Resort LOONMTN.COM | 800-229-LOON 603-745-8111 ON THE COVER Skier: Bryce Hanrahan Photo: Greg Kwasnik Location: Lower Flume
Products with a Mixed Sources label support the development of responsible forest management worldwide. The wood comes from FSC certified well-managed forests, company-controlled sources and/or postconsumer reclaimed material. Go to fscus.org for more information. loonmtn.com
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Village of Loon Mountain Resort
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CONTENTS
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
WINTER 2013-14
Born From Ash…21
Meet Steve Ash, the creator who breathed life into Loon’s first terrain parks.
Full Steam Ahead!…30
Most ski areas rely on shuttle buses to get you from A to B. Loon operates an antique steam locomotive, just to keep things interesting.
LOON LOWDOWN
Mountain news, dining hot spots, snowsports, and essential vacation secrets.
What’s New …7 Learn about major offseason improvements to snowmaking, expanded terrain park offerings for kids, and plans to build an ice castle at the Adventure Center.
Insider’s Guide…9 Follow one of our Mountain Hosts as he shares 13 ways to optimize your visit to Loon.
We Are Snowmakers…10 Meet two of Loon’s snowmaking aces and learn how they made it big in snowbusiness.
#LoonEvents…32
Light Mechanic…44
Loon POV…48
Your guide to a winter packed with fun events, innovative competitions, and great music.
Lift mechanic Scot Holt wakes up early every morning to keep Loon’s chairlifts in top working order – and takes some awesome photos in the process.
While most couples enjoy bachelor and bachelorette parties before their wedding day, David and Amy Kovick decided to run a triathlon hours before they tied the knot atop Loon Mountain.
Deep Thoughts…34 Join us as we think not-so-deep thoughts and drool over some of the best powder days from the winter of 2012/13.
Whether it’s your first time on snow or you’re dreaming of an X-Games podium, realize your potential with a full lineup of Snowsports activities.
Loon’s gear experts give us the rundown of this season’s hottest skis, snowboards, and boots. Follow our sophisticated “meat map” to find some of the choicest dining spots in Lincoln and North Woodstock.
Slopeside Dish…17 We give you the skinny on where to fill your belly.
Loon Saloons…19 A pint-sized guide to the area’s essential après spots.
If you just visit Loon during the winter months, you’re only getting half the story.
Gear Review…40
Well Done…43
Snowsports…12
Green Acres…50
Cold as Ice…46 An Ice Castle will rise from the base of Loon Mountain this winter, thanks to Utah-based craftsman/builder Brent Christensen.
On the Town…47
#i #ichooseloon loon ski school is where I learned to ski back in 1993. Favorite mountain ever since. #bearclaw #nowripsaw | @wwall3rd
Veteran Loon snowboarder Tyler Davis enjoys a weekend in the mountains without strapping into his snowboard. Not even once.
Lincoln/Woodstock Lodging Directory…52 Rest your head at one of the many lodging properties located in the Lincoln/Woodstock area.
Mountain 411…56 Trail map, mountain stats, hours, and more.
Encore…58 We tip our hat to the snowmakers, who keep the season strong from beginning to end.
Last winter we asked a simple question: Why do you choose Loon? Over the last year we received dozens of inspiring answers, some of which you’ll find scattered throughout this magazine. But one reason stood out from the rest. Twitter user @WWall3rd responded with the tweet above. This winter, we’re giving @WWall3rd a free Ski & Stay package for
two at The Mountain Club on Loon, because without people like @ WWall3rd, Loon wouldn’t be what it is today. Join the conversation! Shout #ichooseloon from your social mountaintop. We’ll be listening. And rewarding another lucky chooser at the end of the 13/14 winter season. loonmtn.com
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Loon LowDown
WHAT’S NEW? WINTER 2013-14
Varying terrain with reliable snow, everyone knows Loon is the place to go. –MD
“Our snowmaking investments during the past three years have totally changed the way we make snow, which translates to more terrain open earlier, and a better, more consistent snow surface for our guests.” Ralph Lewis, VP of Operations
Photo: Gus Noffke
SNOWMAKING New Hampshire’s most powerful snowmaking system is now even stronger. Over the summer, Loon supercharged its system by installing two new snowmaking pumps, 100 semi-automatic snowmaking hydrants, and 29 additional lowenergy, high-efficiency tower guns. The new pumps alone increased the resort’s snowmaking water capacity by more than 40 percent, allowing snowmakers to pump an additional 3,200 gallons of water per minute. That extra water means more snow on the mountain, plain and simple. Other off-season improvements have greatly increased Loon’s snowmaking efficiency. With 100 new snowmaking hydrants, snowmakers now spend 75 percent less time firing up and shutting down snow guns on popular trails. And the new tower guns allow our snowmakers to crank out more of Loon’s superior snow than ever before. These snowmaking improvements are just the latest in a series of efforts to revolutionize snowmaking at Loon. Since 2010, the resort has invested $3 million to more than double its snowmaking capacity–adding 650 highefficiency, low-energy tower snow guns that allow more production at marginal temperatures, better efficiency during shorter weather windows, and better snow throughout the season–all while using less electricity.
TERRAIN PARKS This summer saw completion of the first of a two-phase expansion of the Burton Lil’ Stash, Loon’s newest terrain park for kids. When the second phase is completed next year, the Paul Bunyan-themed terrain park will be twice the size it was last winter, with new berms, rollers, jumps, and fun animal carvings. The park, located in a glade to the east of the Little Sister chairlift, is a quiet place for kids to develop park and freeriding skills, and the mellow gladed terrain lets aerially-challenged parents have fun, too. ONLINE Click on over to loonmtn.com this winter and you’ll notice a completely new design that’s easy to navigate whether you’re on your desktop, tablet, or mobile device–so you’ll always know what’s going on at Loon, no matter where you are!
LEARNER’S CLUB CARD Never skied or snowboarded before? Get a Learner’s Club Card when you sign up for an Adult Group Intro Package ($109 for lesson, novice lift ticket & rentals) and you’ll be on your way to a winter full of savings. When you take a second Intro Package, you’ll get an Unlimited Rental Pass, good for free equipment rentals at Loon Mountain all winter long. Cardholders will also be able to save $25 on midweek tickets and $15 on weekends and holidays.
Latest News LoonMtn.com
650 Number of high-efficiency tower snowguns Loon Mountain has added since 2010.
Installing new snowmaking hydrants: Bear Claw Extension, July 2013
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
“Our snowmaking investments during the past three years have totally changed the way we make snow, which translates to more terrain open earlier, and a better, more consistent snow surface for our guests,” said Ralph Lewis, Loon’s VP of Operations. “The additional tower guns, water pumping capacity, and new hydrants will mean even better efficiency and more snow on the hill.” loonmtn.com
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Loon LowDown
INSIDER’S
6
GUIDE
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6 Juggling helmets and hot cocoa? Use the basket check
in the Governor’s and Octagon lodges, or our coin-operated lockers, and you’ll never spill chili on your gloves again.
As one of Loon’s
Mountain Hosts, Marcus Corey is one of the most gosh-darn helpful guys around. Take his advice and get the most out of your visit to Loon.
with locations in the Governor’s and Octagon Lodges, is the place to go for everything from lip balm to a new pair of skis.
8 Phone addict?
Download Loon’s latest smart phone app before you get here. Once you’re on the slopes you can track vertical and other stats. You’ll win friends and crash the internet. Probably.
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1 It pays to plan ahead.
If you’re skiing or riding two or more consecutive days, you can save by purchasing an eTicket in advance at Loonmtn.com.
9 Get closer to God
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2 Fear of commitment?
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For a few dollars more than the cost of a lift ticket, the Frequent Skier Card gets you a free lift ticket, plus savings of up to $25 per lift ticket for the rest of the season. The savings even extend beyond Loon, since the card is good at Sunday River and Sugarloaf, too!
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1
3 Lost? Our Mountain Hosts can
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Loon Mountain Ministry’s unique mountaintop worship service starts at the top of Loon Peak and winds its way down the mountain, stopping for scripture readings, music, and prayer. Marcus is the minister, so you know you’re in good hands. Services begin Sundays at 11am on the deck of the Summit Café.
10 We’ll watch your stuff. Use the ski/board check and overnight storage, conveniently located slopeside near the Governor’s and Octagon lodges, and breathe easy. 11 Rent Slopeside.
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4 Corduroy wearing thin?
If you’re unsatisfied with the day’s snow conditions, Loon’s Snow Guarantee allows you to turn in your ticket by 11am in exchange for a voucher to ski or ride another day this season.
12 Trust this face. Locals’ secret
is to score first tracks by parking at South Peak/Pemi Base Camp. When everyone else is riding up the gondola, you’ll be cruising down Ripsaw.
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Trouble getting out of bed? Thanks to our $29 Sunday Afternoon Ticket (non-holiday), you won’t have to rush to catch first chair. Roll up at noon, and ski all afternoon on the cheap.
The Mountainside Rental Shop, located just past the Governor Adams Lodge, opens a half hour before the lifts each morning. Rent your equipment after 2pm, and you can keep it through the next day. Save time by reserving online at Loonmtn.com.
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13 Feeling run down? Swing by Loon Mountain Sports to give your skis or board a world-class tune. Using our Snowell® tuner (the same tuner used by World Cup racers), our techs use a four-step process that breathes new life into your gear. With polished bases and stone-ground edges, you’ll carve through corduroy like a hot knife through butter.
I can tell that we are going to be friends... Facebook.com/LoonMtn
loonmtn.com
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Photo: Sherri Harkin
help. Clad in black jackets, these hospitable ninjas will carry your gear, point you in the right direction, and help make your visit everything you hoped it would be.
7 Huntin’ for a new hat? Loon Mountain Sports,
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Loon LowDown
ERIC COMTOIS & RYAN SMITH
WE ARE SNOWMAKERS E ric Comtois and Ryan Smith are some of the hardest-working guys in snow business. As Loon’s snowmaking foremen, they’re responsible for the vast moveable blizzard that buries the mountain every winter.
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#i
best snow coverage in the east! #letitsnow | @ferrants
Photos: Greg Kwasnik
From November through February, Comtois and Smith manage the vast labyrinth of snowmaking pipes, guns, and tough-as-nails snowmakers that give Loon Mountain its superior snow. It’s a job that has become even bigger over the past three years, as the introduction of 650 new high-efficiency, low-energy snow guns have more than doubled the resort’s capacity to make snow.
Loon Mountain: What does a typical shift look like for a snowmaking foreman? Eric Comtois: Last night I walked in, had to get changed real quick, headed out, and then we fired up Cruiser. Directly after that, we shut down Lower Picked Rock. Immediately after that, we fired up Rampasture and Snubber. As soon as those were done firing up, we went to Crosscut. From the moment I got here until 11:30 last night, I didn’t sit for two minutes. Ryan Smith: As a snowmaker you get assigned a trail and you maintain that trail through your shift. But as a foreman you have to make sure that all those trails are maintained–that no pipe is frozen, and that your water’s going where it needs to go. LM: Eric, you’ve worked as a snowmaker at Loon for 15 years. How is today’s snowmaking equipment different from what you worked with back then? EC: Today they’re easy on, easy off, and they’re relatively low maintenance. So we can run a trail for eight hours, put down a couple inches, and then jump to the next trail again. We can move around much easier and faster, which works out great for us. Ten or fifteen years ago, we had few towers so it was mostly land guns. We spent all our time setting up trails and it would take so long that to make it worthwhile, you’d have to stay on that trail and build a base. You couldn’t jump around like we do now. LM: What’s the advantage of jumping around quickly from trail to trail? EC: It’s a great thing because it allows us to resurface these trails so much more often, so we keep the skiing that much better. In the past, if we got a lot of rain, we relied on the grooming team to fix it back up again. Bare spots, we used to work on that. Now we can really make the skiing a lot sweeter, a lot more quickly, too. LM: Ryan, you’re 21 years old. What’s it like being Loon’s youngest snowmaking foreman? RS: Everyone who works under me is older than I am. They didn’t want to listen to a 21-year-old tell them how to make snow. That was difficult for me. But all in all, the guys that I have under me worked with me the last two years, so they knew that I work hard and I wouldn’t just sit back and let them do everything. I am right there with them, firing up trails, shutting trails off along with valving and draining and doing my job. That earned their respect for me. LM: Snowmakers at Loon seem to get a lot of positive feedback from skiers and riders. Have people complimented you on your work? EC: It’s so nice. When we’re walking around, so many people will come up to us and thank us for making snow, tell us what a great job we’re doing. It’s nonstop and it’s just great to hear. RS: It’s definitely rewarding when we’re walking down trails, checking guns, and they ski by and say ‘Nice job, the snow’s great!’ I had a couple guys stop and say they’d been to other mountains, and our mountain’s snow quality is better than other mountains, by far.
Ryan Smith
Eric Comtois
“It’s definitely rewarding when we’re walking down trails, checking guns, and (guests) ski by and say ‘Nice job, the snow’s great!’ ” –Ryan Smith
#i Superior Snow Guarantee. LoonMtn.com/superiorsnow
Best snowmaking in New England. Thank you! #loonsnow @karenwils loonmtn.com
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Loon LowDown
SNOWSPORTS
Loon’s Snowsports pros can help skiers and riders of all ages and abilities excel on the hill.
#i Spent the best family weekend teaching our kids to ski for the first time - #ichooseloon | @lturnernh1m
Photo: Dan Brown
KIDS’ PROGRAMS (ages 3–12)
P.K. Boo & KinderBear Programs (ages 3–6) Loon offers both full- and half-day P.K. Boo (for 3-year-olds, ski only) and KinderBear (for 4- to 6-year-olds, ski and snowboard) programs. The P.K. Boo program includes on-snow learning and fun indoor activities. Both programs are dedicated to teaching kids the basic skills in a fun environment. In addition to their lessons and lift tickets, all children are given snacks, hot cocoa, or juice. Fullday and morning camps include lunch. Discovery Camp (ages 7–12) Instructors for these half- or full-day lessons are specifically trained to teach children. Kids visit the nine Adventure Zones–areas scattered around the mountain that teach about local logging history and woodland animals–while improving skiing and riding skills. After they complete activities at each zone, kids receive GagaBands (like Silly Bandz) to mark their achievements. Fullday and morning camps include lunch. 12
Burton Riglet Park Experience (ages 3–6) These snowboardspecific lessons are perfect for kids looking to launch into snowboarding. Using the Paul Bunyanthemed Burton Riglet Park – complete with wood carvings of owls, bears and a replica steam train–beginner riders are immersed in a creative & playful environment to enhance their first experience of sliding on snow. As instructors tow students through the park using the Burton Riglet Reel (a retractable leash that attaches to the nose of the snowboard) kids gain balance and other vital skills. The Riglet Park Experience includes: lift ticket, lesson, lunch, snacks, indoor-outdoor games, and activities.
“Most of our lessons are full day–giving parents the freedom to be on the mountain and also allowing for maximum learning of new skills.” Tim Wolfgram Loon Snowsports Director
Daycare (6 weeks–6 years) Full and half-day* daycare is available in the Children’s Center, which features large playrooms with ample space for age-appropriate games and activities, plus a newly-soundproofed sleeping room for infants. Lunch is included for children one year old and older. *Half-day only available non-holidays. Park & Pipe Progression Camp (ages 10-17) Skiers and riders learn tips and techniques to optimize their park and pipe experience. This program is for skiers and riders who can comfortably link turns on blue terrain. Come ready to experience Loon’s full progression of awardwinning terrain parks.
Kids Rule Loon. LoonMtn.com/kids
BURTON RIGLET PARK & LIL’ STASH Loon Mountain is home to some of the biggest, gnarliest terrain parks in New England, including Loon Mountain Park’s mile-long torrent of snow roiling with huge kickers, rails, and adrenaline. But last winter, Loon decided to try something different. It decided to think small.
ADULT LESSONS & SPECIALTY CAMPS
Last December, Loon opened the Burton Riglet Park and Lil’ Stash, two tiny terrain parks integrated into the resort’s learn-to-ride programs. Built in collaboration with Burton Snowboards, the new parks have transformed the way children learn to snowboard, and how families use the mountain. The Burton Riglet Park, designed for snowboarders ages three to six, is an on-snow playground featuring mini rolls, berms, micropipe, and a ground-level box perfect for Lilliputian-sized riders. When kids sign up for a Riglet Park Experience lesson, they explore the park using the latest Burton gear–including the Burton Riglet Reel, a tow leash that attaches to the nose of the snowboard. As instructors tow students through the park’s tiny elements, kids learn the skills to stand up, shred, and have a blast on their own. The Burton Lil’ Stash is geared toward families with slightly older riders. Located in a mellow glade to the east of the Little Sister chairlift, the Lil’ Stash features rollers, logs, bonks, and wood carvings of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. It’s a quiet place to develop park and freeriding skills, and the easy gladed terrain lets aerially-challenged parents have fun, too. The two terrain parks have already revolutionized snowboarding instruction at Loon, with the number of first-time snowboarding lessons skyrocketing by 25% last winter. That success came as no surprise to the minds at Burton, who chose Loon for the project. “Having a partner like Loon Mountain allows us to continue to evolve resort snowboarding,” said Jeff Boliba, Burton’s VP of Global Resorts. “Loon is always at the forefront of park riding, so we knew it would be a great collaboration.” Get the Burton Experience. LoonMtn.com/burton
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
#i Photo: Jeremy Mayhew
ADULT GROUP LESSONS (ages 13 and older) Loon offers three and six-hour group ski or snowboard lessons daily. Lessons are taught by instructors who consistently attend Loon’s comprehensive training programs, where the mission is to develop professional instructors and keep them updated on the latest trends, techniques, and equipment. PRIVATE LESSONS Up to five friends or family members can join a snowsports pro for a customized private lesson. These lessons are available for one, two, three or six hours and include express lift access. The three-hour private lesson is the best value and most popular lesson choice. Children 6 and under will excel while skiing and snowboarding with a children’s instructor in a specially-designed 45-minute private lesson–great for one or two children of the same ability. SPECIALTY CAMPS & WORKSHOPS Droppin’ In: Women’s Freestyle Camp (ages 13+) presented by Oakley This camp is a golden opportunity for women to take their park and pipe skills to the next level. Participants work one-on-one with Oakley pro athletes, hone their new skills in a private park, and even build their own Oakley goggles.
The #oakleywomen #oakleyprogressionsessions got me into the terrain park (at age 41) for the FIRST TIME! #ichooseloon | @librarygrrrl55s Women’s Performance Camp (ages 18+) Intermediate and advanced skiers will love this two-day clinic that features woman-to-woman coaching and video analysis to help students seriously up their game. This women-only camp is proof that you don’t need to ski like a guy to ski better than a guy. Bump Workshops (ages 18+) Offered each weekend from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., based on conditions and terrain availability, these workshops are geared toward skiers who are comfortable on blue or black terrain. Learner’s Club Card (ages 18+) When beginners sign up for an Adult Group Intro Package ($109 for novice lift ticket, lesson, & rentals) they will also get a Learner’s Club Card, their ticket to a whole winter of savings. After completing their second Intro Package, Learner’s Club Card holders will get an Unlimited Rental Pass, good for free equipment rentals at Loon all winter long. Cardholders will also be able to save $25 on midweek tickets and $15 on weekends and holidays for the rest of the season, too.
Join the Learner’s Club. LoonMtn.com/snowsports
loonmtn.com
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Loon LowDown
SNOWSPORTS ...continued from page 13
Loon is where I grew up and where I have fond memories with my family. It is now the place I impressed my boyfriend by showing him that I can ski, and proved to him that I can be his dream girl on the mountain, too! | LP
COMPETITION TEAMS Photo: Greg Kwasnik
SEASONAL PROGRAMS Seasonal programs feature curriculum-based training, plus schooling in on-snow safety and etiquette to ensure consistent and wellrounded development. These programs run every weekend from December through March, including holidays. All programs include express lift access and lunch. Season-long Junior Scouts (age 3) and Scouts (ages 4–5) camps specialize in on-snow fun and skill instruction for first-time through advanced levels.
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 cognitive and physical disabilities. Lessons include private instruction, lift ticket, and equipment rental. nedisabledsports.org 603-745-6281 ext. 5663
The Development Team (ages 6–17) is for skiers and snowboarders at early intermediate to expert levels, looking to improve their allmountain skills in racing, park and pipe, trees and moguls.
Meeting every Thursday and Friday, nonholiday mornings, the Flying 50s program is open to anyone 50+ looking to make new friends and explore the mountain with others of a similar ability.
For two weeks last March, Loon’s athletes rocked the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USASA) National Championships at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Loon’s snowboarders fared particularly well, taking home some serious hardware – including three gold medals. Their success was no surprise. The ‘Comp Team,’ Loon’s seasonal program for skiers and snowboarders aged 7 to 17, was made for kids who dream big. Throughout the winter season, Comp Team athletes train at Loon with experienced coaches in the disciplines of slopestyle, halfpipe, rail jam, skier/boardercross, slalom, and giant slalom. After a winter of training and intense competition, athletes who qualify travel to the USASA National Championships. Last year, Loon sent 13 athletes and four coaches to Colorado. Bryce Hanrahan, one of Loon’s freestyle ski coaches, was there to watch his athletes compete alongside the best skiers and riders in the nation. But even more important than the medals his athletes won there, Bryce said, were the relationships they forged with each other.
The Snowboard and Freeride Competition Teams (ages 7-17) are the most intense programs, designed for athletes who compete in a season-long series of USASA and USSA events throughout New England. The Coach-in-Training program is geared toward 14-16 year olds who would like to learn how to teach. VIP Groups are fully-customizable skiing or snowboarding lessons for adults that are designed by the group: dates, lesson length (three or six hours of instruction), and even the coach.
Each winter, the athletes on the Loon Snowboard and Freeride Competition Teams demonstrate that they’re some of the most talented young skiers and snowboarders at Loon Mountain. Last winter, they proved they’re among the best in the country.
Photo: Dan Brown
“We pride ourselves in helping each child find a balance between improving their skiing/riding abilities and enjoying all aspects of the social opportunities to make each day a blast!” Chris Irish Seasonal Programs Coordinator
“One of the most valuable things they get out of it are the friendships. The kids will continue to ski and ride with each other as they get older,” Bryce says. “I see some of our ‘graduates’ now at 20 years old and they’re still skiing and riding with each other, long after they’ve aged out of the program.”
Get in the Program. LoonMtn.com/seasonal
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Convenient, direct-to-lift access to three of New England’s premier ski destinations– ALL ON ONE SEASON PASS! EXPANSIVE TERRAIN. 2,274 acres. 347 trails. 41 lifts. At Loon, three peaks with 2,100’ vertical, variety and award-winning terrain parks. Plus, eight mountains of skiing at Sunday River and Sugarloaf–the largest ski area east of the Rockies. SNOW YOU CAN COUNT ON. $1.3 million in upgrades this winter make Loon home to the most powerful snowmaking system in New Hampshire, and one of the leaders in the East. GEAR UP. Get special discounts at resort retail shops. LOCAL PERKS. Take advantage of exclusive offers at area lodging, restaurants, and businesses. HEAD WEST. Get free or discounted skiing & riding at Boyne Resorts’ western mountains, including Big Sky, Montana.
For current pricing and to buy yours today: loonmtn.com | 800-229-LOON (5666) loonmtn.com
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Winter 2012-13
GUIDE
Call for your FREE GUIDE today or go to loonrealestate.com or polimenorealty.com to download a copy.
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Loon LowDown
SLOPE SIDE
Photo: Dan Brown
DISH
#ichooseloon for the Chicken Fingers! –AR
There’s nothing like skiing and riding to work up an appetite–and when your stomach growls at Loon, you’ve got a huge range of options, from mango smoothies to burgers and everything in between. Whether you’re enjoying the views at the top of the gondola or carving up South Peak, you’re never far from a great meal. Octagon Base Area Centered around the base of Loon’s legendary gondola, the Octagon Base Area has plenty of excellent dining options. The retro-rustic Octagon Lodge serves up made-to-order breakfasts like French toast and egg sandwiches, plus chicken chili bread bowls, Smokin’ Loon paninis, and other tasty lunch options. Swing by the Hearthside Café for baked goods, a smoothie bar, and gourmet java from local Mad River Coffee Roasters. Looking for something different? Try the Cornerside Café for garden salads, wraps, and a Full Pancake Breakfast that’s so big it’s the meal of choice for our hard-working terrain parks crew. And don’t forget to stop by the Slopeside Deli (open for lunch on weekends and holidays) next to the Octagon Lodge for sandwiches, pizza, and homemade soups. West Base Area At the west end of the main base area parking lot you’ll find the Governor Adams Lodge, which serves cafeteria-style breakfast and lunch daily. For lunch, you’ll want to try the renowned BBC Burger (barbeque, bacon, and cheddar) and Kanc Chicken Sandwich. Upstairs, Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge features awesome lunch and dinner options like Irish Nachos and the Paul Bunyan Sandwich.
On-Mountain For views so jaw-dropping you’ll need a bib, try the Summit Café. Just steps from the top of the gondola, the café serves up warm, Jamaicanstyle fare alongside an epic view of the White Mountains. Thaw out with a Reggae Roll, breakfast burrito, or the classic rum punch. Picky kids will love the hot dogs and grilled cheese.
HEALTHY MOUNTAIN CHOICES
After scoring first tracks on a powder day, stop by Camp III, located at the base of North Peak. This log cabin serves up Lumberjack Stew and delicious bratwurst made from bison, duck, boar, alligator, and antelope. For breakfast, try the fully-stocked waffle bar or fresh-from-the-oven muffins. In the springtime, catch some sun on the deck and watch skiers tackle the moguls on Lower Flume. South Peak If you want delicious, simple made-to-order meals, try the Pemigewasset Base Camp at the base of South Peak. Traditional favorites include the Boom Run and Haulback paninis, plus the excellent burrito bar. On Sunday mornings, hit up the Sunday Morning Omelet Bar. You’ll design an omelet from more than 20 ingredients, and then watch as the chef prepares your breakfast right in front of you. Après At the end of the day, unwind with friends at one of Loon’s two premier après venues: Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge, located on the upper level of the Governor’s Lodge, and the Paul Bunyan Room, located on the upper level of the Octagon Lodge. Enjoy potato skins, nachos, and a full bar at Babe’s, or sample the Paul Bunyan-sized lineup of 44 beers (24 on tap) at the Bunyan Room.
Once upon a time, burgers and pizza were the only game in town at ski area cafeterias. Not so today. While you can still enjoy the old standbys here at Loon, we also offer plenty of dining options for the health-conscious. We use local produce whenever possible, and our Cornerside Café is a wellspring of healthy choices, including freshly-made salads, made-toorder deli sandwiches, and a range of gluten-free options. And forget freezedried Folgers; our coffee comes from Mad River Coffee Roasters, a Campton, NH outfit that craft-roasts small batches of the finest beans from around the world. loonmtn.com
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LOON SALOONS
Exit 32 is home to a diverse après scene, with watering holes running the gamut from downhome to pass-the-Tylenol. Wherever you end up after the lifts close for the day, be sure to drink responsibly, use a designated driver and have fun.
Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge Truant’s Taverne Paul Bunyan Room The birthplace of untold shoulda-beenthere stories. With daily promo specials and the Bunyan Legendary Nights concert series, Loon’s signature bar is the place to be when the lifts shut down for the night. Upstairs in Loon’s Octagon Lodge
A local institution for decades, Truant’s is a favorite among locals who love its homestyle food and wide-ranging beer selection. The recently-renovated bar is a great place to chat up a local and enjoy live music throughout the winter. truantstaverne.com :: 603-745-2239
Click out of your bindings and up to the third floor of the Governor’s Lodge for this ultra-convenient après spot. Featuring a full bar, table service, and an excellent pub menu, Babe’s is the perfect place to unwind after a day on Loon’s slopes. Upstairs in Loon’s Governor Adams Lodge
Gordi’s Fish & Steak House
Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery The Common Man More New England Farmhouse than rocking après bar, this rustic restaurant is the place to go for conversation and comfort food. While you’re there, warm yourself by a roaring fire in the huge stone fireplace as you enjoy a pint of Common Man Ale. thecman.com :: 603-745-3463
A must-visit for beer lovers, this brewery offers tours during the day and freeflowing revelry at night. Get comfy in the huge, newly renovated bar as you sip beers made on-site–including classics like the 4,000-Footer IPA, Pig’s Ear Brown Ale and a revolving lineup of seasonal brews. woodstockinnnh.com :: 603-745-3951
Sidle up to the bar and order a pint of 312 Urban Wheat as you soak in the old-school ambiance of this classic watering hole. Use the Olympic racing bibs and other ski memorabilia adorning the walls as inspiration for regaling your friends with tall tales of an epic day on the slopes. gordisfishandsteak.com :: 603-745-6635
Photo: Bart King
The sampler above features brews from the Woodstock Inn Brewery.
#i what’s on tap for tomorrow? Going up for a #3dayweekend #ichooseloon | @BobMulhall
The number of mugs purchased during the 2012-13 winter season by members of the Paul Bunyan Mug Club.
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FAIRHAVEN PANTS & JACKET
DROPPING SEPT. 2013
07
NUMBER OF TOUCHES BEFORE A SHRED MINUTES OF MANDATORY JUGGLE SESH PRE HELI NUMBER OF JUGGLE SESSIONS PER WEEK
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT COMFORT • INSULATION PUT TO THE TEST AND APPROVED BY
OAKLEY.COM/OUTERWEAR
SCIENTIFICALLY ENGINEERED TECH OUTERWEAR
©2013 Oakley, Inc. | 800.320.9430 | OAKLEY.COM /OUTERWEAR
19 75 EST.
JAKE
BLAUVELT
Words & Photos by Greg Kwasnik
These days, while at home in his Thornton, N.H. workshop, Steve Ash sculpts using fire and iron. Photo: Greg Kwasnik
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Published in Eastern Edge, 1999 Rider: Myles Hallen Photo: Saskia de Kok Eastern Edge, April 1997
O
n the seventh day, God rested. And on that seventh day, when he realized no one was looking, Steve Ash created Loon Mountain’s first terrain park. It was the winter of 1994-95, and snowboarding was still a young sport. While the kids with the funnylooking boards had arrived at Loon more than a decade earlier, snowboarders were struggling to carve their niche in a world still ruled by skiers.
being kids that’s what you want to do – jump anywhere you can. It was all about trying to be underground and find areas where you could jump.” Today, Ash is an artist–a blacksmith who works out of his Thornton, N.H. workshop hammering out beautifully-wrought fireplaces, hinges, and door handles the way blacksmiths have for centuries. But Ash’s career as an artist really began during that fateful winter of 1994-95, and in a medium few had seriously worked with before: snow.
Although their status had improved drastically since the early days (snowboarders were required During the eighties and early nineties, resorts to pass a skills test before allowed on Loon’s Kissin’ across the country were struggling to accommodate Cousin chair in 1983) the snowboarders. As progressive riding that Ash young riders like Ash “Building the parks was and his fellow riders were pushed boundaries experimenting with in the and clashed with skialways awesome, because mid-nineties was strictly ers, the ski industry it’s sculpting,” –Steve Ash verboten. realized that it needed to do something, “If you were caught anything. During the jumping anywhere on the winter of 1989-90, Bear Valley Ski Area in California mountain you’d be warned by the Ski Patrol, which built one of the first “snowboard parks,” with major was usually a mark on your ticket or something, and if resorts like Vail in Colorado following suit. By the you got caught again they kicked you off the winter of 1994-95, companies had formed for the sole mountain,” says Ash, a mellow guy who, at the age of 41, doesn’t seem particularly rebellious. “Of course, continued on page 25 loonmtn.com
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In 1994, Loon’s halfpipe was located on Lower Flying Fox and saw lots of action. Rider: Unknown Photo: Dennis Welsh
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#i Have to say @loonmtn is the best place to ride! Parks trails & trees always amazing & it feels like home. Miss it already! #ichooseloon | @TiffRowin
#ichooseloon for hot laps at LMP all year with some great friends. –ZT
The original signature feature was the Arm & Slammer Box. Rider: Unknown Photo: Dennis Welsh, 1994
from page 23 purpose of building snowboard parks at resorts across the country. In New Hampshire, Loon Mountain had taken snowboarding seriously from the start. While other resorts had ignored snowboarding or banned it altogether, Loon allowed the new sport to take root and had even established a learn-to-ride program in the eighties. By the early nineties, snowboarding at the resort had grown to such an extent that conflicts between old-school skiers and gravity-defying snowboarders had mushroomed. “If you think back to that time, skiing was pretty sterile. I mean, they didn’t want you catching air, and they used to have ‘No Schussing’ signs,” says Rick Kelley, Loon Mountain’s general manager. Kelley, who was Loon’s director of skiing operations at the time, was actually looking to give snowboarders a place to do their thing. While an outside company had offered to build a terrain park at Loon for an “absurd” amount of money, Kelley ultimately decided to build a park when Ash offered to do the job himself. “I was at the grooming department and I was like ‘Hey, I can do that. You don’t need to hire this guy,’” Ash says. Kelley remembers Ash’s confidence well. “He was an excellent rider and I had a lot of trust in him and what he was proposing,” Kelley says. “We sat down and met with probably 10 snowboarders and we talked about ideas, and he went out and built the thing.”
In those early days, Ash was given carte blanche to create a park on Lower Northstar, the trail directly beneath the Kancamagus Express Quad. It was a one-man operation at first, with Ash responsible for snowmaking, grooming, and park design. “They gave me a trail and I already knew how to run the equipment and make snow and everything, so it was perfect,” Ash says. “It wasn’t so much my idea, other than being in the right place at the right time.” What Ash built was epic in its ambition and scale. The park was a flowing torrent of log rides, yawning gap jumps, and the infamous Arm & Slammer box, painted to resemble an enormous Arm & Hammer baking soda box. Since no one had ever built a park at Loon before, Ash was limited only by his imagination. “The first few parks were pretty insane as far as how they were built. There were big gap jumps where if you didn’t make it, you were in trouble,” Ash says, wistfully. “Looking at it now, we were a little ahead of ourselves.” The snowboard-only park was an immediate success, and young riders flocked to Lower Northstar to test their skills and push the boundaries of their sport. Teenagers like Jay Scambio cut their teeth in the park and came away with a new sense of what it meant to be a snowboarder. “I surfed and skated, but I wasn’t proficient in snowboarding,” says Scambio, who grew up to become the first terrain park development manager for Boyne Resorts. Using almost exactly the same words as Ash, Scambio fondly remembers the wild, anything-goes character of Loon’s early parks. “You went down Lower Northstar
and there’s these log slides, and you’d better make it to the end or you’re kind of in trouble.” What allowed Scambio to make it through those early parks–and what helped Loon’s parks eventually rank among the best in the country –was Ash’s deep commitment to the sport of snowboarding. Where other resorts farmed their park construction out to non-riders, Ash and his fellow snowboarders had full control over the parks at Loon. “I think I was the only snowboarder who was building parks–actually building them with machines,” Ash says. “There were a lot of mountains building parks that had snowboarders sitting in the cat with an operator, telling them what to do, which never really translates.” To Ash, building a park with a snowcat was similar to sculpting with clay, or wood, or iron. “Building the parks was always awesome, because it’s sculpting,” Ash said one afternoon last winter at his forge. As he spoke, Ash hammered a length of molten metal, sending sparks flying in every direction. “You’re taking something from nothing and making it into whatever your vision is, which is the same thing I’m doing here.” The sparks Ash sent flying at Loon caught fire faster than anyone could have imagined. Nearly two decades after he built his first park on Lower Northstar, Loon’s network of terrain parks have become some of best in the country. It’s a reality that amazes Ash. When he rode through the parks one day last winter, he could only call the setup of jumps, rails and other elements he saw “meticulous,” and “beautiful.” continued page 28 loonmtn.com
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Published in Eastern Edge, 1997
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Ripped from the pages of Eastern Edge, 1999.
loonmtn.com
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When playing with molten metal, always wear protective eyewear.
This guy-in-the-sky is riding a K2 Daniel Franck pro model. A much sought-after snowboard, both then and now. Rider: Unknown Photo: Dennis Welsh, 1994
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
from page 25
Loon Mountain Terrain Parks
And while Ash still snowboards at Loon now and then, he prefers to keep his board planted firmly on the snow. He says he’s happy to watch a younger generation of riders push the boundaries of an art form he helped pioneer. “I didn’t hit a damn thing, and I wouldn’t at this point because it scares me now – partially because I haven’t done it in years,” Ash says, laughing. “I’m 41 years old and what used to take me a day now takes a week to recover. I’ll just stick to the ground and watch it all unfold.” •
Loon’s terrain parks have grown hugely since Steve Ash built the first park on Lower Northstar during the winter of 1994-95. Today, Loon boasts a half dozen terrain parks with at least one for every level of rider.
Early Loon Mountain Park layout. Published in Eastern Edge, April ‘98
This is a boned-out mute-stiffy grab on a Burton Twin 39, one of the first twin-tip snowboards Burton ever produced (yes, that is the real name of the grab).
Loon Mountain Park is the place to go for experts looking to go big; Springboard is ideal for advanced and intermediate riders; and the Burton Progression Park offers manageable rails, boxes, and kickers for beginners. In 2012, the Paul Bunyan-themed Burton Riglet Park opened for kids six and under, while the new Burton Lil’ Stash opened to give slightly older kids a place to improve their jibbing skills. In recent years, Loon’s parks have been recognized as among the best in the country by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, and Loon’s park crew has built features for Snowboarder Magazine’s Superpark, the Superbowl of the snowboarding world. And skiers are now allowed in the parks, too!
Check the park report. Photo: Dan Moore, 1994 28
LoonMtn.com/parks
Photos: Greg Kwasnik
Full Steam Ahead! G
o to any ski resort in the world and you’ll find ski bums shoveling snow, washing dishes or bumping lifts to make ends meet in the mountains. At Loon Mountain, Byron O’Donnell’s work day plays out a little bit differently. When Byron clocks in to work at 6 a.m., he fires up a 79-year-old, steam-powered locomotive. “That’s why I love this job: it’s unique,” Byron says, feeding wood into the train’s pleasantly toasty furnace on a cold February morning. “There’s a lot of groomers out there, a lot of lift operators out there, there’s a lot of snowmakers, but there’s very few steam train operators.” It takes two hours for Byron to bring the woodfired beast to life every morning; over the course of an entire winter, he’ll feed 50-60 cord of wood into the cast-iron furnace. Over the course of a typical winter day, the train will make an average of 200 trips between the Kancamagus Quad and the White Mountain Express Gondola. During a typical winter, Byron will pilot the train some 300 miles along its 600-foot-long track– 30
DRIVIN’ THIS TRAIN Loon hosts a Guest Engineer Program, where participants learn the basics of operating a steam engine and spend time conducting on the J.E. Henry Railroad. The six-hour program is offered one or two days each month from July to October, and is limited to a maximum of five participants per session. Learn how you can be engineer for a day:
ChooChooChoose Loon LoonMtn.com/drivethistrain
the equivalent of chugging to Boston and back. Long before it ever carried skiers and riders at Loon, the locomotive had racked up countless miles on tracks across the globe. Built in 1934, the engine spent its early years doing industrial work at a concrete plant in Munster, Germany before emigrating to America after World War II. The train found a home in New Hampshire during the sixties when it was acquired by Steam Village, a once vibrant–but now sadly defunct–mecca for train enthusiasts. “They had an Old West motif,” Byron says of Steam Village. “There were fake buildings there and the Indians would come out and rob the train.” When Steam Village ran out of steam in the seventies, Loon bought the engine and laid tracks for the J.E. Henry Railroad, named after the local timber baron who owned the logging railroad along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River during the late 19th century. The logging, and the railroad, were the economic
engines that drove the creation of the town of Lincoln. Today, the resort’s steam train serves as a huffing, puffing connection to that past.
in the opposite direction it’s going. That creates a steam pillow, and that steam pillow slows the train down.”
Byron has conducted the train for the last eight years, overseeing a complex arrangement of valves and pressure gauges that serve as the train’s nervous system. He constantly mothers the machinery throughout the day, making sure that the water tank stays full, and that the steam pressure stays below 100 psi.
Sometimes, people have a hard time believing the train actually runs on steam. Byron says he spends a good portion of his days educating disbelieving passengers about the train. “They don’t think it’s a real steam engine,” Byron says, amazement in his voice. “They think it’s an electric train that we plug in or they see the propane tanks outside and they think it runs on propane.”
“What I always tell people is that the engine is a big wood stove with a tea kettle on top,” says Byron, who, sadly, does not wear a funny conductor’s hat. “What you’re doing with that tea kettle is you’re heating the water.” Watching Byron operate the train may appear confusing to anyone who doesn’t know the ins and outs of steam locomotion. Which is pretty much everyone. “The one thing that surprises people is how we stop the train,” Byron says. “To stop it, we put on the Johnson bar, which is the directional bar,
At the end of the day, the train is driven by steam. Steam and a dedicated corps of train enthusiasts like Byron. A lifelong lover of locomotion, Byron is living his dream–one 600foot journey at a time. “I was that kid with the big train layout in the basement. Everybody else was outside playing, and I was playing with the trains inside,” Byron says. “If it’s getting boring, then you’re doing something wrong.” •
EVENTS
#LOONEVENTS WINTER 2013-14
All events and dates are subject to change.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// JAN. 25-26 & FEB. 15-16
CEASE & DESIST WOMEN’S With cold hard cash up for PERFORMANCE grabs, park rats from across New CAMP England come out of hibernation for this early season, under-thelights rail jam. DECEMBER 14
DEMO DAY Try before you buy! Demo the latest 13/14 winter gear from some of today’s top brands. Take a test drive of everything from alpine skis to snowboards and telemark skis.
SOUTH PEAK SKIN & SKI RACE Earn your turns in this exhilarating race up & down the trails of South Peak. Both telemark and alpine touring divisions make this race great for the speed demons as well as the let’s-see-if-I-can-do-it kind of skier.
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Presented by Bud Light
When the sun goes down, the amps get turned up in the infamous Paul Bunyan Room. Get up close with New England’s most rockin’est bands, dance till you sweat, and play air guitar till your fingers air bleed.
RING IN THE WINTER
JANUARY 12
Starting December 14
The goal of this camp is to empower women to ski more like women – not men. Intermediate and advanced skiers will love this two-day clinic that features woman-to-woman coaching and video analysis that will help them reach the next level.
THROUGH DECEMBER 15
Jacket too small? Pants not quite your style anymore? Bring your wearable winter garments to Loon, and we’ll donate them to charity in time for the holiday season. Santa will be taking Christmas wishes, but you’ll have to catch him first!
BUNYAN’S LEGENDARY NIGHTS
FEBRUARY 7
SNOW GOLF with CASA
Tee off for a great cause. Play nine holes in this unique open-to-everyone tournament that benefits New Hampshire’s 200 Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteers who stand up for abused and neglected children in the state’s court system. This event has raised more than $100,000 since it started at Loon in 2000. Don’t worry, you can borrow our clubs.
Be legendary. PRICE: NO COVER. ID REQUIRED-MUST BE 21+ SEE THE LINEUP: loonmtn.com/legendary JANUARY 18-19
INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND Thanks to our hard-working snowmakers (and one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in New England) we call the shots during the winter. Join us as we celebrate our independence from Mother Nature with fireworks, snowcat rides, and an awesome torchlight parade.
Photos: Greg Kwasnik, Dan Brown, Sherri Harkin, Kevin Bell
NOVEMBER 30
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// FEBRUARY 16
MARCH 17
Big tricks from small riders is the name of the game at this mini-shred competition sponsored by Crab Grab and High Cascade Snowboard Camp. Snowboarders ages 13 and under will spin the Wheel of Grabs and tweak ‘til they can tweak no more.
Deemed “one of the most laidback huck fests” by Transworld Snowboarding, Last Call is a kind of Homecoming for East Coast riders. Come watch as the some of the best pro and semi-pros launch themselves off innovative features for cash and prizes.
LIL’ TWEAKERS
LAST CALL
SPRING SANITY KICKS OFF MARCH 22!
INSANELY FULL CALENDAR AT LOONMTN.COM
MARCH 22
Battle of the Bumps MARCH 22 & 29
Bunyan’s Legendary Nights MARCH 23 MARCH 29-30 FEBRUARY 19-21
FLUORESCENT NIGHTS Make the most out of February vacation by taking hot laps through the Burton Progression Park at night. We’ll keep the lights on for you. MARCH 8
WINTER CHALLENGE
DROPPIN’ IN
WOMEN’S FREESTYLE CAMP Learn from Oakley pros, practice new skills in a private park, and build your own Oakley goggles! This weekend camp for women ages 13 and up is a golden opportunity to progress your park and pipe skills to the next level.
Presented by New England Disabled Sports Join this annual ski and ride-athon fundraiser for New England Disabled Sports, an organization that makes sure everyone gets to experience the joys of the mountain. This event has raised over $100K for NEDS.
CARDBOARD BOX RACE You know it’s spring when otherwise rational people race cardboard boxes down mountains. Everyone goes all-out for this classic event, as teams transform plain boxes into cardboard helicopters, pirate ships, and polar bears. APRIL 5
80’s DAY Grab that neon one-piece that’s been gathering dust in your closet and celebrate a decade of big hair and bold fashion choices. At the end of the day, strut on over to the Paul Bunyan Room for live music. Extra points if you wear acidwashed jeans. APRIL 5
Neff Beach Bash APRIL 12
SLUSHPOOL PARTY
SCHOOL’S OUT School vacations are a big deal. Leave your homework where it belongs because Loon is packed with fun activities for children, exciting events, and awesome snow. In December, families will love our Christmas Candlelight Service, and adults can let loose during a New Year’s Eve Party in the Bunyan Room. During February, Fluorescent Nights gives park rats three nights of under-the-lights jibbing in the Burton Progression Park.
Celebrate the end of a long winter by trying–and probably failing–to skim across a pond of ice-cold, slushy water. Keep your tips up! APRIL 13
STREET CRED Presented by Red Bull
Check out this street-inspired rail jam where creativity, style, and versatility win points with the judges. Competitors tackle an urban-style course in their quest for bragging rights and a cash purse.
loonmtn.com
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Deep Thoughts
“Some people say I have trouble seeing the forest for the trees. Actually, I’m having
March 19, 2013 Storm total: 12” 34
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
trouble seeing anything right now.”
“You know when there’s a pow day, and you rush out the door before your wife wakes up, and then she’s all upset when you get home that night after having a couple beers at the Bunyan Room?
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
What’s her problem?”
December 28, 2012 Storm total: 18” loonmtn.com
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“Whoever said ‘No two snowflakes are alike’ was probably right, but I wouldn’t know. I’m usually skiing too fast to get a
February 9, 2013 Storm total: 12” 36
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
good look at any of them.”
“You know when there’s a snow day and the kids shout ‘Hooray, we get to stay home!’ and then you say, ‘Stay home? I’m going skiing!’
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
Who wants to stay home?”
February 24, 2013 Storm total: 12” loonmtn.com
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“You know what annoys me? People who say ‘No friends on a pow day.’
April 1, 2013 Storm total: 5” 38
Photo: Kevin Bell
People always say that to me for some reason.”
IT’S BEEN SAID IF THEY’RE SAFE, THEY’LL HAVE FUN, AND IF THEY HAVE FUN, THEY’LL LEARN SOMETHING. A Riglet Park couldn’t be described any simpler. It’s all about the kids, without the distraction of other resort guests zooming around. The parks are designed kid-size and funfriendly to ensure hot cocoa requests are an afterthought. But the Riglet Reel attached to Burton 80, 90, and 100 cm boards to help the kids navigate the terrain means they’ll at least earn the cup when it’s time.
“
Having a partner like Loon Mountain allows us to continue to evolve resort snowboarding.
”
Jeff Boliba Burton’s VP of Global Resorts.
burton.com/riglet
Book your kids’ Riglet Park Experience at Loon’s Paul Bunyan-themed park by calling 1-800-229-LOON. loonmtn.com
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Over the summer, we asked our resident gearheads to give us the lowdown on the coolest skis, snowboards, and boots you’ll see on the slopes this season. With a little bit of help from Tyler and Ashley, the Joneses will be keeping up with you this winter.
Find what you need, from lip balm and goggles to boots, skis, snowboards, apparel, Loon logowear and accessories. Also tuning, repairs and performance demo center. Loon Mountain Sports Slopeside with two convenient locations: Gondola Barn & Governor’s Lodge, first level. Shred Shed At the Octagon Lodge train station. 603-745-8111 (LMS x5567) (SS x5524) | LOONMTN.COM
Photo: Michael Riddell
While you were busy skiing and riding last winter, Ashley Moody and Tyler Savage were hard at work figuring out what gear would be trending this winter. As the retail manager and assistant retail manager for Loon Mountain Sports, it’s their job to identify the winter’s hottest ski and snowboard gear–long before the first snowflakes fall.
SKI BOOTS Nordica Hell & Back H2W If you’re an advanced to expert skier who wants a lightweight boot with a consistent flex, the new Nordica Hell & Back H2W is perfect for you. The women’s specific liner of the H2 has a shorter fuller cuff to match the shorter legs that women have, it has more taper in the forefoot, and a smaller heel pocket for a women’s specific fit.
Ashley’s Take: Adjust the flex with a flick of a switch to give yourself just the right fit, whether you’re charging down Upper Walking Boss or carving easy turns down Lower Bear Claw.
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Dalbello Kyra
If you are a strong skier who has a medium-width forefoot and leg who likes style, performance, and comfort all rolled into one, the new Dalbello Kyra 85 will be a great boot for you. Designed 100 percent for women, this boot has tons of features like the Contour 4 Shell Fit, Dynalink Rearfoot Retention, and Low Contour Geometry to make sure your feet stay firmly in place, no matter how teensy your tootsies. Ashley’s Take: Keep the boot dialed in when you charge the slopes, then flip the redesigned ski/hike mechanism to help you slay an after-hours cocktail at the Bunyan Room.
Nordica Hell & Back H1 This boot is just right for aggressive skiers who want a lightweight, easy-riding boot that has just enough power to stomp hard landings and tackle tough terrain. The new TRIAX shell material is 20 percent lighter than traditional plastics, and won’t become über-stiff in cold weather. The new boot liner’s superior wicking properties should keep your feet dry and toasty, too.
Tyler’s Take: Enjoy this boot anywhere on the mountain, and increase its stiffness at the flick of a switch if you take it through the woods in Undercut or other truly challenging terrain.
SKIS
SNOWBOARDS/ BOOTS COMBO
Salomon Bamboo This Bamboo is a lively, strong all-mountain ski for intermediate to advanced women. It’s a reliable and playful performance ski, designed to explore the whole mountain with a bit more pop. Ashley’s Take: A great ski for women who want to arc turns on the groomers and dominate the spring corn snow. Get a feel for their carving power by cruising the corduroy from Upper Picked Rock to Lower Picked Rock.
Rossignol Soul 7
Freerider, freestylers and backcountry skiers all want the same things: tip and tail rocker; traditional and reverse sidecut; durability; floatation; smooth performance on groomers; and significant reductions in weight, too. If this describes what you’re looking for in a ski, look no further. With a versatility on groomers and in the soft stuff, the Soul 7 is a quiver of one, if ever there was one. Tyler’s Take: These skis rip in all kinds of conditions, so feel free to charge hard in the crud or mank. Ski Ripsaw from top to bottom…no stopping.
Lib Tech T. Rice Pro A board fit for the king. The T. Rice is a powerful all-mountain freestyle stick built with a reverse camber/ camber combo for fluid but precise turns. For a lower weight the topsheet is made of eco-friendly Bio-Plastic Beans. When paired with the Union Force Binding, which is redesigned this season for better board feel and strength, you’ll have yourself an ultranatural setup that can dominate any terrain.
Völkl Yumi Adding to an already impressive stable of women’s freeskiing skis, the Yumi is for ladies who want to tackle the front and back side of the mountain on a lightweight, stable ski that can handle anything - from bumps, to trees, to hard pack. Ashley’s Take: Intermediate and advanced skiers who want their skis to turn quick and easy. Pick up some momentum down Sunset, and then duck into Mike’s Way and let the Yumi tango in the trees.
Rossignol Saffron 7 A go-to ski for women who are looking for versatility on the groomers and the untracked, the Saffron 7 is also one of the lightest of the 2014 women’s ski lineup. Whether you’re looking to expand your quiver or would like a “do it all” ski, this is it! Ashley’s Take: You’ll want these skis on a powder day. The next time it snows, score first tracks on Flume and then plow through the chunky stuff all day long.
Blizzard Brahma
For guys who like the Bonafide, but don’t want a 98mm wide ski, there’s the Brahma. For guys who like the Magnum 8.5Ti but want a little more off piste versatility, there’s the Brahma. For guys who like the Bushwacker but want a bit more stability and control on hard snow, there’s the Brahma. Think of the Brahma as the East Coast Bonafide, but with a bit more power. Tyler’s Take: The Brahma is great for advanced and expert skiers who want to discover how awesome the new generation of skis really is. Take this hard-charger down Upper Speakeasy to Rumrunner, and let ‘em rip.
Nordica Soul Rider The wood-core Soul Rider is super playful, snappy, and can be taken anywhere from the park and pipe to the groomers, steeps, and powder. The tip rocker is great for keeping the skis on top of the snow on a deep day, initiating turns quicker on the groomers, and deflecting the negative vibrations caused by bumps and crud. Tyler’s Take: Thread the bumps on Angel Street, and then take a lap through Loon Mountain Park or the Superpipe.
Number of men’s & women’s skis available this winter at Loon Mountain Sports.
Nike Vapen Boa
Classic Nike looks combined with all-mountain freestyle purpose, the Vapen is a best seller year after year. New for this season is the Boa Lacing System which offers consistency and a quick in-out function, as well as a lifetime warranty. Try this boot on today and experience the unmatched comfort everyone is talking about.
Burton Deja Vu Flying V
Can’t decide what trails to take on? Don’t let your board hold you back. The Deja Vu Flying V has the soft flex and turning ease of rocker paired with camber underfoot. Matched with the Burton: Escapade EST Binding featuring a suspension hi-back and heelstrap, you can kiss pressure points goodbye. Whether you’re learning to link turns or pushing it in the park, this setup will take you anywhere.
Burton Ritual
A soft flex and Speed Zone Lacing make this boot forgiving and comfortable without the battle of getting your boots on and off. New this winter, the Ritual features a heat reflective foil in the footbed to keep your toes warm. Designed with Burton’s B3 Gel that doesn’t pack out, this boot will keep you riding all day in style.
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Views of Loon Mountain. One, two and three bedroom suites with kitchens, fireplaces & sleep sofas. Master bedroom with whirlpool tub. Indoor pool, fitness center, game room, ski-and-stay packages. Shuttle to Loon. Activities on-site for all ages. Rates starting at (based on availability)
$
A CHARMING COUNTRY INN featuring 35 cozy guest rooms offering casually elegant lodging and dining.
116
33 Brookline Road Lincoln, NH 03251 866.469.8222 www.8664myvacation.com
LMWM
1-800-635-8968 • woodwardsresort.com exit 33 off I-93 • Lincoln, New Hampshire Two greaT facILITIes offering 142 well-appointed rooms & suites
BesT sKI & sTaY • Open Hearth Restaurant raTes IN THe • Kids Stay & Eat FREE • Two Indoor Pools VaLLeY! • Sauna & Jacuzzi seasoNaL reNTaLs • Pub with stone fireplace aVaILaBLe wITH • Lighted Skating Pond fULL KITcHeNs • 6 mi to Loon & Cannon ski areas • Discount Ski Tickets • Snowmobile Packages wINTer LoDgINg Pass only $349 valid through current ski season. Includes 7 LODgIng vOuCHERS, 1 mIDwEEK TICKET to Cannon mtn., discount to a local ski shop & more!
our nearby sister property
INN of LINCOLN 42
Offering a variety of room options including cozy cabins and suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces and jacuzzis. Indoor pool with unique underground walkway!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
1172 Easton Road, Franconia, NH 03580 800.473.5299 • info@franconiainn.com Visit our website: franconiainn.com
*Earn BoyneRewards points at Loon when you purchase: LIFT TICKETS | SEASON PASSES SNOWSPORTS LESSONS FREQUENT SKIER CARDS ADVENTURE CENTER ACTIVITIES ZIPLINE | TUBING RENTAL EQUIPMENT FOOD & BEVERAGE LOON MOUNTAIN RETAIL SHOPS Becoming a BoyneRewards member is FREE and joining is easy. Visit boynerewards.com for more information and to join today.
boynerewards.com
WELL
D O NE
FOLLOW THE BONE through this marbled “meat-map” of Lincoln and Woodstock.
ELVIO’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT INDIAN HEAD RESORT
How good is the Profile Dining Room? It’s so good, diners have been lining up for seconds for nearly a century. Step back in time at this classic resort, where you’ll enjoy excellent food and impeccable service in a family-style setting. While you’re there, turn your gaze upward to see the legendary Indian Head stone profile gracing a nearby mountainside. indianheadresort.com :: 800-343-8000
WOODSTOCK INN STATION & BREWERY
Tour the award-winning microbrewery during the day, and then come back for dinner. Down a seasonal brew in their huge, newly-renovated bar, and then get down to business. Our favorite? Try the Pig’s Ear Brown Ale Pulled Pork Sandwich. woodstockinnnh.com :: 603-745-3951
A great place for families who don’t want to “go out” to dinner. Order a pizza or to go, or eat in and try the incredible baked ziti, chicken parm, or monstrous calzones at this relaxed, family-friendly eatery. elviospizza.com :: 603-745-8817
THE GYPSY CAFÉ
With a menu as well-traveled as this restaurant’s namesake, you’ll have plenty of eclectic options to consider - from Enchiladas Rojas to Thai Red Curry Duck. Vegetarians will love the full lineup of salads and innovative dishes that prove you don’t need meat to make an incredible dinner. 603-745-4395
GORDI’S FISH & STEAK HOUSE
A local institution, Gordi’s is famous for its encyclopedic selection of hearty steak and seafood dishes that run the gamut from Prime Rib to Boiled Maine Lobster. Olympic racing bibs and other memorabilia give the restaurant a fun, homey feel. gordisfishandsteak.com :: 603-745-6635
THE COMMON MAN
This rustic farmhouse-style restaurant serves up hearty but elegant comfort food for classic New England dining. Warm up on a cold winter night with New England Pot Roast, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, or the Portsmouth Pie – a gustatory epiphany of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and haddock. thecman.com :: 603-745-3463
BLACK DIAMOND PUB
You don’t have to travel far for great food. This slopeside pub at The Mountain Club on Loon uses fresh, local, organic ingredients to create traditional pub fare with soul. Sip a microbrew by the crackling fireplace as you enjoy award-winning New England cheeses or a locally-raised beef filet. mtnclub.com :: 800-229-7829
BLACK MOUNTAIN BURGER CO.
The good people at Black Mountain Burger know that sometimes all you really need in life are a burger and a beer. The menu at this cozy spot boasts a dozen different burgers – plus a full lineup of salads, soups, and sandwiches for the burger-disinclined. And with more than 30 brews on tap, you’ll have no trouble washing it all down. blackmtnburger.com :: 603-745-3444
AFTER A HARD-CHARGING DAY on the slopes, the last thing you want to do is spend time looking for a place to eat. That’s why we’ve done all the legwork for you. After countless nights on the town, we’ve found some pretty cool places to get your fill – whether you’re a vegan dude or a T-Bone kind of gal.
Light Mechanic
Watching a mountain sunrise is a rare event for most people. For Loon Mountain lift mechanic Scot Holt, it’s all part of the job. Holt arrives at Loon every morning under the cover of darkness, hours before the first skiers and snowboarders ride the lifts. Whether he’s perched high on a lift tower or riding his snowmobile to the summit at 6 a.m., he’s often treated to one of the best light shows that Mother Nature creates. Over the past few years, Holt has taken hundreds of photos of sunsets, sunrises, and other aspects of the resort – such as lift machinery – that the public rarely gets to see. From dark November mornings to balmy summer sunrises, Holt has likely captured more stunning photos of Loon than anyone else on the planet. Here are a few of his favorites from last winter. Scot Holt 44
“I knew that in that particular area of the gondola the cabins are accelerating and swing back as they speed up. I wanted the background blurred to show the motion of the cabin, but to capture the cabin crystal-sharp, I had to stand right up against the wall and experiment with exposure lengths.” “I practiced shooting a lot of empty cabins. But when looking at the photos of cabins with gear on them, I realized those with snowboards looked the best because they stood out from the background with bright, colorful designs.”
“This photo is one of my favorites. I lit up the terminal and dimmed the lights in the lift shack. The light that morning was just right for that time of year. There was a little alpenglow on Mount Moosilauke in the background.” loonmtn.com
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COLD AS
ICE
This winter, Utah-based artist Brent Christensen and his crew will set up shop outside Loon’s Adventure Center, where they’ll use a vast sprinkler system to craft an otherworldly abode of frozen stalactites and stalagmites. During the day, visitors can tour a massive ice palace that glows a haunting glacial blue, while at night an array of multicolored lights transform the castle into a frozen Narnia. Loon Mountain is the site of Christensen’s first East Coast castle; last year, he built frozen fortresses in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Those castles inspired myriad marriage proposals, weddings, and immeasurable inspiration. We can’t wait to see what this newest castle will bring to Loon. To learn how you can tour the Ice Castle at Loon Mountain, visit www.loonmtn.com. For more information about Ice Castles, visit www.icecastles.com.
Photo by Jen Cherry Millard 46
ON THE TOWN For years, Tyler Davis zoomed through the town of Lincoln (at 30mph) on his way to snowboard at Loon Mountain, stopping only to fill up on gas or coffee. Last winter, we decided to change all that. After treating the junior high English teacher to a weekend of pancakes, massages, and beer, Tyler couldn’t believe what he’d been missing out on all those years.
Jean’s Playhouse is a big slice of Broadway right here in northern New Hampshire.
He gave the weekend an A+.
Photo courtesy of North Country Center for the Arts.
AEROBIC NETWORKING The Loon Mountain Adventure Center was my first stop. Offering everything from zip lining and indoor rock climbing to ice skating, cross country skiing, and snowshoe tours, I had plenty of options. Since the weather was good and we’d just received a few inches of fresh snow, I grabbed a pair of cross-country skis and hit the trails. After about ten wobbly minutes and a few falls, I finally got the hang of it and skied deep into the White Mountain National Forest. The network of trails–suitable for beginners and experts alike–was absolutely beautiful, running alongside the Pemigewasset River and winding through the mountains.
EXPERT APPETITE After working up an appetite, I was looking forward to lunch at the Black Diamond Pub at The Mountain Club on Loon. The Reuben sandwich and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness were absolutely delicious, and exactly what I needed after my morning on the trails. The slopeside location was hard to beat, and I enjoyed watching people on the slopes while warming my weary “old-man” bones by the fire.
WINDOW SHOPPING With some time to kill in the afternoon, I decided to explore some of the many shops in downtown Lincoln. Skiers and riders will love the Snowboard Shack and Lahout’s Country Clothing & Ski Shop, where you’ll find the latest winter clothing and gear. If sports aren’t your thing, check out an antiques shop, or grab a cappuccino at Half Baked & Fully Brewed for a boost. A sucker for a good bookstore, I ended up finishing my afternoon with a stop at the Innisfree Bookshop.
WELL-CRAFTED DINING The Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery has one of the best craft breweries I’ve ever visited. One of the best things about the Station is the
layout. Whether you want to sit at either of the two bars, the pub area, the main dining room, or the new upstairs loft section, it’s always possible to find the perfect atmosphere for whatever your mood. The menu is very extensive with delicious seafood dishes, mouth-watering burgers and pizza guaranteed to leave you plenty full. If you’re a beer connoisseur, make sure to try one of their renowned draft beers, from seasonal specialties to one of my all-time-favorite beers, Pig’s Ear Brown Ale.
LATE-NIGHT DRAMA Jean’s Playhouse is a brand-new theater tucked down behind the Price Chopper in downtown Lincoln. Formerly housed in an old paper mill, the theater is the new, state-ofthe-art home for the North Country Center for the Arts. The performance for the evening was You Can’t Take it With You, and the actors, all members of the community, did a stellar job with the show. The theater is open yearround, so check it out for community shows, professional performances, kids’ camps, concerts and student theater productions.
EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING On Sunday, my wife and I visited a place worthy of the flapjack hall of fame: Polly’s Pancake Parlor. Located just 30 minutes north of Lincoln in Sugar Hill, Polly’s has been serving breakfast since the 1940s in their old farmhouse. Perched on a quaint country road, Polly’s is steeped in history and was totally packed with both locals and tourists. We shared our table with a couple from Connecticut who were spending their anniversary in Sugar Hill and visiting New Hampshire for the first time. With our appetites primed, we attacked the famous pancake sampler, a breakfast that includes six different types of pancakes, all with different fillings. Several stacks of pancakes later, we realized that our eyes may have been bigger than our stomachs.
DEEP TISSUE SLUMBER While I wouldn’t have minded taking a quick nap after gorging on pancakes, my wife and I drove back to The Mountain Club on Loon to spend some time at the Viaggio Spa, New Hampshire’s only slopeside spa. A massage was exactly what we both needed after our flapjack foray, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I fell asleep on the table. Since I was unconscious, I didn’t have time to look into the manicures, pedicures, body wraps, healing therapy treatments, and hair care services that the spa offers. Oh well, there’s always next time.
Tyler Davis - English teacher and contributing writer for Red Bull Media House Smiling husband, proud home and dog owner, and expert snowboarder.
Want to walk in Tyler’s footsteps? Here’s all the info you’ll need to start exploring. Loon Adventure Center :: loonmtn.com Black Diamond Pub mtnclub.com :: 800-229-7829 The Snowboard Shack :: 603-728-6085 Lahout’s Country Clothing & Ski Shop lahouts.com :: 603-745-6970 Innisfree Bookshop :: 603-745-6107 Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery woodstockinnnh.com :: 603-745-3951 Jean’s Playhouse papermilltheatre.org :: 603-745-2141 Pollys Pancake Parlor pollyspancakeparlor.com :: 603-823-8849 Viaggio Spa mtnclub.com :: 800-229-7829
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Going the Distance
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
Loon Pov
D
avid and Amy Kovick aren’t like most married couples.
They’ve run across the Grand Canyon, biked through Italy, and competed together in an Ironman Triathlon. And on the morning of their wedding at Loon Mountain, they held their own triathlon. That’s right. On a chilly October morning just hours before their nuptials, David and Amy gathered their friends together for a “Love Tri” – a swim across frigid Echo Lake in Franconia Notch, followed by a 20-mile bike ride, and a five-mile run.
...with the Kovicks Photos: Courtesy of David & Amy Kovick 48
“There were probably 15 of us who went for a very short swim because it was so cold,” says Amy, an elementary school teacher from Portsmouth, N.H., her cheerful voice full of enthusiasm. “It was ice cold in the morning, the water especially.” Hours later, Amy and David found themselves on the 2,750-foot summit of Loon Mountain, gazing down at the brilliant autumn landscape. And as the couple exchanged their vows in a peaceful natural amphitheater overlooking
the White Mountains, Amy found herself overwhelmed by the intimacy of the ceremony.
off an experience few of their guests would ever forget.
“At the top of the mountain it feels like everyone’s really close to you. It just had this really nice cozy, intimate feel,” Amy says. “Because of the way it’s set up with the steps and everything, it’s like everyone’s really a part of it, which I loved.”
“A lot of people were like ‘Wow, this wedding was unbelievable!’” says David, who works for a human rights nonprofit. Amy agrees. “It was clearly something that really stuck with them. It was a different wedding than what most people have been to.”
Their guests loved the wedding, too. Hot cider helped ward off the autumn chill, while the gondola ride and a fun reception at the Octagon Lodge (with crazy multicolored wigs and feather boas on the dance floor) capped
Whenever the couple return to their family’s vacation home in Coolidge Falls, they look out their living room window to the spot high on the mountain where they exchanged their vows.
“It’s really nice to be able to visit and look out four seasons a year to where we got married,” David says. “It’s always been a special place for us.” Looking back at their wedding, Amy and David are thrilled they were able to create an experience that perfectly represented who they are as a couple. “People who we’ve met later in life ask us ‘Where did you get married?’ and I say ‘Oh, on top of a mountain,’” Amy says. “And they say ‘Of course you did. It makes perfect sense.’”•
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Green Acres It’s the place to be.
While many ski resorts go into hibernation when the snow melts, Loon Mountain is anything but drowsy in the warmer months. The options for adventure at Loon are huge. Take a gondola ride to the summit where you’ll take in the breathtaking view and explore cool glacial caves; zipline across the Pemigewasset River; or choose your own adventure high above the forest in the Aerial Forest Adventure Park. You can also hop on a Segway, climb a rock wall, ride a bike, or climb a 30-foot tall spider web. And don’t forget to explore Paul Bunyan’s Backyard, Loon’s new, larger-than-life family fun park. Just right for families with kids of all ages, the park features the Paul Bunyansized LogJam Maze; a Gyro-Loop swing that would throw Babe the Blue Ox for a loop; and a mix of carnival games, bouncy castles, and cotton candy to keep mom, dad, and the kids happy.
If you visit Loon only in the winter, you’re just getting one side of the story.
“What a blast!” “Awesome views!!!” “Loved every minute” “So much to do!” “Definitely come back” “Not enough hours in the day” Photo: Sherri Harkin
It’s also a time for incredible events. There’s the Monster Mud Run, a fiendishly filthy 5k that runs across trails, through woods, and over dozens of challenging obstacles–with plenty of mud; the New Hampshire Highland Games, when more than 60 Scottish clans gather to play the bagpipes, eat haggis, and toss the caber; and Oktoberfest, when great beer, sausages, sauerkraut and stunning fall foliage join forces for a magical weekend in the mountains.
Photo Collage: (l to r) Sherri Harkin (first three), Greg Kwasnik, Allan Guilbeault (last two).
7 ADVENTURES 1 PASS including the AERIAL FOREST ADVENTURE PARK What’s the buzz about?
Photo: Greg Kwasnik
loonmtn.com/superpass
LODGING DIRECTORY IT ALL STARTS HERE.
Get your FREE vacation planning kit by visiting LincolnWoodstock.com/skiloon. 52
Photo: Dan Brown
Lincoln-Woodstock is the “BaseCamp” of the White Mountains. With an abundance of lodging options, on-slope and off, you’ll find just what you are looking for to make your next stay special.
LODGING DIRECTORY Lincolnwoodstock.com/skiloon
SLOPESIDE RESORTS THE MOUNTAIN CLUB ON LOON RESORT & SPA 800-229-7829 | mtnclub.com The only resort located on Loon Mountain. Enjoy the convenience of direct slope access. Freshly-renovated rooms and suites with flat screen televisions. Full kitchens available. Accommodations range from king-bedded Club Rooms, perfect for two, to larger suites accommodating up to 10. Heated pool, wellness center, Wi-Fi, Black Diamond Pub and lounge provide a complete experience. Visit mtnclub.com for details.
RESORTS MITTERSILL ALPINE RESORT 603-823-5511 | mittersillresort.com A four-season resort in scenic Franconia Notch. Slopeside of Mittersill Mountain and Cannon Mountain. Spectacular vacation enjoyment in the White Mountains. Selected hotel rooms or spacious one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens. Indoor/outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness room, game room and Baron’s Pub. Specially-priced ski vouchers.
WOODWARD’S RESORT 800-635-8968 | woodwardsresort.com Featuring 142 rooms ranging from standard rooms with compact refrigerators and coffeemakers, two-bedroom family units to suites with hot tub, fireplace, & full kitchen. Woodward’s features an Open Hearth Steak House, pub with fireplace, 2 indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, Jacuzzi and a lighted ice skating pond. Known for customer service and offering great ski-and-stay packages. Purchase a winter pass that includes seven lodging vouchers, free ski ticket and local gas and ski shop discounts for only $349. Seasonal rentals also available.
RIVERGREEN RESORT HOTEL & CONDOMINIUMS 888-784-7829 | rivergreenresort.com Experience the best of the Northeast in the heart of the White Mountains. Choose from hotel rooms, studios, one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and Jacuzzi tubs. Enjoy the indoor pool, spa, and great room. Close to South Peak at Loon Mountain and offering a free shuttle on weekends and holidays. Central location means convenience– the possibilities for dining and entertainment are endless!
VACATION RENTALS LOON RESERVATION SERVICE 800-745-5666 | loonres.com Vacation rental specialist professionally managing private condos and townhouses in the Loon Mountain area. Rentals are located throughout 12 resorts all within five miles of Loon. Limited slope-side accommodations available. Vacation rentals include full kitchens and living areas. Most have wood or gas fireplaces, access to fitness rooms, and indoor pools.
MORE >> loonmtn.com
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LODGING DIRECTORY Lincolnwoodstock.com/skiloon
CABINS MAPLE LODGE CABINS 603-745-6688 | maplelodgecabins.com Enjoy the solitude of the gorgeous two-bedroom Presidential Cabin, accommodating up to six people. Features fully-equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, queen-sized bed, two bunk beds, and queen pull-out sofa. Off the beaten path, minutes from shopping and restaurants. Five minutes from Loon Mountain.
B&Bs/COUNTRY INNS WOODSTOCK INN, STATION & BREWERY 800-321-3985 | woodstockinnnh.com New Hampshire’s favorite getaway for food, fun, and relaxation. 33 unique guest rooms, many with whirlpools and fireplaces. The Woodstock Station voted White Mountains’ favorite six times by NH Magazine.”Hidden Gem” by the Phantom Gourmet. Free Wi-Fi and use of nearby indoor/outdoor pool and health club. Ski packages. Award-winning microbrewery, lounge, and entertainment.
THE SUGAR HILL INN 800-548-4748 | sugarhillinn.com A romantic getaway known for culinary adventure and warm, inviting guestrooms and cottages. “Book the Dream Cottage,” Rachael Ray Magazine; “Top-notch Dining and Relaxing Spa Offerings,” 1,000 Places to See Before You Die; Member, Select Registry of Distinguished Inns, Best of New Hampshire.
CONDOMINIUMS THE NORDIC INN RESORT 866-734-2164 | nordic-inn.com The Nordic Inn has it all. Conveniently located only minutes from your outdoor adventure. Affordable and spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom condominiums that feature gas-log fireplace, full kitchen and unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi. Amenities include free shuttle to Loon Mountain, family game area/fitness center, indoor heated pool with attached hot tub. Ski ticket discounts available to our guests.
THE LODGE AT LINCOLN STATION 800-654-6188 | lodgeresort.com The Lodge, a four-season resort in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, offers studios, one-bedroom, and loft suites with kitchenettes and private balconies. Amenities include: fireplace in great room, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, game rooms, CCTV, free HBO, free wireless Internet access, and free shuttle to Loon Mountain.
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LODGING DIRECTORY Lincolnwoodstock.com/skiloon
HOTELS/MOTELS ECONO LODGE INN & SUITES 800-762-7275 | econolodgeloon.com Located centrally among all the attractions and spectacular views of the mountains, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites of Lincoln, New Hampshire, is the very finest resort and the ultimate choice for a vacation in the White Mountain region. On-site amenities include indoor heated pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness room and guest laundry.
COMFORT INN & SUITES–LOON 888-589-8112 | comfortinnloon.com Check out the value! Ski or ride all day then sleep in comfort all night. Newly-renovated guestrooms, complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and cardio room. Refrigerator and microwave in every room. Executive suites available with in-room fireplaces and whirlpools. Complimentary weekend and holiday week shuttle to Loon. Easy access from I-93 at Exit 32. Ask about our Stay and Ski Packages.
RIVERBANK MOTEL & CABINS 800-633-5624 | riverbankmotel.com Friendly family accommodations with kitchenettes and some with fireplaces. Quiet riverside location just three miles from Loon Mountain. Indoor pool and fitness facility available off site. Midweek daily rates from $44 per night double occupancy. Weekend and holiday rates from $62 per night double occupancy. Seasonal rentals from $2,600 for four months.
PARKER’S MOTEL 800-766-6835 | parkersmotel.com Parker’s Motel is centrally located in the Ski New Hampshire region. Twenty-four clean, comfortable rooms that sleep up to four people. Five two- or three-bedroom units that sleep up to seven people. Scenic mountain views, free Wi-Fi, AAA approved, and indoor Jacuzzi and sauna. One-, two-, or three-day ski packages. Only six miles to Loon. Midweek rates starting at $54. Weekend rates starting at $69.
THE SPECTACULAR WESTERN WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Tucked along the western slopes of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Lincoln, Woodstock and Franconia Notch Region is more than a winter playground. It’s your basecamp for four seasons of family adventure, with two ski resorts, a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, tax-free shopping, over 30 delicious dining options and the most extensive selection of lodging in the White Mountains. The Lincoln-Woodstock and Franconia Notch region boasts more vertical for skiing and riding—which translates to more fun—than anywhere else in the East! loonmtn.com
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LOON LOWDOWN
MOUNTAIN
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MOUNTAIN STATS Base Elevation: 950 feet Summit Elevation: 3,050 feet Vertical Drop: 2,100 feet Slope Exposure: Northeast Total Number of Trails: 61 Tree-skiing Areas: 8 Snowmaking Acreage: 322 Total Miles of Trails: 27 Skiable Acres: 370 Snowmaking Trail Coverage: 97% Terrain Parks: 6 (plus Superpipe and Halfpipe) Annual Snowfall (five year average): 160 inches Uphill Lift Capacity: 15,157 skiers/hour Ability Level Breakdown: Expert 20%; Intermediate 60%; Novice 20%
LIFTS (12 Total) 1 Four-person Gondola 3 High-speed Express Quad Chairs 1 Fixed-grip Quad Chair 1 Triple Chair 3 Double Chairs 1 Handle Tow 2 Carpet Lifts
DIRECTIONS Loon is located at 60 Loon Mountain Road in Lincoln, New Hampshire 03251. Take Exit 32 off Interstate 93 and turn left, following the Kancamagus Highway/Route 112 for 2.5 miles.
DRIVING TIMES Boston, MA: 2 hours Manchester, NH: 1.5 hours Hartford, CT: 3.5 hours Montreal, Canada: 3 hours New York City, NY: 5.5 hours
OPERATION HOURS & CONTACT INFO Midweek: 9a.m.–4p.m. Weekend/Holiday: 8a.m.–4p.m. Half-day: 12p.m.–4p.m. Season: Mid-November–Mid-April Main Phone: 603.745.8111; 800.229.LOON Snow Phone: 603.745.8100 Website: Loonmtn.com
Twitter: @loonmtn Instagram: @loonPOV @loonparksNH facebook.com/loonmtn blog.loonmtn.com
This map is for reference only. Not intended for use on the mountain.
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UTAH
loonmtn.com
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Encore ////////////
Like magic, snow falls from a clear blue sky. Props to the snowmaking gods.
Photos: Greg Kwasnik
We salute you, snowmakers, for getting the job done.
SKI&STAY Starting at $68* per person, per night
Book your getaway at 800.229.7829 or visit mtnclub.com
Loon’s only ski-in, ski-out resort. Stay in one of the newly-renovated rooms, studios or suites with stunning views of the White Mountains. Indulge in pampering treatments at New Hampshire’s only slopeside spa & wellness center, and dip into the outdoor hot tub and indoor pool. Relax in the Black Diamond Pub and Seasons Restaurant with your favorite brew and delicious locally-sourced cuisine: homemade soups, breads, entrees and desserts.
MTNCLUB.COM | 90 Loon Mountain Road | Lincoln, NH 03251 * Rate is based on double-occupancy, on a space available basis, and some restrictions apply. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or specials.