LINCOLN, New Hampshire — Against a backdrop of more than two feet of fresh snow this week, New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain officially opened its long-awaited, highly-anticipated South Peak expansion this morning.

Loon Mountain invested over $13 million over the summer to build South Peak’s two new chairlifts, three new trails and new base area, as well as installing a highly energy-efficient snowmaking system which greatly expands Loon’s snowmaking capacity.

New lifts include Loon’s fourth high-speed lift, the Lincoln Express, that runs from the base to the summit of South Peak, and the Tote Road Quad that carries skiers and riders between the summit of South Peak to the trails and lifts on Loon and North Peak. Fifty acres of new terrain are open this winter. This terrain represents only 35% of the full expansion planned for completion at Loon Mountain in the next few years.

The South Peak expansion makes Loon an even more popular mountain destination for New England vacationers. Loon has long been known for its easy access, big mountain skiing on 2,100′ vertical, snow quality, variety of terrain, award-winning terrain parks, full complement of on-hill programs, and abundance of lodging accommodations and amenities.

“This day celebrates the biggest single expansion in the history of Loon Mountain,” said Kelley. “For 24 years this has been the dream of many at the resort and in the community of Lincoln. I’m extremely proud of what our team has accomplished in finally making the vision of South Peak a reality. This is a momentous occasion for so many people, and an exciting time to be a part of the Loon and Lincoln communities.”

“Boyne USA Resorts is proud to have Loon Mountain as the newest member of our resort family. The opening of South Peak is a huge milestone and really puts Loon into a whole new category of New England skiing. When you combine the vertical, skiable acreage, variety of terrain that Loon has, it clearly offers New Hampshire’s biggest skiing,” said Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts.

Real Estate Development
Centex Destination Properties is working with Loon and developing nearly 400 acres of prime real estate between the mountain and the Pemigewasset River. South Peak Resort on Loon Mountain will be an upscale, four-season mountain destination including private ski-in/ski-out and riverside custom homes and condominiums with premium amenities.

Phase I of the project, which began in November 2005, included infrastructure development and 67 single-family home sites. Market demand remains strong and Phase II development is well underway, highlighted by the introduction of Riverside Terrace Condominiums. The initial Riverside Terrace buildings have been completed, with owners taking occupancy this past summer, and two more buildings are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by mid-winter. South Peak Resort projects an eight- to ten-year build-out for amenities and residences.