Best amenities
Off-mountain activities
Stunning views
Best amenities
Off-mountain activities
Stunning views
Best amenities
Off-mountain activities
Stunning views
Best amenities
Off-mountain activities
Stunning viewsLoon Mountain sits in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, right alongside the Kancamagus Highway - one of the most celebrated scenic drives in New England. The resort is based in the small town of Lincoln, which, together with neighbouring Woodstock, forms a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and outlet shops strung along the Pemigewasset River valley. It's a proper White Mountains community, busy in both summer and winter, with a family-friendly character that's defined New Hampshire skiing for decades. Loon has been operating since 1966 and has evolved into one of the most complete mid-size resorts in the northeastern United States, with a gondola, strong snowmaking, and a terrain spread across three peaks.
The mountain spans roughly 163 hectares across 73 runs, served by 13 lifts including three high-speed quads and a gondola. The summit reaches 930m with a base at 290m, giving a vertical drop of 640m and a longest run stretching to around 4km. The terrain split favours intermediates and experts: 6% beginner, 45% intermediate, 19% advanced, and 30% expert - meaning nearly half the mountain has genuine teeth. Loon's snowmaking covers the vast majority of its trails, keeping conditions reliable through a season that typically runs from early December to mid-April. Six terrain parks, two halfpipes, and a tubing facility round out the offering.
The Lincoln-Woodstock area gives Loon a more developed base than many New England ski areas. The strip of hotels, restaurants, and shops along Route 112 provides enough variety for an evening out, and the Kancamagus Highway's frozen landscapes add a scenic dimension that makes even the drive to the mountain feel special. For UK visitors, Loon represents accessible, well-organised New England skiing with a genuine mountain setting and the kind of practical amenities that make a family trip easy to plan. Check out Loon Mountain ski deals to start planning your trip.
Loon Mountain sits in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, right alongside the Kancamagus Highway - one of the most celebrated scenic drives in New England. The resort is based in the small town of Lincoln, which, together with neighbouring Woodstock, forms a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and outlet shops strung along the Pemigewasset River valley. It's a proper White Mountains community, busy in both summer and winter, with a family-friendly character that's defined New Hampshire skiing for decades. Loon has been operating since 1966 and has evolved into one of the most complete mid-size resorts in the northeastern United States, with a gondola, strong snowmaking, and a terrain spread across three peaks.
The mountain spans roughly 163 hectares across 73 runs, served by 13 lifts including three high-speed quads and a gondola. The summit reaches 930m with a base at 290m, giving a vertical drop of 640m and a longest run stretching to around 4km. The terrain split favours intermediates and experts: 6% beginner, 45% intermediate, 19% advanced, and 30% expert - meaning nearly half the mountain has genuine teeth. Loon's snowmaking covers the vast majority of its trails, keeping conditions reliable through a season that typically runs from early December to mid-April. Six terrain parks, two halfpipes, and a tubing facility round out the offering.
The Lincoln-Woodstock area gives Loon a more developed base than many New England ski areas. The strip of hotels, restaurants, and shops along Route 112 provides enough variety for an evening out, and the Kancamagus Highway's frozen landscapes add a scenic dimension that makes even the drive to the mountain feel special. For UK visitors, Loon represents accessible, well-organised New England skiing with a genuine mountain setting and the kind of practical amenities that make a family trip easy to plan. Check out Loon Mountain ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing Loon Mountain means moving across three distinct peaks - Loon Peak, North Peak, and South Peak - each with its own character. Loon Peak is the main mountain, where the gondola rises to the summit and the bulk of the intermediate and advanced terrain sits. North Peak adds steep, north-facing pitches that hold snow well, and South Peak provides gentler terrain suited to families and developing skiers. The layout gives the resort a sense of variety that belies its modest acreage, and the White Mountain setting - birch forests, frozen streams, and granite ridgelines - adds an atmosphere that's distinctly New England.
For UK visitors, the North American trail rating system differs from European colour codes. Green circles mark beginner runs (similar to European greens and easy blues). Blue squares cover intermediates, though they span a wider range than European blues - some can be surprisingly steep, especially on the firmer East Coast snow. Black diamonds indicate advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs. New England conditions tend towards the firm and icy, so well-tuned edges are important here.
Loon's beginner terrain is concentrated around the base area and South Peak, where gentle green runs and a dedicated learning zone provide a comfortable starting point. The magic carpet and beginner lifts keep things manageable, and the South Peak area is well separated from the main mountain's traffic. The slopes are wide, consistently groomed, and benefit from Loon's strong snowmaking system, which keeps the surface predictable and even.
It's worth noting that beginner terrain makes up only around 6% of Loon's total runs, so the resort's strength lies more in progression than in breadth of easy terrain. Once the basics are in place, transitioning to the mellower blue runs on the lower mountain is a natural next step - and the gondola ride to the summit is worth doing for the views alone, even before you're ready to ski down from the top.
WeSki insider tip: The gondola is free for sightseers, so non-skiing family members can ride to the summit for the White Mountain panorama and lunch at the summit lodge without needing a lift pass.
Intermediates will find Loon Mountain's sweet spot. With 45% of the terrain rated blue, there's a satisfying spread of groomed runs across all three peaks. The trails off the gondola on Loon Peak are the standouts - long, flowing descents through hardwood forest with consistent pitch and reliable grooming. Runs like Flying Fox and Picked Rock provide the kind of sustained, rhythmic skiing that makes you want to lap the mountain all day.
North Peak adds variety for those wanting to push further. The terrain here is slightly steeper and holds its snow well on the north-facing aspect, making it a good place to test your limits without committing to full black diamond territory. The three-peak layout means intermediates never feel boxed in - there's always another section of the mountain to explore, and the views change character as you move between the peaks.
WeSki insider tip: North Peak's blue runs get less traffic than Loon Peak's because they require a short traverse - head there mid-morning for some of the quietest, best-groomed intermediate skiing on the mountain.
Loon's expert terrain is more substantial than the resort's family-friendly reputation might suggest. With 30% of runs rated expert and another 19% advanced, there's genuine challenge here. The upper sections of Loon Peak serve up steep, sustained black diamond runs with mogul fields and natural features, and the North Peak steeps are among the most demanding terrain in the White Mountains. Walking Boss and Flume are classic New England bump runs - narrow, icy, and relentless.
The gladed tree skiing is where Loon's expert terrain really comes into its own after a snowfall. The hardwood and birch forests across the upper mountain hold fresh snow well, and the tight, twisting lines through the trees demand quick reactions and good line choice. East Coast tree skiing has its own character - the trees are closer together, the snow surface varies rapidly, and ice patches lurk in the shadows. After a nor'easter, though, Loon's glades fill in beautifully and provide some of the most rewarding skiing in New Hampshire.
WeSki insider tip: After fresh snow, head straight for the glades on North Peak - they face north, hold powder longer, and get less traffic than the more visible Loon Peak tree runs.
Loon has a strong freestyle pedigree. Six terrain parks and two halfpipes provide one of the most comprehensive park set-ups in New Hampshire, with features graded from beginner-friendly boxes through to advanced kickers and rail gardens. The parks are well maintained and benefit from consistent snowmaking. The wider groomed runs across all three peaks give good carving terrain, and after a storm, the gladed areas on North Peak provide freeride lines worth seeking out.
Off-piste at Loon centres on the gladed terrain between marked runs, particularly on North Peak and the upper sections of Loon Peak. The birch and hardwood glades hold fresh snow after storms, creating pockets of soft skiing through tight trees. Beyond the resort boundary, the White Mountains offer some backcountry skiing, though the terrain is modest and snow conditions are inconsistent. Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington, about 80km away, is the region's legendary spring backcountry destination for experienced ski mountaineers.
Loon's ski and snowboard school is one of the larger operations in New Hampshire, with group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. Children's programmes start from age three, and adult options include first-timer packages, intermediate improvement clinics, and specialised mogul and tree-skiing workshops. The instruction is in English, and the approach is patient and well structured - well suited to families.
Loon takes its terrain parks seriously, with six park zones and two halfpipes providing one of the most extensive freestyle set-ups in New Hampshire. The parks are graded from introductory learning features through to advanced jumps, rails, and creative builds. The Burton Progression Park gives beginners a safe space to try freestyle for the first time, while the Loon Mountain Park serves up features for experienced riders. Consistent snowmaking keeps the parks rideable throughout the season.
Loon Mountain is built with families in mind, and the surrounding Lincoln-Woodstock area reinforces that. The ski school runs children's programmes from age three, and the dedicated beginner area on South Peak gives young children a calm, managed environment to learn. The gondola is a family-friendly asset - it's enclosed and comfortable, making the ride to the summit enjoyable rather than nerve-wracking for younger riders. The tubing facility at the base provides a guaranteed-fun non-skiing option for all ages.
Older children and teenagers are well catered for by the terrain parks and the progression from intermediate groomers into the gladed terrain on the upper peaks. The six park zones offer something for every freestyle ability, and confident teens will enjoy the challenge of North Peak's steeper runs. The adventure centre at the base adds zip-lining and climbing activities during the season.
The Lincoln-Woodstock area has a practical family infrastructure - chain hotels and motels with pools, family restaurants, supermarkets for self-catering, and enough activities to keep rest days interesting. It's not glamorous, but it works well and keeps costs manageable. The short drive from the accommodation strip to the resort base takes just a few minutes, and the Hobo Railroad and Clark's Trading Post add old-fashioned New England family attractions for younger children.
Loon Mountain and the Lincoln-Woodstock area sit at the western gateway to the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England's most scenic routes. The White Mountain setting provides a dramatic natural backdrop for rest days and non-skiers, and the town has enough shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep everyone occupied. It's a genuine year-round mountain community with an outdoorsy character.
The White Mountains provide a classic New England winter setting for activities beyond the ski area:
The Lincoln-Woodstock area has a scattering of attractions and activities that suit families, couples, and anyone wanting a break from the slopes. The White Mountain setting adds a natural grandeur to even simple outings.
Dining around Loon Mountain is centred on the Lincoln-Woodstock strip and the resort's base area. The options are solidly New England - hearty, unfussy, and family-friendly. On-mountain, the summit lodge and base area facilities keep you fuelled during the day. In the evenings, the town's restaurants cover a wider range than you might expect.
WeSki insider tip: Try anything with real New Hampshire maple syrup while you're here - Flapjack's pancakes drowned in the local stuff is a proper White Mountains breakfast experience that's worth waking up for.
Après-ski at Loon is family-friendly and unpretentious - cold beers at the base lodge, warm fires in the hotel lobbies, and an easy transition into the evening along the Lincoln-Woodstock restaurant strip. The base area has a couple of bars that fill up after last lifts, with a crowd that's a mix of families, couples, and regulars. It's relaxed rather than rowdy, and the atmosphere suits the resort's character.
The evening scene centres on the Woodstock Inn Brewery, which is the social heart of the area. Beyond that, the hotel bars and a few pubs along Route 112 provide options for a drink and some live music at weekends. It's a quiet scene by resort-town standards, but it's genuine and comfortable - the kind of evening where you're in bed at a reasonable hour and ready for first lifts the next morning.
Accommodation around Loon Mountain splits between the resort's slopeside properties and the Lincoln-Woodstock strip. The Mountain Club on Loon is the flagship slopeside option, with ski-in/ski-out access, a pool, fitness centre, and spa. Slopeside condominiums and townhouses are also available, many with kitchen facilities. These put you right at the base of the mountain, which is hard to beat for convenience.
Along Route 112 in Lincoln and Woodstock, a range of hotels, motels, inns, and vacation rental condos provide more affordable options. Many of the chain hotels have indoor pools and family facilities. The drive from the Lincoln strip to the resort base takes just a few minutes. For a more traditional New England experience, the Woodstock Inn is a characterful option with its own brewery. Self-catering rentals are widely available and suit families wanting flexibility and space.
Loon Mountain is owned by Boyne Resorts and is included on the Ikon Pass, giving pass holders access alongside a wide network of resorts across North America and internationally. The resort also sells its own day tickets, multi-day passes, and a combined pass with Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine. This tri-mountain pass is excellent value for visitors wanting to ski multiple New England destinations in a single trip. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Loon Mountain ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Loon has rental shops at the base area offering standard and performance-level equipment for skiers and snowboarders. Additional rental options are available in Lincoln. Pre-booking online is recommended during holiday periods and weekends. As with any New England resort, ask for a fresh edge tune on your rental equipment - it makes a significant difference on the firmer surfaces that characterise East Coast skiing.
Most visitors drive to Loon Mountain. The resort base is just off Route 112, and the Lincoln-Woodstock accommodation is within a few minutes' drive. Parking at the resort is free during the week and paid on peak weekends and holidays. A free shuttle operates between the main accommodation areas and the resort base during the ski season. Within Lincoln and Woodstock, the main strip is walkable for hotels in the centre, though a car is useful for reaching restaurants and shops at either end of town.
The nearest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire, approximately 170km south - around two hours' drive. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is roughly 210km away, about two and a half hours by road. For UK travellers, Boston is the most likely arrival point, with direct flights from London. The drive north from Boston through New Hampshire is scenic, passing through the Lakes Region before climbing into the White Mountains. Portland, Maine's Jetport (PWM) is another option at a similar distance. Winter driving conditions in the mountains can be challenging, so snow tyres or chains are advisable.
WeSki provides car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Loon Mountain. Add them to your Loon Mountain ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Loon has a dedicated beginner area and a well-regarded ski school with children's programmes from age three. However, only around 6% of the terrain is rated green, which is a small proportion. Beginners can learn comfortably on the South Peak area, and the transition to easy blues is well managed, but this isn't a mountain with extensive green run options. For families with total beginners, the quality of instruction compensates for the limited beginner acreage.
All three are owned by Boyne Resorts and covered by the Ikon Pass and a combined tri-mountain ticket. Sunday River is larger with eight peaks and the best snowmaking in the East. Sugarloaf has the highest vertical in New England and above-treeline skiing. Loon sits between them in size but holds its own with strong intermediate terrain, a good gondola, and a more developed base-town infrastructure in Lincoln. For a multi-resort New England trip, combining all three is a popular and worthwhile approach.
Loon is a New England resort, which means natural snowfall is variable and conditions can range from fresh powder to firm ice. The resort's snowmaking system covers the vast majority of terrain and keeps conditions reliable from December through mid-April. After a natural storm, the glades and tree runs fill in nicely, but the base surface is typically machine-made and groomed. Expect firmer conditions than in the West, especially on cold mornings, softening through the afternoon. Sharp edges on your skis or board make a genuine difference.
Yes. The Kancamagus Eight gondola runs from the base to the summit of Loon Peak, providing a comfortable, enclosed ride with panoramic views of the White Mountains. It's one of the few gondolas in New Hampshire and adds both convenience and atmosphere. Non-skiers can ride the gondola for sightseeing, and the summit lodge at the top serves food and drinks with some of the best views in the region.
UK skiers familiar with European colour coding should note the differences. Green circles mark beginner runs (equivalent to European greens and easy blues). Blue squares cover intermediates but span a wider range than European blues - some can be quite testing, particularly on icy New England mornings. Black diamonds indicate advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs, so give yourself time to calibrate.
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a 56km scenic road that runs east from Lincoln through the White Mountain National Forest to Conway. It's one of New England's most celebrated drives, passing through dense forest, alongside rivers, and over a mountain pass. In winter, the road is typically maintained and passable, though conditions vary. Even a short drive along the western section from Lincoln is worth doing for the scenery - frozen waterfalls, snow-covered pines, and mountain views that are quintessentially New England.
Yes. Loon is included on the Ikon Pass, which also covers a wide network of North American and international resorts. Additionally, Boyne Resorts offers a combined tri-mountain pass covering Loon, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf - excellent value if you're planning to ski multiple New England destinations. Day tickets and multi-day passes are also available directly from the resort.
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