LINCOLN, New Hampshire — New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain wrapped up its 41st ski season Monday, and announced it had a record year for snowfall and skier visits. This season, Loon received 127.5 more inches of snow, and hosted 30% more visits than last season.

Loon opened the $13 million first phase of its new South Peak terrain last December, adding 50 acres of new terrain that included three trails and two new lifts. Construction is already in progress of two additional trails to open next season on South Peak.

“It has been an incredible year here at Loon,”commented General Manager Rick Kelley. “With a strong start, more consistent weather throughout the season and record snowfall, we were able to offer our guests even more terrain variety, with terrain parks and pipes opening sooner and the gladed areas open for much of the season. Plus, were able to extend the season by a week. Guest reaction to the new South Peak terrain has been very positive and the new terrain we will be opening there next season will rival terrain on North Peak in terms of pitch and challenge.”

Not only is Loon Mountain New Hampshire’s most popular winter destination, Loon also offers plenty of activities for families vacationing in the White Mountains in the summer and fall. Loon operates New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride, and offers glacial caves, a mountaintop playground, a self-guided nature tour, an observation tower, miles of hiking trails, mountain bike rentals and tours, and an outdoor climbing wall.

For those looking for more a relaxing day, the mountainside Viaggio Spa is open year-round with a full lineup of massage therapy and spa treatments.

The towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock are great vacation bases for families. The lodging selections are endless – a slopeside hotel, in-town hotels, motels, condos, country inns, bed & breakfasts, plus a number of campgrounds in the area.

Many lodges are within walking distance of downtown Lincoln and offer family stay-and-play packages that include Loon’s Gondola Skyride. Other “don’t-miss” area activities include hiking in the White Mountain National Forest, spending the day at the Whale’s Tale Water Park or driving over the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to North Conway, NH and tax-free outlet shopping.

SUMMER EVENTS AT LOON MOUNTAIN

As the warm weather arrives, Loon announces an exciting events calendar:

• May 10: Hike & Huck – It’s the last stand in the Terrain Park. Expert skiers and snowboarders hike into Loon’s award-winning terrain park for the opportunity of one last day on the snow and a chance at winning cash prizes.
• June 21: Opening Day – Loon Mountain opens for the summer season. In addition to a ride on New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride providing spectacular White Mountain views, families will want to explore the glacial caves, walk the Interpretive Nature Trail, climb the Observation Tower, rent a mountain bike, take part in a Franconia Notch Bike Tour, and scale the outdoor climbing walls. Loon is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• June 28: Minis On Top – Mini Cooper owners will gather at Loon to raise money for Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter/rehabilitation center in Boston. The local Lin-Wood senior high school class has been invited to do a fund-raising car wash.
• July 5: Hot Dog Festival – If you like hot dogs, you don’t want to miss the Hot Dog Festival at Loon. There will be live music and fun games for the whole family.
• July 6: XTERRA Trail Run New England – Race 6.2 miles to the summit of Loon. Part of the XTERRA Trail Run New England Series and U.S. Track and Field Trail Running New England Running Circuit. For more information or to register, visit www.whitemountainmilers.com.
• August 2: Ice Cream Festival – Ice cream, games and entertainment. For those with a sweet tooth for ice cream, this is an event not to miss! Live music and family games from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
• August 30-31: Labor Day Weekend Family Fest – Live entertainment and fun for all! Don’t forget to check out the Adventure Center and take a ride up the Gondola Skyride.
• September 19-21: 33rd Annual New Hampshire Highland Games – Loon Mountain will once again host the largest Scottish Festival in the Northeast. For a full list of musicians, dancers, entertainment and athletic events, visit www.nhscot.org.
• October 11-12: Oktoberfest – Celebrate the arrival of autumn, admire the beauty of the White Mountains at peak foliage and enjoy the traditions of this world-famous festival at Loon Mountain. The weekend features live music and entertainment with an authentic oompah band, traditional German fare and hearty beer.

For information on vacation packages at Loon Mountain or event information, please visit www.loonmtn.com or call 800-229-LOON (5666).

Rossignol Bandit B78 Alpine Ski w/ Axium 120 Binding