Loon Magazine | Winter 2014/15 by LoonMtn

MAGAZINE

A LOOK BACK AS

LINCOLN TURNS

RIDE SHOTGUN WITH THE

KING of

CORDUROY

PROMISING

PROGRESSION TALES OF FREESTYLE FIRST TIMERS

+ AREA LODGING GUIDE LoonMtn.com | Lincoln, New Hampshire

WINTER 2014/15 *Most likely to be caught binge watching? EDITOR Molly Mahar VP Marketing *Sons of Anarchy MANAGING EDITOR Greg Kwasnik Communications Manager *Psych PRODUCTION MANAGER Kevin Bell Marketing Manager *Hell on Wheels ART DIRECTOR Bart King Senior Graphic Designer *Rocky & Bullwinkle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorna Colquhoun, Mary Walsh, Greg Kwasnik CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Brown, Matt Hinkley, Cole Martin, Gus Noffke, Greg Kwasnik, Rob Bossi, Michael Riddell, Ethan Stone, Brian Nevins Additional photos supplied by Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society and WhiteMountainHistory.org ILLUSTRATIONS David Steigerwald ADVERTISING SALES Dyke Shaw TransCoast Media dyke@transcoastmedia.com Twitter: @loonmtn Instagram: @loonPOV @loonparksNH Facebook.com/loonmtn /loonparksNH Blog.LoonMtn.com PUBLISHED BY Loon Mountain Resort 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH 03251 A Boyne Resort LoonMtn.com | 800-229-LOON 603-745-8111

Point of view. It’s our angle. Our opinion. The world according to us, and shaped by our upbringing, experiences, personalities, likes and loyalties. It’s the frame and filter through which we experience everything, reflected through our eyes and our psyches.

Sometimes our point of view is in harmony with those around us, and sometimes it clashes. Which is why our society and our world can be so tough. And interesting. And sometimes, so amazing.

POV /// POINT OF VIEW

n. 1. specified or stated manner of consideration or appraisal; standpoint. 2. a position from which someone or something is observed. 3. an opinion, attitude, or judgment. 4. the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator’s outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters.

With the quick rise of social media channels, we’re never at a loss for ways to express our points of view, and see those of others. It’s enlightening or overwhelming–and many times, both.

And, just as there are countless different points of view, there are many ways to see a place. As many ways as the people who experience it. Within these pages, we’ve tried to give you different perspectives on Loon Mountain and our local communities. You’ll meet longtime, loyal season pass holders, and employees dedicated to making your experience at Loon the best it can be. You’ll read about Lincoln’s transition from a dying mill town into a thriving hub for year-round tourism, led by Loon’s founder Governor Sherman Adams. We have perspectives from the editor of Snowboarder magazine; a longtime coach of Droppin’ In, the so-hugely-popular-it-sells-out-every-year women’s freestyle camp; Loon’s new snowsports director; and from Loon’s lead groomer, a guy who’s lucky enough to see the mountain from a point of view few of us ever experience. Plus, we give you all the intel you need to plan a visit and make the most of your time while you’re here–whether it’s a day, a weekend, or the whole season: lodging, dining and après guides, plus snowsports lessons and programs, events, entertainment, and much more. If you’re looking for a fresh mountain point of view, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re just starting out and still discovering the wonder of the mountains in the winter, or you’ve been skiing or riding all your life, we hope these pages will inspire you to seek out new perspectives. The Loon community is waiting to welcome you, and we hope you’ll share your unique point of view with us.

–Molly Mahar Editor

ON THE COVER Michael Shardlow (Shad) behind the controls on Sunset.

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 post-consumer reclaimed material. Go to fscus.org for more information. LoonMtn.com

[20]

[42]

[32] [TOC]

WINTER 2014-15

[IEI]

[POV]

[LS]

[ED]

[7] What’s New

[10] King of Corduroy

[12] Snowsports

[17] Mountain Dining

Find out about improved snowmaking, expanded terrain park offerings for kids, and our partnerships with HEAD Skis and the National Forest Foundation.

Meet Loon’s chief groomer and find out what it’s like to drive a mobile corduroy factory.

Learn about our innovative lineup of ski and snowboard lessons, camps, and clinics–and meet Loon’s new snowsports director.

Your ultimate guide to dining at Loon.

In Every Issue

[8] Insider’s Guide Master the mountain like a local by following these insider tips.

[42] #LoonEvents Your guide to a winter full of fun events, innovative competitions, excellent music, and other ways to have a good time in the cold.

[53] Lodging Guide Find where to stay to make your next visit even more special.

[56] Trail Map Because it’s nice to know where you’re at!

[TOS]

It’s All About the People

[30] Stuart & Co. Each time Stuart Schneiderman and his family visited Loon, he wrote about it in his journal. He hasn’t missed an entry since 1983.

Learning the Sport

[36] Suggested Maintenance A Loon Mountain Sports tuning pro tells us how–and how often–we should tune our skis and snowboards.

[26] Slow Food, Fast The slow food movement has come to town, thanks to two Lincoln markets that sell local, organic produce and wholesome, homemade meals.

[44] Life Behind Bars Looking for the perfect après spot? We get the inside track from the happy hour hotshots who pour your draft beers and mix your margaritas.

[32] T-Bird Takes Flight

[46] Mug Shot

We chat with Tom Monterosso–editor of Snowboarder magazine, graduate of Plymouth State University, and fullfledged Loonatic.

Say hello to four charter members of the Mug Club, the not-so-secret society for people who live for après at the Paul Bunyan Room.

[35] I Do: Andrew & Amanda Meet a couple who fell in love working in the shadow of Loon Mountain, and got married on the summit.

Eating & Drinking

[39] Tales of a First Timer Get to know several women who staked a claim in the male-dominated sports of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, thanks to our Droppin’ In Women’s Freestyle Camp presented by Oakley.

The Other Seasons [50] If You’re Anything Like Us Here at Loon, winter is only half the story. Find out about scenic gondola rides, ziplining, and other fun summer activities.

[58] Monster Mud Run Every July, hundreds of runners descend on Loon Mountain for the mythicallyfilthy Monster Mud Run. Enjoy.

[20] LINCOLN TURNS 250 As Lincoln celebrates its 250th birthday, we learn about its origins as a logging and mill town–and how Loon transformed it into the vibrant resort town of today. loonmtn.com

Congratulations to Ken Mack of Loon Mountain Loon Mountain | New Hampshire | Snowmaker since 1999 “There are countless opportunities to lead. Strong, flexible leaders emerge from groups working in adverse conditions like snowmaking.”

RAY WELLER Breckenridge, CO

COREY PETERSON Steamboat, CO

SENATH MORRILL Sugarloaf, ME

JASON SEAL Massanutten, VA

TIM WHORL Roundtop Mountain, PA

2014 Nominees Six highly respected snowmakers from some of the country’s top resorts were nominated for the “2014 HKD I AM a Snowmaker” contest. HKD Snowmakers would like to thank all of the snowmakers out there, that power through the long days and cold nights, in order to deliver a fantastic snow surface for all of us to enjoy. Learn more at HKDsnowmakers.com

OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Loon LowDown

WHAT’S NEW? WINTER 2014-15

Snowmaking KLIKS This summer, Loon’s mountain operations crew installed 50 HKD KLIK semi-automated snowmaking hydrants on Upper Picked Rock and Lower Bear Claw, two vital early-season trails. We already know these hydrants are effective: thanks to the installation of 100 KLIK hydrants on the mountain the previous summer, Loon was able to open for skiing and riding on November 8, 2013–the earliest top-to-bottom opening in the mountain’s history. With 50 additional hydrants on the slopes this year, Loon’s snowmakers plan to open even more terrain more quickly during the early season–and deliver better snow all season long. These improvements are just the latest efforts in a four-year, $3 million push to boost snowmaking power and efficiency at Loon.

Lil’ Stash Goes Big This summer also saw the expansion of the Burton Lil’ Stash, Loon’s newest terrain park for kids. The expansion gives young riders a series of rollicking berms that ride like a mini banked slalom. In addition to these new terrain features, kids will discover new animal carvings to complement the larger-than-life Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

NEW LoonMtn.com

The new, much-improved, redesigned LoonMtn.com launched over the summer. Click on over and you’ll find a responsive website that makes it easier than ever to plan a trip and find information about snow conditions, events, and more. The website’s responsive design means that you’ll have a great viewing experience, whether you’re using a desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

New Hampshire’s most-powerful snowmaking system has even more muscle to flex this winter, thanks to key off-season upgrades. Plus, expanded terrain park options for kids, a new responsive website, and more.

Buy a Pass...Lend a Hand When Tropical Storm Irene hit in August of 2011, it unleashed flooding and devastation across New England. Many areas of the White Mountain National Forest were badly damaged, which is why Loon began partnering last season with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), a Congressionally-chartered nonprofit working to repair damaged hiking trails, improve wildlife habitat, remove invasive weeds, and make our national forests healthier and more resilient. Guests can choose to make a donation to the NFF’s Ski Conservation Fund when they purchase passes and eTickets through Loon’s e-Store. Donations will be matched 50% by the NFF, which works with local partners to preserve and restore the White Mountain National Forest that Loon proudly calls home. Since beginning its White Mountain campaign in 2012, the NFF has repaired the Greeley Ponds Trail network and the Nancy Pond Trail–two areas which were badly damaged by Irene. It is now focusing its efforts on Tuckerman Ravine area trails, the NineteenMile Brook Trail, and several trails in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness Area. To learn more about the NFF and its work in New Hampshire, visit www.nationalforests.org.

The New Guy This winter, we’re excited to welcome Rob Bevier as Loon’s new snowsports director. Rob comes to Loon from Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, where he worked for 23 years, most recently as assistant director of the resort’s Ski and Ride School. To get to know Rob, turn to page 12 to read our interview with him.

Learn & Score a Pair of Skis–All at the Same Time! Learning to ski just got a whole lot easier, thanks to our new partnership with Head Skis. This winter, guests who book in advance for three Learn-to-Ski packages (includes novice lift ticket, lesson and equipment rentals) will qualify for a free pair of HEAD Skis after they complete their third day. These lucky learners will also receive a Learner’s Club Card, which entitles them to save up to $25 a day on lift tickets for the rest of the season, along with other resort savings. This program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s Official: Loon has the BEST Snowmakers Last winter, HKD Snowmakers (the company that builds Loon’s low-energy, high-efficiency snow guns) scoured the land to find America’s best snowmaker. Six highly-respected snow jockeys from as far away as Colorado and Virginia were nominated–including Loon’s own snowmaking manager, Ken Mack. After a hotly-contested period of online voting, Ken took home all the marbles...er…snowballs. In addition to benefitting from his boyish good looks, Ken wowed voters with wisdom gleaned from years working the guns. When asked what he likes about being a snowmaker, Ken told an interviewer, “There are countless opportunities to lead. Strong, flexible leaders emerge from groups working in adverse conditions like snowmaking.” We always knew Loon had the best snowmakers in the land. Ken just made it official.

Latest News LoonMtn.com

loonmtn.com

INSIDER’S GUIDE Looking for deals on lift tickets? Save money by purchasing multi-day e-Tickets at least three days before you visit–or get yourself a Frequent Skier Card, which gives you a free lift ticket, plus savings of up to $25 per lift ticket for the rest of the season. If you’re a spur-of-the-moment kind of person, our $29 Sunday Afternoon Ticket (non-holiday) is an amazing last-minute deal. Hitting the slopes for the first time? Get a Learner’s Club Passport when you sign up for an Adult Group Intro Package and you’ll save all winter. Come back for a second Intro Package and you’ll get a Learner’s Club Card, good for free equipment rentals all winter, and savings of up to $25 each day on Loon lift tickets. Our Mountain Hosts have got your back. Need a hand carrying your gear? They’re on it. Looking for the shuttle bus to take you back to your condo? Our hosts have it covered. Whether you’re looking to buy a new pair of skis or a new pair of socks, Loon Mountain Sports has it all. With an extensive gear selection and incredibly knowledgeable staff, we’ll get you outfitted in no time. When you visit Loon on a Sunday, you’ll get closer to God - literally. Loon Mountain Ministry’s non-denominational mountaintop worship service starts at the top of Loon Peak before winding its way down the mountain with stops for songs, scripture readings, and prayer.

We’ll watch your stuff so you can do more important things, like have fun. Just drop off your gear at our ski/board check and overnight storage areas, located slopeside near the Governor’s and Octagon lodges. Need to rent skis or a snowboard? The Mountainside Rental Shop, located by the Governor Adams Lodge, opens a half hour before the lifts each morning. Rent after 2 p.m. and you can keep the equipment through the next day. Save time by reserving your gear ahead of time at LoonMtn.com. Kids (and kids at heart) will love riding the J.E. Henry Railroad, our antique steam locomotive. Chugging 600 feet between the Octagon and Governor Adams lodges, you can think of our locomotive as the steamiest, coolest, most-unique shuttle bus ever. Mom and Dad can finally enjoy some alone time on the slopes, thanks to our Children’s Center. After playing with our caring and qualified staff all day, your kids will be just as happy (and tired) as you are at the end of the day. Believe it or not, you don’t need to ski or snowboard to have fun at Loon this winter. Stop by the Loon Mountain Adventure Center to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, or ride the zipline across the Pemi River. For a downhill thrill, check out our Tubing Center, located slopeside by the Octagon Lodge.

Illustration: DAVIDAISY

loonmtn.com

Loon LowDown

MICHAEL SHARDLOW, Loon’s Chief Groomer

The King of

CORDUROY

On a typical shift we coordinate with the mountain manager and make a plan for what needs attention, what we’re going to groom. Depending on the weather, different stuff can be groomed at different times depending on temperatures or if it’s snowing–it will all change. We don’t really have a set thing we do every day. It’s all up to Mother Nature. We have to constantly watch the weather, the temperatures–and that can change from the bottom of the mountain, to the middle of the mountain, to the top of the mountain. The difficult times come at the beginning of the year when snowmaking is underway and we’re trying to open as many trails as possible. We’re trying to keep up with snowmaking, and that’s very demanding. We’re basically bulldozer operators. We just move snow instead of dirt.

My normal hours are 4pm to midnight. We do have two shifts, so when I get done I’ll fuel up this snowcat and there’ll be another operator there ready to jump in. He’ll go until right before the mountain opens. Because we have so much terrain, it takes two shifts and anywhere from eight to ten operators a night to get the whole place groomed up. On a night like this where you have beautiful views, it’s great. We see tremendous sunsets, we see full moons, we see blizzards. Every now and again we see wildlife. It’s a great office–to be out here all night.” See Shad’s POV

YouTube.com/LoonMountain

Photo: Rob Bossi

“I’m head of the grooming department here at Loon Mountain and this is my 14th season. Michael Shardlow is my name, but I’m known as ‘Shad’ on the mountain.

“We see tremendous sunsets, we see full moons, we see blizzards. Every now and again we see wildlife. It’s a great office–to be out here all night.”

“We’re basically bulldozer operators. We just move snow instead of dirt.”

loonmtn.com

Loon LowDown

SNOWSPORTS Loon’s Snowsports pros can help skiers and riders of all ages and abilities excel on the hill.

Say “Hi” This winter, we’re pleased to welcome Rob Bevier as our new snowsports director. Rob comes to Loon from Okemo Mountain Resort, where he worked for 23 years, most recently as assistant director of the resort’s Ski and Ride School. Rob is an active member of the Professional Ski Instructors of AmericaEast and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, and he’s also worked with the National Snowboard Demo Team. How cool is that? Since he’s the guy who’s in charge of all of our ski and snowboard lessons, you’ll want to take a minute to read his answers to these eight simple questions. You can reach your own conclusions, but we think he’s a pretty cool dude. French fry or pizza pie? Seriously, you’re going to make me choose? I would have to be a French fry guy but, if I could, it would be a few fries wrapped in a piece of pizza. I call that one the “carbwich.” Not very healthy, but is it ever good. Skier or snowboarder? I am a snowboarder through and through; however, I have an extensive background in ski teaching and ski racing. I do get out and ski with staff and help out with clinics, but on a powder day you’ll see me on a board with a big grin on my face. I guess you could say I’m fluent at both. What’s your favorite ski (or snowboard) movie, and why? That would be “First Descent.” It’s a snowboard film about a handful of famous snowboarders and their trip into Alaska for a “first descent” of a run. I think Terje Håkonsen, Hannah Teeter, Shaun White, and an old school rider named Shawn Farmer were in it. Each one brought skills and a love of the sport, but in my opinion Terje is still the man. That guy rips. When did you learn to ski/snowboard? I don’t remember learning to ski. It was something I always have done. It’s like tying your shoes; I have just always done it. Snowboarding I learned at Bromley mountain in the late ’80s. I was super lucky to be in an area that snowboarding was more or less accepted and changing at an alarming rate.

Photo: Rob Bossi

What gets you out of bed every morning? The alarm clock and the desire to be better than the day before. The thought of my wife and kids as well. I am the luckiest guy in the world. I have an awesome job, two incredible daughters, and a wife who has put up with me for 25 years. It doesn’t get better than that in my book. What’s the best part about teaching skiing/snowboarding? Changing lives of students and staff. We are so blessed with the chance to make a change in someone’s life every time we take them skiing or riding. If that student has some kind of a breakthrough or an ‘a-ha’ moment and improves...that’s a game changer for them and the best reason to do the job. What’s your vision for Snowsports at Loon? That is a tough question. It is already a great and capable school. I hope to bring training and growth of staff to Loon with the hopes to continue on the great quality it has now. I guess my vision is for it to be the best school in the East and then in the country. Like I said, it’s a tough question. Loon has a great staff and hopefully I can help bring it to national prominence. If you could keep just one piece of skiing or snowboarding gear, what would it be, and why? I was given a one-of-a-kind Burton Custom X board from the Eastern Examiner staff when I retired as Advisor for the division. It is a true one-off with a very kind inscription. I look at it as a piece of art that hangs on my wall–I can replace everything else, but that one means the world to me. 12

ADULTS

»» LEARNER’S PASSPORT

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Here at Loon, we want to make learning to ski or ride as easy as possible. That’s why we created the Learner’s Passport. Guests who sign up for a Learn-To-Ski or Snowboard Package receive a Learner’s Club Passport; when they come back for a second lift, lesson and rental package, they’ll get a Learner’s Club Card, good for free equipment rentals all winter, and savings of up to $25 each day on Loon lift tickets.

Photo: Rob Bossi

Loon LowDown

»» DROPPIN’ IN WOMEN’S FREESTYLE CAMP

PRESENTED BY OAKLEY This camp is a golden opportunity for women to take their park and pipe skills to the next level. Participants work with Oakley pro athletes, hone their new skills in a private park, and even get to build their own Oakley goggles. Ages 13 and up.

»» INSIDER’S EDGE

Starting this winter, skiers who book three Learn-to-Ski lessons in advance will receive a free pair of HEAD Skis at the end of their third day, thanks to our new partnership with HEAD Skis. Ages 13 and up.

PRESENTED BY SALOMON This first-of-its kind camp lets dudes demo next year’s Salomon skis long before their buddies. In addition to testing select 2015/16 models alongside Salomon reps and Loon’s snowsports pros, guys will also learn the finer points of DIY tuning and boot fitting. Ages 18 and up.

»» GROUP LESSONS

»» WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE CAMP

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. Ages 13 and up.

»» PRIVATE LESSONS Up to five friends or family members can join a snowsports coach 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 one-hour private lesson–great for one or two children of the same ability.

PRESENTED BY K2 Intermediate and advanced skiers will love these two-day clinics featuring woman-to-woman coaching and video analysis that will help students seriously up their game. This women-only camp proves you don’t need to ski like a guy to ski better than a guy. Ages 18 and up.

»» PARK & PIPE PROGRESSION CAMP 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 award-winning terrain parks. Ages 10–17.

Join in.

LoonMtn.com/Snowsports

loonmtn.com

Loon LowDown

Ages 3 to 6 years

Ages 7 to 12 years

ÂÂ P.K. Boo & Kinderbear

ÂÂ Discovery Camp

Loon offers both full- and half-day P.K. Boo (for 3-year-olds, ski and snowboard) 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. Lunch is included with full-day and morning camps.

Instructors for these half- or full-day lessons are specifically trained to teach children. Kids visit several interactive 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 Gaga Bands (like Silly Bandz) to mark their achievements. Full-day and morning camps include lunch.

ÂÂ Burton Riglet Park Experience

Ages 6 weeks to 6 years

These snowboard-specific lessons are perfect for kids looking to launch into snowboarding. Using the Paul Bunyan-themed 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. Kids develop balance and other vital skills as instructors tow them through the park using the Burton Riglet Reel (a retractable leash that attaches to the nose of the snowboard). The Riglet Park Experience includes: lift ticket, lesson, lunch, snacks, indoor-outdoor games, and activities.

ÂÂ Daycare 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 soundproofed sleeping room for infants. Lunch is included for children one year old and older. *Half-day is available non-holiday only.

Kids Rule Loon. LoonMtn.com/Kids

Photo: Dan Brown

KIDS

Photo: Rob Bossi

Loon LowDown

“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!”

SEASON-LONG

Seasonal programs feature curriculum-based training, safety and etiquette to ensure consistency and well-rounded development, plus express lift access and lunch. Programs run every weekend from mid December through March, plus vacation weeks and holidays.

Photo: Brian Nevins

Chris Irish Seasonal Programs

* Development Team (ages 6–17) is for skiers and snowboarders at early intermediate to expert levels looking to improve their all-mountain skills in racing, park and pipe, trees and moguls. * 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. * Coach in Training program is geared for 14–16 year-olds who would like to learn how to teach skiing and snowboarding. * VIP Groups are fully-customizable skiing or snowboarding lessons for adults which are designed by the group: dates, lesson length (three or six hours of instruction), and even the coach. * Flying 50’s is open to anyone age 50+. It’s a great way to make new friends and explore the mountain with others of a similar ability. The group meets Thursday and Friday non-holiday mornings at the Octagon Lodge. Social (non-skiing) memberships are available when purchased in conjunction with a skiing membership.

Get in the Program. LoonMtn.com/Seasonal

Photo: Dan Brown

* Junior Scouts (age 3) and Scouts (ages 4–5) season-long 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 loonmtn.com

Providing for all of your real estate needs in the Loon Mountain area! LOON MOUNTA

LOON M OUNTAIN AREA IN AREA REAL

REAL ESTATE

ESTATE GUIDE

GUIDE

WINTER 2013-14

LOON MOUNTAIN AREA

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

Call for your FREE GUIDE today or go to loonrealestate.com to download a copy.

Vacation Property Specialists info@loonrealestate.com 800.229.5666 x5381 | loonrealestate.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 16

Loon LowDown

Mountain

Dining Whether you’re carving corduroy or scoring first tracks on a powder day, you’re bound to work up an appetite here at Loon. Photo: Rob Bossi

So do yourself a favor and give this dining guide a once-over. That way, the next time hunger strikes on the mountain, you’ll know where to go.

LOON PEAK BASE

WEST BASIN

ON MOUNTAIN

Octagon Lodge Where is it? Slopeside by Loon’s legendary gondola.

Governor Adams Lodge Where is it? Look for the big green lodge at the west end of the main parking lot.

Summit Café Where is it? Located at the summit of Loon Peak, steps from the top of the gondola.

Feed me: Named after Loon’s founder, the late New Hampshire Gov. Sherman Adams, this lodge serves up cafeteria-style breakfasts and lunches daily. Be sure to hit up the Black Bear Sandwich Co. for a Mediterranean Turkey Panini or the Black Bear Salad, featuring black beans and corn compote with southwest dressing on a bed of greens.

Feed me: This high-elevation, Caribbean-themed eatery dishes up island classics like Caribe Steak and the signature Reggae Roll, a bold wrap featuring jerk chicken, black beans, and mango chutney. A number of other specialty sandwiches and salads are served up alongside a stunning view of the White Mountains. And don’t forget to try the famous rum punch.

Upstairs, Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge features excellent lunch and dinner options like the Paul Bunyan Sandwich and Irish Nachos.

Camp III Where is it? You’ll find Camp III at the base of North Peak, next to the North Peak Express Quad.

SOUTH PEAK BASE

Feed me: Named after one of the many logging camps built on or around Loon in the 19th century, this midmountain lodge would satisfy even the most voracious lumberjack. Favorites include the fully-stocked breakfast waffle bar, fresh-baked muffins, and–you guessed it–Lumberjack Stew. You’ll also want to try one of our signature bratwursts, made from bison, duck, boar, alligator, or antelope.

Feed me: If you spend most of your time riding the gondola or lapping Loon Mountain Park, this cafeteria-style lodge is for you. While burgers and pizza are always popular, adventurous eaters will love the Smokin’ Loon Panini, Winter Salad, and Chicken Chili Bread Bowls. Made-to-order breakfast combos are available before lunch too. The Paul Bunyan Room is upstairs, where you can snack on Spicy Bunyan Corn and pretzels while enjoying one of the 24 beers on tap. Hearthside Café Where is it? Inside the Octagon Lodge, by the large stone fireplace. Feed me: This cozy fireside nook features pastries and quality brew from Mad River Coffee Roasters, a Campton, NH-based roaster. Want a healthy snack? The café’s smoothie bar has a colorful spectrum of fruit and veggie drinks, including the delicious Green Emerald Smoothie, an eye-opening mix of spinach or brussel sprouts, mango, banana, and pineapple. Cornerside Café Where is it? You’ll find it tucked into a corner of the Octagon Lodge. Feed me: Our hard-working terrain parks crew loves the generous portions of the Full Pancake Breakfast, but you’ll also find more civilized human beings tucking into garden salads, wraps, and made-to-order sandwiches. Slopeside Deli Where is it? Next to the Octagon Lodge, directly opposite the Seven Brothers Triple Chair. Feed me: Open for lunch on weekends & holidays, the deli offers homemade soups, spring melts, steak & cheese, other made-to-order sandwiches, and more.

Pemigewasset Base Camp Where is it? At the base of South Peak, by the Lincoln Express Quad. Feed me: Locals love to get away from it all at South Peak, and Pemi Base Camp is where they go for simple, made-to-order lunches. Favorites include the Boom Run, Haulback, and Twitcher paninis, as well as the excellent Burrito Bar. On weekends, be sure to take advantage of the Sunday Morning Omelet Bar, where you can design a custom-made omelet from more than 20 ingredients. Waffle Cabin Where is it? At the base of South Peak, in front of Pemigewasset Base Camp Feed me: The vanilla-scented aroma of hot, fresh waffles has lured many skiers and riders to this tiny shack, which serves up Belgian waffles covered in real maple syrup. These palm-sized treats are the perfect on-the-go snack for anyone looking to spend as much time on the slopes as possible.

loonmtn.com

Professionally Managed Vacation Home Rentals & Sales IN THE HEART OF NH’S WHITE MOUNTAIN SKI COUNTRY

Representing Mountain Country Vacation Home Rentals & Sales

Stay with all the comforts of home on your next White Mountain vacation holiday...it’s more affordable than multiple hotel rooms with great Ski Package Discounts too!

800-247-5536 | franconiares.com | franconiarentals.com 287 MAIN STREET | FRANCONIA, NH 03580

Convenient, direct-to-lift access to three of New England’s premier ski destinations– ALL ON ONE SEASON PASS! EXPANSIVE TERRAIN Over 2,420 acres, 349 trails and 17 terrain parks. At Loon, three peaks, 2,100’ vertical, variety and a full progression of awardwinning 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 $3 million in upgrades since 2010 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 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) 18

2014 | 2015

Ski equipment is an investment, and kids outgrow it quickly! Junior Has A Fit is convenient program that provides your child with properly-fitting equipment at a great price. Choose your package, and use the equipment for the winter. When you return it at the end of the season, we’ll give you 100% credit toward a new or used equipment package for the following winter.

For more information, call us at 603-745-8111 x5567.

PIZZA

&BEER NO PIZZA & BEER NEXT 32 MILES

603-745-3231 • 264 Main St., Lincoln, NH • Facebook.com/Pub32Pizza

September 18-20, 2015 Info at nhscot.org

loonmtn.com

CARVING OUT

A PLACE

IN LINCOLN’S HISTORY  Lorna Colquhoun

LINCOLN, NH

250 th ANNIVERSARY 1764–2014

“There is no way this town could become a first class ski resort. It was an old mill town, there were no restaurants, no ski shops…”–Dick Hamilton, 1966

a spring morning in 1966, the remnants of winter were gone, but two men meeting at the Lincoln Hotel had skiing on their mind. By the time the next snows began falling, New Hampshire’s newest ski area would open, beginning a new chapter in the history of a town that would soon need to turn a page. “I’d been in Michigan working for a ski area there, but I’d come back for a job interview,” Dick Hamilton recalled. “I’d applied for the general manager job at Loon Mountain and I was there for a job interview.” He’d dressed for the appointment in a suit and tie, only to be met by a man clad in rubber boots, wool pants and a plaid shirt, with a vision to transform Lincoln from a mill town into a ski resort. “Sherman Adams looked at me and asked if I had anything else to wear–luckily I had jeans and boots in the car, so I put them on and a few min-

utes later, we were climbing up Loon Mountain,” he said. “I knew halfway up that I wasn’t going to get the job–Sherm was going to be the general manager when the mountain opened.” Hamilton was right–he did not get the job, but he would move on to shape tourism in the White Mountains, first leading the fledgling Ski 93 marketing association, before taking the helm of White Mountains Attractions. “I walked Main Street in 1966 and I can remember thinking to myself, ‘There is no way this town could become a first class ski resort,’” he said. “It was an old mill town, there were no restaurants, no ski shops…” History would prove him wrong.

Lincoln had just passed its bicentennial, a milestone for any community, giving it pause to reflect on the past and look ahead to its future. Carved out of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Lincoln was granted in 1764, named for Henry Clinton, the ninth earl of Lincoln. Nearly 20 years would pass before settlers arrived, intending to farm amid the vastness of mountains and forests. “This is a rough township and the soil is poor,” according to the 1857 gazetteer, New (continued)

LINCOLN, c. 1907 The Catholic Church, left center, was built in 1905 and helps date this image. From the angle of the photo, the photographer appears to be somewhere on South Peak. Courtesy Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society loonmtn.com

EXCURSION TRAIN The East Branch and Lincoln often took passegers into the woods. Some trips were for berry picking; others were to visit logging camps and possibly sample cook-house food. From a lantern slide in the Hallworth Collection

Company Store & Hospital J.E. Henry charged his employees 50 cents a month for health care. The building on the left was the hospital. The larger building was the Company Store. Both buildings survive today, the Company Store is now Lahoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Clothing & Ski Shop. Arnold Ham Collection, courtesy Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society

Hampshire As It Is. “Many portions of the town seemed to have been designed by Nature as a residence for creatures of habits different from those of man.” Undaunted, farmers became loggers and by the mid-1850s, the Merrimack River Lumber Co. was logging the forests and harnessing the East Branch of the Pemigewasset, feeding sawmills that sprung up in town and the economy. This hardscrabble life in an area largely isolated from the rest of the state would all change when J.E. Henry came to town in 1892. A timber baron who’d bought 100,000 acres above town, he knew the nation was hungry for lumber and

OPERA HOUSE Built by Charles Henry, for the town. The building still stands on Main Street behind the Union Bank building. Arnold Ham Collection, courtesy Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society

“Many portions of the town seemed to have been designed by Nature as a residence for creatures of habits different from those of man.” – New Hampshire As It Is, 1857 he was going to feed it. Henry did more than pay men to go into the woods and come out with trees to feed through his mill. He built an entire town, a company town, with a school, a store, a hotel, a hospital and mill houses. For the next 20 years, he oversaw the growing mill and a growing town. Five years after his death in 1912, Henry’s sons sold the business to the Parker Young Co. In 1923, a few years out of Dartmouth College, Adams and his bride, Rachel, moved into town and he went to work for the company, as a walking boss, making his way from one lumber camp

Crossing the Pemi at South Mountain (c. 1915-20) Courtesy WhiteMountainHistory.org

loonmtn.com

LOON’S ORIGINAL GONDOLAS Taken on Exodus, early 70’s.

to another, overseeing the woodsmen. The land fueled a love for the town he never forgot, even as he embarked on a political career. He was elected to the US Congress in 1945 and became New Hampshire’s 67th governor in 1949, before becoming the chief of staff for President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953. When he retreated to Lincoln in 1958, the mill was still the cornerstone of the town’s economy, but change was coming. The Kancamagus Highway, connecting Lincoln and Conway, opened in 1959 and Interstate 93 was pushing north. Tourists, who’d been passing through to visit Clark’s Trading Post and to sleep at the Indian Head cabins, stayed on US Route 3–the main road through the White Mountains–but did not detour into the downtown. By the 1960s, generations of families continued to work in the mill, as they always had and, they thought, always would. But this was an era when environmentalists sounded the alarm on pollution and its effect on natural resources and

J.E. HENRY RAILROAD Added before the West Base Lodge (Governor Adams Lodge) was built, circa 1971.

the struggle began for the mill, now the Franconia Paper Co., to abide by regulations while maintaining production, profit and the payroll for hundreds of workers. “Sherman Adams knew that if the mill went away, there would be no economic driver for the community,” said Rick Kelley, president and general manager of Loon Mountain, who came to town in 1977. Adams pressed on with his vision of opening a ski area and the first skiers came in late 1966. More than starting the ski area, Adams used his political connections to ensure Lincoln would be accessible, successfully advocating for the Kancamagus Highway to become State Route 112 and that it would be open year-round. He secured an exit off Interstate 93, just a few miles west of the ski area. As development of Loon Mountain continued, businesses serving the industry followed–shops selling skis and apparel, restaurants and lodging.

“It took someone wellconnected to make this all happen...there are not many who could accomplish that today.” – Rick Kelley Adams formed partnerships with local businessmen, encouraging them to invest in the town. “It took someone well-connected to make this all happen,” Kelley said. “It is pretty amazing when you look back–there are not many who could accomplish that today.” Adams was hands-on at the ski area, right up to his death in 1986. He was forward thinking in many ways, like establishing a policy to limit ticket sales so the trails were not crowded and he kept Loon open in the summer, so visitors could use the gondola in the off-season to see the vista of the White Mountains. While the resort was growing, the mill was making its last stand, opening and closing several times, until it was shuttered forever in 1979. Some workers headed off to mills in Coos County, while many headed up the Kanc to work at Loon. A few years after closing, investors bought the mill and turned it into a venue for shopping, dining and entertainment. A close look around town reveals reminders of its past, like the uniformity of the mill houses that neatly line the side streets and the shrill whistle every day at noon, that once signaled lunchtime to the mill workers. Skiers carve turns on trails that pay homage to the past: Skidder, Scaler, Picaroon, Flume, Walking Boss. On its 250th birthday, Lincoln has become what few envisioned it could be when it celebrated 200 years: A first-class ski town.

LOON MOUNTAIN’S ORIGINAL PARTNERS Clockwise, from upper left: Larry Woodward, Everett LaPointe, Ray O’Rourke, Sherman Adams, Jim McLaughlin

THE PAUL BUNYAN ROOM Added in the early 70’s to the Octagon Lodge. Note the sign at the far right: STAFF PARKING ONLY, OTHERS WILL BE TOWED.

SLOW FOOD,  Greg Kwasnik

Just because

New Hampshire specializes in growing rugged granite peaks and dense spruce forests doesn’t mean we go hungry for farm-fresh produce. Today, it’s easier than ever to source local, farmto-table meals when you visit Loon, thanks to two independent markets that have sprouted up in downtown Lincoln: Peaked Moon Market and The Purple Tomato. From grass-fed beef raised in the Connecticut River Valley to heirloom tomatoes nurtured on New Hampshire hill farms, these markets will fill your plate with sustainable – and delicious – Granite State produce.

Peaked Moon Market

Open Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and Christmas to Easter 28 South Main St., Lincoln, N.H. | 603-348-2343 This small market sources everything it sells – vegetables, eggs, pork, beef, and baked goods - from Peaked Moon Farm in Piermont, N.H., 30 miles west of Loon on the banks of the Connecticut River. In addition to offering in-season produce, this indoor farm stand serves up homemade bread, baked goods, and prepared foods like soups, hummus, pesto, salads, and more. On Fridays, shoppers can enjoy pizza made with local, fresh ingredients, or take home a dinner made with whatever produce is in season – from veggie lasagna to burgers. Rebecca Golding, who runs the farm and market with business partner Hal Covert, says the fresh New Hampshire produce has been a hit with locals. “We saw a need in the community here for fresh produce and quality food, so we decided to try it out,” Golding says. In just two years, Peaked Moon’s surging popularity has allowed it to grow from a simple vegetable farm and market to something much bigger. “The farm is really exciting,” Golding says. “Since then we’ve built a dairy barn and we’re milking cows, we raise chickens for meat and eggs, we have pigs, we now have lambs, and we’re actually about to close on another farm a couple miles away, and we’re going to start making our own cheese. Lots of things are happening.” For foodies in search of uncomplicated, delicious farm fare, big things are indeed happening at Peaked Moon Market.

loonmtn.com

Serving Great Steaks and Seafood in the Mountains 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

Offering a variety of room options including cozy cabins and suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces and jacuzzis. Indoor pool with unique underground walkway!

Live Maine Lobster Prime Rib & Steaks • Chicken & Pasta Salads • Burgers • Kid’s Menu CHEAP APRÈS SKI SPECIALS

in our pub 4-5:30pm DAILY during ski season THURSDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

all-you-can-eat

260 Main St., in the Depot Plaza, Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-6635 | gordisfishandsteak.com Reservations Accepted | Open Year-round

The Purple Tomato

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 78 Main St., Linwood Plaza, Lincoln, N.H. | 603-728-8356 Like its namesake, this friendly market stands out from larger grocery stores thanks to its vibrant selection of healthy, organic, local offerings. From local chèvre produced in Littleton, N.H. to fresh seafood and a kaleidoscopic array of gluten-free foods, The Purple Tomato packs a ton of variety into a small package. Looking for a meal to go? Pick up a roast beef sandwich made with locally-raised, grass-fed beef, or tuck into one of their regular potluck dinners. Owners Jim and Susan Champagne place a premium on the freshness of their produce, the vast majority of which they purchase from independent, local farmers. “We’re getting it the day it’s picked,” Jim says. “It’s picked that morning, we get it in, and someone comes and buys it that afternoon.” Buying locally has the added benefit of keeping the local economy fresh, Jim says. “Our belief has always been that we try to support as many local farmers and producers as possible,” Jim says. “When people come up to Lincoln to spend their money, we then try to keep that money local by having it go to a local farmer or a local person. Then they spend that money locally.” Jim should know. He left a job in the fast-paced world of finance to open The Purple Tomato in the summer of 2013. Having embraced slow food, he hasn’t looked back since.

Susan and Jim Champagne

loonmtn.com

Stuart

 Greg Kwasnik

“I actually have kept a journal of every weekend we’ve been here, and this is from December 10, 1983,”

tewart Schneiderman’s life’s work–his masterpiece, really–is written down in four thick notebooks. Yellowed with

age, the books contain hundreds of journal entries, each chronicling a trip Stewart and his family have made to Loon Mountain. Stewart began the first journal in 1983, the year he and his wife, Esther, along with their two young daughters, Rebecca and Leah, moved into their new vacation home at Loon. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

“I

actually have kept a journal of every weekend we’ve been here, and this is from December 10, 1983,” Stewart says, opening his oldest notebook to its very first page. He reads the loopy cursive he scratched onto the paper so many years ago. “I wrote down ‘Becca took two lessons, and Leah took her first lesson and she said ‘Momma, I skiing!’” Much has changed since that first journal entry. For his part, Stewart no longer sports the Tom Selleck-worthy mustache so gloriously immortalized in his ‘83/’84 season pass photo; Becca, all grown up, works as a physician assistant in Massachusetts; and Leah–now Leah Raras - lives in northern Vermont, with her husband Jim. And while much in the world has changed in the 31 years since Stewart penned that first journal entry, one thing hasn’t changed: his family’s love for Loon Mountain. “A lot of people who I work with think it’s amazing we still spend all this time together as a family and have this activity we can still do together, and really enjoy being together,” says Rebecca Schneiderman, estimating she still spends three out of every four weekends skiing with her family at Loon. Her father, now in his sixties, says he spends more time than ever on the mountain. “I have a full-time job, and I skied 42 days this year,” Stewart says, laughing. Ask Rebecca and her younger sister about their childhood at Loon, and they’ll regale you with stories of getting into what Leah calls “healthy trouble.” They’ll tell you stories about how they rode the shuttle bus into town for candy, and about that one time when Leah spent an entire day looking for the clear plastic retainer she dropped off the Little Sister chairlift. If a situation called for “healthy trouble,” then Leah and Rebecca were most likely nearby.

“Our kids liked us for a lot

longer than a lot of other kids liked their parents.”

“You know, normal kid stuff,” Leah says with a smirk that hints at tales of mischief she doesn’t have the time–or the inclination–to divulge. For Esther, the girls’ mother, Loon offered a spot where her family could huddle together, sheltered–if only for a weekend–from the winds of change that swirled around them. “It really was unbelievable family time,” Esther says, fondly. “Our kids liked us for a lot longer than a lot of other kids liked their parents.”

As he thumbs through his journals and looks back on the three decades that he and his family have spent at Loon, Stewart knows he wouldn’t have wanted to write his family’s story anywhere else. “It’s been wonderful,” Stewart says. “I’m 64, and throughout your life you think about different decisions, and our decision to have a vacation home at Loon was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”

To this day, Loon still plays an outsized role in the Schneidermans’ lives. Winter weekends are almost always spent at the mountain, and several years ago Leah got engaged on Little Sister–not far from where she lost her retainer so many years ago. Indeed, it’s their time at Loon–perhaps more than the memories of their childhood home in Massachusetts–that Leah and Rebecca cherish most. Whenever she skis at Loon, Rebecca says, “It’s like going home.” (Left to right, Esther, Leah, Rebecca and Stuart Schneiderman)

One

Bird’s

point of view  Greg Kwasnik

Interview by Kevin Bell

When he’s not in Southern California directing one of the most influential publications in snowboarding, you’ll find T-Bird at backcountry photo shoots, shredding pow in Europe, or acting as maestro to the world’s best snowboarders at Superpark. Last spring, we tracked down the Bird and spent nearly an hour grilling him about the utter randomness of his nickname, why he loves the gondola line at Loon Mountain, and how on earth he managed to graduate with a 3.25 GPA. We suggest you take notes, and buckle up.

UNTIL YOU LEAVE THAT PLACE”

Photo: Ethan Stone

Tom Monterosso–or T-Bird, as he’s known throughout the snowboarding world - has come a long way since his freshman year at Plymouth State University, when he managed to eke out a 1.6 GPA in between daily snowboarding sessions at Loon Mountain. Ironically, those early days of youthful irresponsibility–riding every single day, hanging out with friends at the Blue Lodge, Plymouth’s legendary snowboarder enclave–were the perfect training for his current job: editor of Snowboarder magazine.

“YOU’RE NOT GOING TO REALIZE HOW GOOD YOU HAD IT

So where did T-Bird come from? It was in high school and we were at some party and some kid with a sideways hat (I think his name was Z-dog or something like that) he introduced himself to me, and I said “That’s a crazy nickname that you have.” And he’s like “What’s your name?” and I said “My name’s Tom.” And he just said “I’m gonna call you T-Bird,” and I was like “No, that sucks, I hate that name.” And all my friends, because I hated it, were just like “Oh yeah, you’re T-Bird now!” it was like George Costanza in “Seinfeld” when he gets nicknamed Coco the monkey. It’s your Baba Booey. Exactly, exactly. It’s my legacy, which - I don’t know if that’s sad or not. I don’t know. So how did you get a job at Snowboarder? I had just graduated from Plymouth [Plymouth State University], and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was an English major with a minor in writing and I liked to snowboard, so I took the summer and I went to High Cascade Snowboard Camp and I worked there. That was my fourth year there. And then when I came home I randomly called Ben [former Snowboarder magazine Senior Editor Ben Fee] to catch up and he asked me what I was going to be doing. I told him I had absolutely no clue what I was going to do and he just said ‘Why don’t you move out here and start coming into the magazine and we’ll see if we can get you a job?’ So, much to my parents’ chagrin I sold literally everything I owned–my car, most of my clothes, old snowboard stuff, came up with like $3,500 bucks, bought a plane ticket to California, got on it and landed in southern California. Then I lived on Ben Fee’s back porch, this tiny 10x10 back porch area in Huntington Beach. From October until May or June, I lived in a tent on his back porch. I started coming into the office at Snowboarder as kind of a paid intern. I was working at a skate shop nights and weekends, so I was working seven days a week. And then eventually in May of 2006 I got hired full time.

“THEY TOLD ME TO

CLEAN UP MY ACT” You’re a Manchester N.H. native, and you went to school at Plymouth State - pretty close to home. Why didn’t you move out West? At first I had these grand visions of going out to the University of Utah or Colorado State. I wanted to move out West where there was powder and big mountains. You know, just get out of New Hampshire for a little bit… We had ridden Waterville and Loon in high school–we had ridden there a bunch, but only on weekends. So I went up to Plymouth and I went to the Blue Lodge and I saw they had a skate ramp and they were barbecuing, and I was just like man, this is the life I want to live. This is

unbelievable. It was like a commune of snowboarders up there. My friends in high school had so many interests besides snowboarding, and these guys were 100 percent dedicated to snowboarding. That’s all they wanted to do, and that’s all I wanted to do. And so that’s when I knew I wanted to go to Plymouth. It just seemed like such a magical place. And then once I got to Plymouth, that’s all I did. I dedicated my whole life to snowboarding. I wanted to do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as much as I possibly could. My GPA after my first full year at Plymouth was a 1.6. It was not a very good GPA. And then I had a talk with my parents and they told me to clean up my act and get my sh*t together. I found a way to balance snowboarding, fun, partying, and schoolwork, and I ended up graduating with a 3.25. So that’s pretty good. I got my sh*t together pretty quick once I realized that I could balance all three. But yeah, it wasn’t pretty that year. I barely remember any of it. Do you have any PG-13 stories that you could tell us about your time at Plymouth State and Loon? Honestly my best memories from Plymouth– it’s going to sound set up because I’m doing

the Kazu Kokubos and guys like that. It was a really cool event, but it kind of lost its luster. It seems like Last Call grows year after year after year. It’s only getting stronger, it’s only getting bigger, it’s only getting more fun to go to, whereas a lot of other events go in the opposite direction. They get a little less fun to go to, the rules get a little more strict, and the attendance starts to dwindle. Last Call just builds on itself year after year. You’ve traveled to a bunch of exotic locations for your job at Snowboarder. Do you ever get nostalgic about the early days at Loon? I think the main thing I want to say to anyone reading this is you may think Loon Mountain is just a mountain right now, but coming from someone who has been all over the world to so many different mountain towns and so many different resorts I can promise them that Loon is so much more than a mountain. It’s an area, it’s a community, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s a culture that is so much more special than any place I’ve ever found. I think the one place I could compare it to is Mount Baker, Washington. I think kids need to know that the White Mountain region and Plymouth, New Hampshire and Loon Mountain, New Hampshire

“LOON IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A MOUNTAIN.” this interview for Loon Magazine–but my best memories of my whole college career are in the zigzag gondola line at Loon with the crazy riddle over the fireplace that none of us could figure out until we realized there was a little tab you could lift to get the answer. For three years, we had no idea what the hell it meant. Especially the days it was snowing and we would ride with a group of like 20 to 30 kids every single day. You have your core group of friends but it extends out so much because so many people snowboard. It was specifically awesome because the line zigzags. You would enter the line and then at every corner you’d see someone new and you’d just be zigging and zagging and everyone was smiling and they were so hyped and you couldn’t wait to get in the gondola and get up top and do, as we used to call it, ‘The Lap.’ I don’t remember all the trails we linked together, but it always ended in the park and it was just called ‘The Lap’ and we took it every day, 12 runs a day, nonstop. Those are my favorite memories. You come back to Loon every year for Last Call, one of the biggest East Coast snowboarding events out there. Why do you think Last Call has been so successful? I think a lot of events that are on the East Coast either fizzle out or move somewhere else. You take the US Open, for example. It was the largest snowboard contest in the world for a long time and then it kind of downgraded to being the largest East Coast snowboarding event. And then it moved to Vail and it left so many people who wanted access to those pro snowboarders and that level of riding, it left them bummed, and rightly so because they don’t get to see that very often. They get to snowboard a lot, but they don’t get to see the Danny Kasses, the Shaun Whites or

are really, really special, magical places, and I can speak from experience. That’s one thing I would want to tell anyone that’s reading this that may just think ‘I ride Loon and I can’t wait to move out West.’ No, man. F*!k that. Stay there. Stay there, hang with your friends. Once you do, if you ever do make that move out West to snowboard, or you have to move anywhere else in the country to get a job, you’re not going to realize how good you had it until you leave that place. Did you ever imagine you would be where you are right now, the editor of Snowboarder Magazine? There’s one thing I know, and it’s that there’s no way any of this would have been possible without Ben Fee, and I met Ben Fee at the Blue Lodge at Plymouth. We used to ride Loon together, and if I hadn’t met Ben Fee there’s no way I could have just blindly applied and gotten a job at Snowboarder because I was completely unqualified for the job. And then the other person that is essential to this whole equation is Pat Bridges…He took a chance on me and hired me and he taught me to write in the voice of Snowboarder and just kind of let me travel and pitch my own stories and try to make Snowboarder the best I can make it. I like to think I’ve done that, but I sit back and think ‘How did this all work out all the time?’ I still don’t really know. I’m not really sure. But there’s no question in my mind that the root of the plant was Plymouth, New Hampshire, Loon Mountain, just the whole White Mountain area. There’s no question. If I had gone to the University of Utah, I would not be sitting here today.

loonmtn.com

 Greg Kwasnik

assistant director of ski patrol, he’s a patient, stoic kind of guy who takes the challenges of his job–howling blizzards, bumpy toboggan rides, ten-hour workdays–in stride. That’s why, when Andrew first asked Amanda Ciarleglio out on a date, he wasn’t overly fazed by rejection. “I was in college and I wasn’t looking for anything. He tried and he tried and he tried, and I kept saying ‘No no no no no,” says Amanda, who works as a liftie during the winter, loading passengers onto Loon’s gondola. “Once I got out of college, he saw an opportunity and went for it. He was persistent.” Andrew agrees. “I was pretty persistent,” he says, smiling.

It’s the kind of enviable work-life balance...

Living the Dream The couple’s love for Loon has been equally persistent: Andrew first started skiing at the mountain when he was a kid, while Amanda grew up just minutes away from the resort. As adults, they have made Loon a part of their everyday lives. On any given winter morning, they’ll share a ride to the mountain before parting ways, Andrew to ski patrol headquarters and Amanda to the gondola. In the evenings, they’ll reunite at the Paul Bunyan Room to talk about their day and enjoy a drink with friends. It’s the kind of enviable work-life balance that happens seamlessly at Loon.

When Andrew and Amanda exchanged vows at the summit, guests looked out at a breathtaking panorama that encompasses the couple’s life together: the trails they ski and ride each winter, the restaurant where they met, and the valley where they’ve made a life together. “We just wanted to do it here,” Amanda says of saying ‘I do’ at the summit. “This place is one of the things that brought us together, so we definitely wanted that to be a part of us getting married.”

“I think it’s a great group of people who work here. We’re all like minded,” Andrew says. “We like to be outside, skiing and snowboarding. It’s just a good group of people.” After falling in love and building a life together at Loon, Amanda can’t imagine putting down roots anywhere else. “I know I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This is where I want to be.” Married on the Mountain Having made their home at Loon, getting married on the mountain was the logical next step. The summit amphitheater proved to be the perfect wedding spot for the couple, who met in the shadow of the mountain and wanted to start their new life together on top.

Photo: Gus Noffke

Andrew Formalarie doesn’t give up. As Loon’s

Amanda and Andrew exchanged vows on September 7, 2014. Congratulations newlyweds!

loonmtn.com

SUGGESTED

MAINTENANCE You change the oil in your car every few months. You go to the dentist for a cleaning twice a year. When’s the last time you tuned your skis? “People come in and say ‘Oh, these skis are five years old and I’ve never had them tuned,’” says Bill Feather, assistant manager of Loon Mountain Sports. “What are you doing? Did you buy your car five years ago and never change the oil?! No.” That’s why we asked Bill, a former captain of the Plymouth State University Ski Team and tuning expert, to help us create a ‘Suggested Maintenance’ guide for proper tuning. Follow these simple guidelines this winter, and you’ll notice a huge improvement in how your gear handles the snow – and how you attack the mountain.

55PRE-SEASON Inspect Your Skis or Snowboard “At the beginning of the year you’ll notice that if you didn’t store them properly, your bases that used to be a nice deep black are now white and almost furry looking,” Bill says. To test your edges, try the fingernail trick: “If it’s not peeling a small layer of fingernail off, they’re not sharp,” Bill says.

Visit the Loon Mountain Sports Tuning Center After you’ve done your own inspection, bring your skis or snowboard by the Tuning Center and chat with our technicians. They’ll inspect your equipment and tell you what steps you should take to restore your gear to top form. “If your car’s running rough and your tires are bald, it’s not going to perform properly,” Bill says.

Go All Out To get the best bang for your buck, invest in “The Works,” a tune that includes base stone grind, ceramic edge sharpening, hot wax, and base repairs. This tune will press the ‘reset’ button on your gear and get your season off to a clean start.

Illustration: DAVIDAISY 36

55MID-SEASON Be Consistent One tune at the beginning of the winter won’t last until April. “I personally tune my skis basically every other time I ski,” Bill says. “A lot of people don’t ski as aggressively, so they can get away with three or four days of skiing on them.” If you’re serious about tuning, check out our Constant Care program–you’ll get unlimited “Deluxe” tunes for the entire winter, which include base stone grind, ceramic edge sharpening, and buff wax.

If You Grind Rails, Grind Your Edges Tuning isn’t just for aspiring World Cup ski racers. Snowboarders and other park folk also have good reason to keep their bases level and edges sharp: “Snowboarders need to maintain their stuff, especially when they’re in the park because they’re always hopping on the features and riding the rails and boxes,” Bill says. “Every time they do that, they’re damaging their equipment.”

55POST-SEASON Store It, Don’t Ignore It Don’t just throw your skis in the garage when the snow melts. Store your gear in a cool, dry place–and apply a hot wax to the base for protection. We’ll summerize your gear and store it on site until next winter. “You bring in your skis, we tune them up, wax them, leave the wax on for summer, and you get to keep your skis here,” Bill says. “Come back in the fall, and we’ll scrape the wax off for you, hand you your skis, and you’re ready to rock.”

TUNE IN, TURN ON, DROP IN Located just steps from the White Mountain Express Gondola, the Loon Mountain Sports Tuning Center offers the most convenient, highend tuning in New Hampshire. Our new, stateof-the-art, automated Snowell® ski & snowboard tuning machine offers a comprehensive, elite-level tune that few ski shops can match. “It’s a ‘you get what you pay for’ kind of thing,” Bill says. “If all you want is the basic or quick tune from the guy down the road, that’s all you’re getting. It’s like a band-aid to make it look good,” says Bill. If other tunes slap a Band-Aid on the problem, our Snowell machine performs reconstructive surgery, with full-on base grinding and diamond stones that shower sparks as they sharpen your edges. “I grew up as a ski racer and always hand tuned my skis. I never really believed a ski shop could tune a ski properly,” Bill says. “But this place definitely does.”

loonmtn.com

Newly-expanded natural terrain park for kids featuring larger-than-life rideable carvings of Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox and friends.

Gretchen Bleiler Oakley Pro Coach

 Mary Walsh Gus Noffke

“I had zero comfort in the park before Droppin’ In,” says Emily Martin, a snowboarder from New York City who attended Loon’s weekend-long Droppin’ In Women’s Freestyle Camp last winter. “I’d considered [going in the park] before, but was always told by people I ride with that I wasn’t good enough.” It’s a common frustration. Female skiers and snowboarders who feel confident on regular trails often feel unsure of themselves in freestyle-designated areas. The terrain park is an intimidating hub of activity: masses of young riders collect at the top of the trail and drop into jumps and rails in what looks like loosely-organized chaos. And, of course, there are the park elements themselves: metal tubes and cheese wedge-shaped jumps that can strike fear into an otherwise selfassured skier or snowboarder.

Chanelle Sladics Oakley Pro Coach

For a woman interested in learning to navigate this terrain, figuring out the first steps can seem impossible, and learning resources hard to come by. It is often challenging to better one’s freestyle abilities when at the mountain with friends and family; not wanting to slow down the pack, women cruise by the park instead of giving themselves the time to try it out. Loon recognized this problem long ago, and has since been at the forefront of providing freestyle instruction to women through Droppin’ In. Each year, eager participants sign up for

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AT OAKLEY.COM/PRIZM

THE DAWN OF A NEW L E N S T E C H N O LO G Y

the weekend-long camp that combines on-hill learning with offhill camaraderie. In conjunction with the event’s main sponsor, Oakley, Droppin’ In provides Olympic-caliber coaches (which have included snowboarders Gretchen Bleiler and Faye Gulini and skiers Kristi Leskinen and Grete Eliassen); morning yoga to stretch out sore muscles; an enormous goodie bag filled with custom Oakley goggles, yoga mats, and other treats; and most importantly, a few dozen women who are all excited to improve their skiing and snowboarding together. Whether a rider is comfortable making sweeping turns down blue squares, taking on the bumps of a mogul field, or even tackling her first season as a novice skier or snowboarder, Droppin’ In provides park instruction for all ability levels at a pace that promises progression while keeping fun at the forefront of the experience. One of the keys to Droppin’ In is showing participants that they already have many of the skills they need for freestyle riding; the trick is learning a different application of those techniques. Once participants understand the foundation for park riding, it is easy to keep building upon existing abilities. Karen Moyette is an experienced skier who has skied at Loon since she was sixteen, first as a member of the Loon Race Team. She developed all-mountain experience at the resort, coaching the LRT for eight years, and currently coaches the Loon Freestyle Team. Even with her advanced skiing ability and all-mountain confidence, the terrain park still made Karen feel trepidation. “I had never attempted hitting a box or doing spins on jumps before Droppin’ In,” says Karen. “I was able to do both within one day of working with the Oakley team of coaches.” The coaches are only part of the equation that leads to the weekend’s success. The women of Droppin’ In, some who have been attending the camp for five-plus years, are a huge factor in creating a welcoming environment

for everyone who walks through the doors of the Governor’s Pavilion, the lodge where campers meet each morning. “On Friday night at registration, there’s plenty of hugs and smiles as friends from years past reunite, but there’s also lots of new faces that can sometimes be a bit more shy,” says coach Christine Savage. “The greatest thing is that by the end of yoga on Saturday morning, even before heading out on hill, the apprehension that new women feel is already dissipating due to the camaraderie that is so apparent from the group as a whole. Veterans welcome new riders and really want everyone to feel like part of the group.” This support system is paramount for the first-time park riders to improve their abilities. For women new to the experience, gaining the confidence just to point their skis toward a jump is the biggest step in the process. The process at Droppin’ In is twofold: coaches break down new principles into familiar movements and fellow women are quick to cheer for their peers. Whether a trick is landed, or if it takes a few tries to get it, the support of the group never waivers. “Droppin’ In was about more than just progression in my skiing,” says Karen, the former ski racer. “It was so cool to have all the athletes cheering each other on and coaching each other through. It really helped push me to try things I wouldn’t normally have tried.” It’s this mentality that allows the Droppin’ In women to break down the walls of their comfort zones and learn new things. There’s no doubt that snowboarding and skiing in terrain parks is intimidating, but the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded women of similar ability truly allows the ladies of Droppin’ In to flourish. “When we normally ride, we ride to keep up,” says Emily, the New York City snowboarder. “At least that’s how I’ve always felt. I’ve never had a support system of female riders who were at my level, and eager to learn new things. At Droppin’ In, regardless of level, no one is showing off (not even our Olympic athlete coaches) and everyone supports you—whether you land a jump, or stall out mid-box. It’s an environment full of encouragement and celebration for trying new things.”

Brita Sigourney Oakley Pro Coach loonmtn.com

NOVEMBER 29

FEBRUARY 15

Watch a bunch of turkeys huck their giblets into space at this post-Thanksgiving rail jam. This early-season competition sets the stage for another incredible season in Loon’s full progression of award-winning terrain parks.

Little kids can go big too. That’s the idea behind this mini-shred competition sponsored by Crab Grab and High Cascade Snowboard Camp. Riders spin the Wheel of Grabs and tweak ‘til they can tweak no more.

CEASE AND DESIST

You’ll test-drive a car, so why not your winter gear? Be a savvy shopper and demo the latest 14/15 equipment from some of today’s top brands. THRU DECEMBER 14

RING IN THE WINTER We love winter, but there are plenty of people out there who dread the cold because they can’t afford warm winter gear. Bring your gently used winter garments to Loon, and we’ll donate them to a local charity in time for the holidays. JANUARY 11

SOUTH PEAK SKIN & SKI RACE Chairlifts are for babies. Get a taste of adventure by skinning up South Peak, and then skiing down. This is the perfect race for beginner and expert racers, and includes both telemark and alpine touring divisions.

FEBRUARY 18—20

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND Four score and seven years ago, the invention of snowmaking freed us from this whims of Mother Nature. Join us as we celebrate our hard-working snowmakers (and New Hampshire’s most powerful snowmaking system) with snowcat rides, fireworks, and an unforgettable torchlight parade. We’ll bring the snow. You bring the fun.

OUT!

DEMO DAY

JANUARY 17—19

JANUARY 24—25 + FEBRUARY 26—27

WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE CAMP presented by K2

It’s O K2 to ski like a girl. Enjoy womanto-woman coaching and video analysis at this weekend clinic, which is designed for intermediate and advanced skiers. By helping women ski more like women–not men–our professional coaches will help you reach the next level of awesomeness. FEBRUARY 6

SNOW GOLF with CASA Tee off for a great cause. Play nine holes in this unique open-to-all 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 debuted at Loon in 2000. Don’t worry, you can borrow our clubs.

S C H O O L’ S

DECEMBER 13

LIL’ TWEAKERS

FLUORESCENT NIGHTS Make the most out of February vacation by lapping the Burton Progression Park at night. Since it’s not a school night, we’ll leave the lights on for you. FEBRUARY 19

SNOWSHOE & S’MORES For a totally unique family après experience, ride a chairlift to midmountain and take a guided snowshoe tour to our rustic Camp III lodge. Feast on delicious hors d’oeuvres, hot cocoa–and s’mores around the fire. When you’re ready, you’ll snowshoe back down under a starry sky. FEBRUARY 21—22

INSIDER’S EDGE presented by Salomon

This first-of-its kind camp lets dudes demo next year’s Salomon skis long before their buddies. In addition to testing select 2015/16 models alongside Salomon reps and Loon’s snowsports pros, guys will also learn the finer points of DIY tuning and boot fitting.

BUNYAN’S LEGENDARY NIGHTS

Saturdays nights beginning December 27 Presented by Bud Light

The Paul Bunyan Room is the epicenter of après at Loon, and the magnitude increases exponentially on Saturday nights. Rock out to live music from some of New England’s best bands as you and your friends make memories so good you won’t be able to remember them the next day. NO COVER. AGES 21+ SEE THE LINEUP: LoonMtn.com/Legendary 42

All events and dates are subject to change.

MARCH 14

WINTER CHALLENGE presented by New England Disabled Sports Take part in this annual ski and ride-a-thon fundraiser for New England Disabled Sports, a nonprofit that helps everyone enjoy the slopes. This event has raised more than $100,000 for NEDS. MARCH 16

Photo: Cole Martin

LAST CALL with Eastern Boarder One of the biggest, most laid-back snowboarding events in the East, Last Call is a homecoming for anyone who calls Loon’s parks home. Come watch as some of the best pro and semi-pro riders launch themselves off mindbogglingly innovative features for cash and prizes.

MARCH 22

CARDBOARD BOX RACE

Kids combine their love of snow and carboard boxes at this annual rite of spring. Watch as wee folk glide down the mountainside in cardboard boxes that have been transformed into helicopters, moose, and pirate ships. What could be better than that? APRIL 4

‘80S DAY

Celebrate the return of spring by bringing back the ’80s. Break out the straight skis and neon fanny packs for this day-long celebration of big hair and bold fashion choices. When you’re done hot doggin’ for the day, walk like an Egyptian to the Bunyan Room, where ’80s cover band Fast Times will help you relive the best decade of the last millennium. APRIL 11

SLUSHPOOL PARTY

Problem: ski bums are too busy shredding pow to bathe during the winter. Solution: pond skimming. Brilliant, no? APRIL 12

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 urbanstyle course in their quest for bragging rights and a cash purse. loonmtn.com

Bars

Life Behind Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery Ben Wilson Bar Manager

How long have you worked at The Station? The day I didn’t get the job that I had applied for out West, a soon-to-be good friend of mine offered me a bartending gig at The Station. “Sure, I’ll bartend for a summer” was my reply. That was the spring of ‘97. This valley has a strange way of sucking people in. What’s your signature drink? Why, any one of our handcrafted ales, of course! If spirits are your flavor, then our Espresso Martini will fit the bill. It’s huge and made with Kahlua Midnight, Ketel One and splash of Bailey’s. Made with real Italian espresso, it’s an “adult” energy drink. What makes your bar special? The Station is a high-energy, unique crossroads of travelers and locals. Many plans have been made (and scrapped) over a pint at the bar. It’s ground zero for travelers looking for the low down and what to do in the area. There is always a knowledgeable local filling them in and pointing them in the right direction. What’s your favorite après-ski drink? Unfortunately I’m not on the hill like I used to be but when I do catch up with friends it’s usually over a pint or three. Something dark like our Old Man Oatmeal Stout or hoppy like Harpoon’s IPA. What do you love about bartending? It has to be the interaction of so many personalities. When you mix so many people together and loosen them up, you NEVER know what you will see or hear during your shift. You may be expecting a quiet evening and the craziest things can happen. For that one shift there can be a thousand different stories told in a thousand different places the next day. That’s pretty cool.

Truant’s Taverne Katie Young Server

How long have you worked at Truant’s? Two-and-a-half years. What’s the most popular drink here? We have all the usual shots, and there’s a freeze pop drink that’s becoming popular here. It’s just different vodkas, lemonade, and some other stuff. I’m a sucker because I think the Angry Orchard Snakebites are pretty awesome. I always recommend those because they’re fun to make. I think they’re pretty. What’s a Snakebite? It’s half cider, half Guinness, so it layers–you’ve got the cider on the bottom and the Guinness on top. It’s like a more bitter cider. I don’t know if you’ve ever had the cider, but it’s just like apple juice. It’s really sweet. I find that it knocks it down a little bit. And then in the fall when we get the Pumpkinhead, a lot of people will do the Pumpkinhead with Guinness and all that. It’s a fun little combination. What makes Truant’s special? It seems like everyone can hang out and get along. In the afternoons when people get together to play pool–even if you’re a tourist–it seems like everyone can talk to each other and there’s more of a community here. We get a lot of regulars–it’s definitely a local’s hangout. But we have a lot of tourists come through as well. What do you like about working at Truant’s? We [Truant’s staff] all work together really well. We’ve got a lot of really great, loyal customers that come back. I enjoy talking with tourists, because it’s really cool to hear somebody else’s story. We get a lot of people who say ‘I come up once a year, and I always come back here.’

Remember to après responsibly & always use a designated driver.

Gordi’s Fish & Steak House Bob Shaw General Manager

How long have you worked at Gordi’s? I’ve worked at Gordi’s since 1990, and I’ve been the GM since 1996. What makes Gordi’s special? We’ve always been very very particular about who we put behind our bar. We have to know them and who they are before they’re going to be behind our bar–especially for our winter crowd. Brian [one of Gordi’s bartenders] is genuinely interested in his customers. If you’ve ever watched him work, the first question is ‘So, what did you do today?’ and then it might be ‘What can I get you to drink?’ Brian wants to know his customers, and I think people really appreciate that… Lindsey and Ashley [also bartenders at Gordi’s] spend a little more time on the hill, they’ll see these people on the lifts, so they’re not just our customers–they’re our friends. What’s your signature drink? Dennis and Bernie–those are probably two of the most famous regulars at Loon–everybody knows them–and their favorite drink would be the Gordi’s Margarita, which is Sausa Hornitos, Cointreau, sour mix, and a splash of OJ. We sell a lot of those. Those guys will get other people at the bar drinking those as well…PBRs (laughs) a lot of PBRs. I don’t know if you can consider that a signature drink, but we sell cheap 16-ounce PBRs. You come here and you get a big meal of après stuff and a couple PBRs and you can be well fed and have a couple beers for 10 bucks, easily. Do you ski or snowboard? I’ve spent many, many days up at Loon. I skied, then I snowboarded, then I went back to skiing. I’ve seen the creation of the massive park [Loon Mountain Park] at Loon Mountain go from underneath the Kancamagus Quad [to the milelong park it is today] and the evolution of skis from straight to shaped. Did you know skiers used to not be allowed in the park? I got yelled at for going in the park on my skis. Can you imagine that happening today?

Finding the perfect après spot isn’t always easy. That’s why we consulted the experts–bartenders and managers at some of the most legendary watering holes in Lincoln and North Woodstock. Over the years they’ve poured bottomless PBRs and lent their ears to countless 1am sob stories. Now, we put down our ZIMAs and listen to what they have to say.

El Charro

Gypsy Café

Black Diamond Pub

Your uncle, Alberto Lira [owner] opened the restaurant in early 2014. Why did he choose Lincoln? Someone told him it would be a good location for a Mexican restaurant, to bring business to the community and to show the authentic cuisine of Mexico. The family is originally from Mexico...the state of Puebla, which is just to the south of Mexico City.

How long have you worked here? Seven and a half years. I’ve done everything. I host, I bartend, I wait tables. I do whatever needs to be done.

What’s your most popular après-ski drink? We basically have everything under the sun. We sell more draft beer than anything in the wintertime. We have great, great martinis here. Vodka flies out of this place, but the local draft beers do the best. We always do two Woodstock Station drafts in the wintertime. We also feature Tuckerman’s, Moat Mountain Brewery, Smuttynose, and we have good relationships with all of those breweries.

Fernando Lira General Manager

Say I’m starving after skiing all day. What should I order? We provide a variety of dishes, from the southern, central, and northern parts of Mexico. From where we come from, it’s the mole poblano– that’s the authentic dish from the state of Puebla. And then from the northern part you’ve got the tacos de cochinita pibil, which is pork. Another signature that we have is the guacamole made at the table. A lot of people like that. On the desert side we have fried ice cream–gelato fritto–which a lot of people tend to like because we come out and flame the ice cream at the side of the table. It’s like a little show that we do. What’s your signature drink? I would say it’s the margaritas. It’s what people ask for. And, of course, the sangria–the red sangria. We have our own recipe. We make it from scratch. It’s chopped apples, Triple Sec, brandy, a little bit of sugar syrup, orange juice, and red wine. What kind of Mexican beers do you serve? We have Corona, Negro Modelo, Modelo Especiale, Sol, Tecate, Dos Equis Lager, Dos Equis Amber, and Bohemia. We have pretty much all of the Mexican beers. What’s your favorite? I would say Corona or Dos Equis Lager. Do you ski or snowboard? No. I’m looking forward to this year (laughs), I’m going to try it.

Kristy Duris Server and wife of chef/owner Dan Duris

What makes the Gypsy Café such a special place? Probably our menu. It has very nontraditional flavors so people can get a steak, but the steak is usually flavored. Right now it’s Japanese flavors, so it’s a miso demiglaze sauce, so it’s not just a steak. Everything has a different twist to make it special. What are your most popular après drinks? We have a diverse menu that has some traditional things, like a Cosmopolitan, but we also have some new things like the Elderberry Breeze, which has St. Germain and grapefruit vodka so it’s a little different. We use fresh herbs in our drinks–we have mojitos and we have margaritas with basil year round. We do a lot with margaritas–some are traditional, served on the rocks, and some are frozen. You can get a fruit puree–mango, strawberry, raspberry– people love that. What about beer? We only have four taps, but we try to get only locally-brewed beers–between Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Where’s your TV? We don’t have a TV so there’s a lot of cross-conversations, people meeting people. You don’t’ find people coming in to just sit and look at a TV. They come in and chat with a bartender or talk with the owner or speak with other people sitting at the bar. It’s very social. It happens at all bars, but it almost has to happen at this bar– because there’s no TV.

Matt Holland Food & Beverage Manager-Mountain Club on Loon

What’s the atmosphere like here on a Saturday evening? It’s fun, it’s lively. Every Saturday we have a beer promotion and there’s always free giveaways. Whatever beer is being promoted that week, we’ll have a great special on it. We’re really trying to build up our mug club here. You guys have a great reputation for your Bunyan Room mug club. They had one here for many years, but it’s waned, so we’re building that back up. And we always run great appetizer specials, seven days a week for après-ski between 3pm and 5pm. What makes the Black Diamond Pub special? You can literally ski right in. You put your skis down and you walk right in. You can keep your day and your party going right here on the mountain. You don’t have to drive into town. We have live entertainment every weekend, on Saturday between 7pm and 10pm. We always try to have an après deal that’s so good people are going to want to stay for dinner. The best way for us to describe our food is casual New England cuisine–casual New England pub grub. Great salads, great sandwiches, soups–everything’s homemade. What’s your favorite après-ski beverage? Geez. Just a nice cold draft beer. I like the unfiltered wheats, so Blue Moon and Sam Adams’ Cold Snap are great.

Do you ski or snowboard? I mostly cross-country ski now. I used to be a big snowboarder at Loon, but because of my job, it’s harder to get out in the winter. What’s your favorite après drink? Oh boy. I like our sangria. We have a red wine sangria that’s really good. It’s probably one of my favorites. Or the Horny Toad Margarita.

loonmtn.com

Photo: Gus Noffke

Yale University has the Skull and Bones, the Freemasons have the Knights Templar, and Loon Mountain has the Mug Club. The Mug Club, an elite corps of more than 700 mug-hoisters who call the Paul Bunyan Room home, is a not-sosecret society where everyone knows your name. Well, for the most part. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to keep track of that many people, honestly.

ď&#x20AC;¤ Greg Kwasnik Mug Club Founder Charlie Wheeler

Founded by

legendary Paul Bunyan Room bartender Charlie Wheeler six or seven years ago (he can’t quite remember the exact date), the Mug Club has transformed Loon’s iconic après bar into a second home for people who like to shred – and party. “It’s taken on a culture of its own,” Charlie says. “It’s a culture of family; it’s a culture of fun. I think people like to say they’re in the Mug Club. It’s kind of a status symbol.” Visit the Bunyan Room this winter, and you’ll find a tight-knit community of people who eat lunch together on weekends, rock out to live music on Saturday nights, and bedazzle their mugs with a dizzying array of stickers and photos. Look closely, and you’ll even see mugs plastered with photos of Charlie’s face. “Some people took it upon themselves to make a sticker of my face and they put that on the mugs,” says Charlie, who really had nothing to do with that. “I really had nothing to do with that.” We recently sat down with several mug clubbers and asked them what makes the Bunyan Room–and the Mug Club–so special. Here’s what they had to say.

“It’s like Cheers at a mountain.” coming out. For some reason, ‘80s Day just seems to hold true. How long have you been a mug clubber? Five years. Favorite drink? Rum punch. If you go to the Bunyan Room and you never have a rum punch, then you’re kind of missing out. What makes the Bunyan Room and the Mug Club special? It’s just a great vibe. Everybody always has a smile on their face because they’re having a good time, the music’s right, people have a good attitude, and we have a great view of the mountain while we’re at it. Do you have any good Bunyan Room stories? PG Bunyan Room stories or regular Bunyan Room stories? This is a family magazine, so PG-13? It’s always awesome to be here on ‘80s Day, because you get to sit here, and no matter what happens the sun always ends up

How often to you hang out at the Bunyan Room? This is my 33rd day on the mountain this season. I usually get about 35 or 50 days at Loon a season. We know people that work behind the bar and we’ve been coming here so long that it’s kinda like hanging out with your family. Everybody goes to the lake house in the summertime, and everyone comes to the Bunyan Room in the wintertime. It’s like Cheers. It’s like Cheers at a mountain. I’ve heard a lot of talk about Charlie Wheeler and his catchphrase ‘Sweettime’. What’s the deal with that? Charlie’s kind of an icon. He runs the bar like it’s effortless to him. It’s like he was born to do it. He’s always had this air about him that just made it seem easy, you know? Everybody knows Charlie, everybody loves Charlie. Any time you ask him what’s going on, he always says “Sweettime!” and it’s true. Whenever you’re at the Bunyan Room, you’re always having a sweet time. loonmtn.com

How long have you two been mug clubbers? Shawna and Lauren: Four or five years. Favorite drink? Shawna: We don’t discriminate. We get just about everything in our mugs. You can write about that. We hear you’re both famous around here. Shawna: People call us the Cupcake Twins. We’re known for making cupcakes and handing them out to everyone in the Bunyan Room. You know how Charlie always says ‘Sweettime’? We made him Sweettime cupcakes. What’s your favorite Bunyan Room story? Lauren: Oh, there are so many. We’ll be here all day Saturday and we’ll come here every Sunday night too, so it’s pretty much like we don’t leave this place. So no specific stories? Lauren: You know how there are contests? We win a lot of them. We have snowboards, and I won concert tickets last weekend, and what did you win? [to Shawna] A lift ticket last weekend. We win a lot of things here. She won a snowmobiling trip, too. We never used it because we like to ski better. Well, she snowboards. Shawna: That’s a good story. We won a snowmobiling trip but never used it because we’d rather be at Loon. Lauren: Oh, and I broke both my arms six weeks ago. That’s a good story. Really? Lauren: In Little Sister I overshot a jump. I broke this elbow and this wrist. I got my cast off three days ago. Shawna: She didn’t mention that she didn’t want to go to First Aid. She wanted to go to the Bunyan Room. She thought that would be sufficient. She had a concussion. She was concussed. Could you lift a mug with a broken elbow and wrist? Lauren: Surprisingly enough, I could still hold them up. I’m a lefty, so I could still hold them. It was awesome. You’re both big fans of ‘80s Day. Tell me about that. Shawna: Crimping hair, lots of fluorescents, lots of Punky Brewster-like clothing. I actually have ‘80s hair, so it’s kind of just my special day. We definitely go all out. Last ‘80s Day I was at a friend’s baby shower, but I left a little early. When I got here, I didn’t want to be in any of the photos because I told her I was going to be in someone’s wedding. We’re honest people, but we’ll lie to get to the Bunyan Room. Whatever it takes.

“We’re honest

we’ll lie to get to the Bunyan Room.” people, but

“We call it the Mothership.”

How long have you been a mug clubber? I think for about seven years now. Favorite drink? Angry Orchard What made you join the Mug Club? Peer pressure? No. We’re total regulars here. For us, it’s just another way to continue to tie into the Bunyan Room. Originally it [the mug] was actually a larger beer than they served at the time. That was the original pitch. What’s so special about the Bunyan Room? We call it the Mothership. For us, it’s our meeting spot. That’s where we get together with our group of friends and family. We meet here every Saturday morning, every Sunday morning, and then in the afternoon for lunch and the whole nine yards. It’s our home away from home. Why do you have a sticker of Charlie Wheeler plastered to your mug? Come on! That’s Charlie. It’s just so I remember who’s my favorite bartender–other than Kara, Karen, Lesley, Todd, Jeff…Charlie makes the Bunyan Room what it is. His team is great. Kudos to them–that’s why we keep coming back. They treat us like family.

HAIR

OF THE

BLUE OX

Epic Saturday nights at the Bunyan Room used to have a downside: Sunday morning. But no longer: last winter, the great minds at Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge (Loon’s other après hotspot) began hosting Bloody Mary Mornings, a Sunday morning Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings. Now, groggy skiers and riders can revive themselves with tomato juice, Ketel One Vodka, and an array of extras like celery sticks, pickles, and shrimp. Bottoms up. Enjoy Bloody Mary Mornings at Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge every Sunday 9:30am to 11:30am, December–March.

loonmtn.com

you love winter. You relish the thrill of scoring first tracks on a powder day, going big in Loon Mountain Park, and closing down the Bunyan Room every Saturday night. That’s why, for some of us, the transition to summer can be difficult.

Come summer,

the way we see it, you have two choices. You can suffer through the dog days like a polar bear adrift on a shrinking ice flow–or you can give summer the big bear hug it deserves. Take a trip to Loon this summer and you’ll realize you don’t need snow to have fun in the mountains. Take a gondola ride to the summit to enjoy the cool breezes, breathtaking views, and cool glacial caves; zipline across the Pemigewasset River; or find out what you’re made of in our Aerial Forest Adventure Park. You can also ride a bike, scale a rock wall, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Just try climbing a giant spider web in the winter. Good luck. Kids will get stoked on summer at Loon, too. They’ll flip out over our bungee trampolines, Gyro Loop swing, and Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard, which features a bounce house and fun inflatable games. There’s also the epic LogJam Maze, your best chance of the summer to prove you don’t need to stop for directions, really. And don’t forget about our incredible summer and fall events. There’s the Monster Mud Run, a fiendishly filthy 5k featuring dozens of obstacles, rugged terrain, and 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 White Mountain Oktoberfest, the perfect combination of beer, sausages, keg tossing, and peak fall foliage. Check out the full summer events calendar at LoonMtn.com. Do yourself a favor and visit us this summer. You’ll like it.

PHOTOS BY: HINKLEY PHOTO

loonmtn.com

LODGING GUIDE... IT ALL STARTS HERE!

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. Get your FREE vacation planning kit by visiting LincolnWoodstock.com/skiloon.

SLOPESIDE RESORTS THE MOUNTAIN CLUB ON LOON RESORT & SPA 800-229-7829 | mtnclub.com The Mountain Club on Loon, your only ski in- ski out lodging on Loon Mountain will deliver an awesome family ski vacation. Awaken from a quiet, restful sleep to White Mountain views & fresh snow… just inches away. The car stays in the garage – and you can come home for lunch! After your day of adventure, kick back & relax in our casual Black Diamond Pub, a swim in our lap-size pool or a rejuvenating treatment in our Viaggio Spa. Then & another good night’s sleep. The Mountain Club on Loon: Close. Simple. Complete.

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 coffee makers, 2-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 $379. 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-t 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!

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.

MONTAUP CABINS 603-745-5615 | montaupcabins.com The Catucci Family welcomes you to escape the hustle and bustle of life to relax in the peacefulness of the White Mountains. Offering 2-bedrooms cabins, sleeping four to six comfortably. Conveniently located off of Interstate 93 and only a 5 minute drive to Loon Mountain. Short walking distance to Main Street in North Woodstock to enjoy local dining and shopping. Free wi-fi. MORE >> loonmtn.com

LODGING DIRECTORY Lincolnwoodstock.com/skiloon

B&Bs/COUNTRY INNS WILDERNESS INN BED & BREAKFAST 888-777-7813 | thewildernessinn.com Your country house in the White Mountains; three miles from Loon with seven bedrooms & family suites, all private bath, HDTV, some with Jacuzzi & fireplace. Honeymoon cottages with fireplace & two-person Jacuzzi tub. Gourmet breakfast includes homemade muffins, cran-nut or brie omelets. Call to hear about great B&B & ski or zip packages.

WOODSTOCK INN, STATION & BREWERY 800-321-3985 | woodstockinnnh.com New Hampshire’s favorite getaway for food, fun, and relaxation. 34 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 The Sugar Hill Inn is a romantic escape for skiers. No children please. Enjoy the best fine dining in the White Mountains. Rooms with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, robes, slippers, chocolates and coffee/ espresso. Convenient to Cannon, Loon and Bretton Woods.

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 access, and free shuttle to Loon Mountain.

DISCOUNTED CONDOMINIUM RENTALS AT THE NORDIC INN 888-883-2305 | discountedcondominiumrentals.com Save $20.00 per night over front desk rates! Central to four great ski areas. Affordable and spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom condominiums that boast gas fireplaces, full kitchens, one full bath per bedroom, free high-speed Wi-Fi and free parking. Perks include free shuttle to Loon Mountain, family game area/fitness center, indoor heated pool with attached hot tub, three saunas and racquetball. Loon ski ticket discounts available.

MORE >>

LODGING DIRECTORY Lincolnwoodstock.com/skiloon

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 slopeside accommodations available. Vacation rentals include full kitchens and living areas. Most have wood or gas fireplaces, access to fitness rooms, and indoor pools.

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 guest rooms, 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.

KANCAMAGUS LODGE 603-745-3365| kancamaguslodge.com Affordable lodging, convenient location, excellent amenities include; in-room steambaths, private balconies, free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, indoor pool, guest laundry, game room & children’s play area. Brittany’s Cafe & CJ’s Penalty Box Sports Bar & Pub. Kancamagus Highway/Rte 112 | Lincoln, NH 03251

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 $64 per night double occupancy. Three- and five-day mid-week rates and ski packages available. 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 $59. Weekend rates starting at $79.

loonmtn.com

LOON LOWDOWN

MOUNTAIN

411

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: 28 Skiable Acres: 370 Snowmaking Trail Coverage: 99% 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: 9am–4pm Weekend/Holiday: 8am–4pm Half-day: 12pm–4pm Season: Mid-November to 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.

UTAH

loonmtn.com

DON’T BE A STICK IN THE MUD Each July, hundreds of fleet-footed masochists descend on Loon Mountain for the Monster Mud Run, a fast and filthy 5k that tackles some of the toughest terrain in the White Mountains. Along the way, runners negotiate steep mountain trails, acres of shoe-sucking mud, and more than 20 obstacles with names like Sadistic Slalom, Snowmaker’s Boot Camp, and The Superpuke. It’s a race that challenges runners to live up to the fastest, strongest, and muddiest versions of themselves. Do you have what it takes to conquer the course? SIGN UP NOW for the 2015 Monster Mud Run happening on Saturday, July 11 at Loon Mountain Resort.

Limited to the first 100 users

Watch the video teaser and sign up today at

LoonMtn.com/MonsterMudRun

Photo: Hinkley Photo

SAVE $10: Use Coupon Code: IMFIRST

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

NEW LUXURY WHOLE & FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP CONDOMINIUMS Located in Lincoln, NH along the banks of the Pemigewasset River directly across from Loon Mountain’s South Peak Expansion, RiverWalk will change the way you view second home ownership.

AMENITIES

•Ski Slope Access •Walk To Village •Full Service Spa •Fitness Center •Year-round Heated Pool •Restaurant & Lounge •Owners Clubroom •Personal Lockers

SERVICES

•Owner Concierge •Valet Parking •Bell Service •Room Service •24/7 Front Desk •Housekeeping

GET A BROCHURE VISIT

BENEFITS

•Space Available •Optional Rental

Program Property Management •Exchange To Over 4000 Resorts •Full

Studio, One, Two & Three Bedrooms Upscale Furnishings, Full Kitchens, Balconies, Gas Fireplaces

603-728-6205 info@riverwalkatloon.com 49 Main Street, Suite 4 Lincoln, NH 03251

A CONDOMINIUM

This condominium has not yet been registered by the New Hampshire Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the Attorney General's Office, Department of Justice.The improvements and amenities are proposed and construction has not yet begun and Units and Fractional Ownership are not available for sale or reservation at this time.

Starting at

Loonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only ski-in, ski-out resort.

Stay in one of the newly-renovated rooms, studios or suites with stunning views of the White per person, per night Mountains. Indulge in pampering treatments at New Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Book your getaway at 800.229.7829 or visit mtnclub.com 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.

Photo: Dan Brown

SKI& STAY