Loon is expected to open on Saturday November 17, 2012(Weather Permitting). The forecast is for favorable snow making conditions each of the few nights. Check out some of the improvements they have made over the past few years.
LINCOLN, NH – After spending $20 million in the past six years to expand terrain, improve uphill capacity and revamp snowmaking and grooming technology, in 2012-13 Loon Mountain is investing in the next generation of snowboarders and skiers with two innovative new terrain parks: the Burton Riglet Park and Lil’ Stash.
Over the last six years, Loon has essentially remade itself by opening South Peak, expanding skiable terrain by 36 percent and creating 100 acres of new trails and glades on South Peak and the main mountain. In just the past two years, Loon has boosted its snowmaking capacity by 150 percent with the addition of 642 highly-efficient Low-E HKD tower guns – the largest installation of these state-of-the-art snowmaking guns in North America. Loon’s retooled snowmaking arsenal has increased overall snow production and maximized snow output at a wider range of temperatures, meaning more open terrain earlier in the season, more snow overall and better conditions all season long. Last winter put Loon’s snowmaking capabilities to the test, when Loon offered some of the most early season terrain available in New England, and stretched a normal season out of a very challenging year that saw other resorts close early.
This year, Loon is committed to expanding its terrain park offerings for the whole family. After the success in recent years with the Burton Progression Park (the perfect place for groms to grow into their steeze) we’ve turned our attention to Loon’s littlest jibbers. This winter, we’re offering two new parks built specifically for families: The Burton Riglet Park and Lil’ Stash.
The Burton Riglet Park is designed for the all the knee-high snowboarders and aspiring snowboarders out there. Located next to the Kissin’ Cousin Double, the Paul Bunyan-themed park will feature rolls, berms, mini pipe, and a ground-level box perfect for three-year-old boarders. Parents and instructors will be able to walk children through the park and help them learn basic skills. For more advanced groms, the Burton Lil’ Stash is the place to go. Located in a mellow glade to the east of the Little Sister Double, Lil’ Stash features rails, rollers, logs, and carvings of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. It’s a quiet place to develop park and freeriding skills, and the easy gladed terrain lets aerially-challenged parents have fun too.
Off the snow, diners will enjoy the new Hearthside Café in the Octagon Lodge. The café will feature healthy lunch options, including a fresh fruit smoothie bar, appetizers, and specialty sandwiches. Situated in a cozy spot beside a roaring fireplace, it’s a great escape from the typical base lodge hubbub.
