How to Plan a Trip to Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire

Loon Mountain Resort, tucked within the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, is, as local Dan Tenorio says, the best of both worlds. 

“It’s big-mountain skiing with a small mountain town vibe,” Tenorio, the rental manager at Loon, shared with Travel + Leisure about the mountain that sits just two hours from Boston. “Such easy access off Interstate 93 that puts us right in the heart of White Mountain National Forest. Everyone from longtime locals to weekend warriors, vacationers, and day trippers are all here to unwind and enjoy the fresh mountain air.” 

It’s a laid-back place, but it still delivers plenty of thrills thanks to 2,190 feet of vertical drop spread across three peaks that offer 403 skiable acres of terrain. And it’s all that acreage that sets Loon apart, as there really are trails for everyone, including long, gentle greens for beginner skiers, rolling groomers for intermediates, and more technical terrain on its double black runs. But there’s also plenty of off-piste fun too, thanks to its easy access to tree and glade skiing, all woven together with reliable snowmaking to keep the trails open even when natural snowfall is light (luckily, a problem they haven’t encountered in the 2025/26 season, with 100 percent of trails open as of Feb. 1). 

But, again, as Tenorio explained, the appeal goes far beyond the mountain. The surrounding town’s energy is distinctly New England. It’s lively but not pretentious; it’s challenging but not inaccessible. It’s ideal for solo skiers, families, and groups of friends with a mix of beginner to pro. 

“Whether you are a beginner just learning how to link turns or seasoned pro trying to stomp a new trick in the park, this common thread creates a vibe that helps us all share high fives and fist bumps,” Tenorio added. “We cheer each other on during the good moments and help pick each other up after we fall.”

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Loon Mountain.  

Skiing and Snowboarding Information

Loon has 14 lifts to take you across three peaks, including a high-speed eight-person chair, one high-speed four-person gondola, three high-speed quads, two quads, four doubles, and magic carpets for beginner and children’s terrain. This gives you access to 73 trails and more than 400 skiable acres of terrain, 19 percent of which is for beginners, 53 percent for intermediate, and the remaining 28 percent for advanced skiers and riders. Its longest run is Bear Claw, which stretches on for about 2.5 leg-burning miles. 

Where to Stay

The Mountain Club on Loon

The Mountain Club offers a true ski-in, ski-out home base. Guests can choose from classic hotel rooms, studios that can comfortably fit four, suites with full kitchens, and Kinsman suites that can fit 10. The club also has a massive spa and indoor pool, which are ideal for a low-key après experience. 

Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain

The Riverwalk offers more spacious suites with mountain views and full kitchens for those who want to unpack and stay a while, along with its own spa, two outdoor pools, and hot tubs galore. Loved your stay? You can even buy one of the suites to call your own and come back as often as you wish. 

Village of Loon Mountain

Though it comes with fewer frills, the Village of Loon Mountain is still a great choice for a ski getaway, especially if you’re looking to have an extended stay. The property offers fully furnished apartments, including townhouses for up to six guests, outdoor pools and hot tubs, and a free transfer shuttle to the slopes, for an easy stay. 

Where to Eat

Black Mtn. Burger Co.

Visitors love Black Mtn. Burger for its laid-back energy and its lengthy list of burgers and beer. Go for a classic cheeseburger or level up with one of its specialty patties like the North Solstice, which is topped with bacon jam, banana peppers, goat cheese crumbles, maple sriracha sauce, and shredded lettuce, which will surely serve as fantastic ski fuel. 

Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge

Skiers and riders don’t need to leave the mountain for a great meal. All they need to do is carve a few turns to Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge, located on the upper level of Governor Adams Lodge. It is best known for its appetizers, making it a good spot for a snack or a post-ski treat, and it even hosts a bloody mary bar on the weekends starting at 9:30 a.m. 

The Common Man Restaurant

The Common Man swung open its doors in 1985 and has remained a beloved local favorite ever since. It serves hearty American classics, including pot roast, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, and lobster corn chowder. It’s a busy spot, so if you can’t snag a table, ask to sit at the bar, where the pub menu is just as divine. 

Where to Après-ski

Paul Bunyan Room

“While at the mountain, be sure to check out the legendary Paul Bunyan Room,” Tenorio said. It will get busy, so don’t get stressed if you have to wait a bit for your pint, and pass the time by chatting with your fellow skiers about their favorite runs of the day. 

Pub32

Pub32, just a short drive from the mountain, is the place to be if you want to share a beer with the New Hampshire locals. It’s ultra-relaxed, and it’s the ideal spot to saddle up for a while, as it also has a delightful menu of pizzas to choose from.

Woodstock Inn Brewery

The Woodstock Brewery, Tenorio shared, is “always a bustling meetup spot for travelers, no matter what day of the week it is.” It offers plenty of beers on tap, all made on-site, including the Red Rack Ale and the 4000 Footer IPA, along with seasonal pours. It also gives guests access to its small-batch, research-and-development beers, which are usually gone in the blink of an eye.

Off-mountain Activities

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Need a break from the downhill thrills? The White Mountain National Forest is home to extensive snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, all just minutes from Loon. The Lincoln Woods Trail is particularly popular thanks to its relatively flat path along the Pemigewasset River, making it easy for beginner winter hikers. 

Snowmobiling With SledVentures

Find one more snow-filled thrill on a snowmobiling trip with SledVentures. The operator offers guided and private one- to three-hour tours through the stunning wilderness. You must be 16 to drive with a valid license, though kids over 5 can come along as passengers. 

Gondola Ride

You don’t need to ski to access the top of the mountain. All you need to do is hop aboard a scenic gondola ride, which travels 1,738 vertical feet to the summit. Snag a ticket at any of the guest service desks and ride up at any time of day. 

How to Ride

Tickets

Loon offers single and multi-day tickets, available for purchase in advance online (which is recommended, as weekends and holidays tend to sell out). Beyond a day pass, skiers and riders can opt for an XL 3 Pack, which allows you to ski or ride for three days starting at $83 and allows for flexible access, meaning you get to pick the three days you ski at Loon. 

Visitors can also purchase afternoon half-day tickets, with access starting at noon. Loon is an Ikon Pass mountain, making it the largest Ikon Resort closest to Boston. 

Rentals

Pay a visit to Tenorio at The Mountainside Rental shop, located near the Governor Adams Lodge, adjacent to the lesson and beginner area. “We offer Head skis, Burton snowboards, and Sno-Go ski bike rentals,” Tenorio said. “Reserving your rental online is easy and helps speed up the check-in process. If you are in the market for a new pair of skis, then try out some demos from Loon Mountain Sports located near the gondola.” 

Programming

Loon Mountain’s ski and snowboard school offers private and group lessons designed to help everyone level up their game, including children’s programs and terrain-specific coaching. Tenorio also pointed to the Flying 50s program, which proves “that you are never too old to learn new skills or make some new friends. We are also partners with New England Disabled Sports, and they offer year-round adaptive sports instruction to adults and children living with a physical or cognitive disability.” 

When to Go

The typical ski season at Loon runs from late November through mid-April. The early season usually brings quieter slopes, but the conditions can be unpredictable. February to March is certainly the mountain’s prime time. However, don’t discount Loon for some fantastic spring skiing if the conditions hold up. And even if they don’t, it’s worth a trip in early April to attend Loon’s Slush Party, which celebrates the changing of the seasons in style.