LINCOLN, New Hampshire — New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain opened for the 2007-2008 winter season today. Prime snowmaking temperatures over the past weekend allowed the resort make snow non-stop for the past five days, and opened with a base depth of 12-18 inches.

Loon opened with upper mountain skiing and riding on the intermediate trails of Exodus, Upper Picked Rock, Upper Flying Fox and Crosscut, comprising one route from the gondola summit to the East Basin double chair. Guests will download on the gondola at the end of the day. Sarsaparilla is also open, offering beginner terrain.

More lifts and terrain are scheduled to open this weekend, with the addition of the North Peak Quad, providing access to Sunset, Haulback and Lower Walking Boss. Snowmaking operations will continue around the clock whenever conditions permit to open more terrain and lifts.

Early season lift ticket rates are $52 for skiers and riders 19-64, $42 for teens (13-18 ) & $32 for youth (6-12) and seniors (65-79). Loon always offers complimentary skiing for children 5 and under, and seniors 80 and older, with a complimentary lift ticket.

Upcoming events include Loon’s annual,under-the-lights Thanksjibbing Rail Jam on Friday, November 23, for skiers; and Saturday, November 24, for riders. This event is open to all ages. Registration is $15 and opens at 3:00 p.m., with the rail jam beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The much-anticipated South Peak expansion at Loon is scheduled to open in mid-December. The only new ski terrain in New England, South Peak includes three trails, two lifts, more parking and a new base facility. This new development represents only 35% of the total expansion planned for Loon Mountain over the next three to five years.

For up-to-date snow conditions and information, please visit http://www.loonmtn.com or call 800-229-LOON (5666).