First Mountain Resort in New Hampshire to Open for 2011-12 Winter Season

Lincoln, NH, November 20, 2011: New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain opened today for its 45th winter season with 5 trails, 22 acres and two miles of intermediate and advanced level terrain on the upper mountain with downloading on the gondola. Trails open today include Upper Bear Claw, Bear Claw Extension, Grand Junction, Link, and Upper Picked Rock. The lift ticket price for opening day is $20 for all ages. Loon is the first mountain resort to open in New Hampshire for the 2011-12 winter season.

Snowmaking temperatures are expected to return tonight and more terrain is expected to open this week. For Thanksgiving, Loon anticipates offering top-to-bottom terrain with at least 10 trails, over 60 acres and more than 4 miles of skiing and riding. Loon’s addition of 600 highly-efficient tower snow guns in the past two years, including an additional 170 snow guns added for this year, allows the resort to cover maximum terrain in a short period of time and expand open terrain quickly. Earlier this week, 288 snow guns were running at one time, covering 10 trails.

The temporary bridge, which will provide access to the Resort from Route 112/The Kancamagus Highway, is expected to open this Wednesday, November 23, in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The temporary bridge, a two-lane vehicular bridge which will also include a sidewalk, will remain in place throughout the 2011-12 winter season. In the meantime, there is alternate vehicular access available via the South Peak Bridge, located two miles to the west in the town of Lincoln.

After investing $20 million in the past five years to add more terrain, uphill capacity and state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming technology, Loon Mountain continues its commitment to providing a great guest experience in 2011-2012. This winter, a $1.4 million investment adds four new trails for an additional 17.5 acres, another 170 new HKD tower guns, a new Prinoth Bison X grooming machine and a Big Air Bag.

Lift ticket rates for opening day are $20 for all ages. Early season lift ticket rates will be in effect on Monday, November 21st when more terrain is expected to open: $49 for adults (19-64), $39 for teens ( 13-18 ), $29 for juniors (6-12) and seniors (65+), and free for children under five and seniors 80+. The Mountainside Rental Shop is open for equipment rentals.

The New England Pass, the best deal for New England skiers & riders, is available in three levels, and gives skiers and riders the ability to ski and ride three premier New England resorts: Loon Mountain, plus sister resorts Sunday River and Sugarloaf, all winter long. New England passholders also receive many benefits including discounts at resort retail shops, discounted lodging, perks at area restaurants and complimentary or reduced rates for skiing at other Boyne resorts across the US, including Big Sky, MT.

The Frequent Skier Card is another great way to save on skiing & riding this winter. Card holders are entitled to one day of free skiing/riding as well as $25 savings on midweek, non-holiday lift tickets and $15 savings on weekend and holiday lift tickets. The card is valid at Loon, plus sister resorts Sunday River and Sugarloaf, all season long.

The first event of the season is scheduled for later this week: Cease and Desist Rail Jams are scheduled for this Friday, November 25th for skiers and Saturday November 26th for snowboarders. Loon guests can???Ring in the Winter’ by donating winter coats and apparel in good condition to those in need. A drop box for donations is located in the Octagon Base Lodge. For a full calendar of events and up-to-date conditions, photos and video, visit www.loonmtn.com , or call the Snow Phone for the latest conditions at 603-745-8100.