Loon Mountain Resort: Family-Friendly Fun Without the Snow
Frequently named as one of the best ski resorts in the East, Loon Mountain Resort is home to over 370 skiable acres in the Western White Mountains. During the snowy winter months, thousands of people visit the family-friendly ski resort to learn to ski, to nail a backflip in the terrain park, or earn first tracks on a fresh powder day. But, did you know that Loon Mountain is a four-season resort?
When the last snow pile melts, Loon transforms into a whole different world. The perfectly groomed snow-covered trails turn into grassy and rocky mountain bike trails. Families from all over the world come and enjoy the high-flying fun on the Aerial Forest Adventure Park and zipline across the Pemigewasset River. There is tons of stuff to do all year long at Loon Mountain!
Mountain Biking
Loon Mountain Resort has committed to becoming New England’s premier all-season mountain destination with its Flight Path: 2030 plan. A large part of that plan is a major investment in downhill mountain biking with over 15 miles of new trails and a new rental and lesson program in the West Basin area. Phase one of the multiphase project was completed in 2019 with the grand opening of four miles of purpose-built downhill mountain biking trails.
Built in conjunction with industry-leading Highland Mountain Bike Park, the current downhill park has three beginner trails and one immediate trail ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders. The four miles of trails crisscross Lower Bear Claw and Seven Brothers ski trails from the Seven Brothers Triple. The future phases will include more advanced trails for a total of 15 miles of downhill mountain biking trails.
Have you never tried downhill before? No worries! Loon will be offering lessons for beginners and rental bikes. Lessons with professional instructors will walk you through the anatomy of a downhill mountain bike, body position, and how to ride the trails and brake effectively. If downhill mountain biking is not your style, Loon is also home to six miles of cross-country mountain bike trails. The trail network of various difficulties follows along the scenic Pemigewasset River and wind through the forest along the shoulder of Black Mountain.
Loon has a full-service bike rental shop with an extensive fleet of bikes for the whole family. The shop has a variety of Giant and Rocky Mountain downhill mountain bikes along with cross-country (hardtail) mountain bikes in various sizes, including women-specific bikes. Hybrid and kids’ bikes are also available for rental to ride around town and the Franconia Notch Recreation Path. All rentals include a helmet and body pads.
Loon Peak Disc Golf
Located in the White Mountain National Forest, Loon’s alpine-style Loon Peak Disc Golf Course offers incredible views of the mountains with a mountainside course. Take a scenic ride up the Gondola Skyride to the first hole at the top of the mountain. Open to both beginner and advanced players, the 18-hole disc golf course continues downhill to the base lodge. Enjoy the panoramic views of Loon Peak summit while playing a fun family-friendly game of disc golf!
Hiking for the Best Views
Experience the natural beauty of Loon Mountain from the summit. Who needs a chairlift when you can break a sweat hiking up the snowless ski trails to the summit? The gondola can do the heavy uphill work for you too! Incredible panoramic views are not the only thing the 3,064-foot summit has the offer. The Glacial Caves will sure to be a big hit for the whole family. Thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age, Mother Nature deposited a huge jumble of boulders at the summit. Explore the maze of giant rocks and enjoy the views.
Loon Mountain is also home to three miles of well-marked hiking trails. The scenic Brookway Trail is the perfect hiking trail for less experienced hikers. Enjoy the lovely views of Boyle Brook has you hike your way to the Bear Claw Trail junction where you can continue your journey on to the summit. And just as the name implies, the Sunset Loop Trail that leads to the summit of North Peak is a great place to catch the sunset over the western White Mountains.
Four Seasons of Fun at Loon
Loon Mountain Resort is committed to becoming one of Northern New England’s Premier four-season resorts. This summer, spend a weekend or week in the Western White Mountains and enjoy the many activities at Loon for the whole family.
