Loon Mountain Ski Resort

Loon Mountain ski resort is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, within the scenic White Mountain National Forest. The ski area is within a two-hour drive of Boston and Manchester and a four-hour drive from Providence.

The ski area is known for being an excellent family destination and provides visitors with an easily accessible mountain that contains spectacular scenery and year-round activities. Popular on-mountain summer activities and events include the Aerial Forest Adventure Park, gondola rides, bike rentals, zipline adventures and the New Hampshire Highland Games.

Where Loon Mountain Ski Resort Located?
Loon Mountain Ski Resort is about a two-hour drive from Boston, which is serviced by Boston Logan Airport (BOS). Manchester, New Hampshire, is about an hour and a half from the ski resort, and it is serviced by the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). You can rent a car or take advantage of bus pooling.

Loon Mountain is easily accessible from Boston Logan International Airport, located approximately 130 miles south. The drive takes just over two hours via Interstate 93, which leads directly to Lincoln, the resort’s gateway town. Regional airports in Manchester and Portland also offer convenient access, with seasonal shuttle services available from both. Once in Lincoln, visitors can take advantage of local ski shuttles that run between lodging areas and the base lodges, including Governor’s Lodge and Octagon Lodge.

Parking is free and well-organized, with designated lots for day visitors and overnight guests. Ride-sharing services operate in the area, and EV charging stations are available near the base. The resort also offers ski-in/ski-out lodging and gondola access from the base to the summit, making it easy to transition from travel to skiing without delay. During peak weekends, shuttle vans run continuously to accommodate high traffic and ensure smooth arrivals.

Loon Mountain’s terrain is spread across three interconnected peaks—North Peak, Loon Peak, and South Peak—offering 403 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 2,100 ft. With 73 trails and 13 lifts, including the Kancamagus 8 and White Mountain Express Gondola, skiers can explore everything from gentle cruisers to steep chutes. The resort’s snowmaking system covers 99% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions even during dry spells.

Beginners will find welcoming terrain near Governor’s Lodge and the Learning Center, with wide, mellow runs like Brookway and Bear Pause providing a comfortable learning environment. Surface lifts and slow-speed chairs make these zones ideal for first-timers and families. The base area is designed for easy access, with warming huts and rest stops positioned along beginner routes.

Intermediate skiers can explore long cruisers off the North Peak Express and East Basin Chair. Trails like Picked Rock and Upper Rumrunner offer consistent pitch and scenic views of the Pemigewasset River Valley. These runs are groomed daily and provide a comfortable challenge for progressing skiers.

Advanced terrain includes steeper pitches and tighter descents off lifts like the Kancamagus 8 and Lincoln Express. Trails such as Flume and Haulback deliver sustained vertical and variable snow conditions, while Walking Boss Woods introduces a wooded challenge for experienced skiers.

Expert skiers can head to South Peak for the resort’s most technical terrain. Runs like Ripsaw and Undercut feature steep drops and natural obstacles, while Triple Trouble offers a mix of moguls and narrow chutes. These areas are best tackled after fresh snowfall and provide a more secluded experience.

Freestyle riders can enjoy six terrain parks and two halfpipes, with features for all levels. The Loon Mountain Park includes jumps, rails, and creative snow features, while the Burton Progression Park caters to younger riders and beginners. The Superpipe is maintained regularly and provides a smooth ride for those looking to practice tricks.

Natural features like ridgelines and forested zones enhance the mountain’s character. The longest run, Bear Claw, stretches 2.5 miles and winds through forested terrain with gentle pitch—ideal for relaxed cruising. Whether carving groomers or navigating glades, Loon Mountain provides a balanced and engaging terrain mix for all abilities.

Start your day with a lap down Picked Rock—this intermediate run catches early sun and stays firm through midday. It’s a great warm-up before heading to steeper terrain, and the views from the upper section are especially striking.

On powder days, skip the obvious glades and head for Triple Trouble on South Peak. The moguls and narrow chutes hold snow well and deter casual skiers, making it a reliable stash even late in the day. Access it via Lincoln Express for a quick return to the summit.

For a quieter experience, explore the terrain off East Basin Chair. Runs like Angel Street and Upper Rumrunner are often overlooked and offer consistent snow and fewer crowds. These are ideal for mid-morning laps when the main base area starts to fill up.

Families should check out the tubing lanes near Governor’s Lodge. They’re open into the evening and provide a fun, low-effort activity after skiing. Nearby, the Bear Pause run offers a gentle slope with easy access to the base and warming huts.

Lunch at Summit Café is worth planning around. Located at the top of the gondola, it offers panoramic views and a menu that goes beyond standard lodge fare. Try the maple bacon burger or the roasted veggie bowl—both are local favorites.

If you’re looking for a scenic descent, take Bear Claw in the late afternoon. The light filters through the trees and the run’s gentle pitch makes for a relaxing end to the day. It’s also a great route for families regrouping before après-ski.

Après-ski at The Paul Bunyan Room is a must. Located near the Octagon Lodge, it offers live music, craft beers, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals and guests alike, especially on weekends when the energy picks up.

For a unique view, ride the gondola at dusk. The ride between the base and summit offers sweeping vistas of the valley, and the return trip under the stars is surprisingly peaceful. It’s open late, so you can time it after dinner.

Advanced skiers should make time for Ripsaw. This steep, technical descent features natural obstacles and variable snow. It’s best skied mid-day when visibility is high and the snow has softened slightly.

Finally, plan your visit around the Loon Mountain Winter Carnival in February. The event includes torchlight parades, fireworks, and slope-side tastings from local breweries. It’s a festive way to experience Loon beyond the skiing.