Loon Mountain sits in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a rugged, forested range in the northeast of the United States, a couple of hours' drive north of Boston. Right at its foot are the twin towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock, a lively pair strung along the river, so Loon has a real town at its base with plenty to do beyond the slopes. Loon has been going since 1966 and has grown into a polished, well-run mid-size mountain, known for its immaculate grooming, its terrain parks, and three linked peaks to explore. It's an easy, welcoming place to ski, drawing everyone from first-timers to park riders to weekenders up from the city.

Skiing at Loon is built around cruising, across 403 acres of mostly below-treeline trails. Long, rolling groomers make up the bulk of it, fed by one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in the state, which keeps the surface in good shape and stretches the season from early December into April. The three linked peaks each have their own feel. North Peak holds most of the terrain (and the steepest), its upper runs pitching into black-diamond descents, along with moguls and tree runs where the real challenge lies. South Peak is quieter, with wide intermediate cruisers, a gentle beginner pod, and Loon's one double-black, Ripsaw. From the 930m summit there's around 640m of vertical to work with, and the longest run, Bear Claw, carries you nearly 4km to the base. Loon has a strong freestyle scene, too, with six terrain parks graded from first features to big jumps, so there's a clear path whether you're starting out on a box or sending the biggest line.

Off the slopes, Lincoln and North Woodstock keep you busy. A few minutes apart, the two towns have a run of casual restaurants, brewpubs, and shops. A few minutes apart, the two towns have a run of casual restaurants, brewpubs, and shops. The local highlight is the Woodstock Inn Brewery, a well-loved spot in a converted railway station that turns out award-winning ales alongside regular live music. Beyond the eating and drinking, there's a good spread of winter activities. The Ice Castles, a walk-through world of LED-lit ice towers, tunnels, and slides, are a fixture of the season here, and there's snow tubing, a vintage railroad, and cross-country trails all close by.

Check out Loon Mountain ski deals to start planning your trip.