Lincoln New Hampshire Loon Mountain

Loon mountain has gone through many changes over the last 41years or so. Finally the long awaited South Peak lift and trails will open in December 2007. A little history of loon Mountain NH. Loon Mountain is located on the south side of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and on the Kancamagus Higway Rt.112 Exit 32 off of US RT 93 in Lincoln New Hampshire in the White Mountains. Loon Mountain opened for business on December 27, 1966. The founder of Loon Mountain was Sherman Adams, former New Hampshire governor and chief of staff to President Eisenhower. Adams was hired in the early 1900s as Director of Lumber Operations for the Parker-Young Company in Lincoln. He was responsible for maintaining a steady flow of wood for the mill in Lincoln, which meant spending a lot of time outdoors. Needless to say this man spent many days in the woods. He was said to have once walked the 75 miles from Littleton to Hanover NH.. Adams knew that with fairly gentle inclines suitable for the intermediate skier, Loon Mountain was a well-sheltered, northeast-facing slope, with only scattered glacial boulders was perfect for a ski mountain. Close to town and the soon-to-be-built interstate highway Adams knew that Loon Mountain would be a success. The first season of 1966-1967 Loon Mountain saw 30.000 plus visitors. Adams friends and the locals had there doubts about future success. In 1967 Loon had there own chair lift and could provide access to terrain even expert skiers could appreciate
In the early 1980s Loon mountain all most doubled in size with it first major renovation. Adding a gondola at the Octagon Lodge and The renovating the Govenors Lodge while expanding the terrain to include the North Peak and Camp 3. As part of what was advertised as SKI 93 ( Interstate Highway) Loon was lumped up with Waterville Valley and Cannon Mountain. Waterville Valley was privately owned and Canon Mountain was and still is owned by the state of New Hampshire.
In 1998, Booth Creek Resorts purchased Loon Mountain. Booth Creek owns and operates resorts across the United States including Waterville Valley and Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire. Most recently Boyne has purchases Sunday River and Sugarloaf USA in Maine. On September 19 2007 it was announce that Boyne USA has signed a contract with Booth Creek which at closing will transfer the management of Loon Mountain. In New Hampshire, Booth Creek retains its ownership and management of Cranmore Mountain Resort and Waterville Valley. Both resorts have real estate and mountain expansion opportunities that Booth Creek will continue to explore. With this arrangement skiers and Snowboarders will be able to purchase the New England Ski Pass for the 2007 2008 season. The New England Pass will be a tiered season pass with three levels that will be valid at Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine and Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. The Bronze Pass will be $369 and will be an all ages pass valid midweek non-holiday. The Silver New England Pass will be $699 and will be an all ages pass valid seven days a week with 12 blackout dates on holidays and select Saturdays. The Gold New England Pass will be valid every day of the season and will range from $499 for seniors to $899 for adults.
Back to the topic of loon's newest expansion. For the last 20 years or so loon Mountain has been clearing trails along the South Peak. Most of us who ski Loon has passed by the area wondering when some one was going to do something with the area. The expansion has been many years in the making. In 2005 the expansion was finally approved and work moved forward in 2006. Condominiums and resort homes have been built. Starting October 28th 2007 the resort flew and installed by helicopter 32 lift towers. These towers make up the Lincoln Express high-speed quad and the Tote Road Connector quad chairlifts. Twenty-one towers sit on the face of South Peak, comprising the lift line for the Lincoln Express. The new lift can now be seen from nearby downtown Lincoln. Eleven towers are in place along the Tote Road, which connects the existing terrain on Loon Mountain to the summit of South Peak. The Tote Road Quad will take skiers and snowboarders in both directions, to and from the summit of South Peak. With three new trails and about 50 acres of terrain on South Peak for the upcoming ski season. These trails are only 35% of the total planned South Peak expansion to take place over the next 3 years. The next announcment will probably be the construction of Exit 31A on Route 93 North. If this happens we can look forwrd to loon exspanding even more.
Loon Mountain will begin making snow November 1, and plans to open for skiing and snowboarding Wednesday, November 21. The new lifts and trails of South Peak are scheduled to open in mid-December. South Peak's official opening celebration is Thursday, December 21
The expansion should help Loon Mountain with its famous crowds on weekends and School Holiday Weeks. I ski at Loon Mountain on average of 25 days a year and have been doing this for 26 years. The area is also famous for its extensive White Mountain hiking trail system connected to the Appalachian trail.
South Peak at Loon will be the first and only resort in New England with a trail that leads to the town it is based in.
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Ski and Snowboard Okemo for $25.00 11/25/07

The annual food drive at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow Vermont is this weekend 11/25/07.
Bring 3 non perishable food items or a new unwrapped toy to the main base area and receive a all day pass for $25.00. Give and Ski what a concept.
New England has had cold enough temps to make snow for the last two weeks and mother nature has provided a serious boost. Resorts from Snoshoe West Virgina to Jay Peak Vermont have received snow. Snow Reports
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Snow Skiing Reports, Ski Trips, Skiing Reviews: OnTheSnow.com

Check out the Boston area’s greatest snowsports season kickoff event, the Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Expo at the Bayside Expo Center, November 15-18, 2007. Exhibitors from mountain resorts from near and far will be on hand, as well as tour operators and snowsports equipment manufacturers with the latest info on this year’s best gear.
There will be high flying action in the Honda Action Sports Zone, a Kids Snow-Play area where the youngsters can actually try skiing or snowboarding, and much more for all ages. Topping it all off is Ski Market’s multi-million dollar ski and snowboard sale.Check out the Boston area’s greatest snowsports season kickoff event, the Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Expo at the Bayside Expo Center, November 15-18, 2007. Exhibitors from mountain resorts from near and far will be on hand, as well as tour operators and snowsports equipment manufacturers with the latest info on this year’s best gear.
There will be high flying action in the Honda Action Sports Zone, a Kids Snow-Play area where the youngsters can actually try skiing or snowboarding, and much more for all ages. Topping it all off is Ski Market’s multi-million dollar ski and snowboard sale.
Snow Skiing Reports, Ski Trips, Skiing Reviews: OnTheSnow.com

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Ski Resorts From Jimmny To Jay Peak Open For Ski Season

What a great start to the 2007/2008 ski and snowboard season. Resorts from Jimmny Peak in Hancock MA to Sunday River and on up to Jay Peak Vermont have received natural snow this week. Along with snow making the snow bases are building.
With cold temp forecasted for a couple more days and some small weather systems moving through New England more Ski areas and Resorts will be open for Thanksgiving Skiing and Riding.

Conditions
Open --------Trials------ New Snow
Sugarloaf-------5------------ 9"
Sugarbush-----4----------- 10"
Killington -----17------------ 2"
Mount Snow---12----------- 1"
Stowe----------6------------6"
Bretton Wood--8------------ 6 "
Sunday River--8------------ 6"
Jay Peak-------1------------- 20"
Jimmny----- ?--------- 6"-20" Base

From Jay
"WELCOME TO OPENING WEEKEND and in true Jay Peak form we're doing it with 16"+ of new snow. We picked up 4-6" Thursday and another 6-10" throughout the day yesterday. Forecasts are calling for flurries today so be sure to check the Snow Report for updated totals. Temps will be 18-22ºF at the summit today and 28-32ºF at the base. Looks like it'll be pretty much the same tomorrow with sunny skies.We'll open today with the Jet Triple turning from 9am to 4pm accessing the Jet trail (advanced intermediate/expert terrain only) and conditions should be pretty phenomenal for opening day given the snow we've got over the past couple of days. We'll be making snow on the Haynes & Chalet Meadows today and hope to get them open for tomorrow. Jay Peak be closed Monday-Wednesday of this week and plan to re-open Thursday for the season. Stay tuned to for updates. "
The great thing about Jay Peak is the Tree Skiing in the Glades. Jay has such a extensive Glades System one can Ski and Snowboard all day and never ski a cut trail.

It's time to put the Ski/Snowboard Rack on your car.

Northpeak Triple Killington

Big Weekend For New Englands Ski Resorts

With Sunday River opening November 8 for the season and being open Halloween day looks like Sunday River is the winner for the 2007-2008 Eastern Resorts run to be the first to have Skiing and Snowboarding.

Until 2 or 3 years ago Killington was always the first. Opening day varied anywhere from October 21st and on. Wasn't always pretty but it was skiing.
Skiers and snow boarders should have more to choose from this weekend 11/17/2007.

Vermont:
Okemo
Sugarbush
Killington

Maine:
Sugarloaf USA
Sunday River

Attitash in New Hampshire is trying to open the 18th

Okemo Vermont
"We’ve got great news here at Okemo – Opening Day has been moved UP to THIS FRIDAY, November 16! The 2007-2008 season will officially begin at 9 a.m. as we drop the ropes on 11 trails, including Upper World Cup, Defiance, Sapphire, Timberline, and several other trails. We’ll have 5 lifts running to ensure you can make the most of your first day back on snow. Please note that skiing and riding will be on the Upper Mountain only, and is recommended for Intermediate and Advanced riders only.
Early season ticket prices will be in effect on Opening Day, with Adult tickets priced at $45, Young Adults and Seniors at $38, and Juniors and Super Seniors at $29. Half day rates will also be available.

Don’t forget about Okemo’s upcoming Ski Swap and Sale, which will begin this Friday and run through Sunday afternoon. If you’d like to sell your used gear, there’s still time to drop it off! Drop-offs will be accepted today from 10 to 3 at the Ski Patrol Building in the Main Base Area. Make sure to stop by the Swap this weekend for great deals on new and pre-owned equipment! "
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"Winter Arrives Early to Sugarbush"
"Sugarbush Resort Plans a Special Sneak Preview this Weekend
Warren, VT (November 14, 2007)- It’s time to get the gear out; winter is here. Sugarbush Resort announced today that it plans to spin the lifts at Lincoln Peak for skiers and riders this Saturday and Sunday for a special “Sneak Preview” weekend. The official opening of the 2007-08 winter season is still slated for Thanksgiving, but in the words of one resort official, “It’s just too nice up there not to have it open this weekend.”
While the quality of the snow played a part in the Resort’s decision to open early, the return of a ski legend was also a factor. Stein Eriksen, who ran Sugarbush’s ski and ride school in the mid 1960s and won an Olympic gold medal, will be returning to the Resort this weekend. The New England Ski Museum will present the icon with their Spirit of Skiing award Saturday night during the Museum’s 30th birthday celebration in the Gate House Lodge. As of press time, only seven tickets remained for the special event. Tickets can be purchased by calling the New England Ski Museum at 800-639-4181.
Contingent upon a standard state inspection of Resort lifts scheduled for this Friday, Sugarbush plans to run the Super Bravo and Heaven’s Gate chair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday with skiing and riding on Upper Jester, Downspout and Organgrinder. Resort officials expect to be downloading on the Super Bravo chair, but if conditions permit, crews will attempt to lay down enough snow for top-to-bottom skiing.
“Our snowmaking crews have put down a great base from the top (of Lincoln Peak) to the bottom of Heaven’s Gate,” said Sugarbush’s Director of Communications JJ Toland. “Nighttime temperatures should be back in the teens come Thursday night and we will make every effort to have top-to-bottom skiing and riding come Saturday. We just ask that folks check the website for the latest info before coming up to the hill Saturday morning.”
Lift tickets will be $40 for all adults, $36 for SugarCard holders and $30 for juniors. Because the Stein Eriksen event will be taking place in the Gate House, the lodge’s food court will not be open. Food and drink will be served in the Castlerock Pub and Timbers restaurant. After this Sunday, the lifts will not spin again until the official start of the winter season: Thursday, November 22nd. Visit sugarbush.com for the latest information on the start of winter operations." From Sugarbush.com

GIFT IDEA

Killington Opens for season
We kick off the 2007-08 ski and snowboard season Friday at 9 a.m. with up to 19 trails served by three lifts off Killington Peak and Snowdon Mountain. For the latest lift and trail offerings, check out the Snow Report! For the past two weeks we have had hundreds of snowguns producing a massive amount of snow. In fact, we’ve been able to produce almost twice as much snow this year as we’ve produced for opening day the prior three years. And over the next 36 hours snowcats will be working the snow surface to provide you the best possible opening day conditions.The K-1 Express Gondola, Northridge Triple and Snowdon Poma will operate on Friday, with the addition of the Snowdon Triple and Snowdon Quad on Saturday. The Reason Terrain Park at Killington Peak will also open on Friday with nine features, including a 28-foot down bar, 28-foot round bar and a hip/table jump. Featured trails include Downdraft Headwall, Rime, Reason, Upper East Fall, Chute and Bunny Buster.All skier/rider services will be available at the K-1 Lodge. The Killington Ski and Snowboard School will offer private lessons at the K-1 Lodge for adults and children who are Blue Square and Black Diamond level skiers and riders. Opening day lift tickets are $60 for Adults (19-64); $48 for Young Adult (13-18) and Senior (65-69); and $42 for Junior (6-12) and Super Senior (70+). Lift hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays.Loaded Turkey 4 2/3Sunday we kick off the events season here at Killington with the Loaded Turkey Rail Jam at the Reason Terrain Park at Killington Peak. Prizes include a ton of cool gear from our sponsors, plus a turkey for first place, stuffing for second place and cranberry sauce for third place. Winners will also qualify for the $15,000 Mountain Dew Rails to Riches Rail Jam on Dec. 8.

Sunday River Report
"I've been chatting with our snowmaking team and all they can talk about is how badly they want to get you out on more terrain. Today was great but it's nothing compared to what they have in mind.
This weekend they'll have the chance to work towards that goal as cold temps return late Thursday into Friday. They have their eyes on expanding towards Spruce and South Ridge as temps allow so stay tuned here for the most up to date info.

For Thursday we're looking to have 9 trails open serviced by the Locke Mountain Triple and Sunday River Express, starting at 9am. All services will be out of the Barker Lodge and open terrain is for intermediate to advanced abilities only. Early season ticket prices are $35 for Adults/Young Adults, $25 for Seniors/Juniors, and $20 for an Afternoon Half-Day ticket." From SR Website
Temp in New England are expected to fall and snow is in the forcast for the weekend in the mountains. Further north the betterm My call is Sunday River

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