Loon Mountain: One Of The Very Best New Hampshire Ski Resorts For Families!

One of the gems of New Hampshire ski resorts, just about a two-hour drive from Boston, is Loon Mountain Resort. This family-friendly resort is great for all ages, and one of our favorites for a weekend get away to the White Mountains.

Loon Mountain’s proximity to Boston makes it also possible as a day trip. It is definitely one of the very best New Hampshire ski resorts for families.

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Important Note About 2022/2023 Ski Season

Due to the Global Pandemic, some of the options in this post may not be available. Please see Loon Resort’s planning site for rules and regulations for skiing this year.

Loon Mountain: One Of The Best Family-Friendly New Hampshire Ski Resorts

While Vermont is often thought of as the ski capital of New England, New Hampshire ski resorts can certainly give Vermont’s a run for their money. The gorgeous white mountains and New Hampshire ski areas are plentiful.

And there are several that are very family-friendly, one of the best being Loon Mountain.

About Loon Mountain Resort

Located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, Loon Mountain is part of the IKON pass system. Meaning if you purchase it for the season, you can use it at any of the resorts in the group and at 44 different worldwide iconic ski destinations on the pass! From personal experience, this is well worth the investment.

One of the signatures of Loon Mountain is their very own historic steam-powered train. The J.E. Henry Railroad, a wood-fired locomotive, transports skiers between the Octagon and the Governor Adams lodges.

Not only is it a unique feature of New Hampshire ski resorts, but it also pays homage to the history of trains in the White Mountains.

Why Loon Mountain Resort If Family-Friendly

Though it is one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts, Loon is not just for experts. It is definitely one of the best ski resorts in New England for families.

Day Care Center

If traveling with tots not quite old enough for the slopes, Loon Mountain offers daycare* for kids from six weeks to six years old. Preschool-aged kids at least three years old* can get an intro to skiing with Loon’s program that offers a hybrid indoor and outdoor ski area.

Ski And Ride Programs

Kids ages four and five years old join the Scouts program, and group lessons are available for kids ages five to 14 years of age.

The learning area for the little shredders is super kid-friendly. With wood-carved animals and a kid-sized steam train, and a terrain area, Loon Mountain offers a thoughtful ski and ride program.

Family Friendly Slopes and Terrain Parks

Loon also has fantastic terrain parks older kids will love, as well as younger kid-friendly terrain parks for guests who are just learning to shred. There are also several family-ski areas, where speeding is not permitted, making Loon Mountain one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts for families.

Après-ski

Loon Mountain offers several lodge areas for an after-ski hot chocolate and a post-ski meal. And of course, a chocolate waffle from a Waffle House hut is a New England ski resort staple.

My also kids love to enjoy the snow tubing. There is even a tot tubing area for kids seven and under. Families can enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing on the property.

Check out my post What You Need To Know About Skiing with Kids Safely.

Loon Mountain At A Glance: Why It Is Family Friendly

Slopeside childcare for non-skiers ages six weeks to six years old
Excellent ski and ride school for kids ages three to 14 years old
A range of ski areas and terrain, with suitable options for toddlers to adults
Family-friendly terrain parks (two innovative ones designed for kids)
Epic terrain parks for adventure seekers
Home to the only Superpipe in New Hampshire
Kids ages five and under get a free lift ticket
Family-friendly restaurants with kid menus
Snowtubing, Ice Skating, and Nordic Center
Snow Go (think bike skiing) rentals and sessions
Indoor Pool
Indoor Golf Training
Zipline open all four seasons
Family-style condos with kitchens and laundry

Where To Stay at Loon Mountain Resort

There is only one slopeside ski-on/ski-off lodging at Loon – the Mountain Club Resort & Spa. Our family has stayed in this lovely resort, and it is ideal for families (including larger families!) Rooms range from club rooms to suites with kitchens and seating areas.

With the amenities of a condo and the conveniences of a hotel, it is a fantastic slopeside option for families.

Additional options include nearby condo or home rentals and hotels close by.

We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Lincoln, and it a great budget option. An indoor pool, comfortable rooms, and a complimentary hot breakfast, this is our hotel pick for lodging near Loon for a short weekend.

Loon’s Lodging Options:

Mountain Club Resort & Spa
Area Properties – A variety of options available in Lincoln through VRBO.
Holiday Inn Express in Lincoln, NH

You can also search for nearby Lincoln, NH accommodations below ⤵.

Booking.com

BVWK Tip

Download the Loon Mountain app to have all of the resort’s amenities available at your fingertips!

Where To Dine At Loon

There are many family-friendly restaurants and meal options at Loon. There are a variety of options both on and at the base of the mountain. One of our favorite places to stop on the mountain is the Camp Lodge.

Some of our other favorites include:

Boyle’s Break House
Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge
Paul Bunyan Room
Black Diamond Pub and Seasons

Additional dining options nearby in town include:

The Common Man
Black Mtn. Burger Co.
One Love Brewery
Gypsy Cafe

Getting To Loon Mountain Resort

Though it is nestled in Central New Hampshire, it is actually quite accessible. In fact, it is thought of as one of the most accessible ski resorts in the East.

Just three miles off of Interstate 93 (exit 32), Loon Mountain is at the Western end of the Kancamagus Highway (a National Scenic Byway.)

Driving Times To Loon Mountain Resort From:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada: 193 Miles/~ 3 hours
Boston, Massachusetts: 132 Miles/~ 2 hours
New York, New York: 330 Miles/5-6 hours

Flying To Loon Mountain Resort:

The following airports are accessible to Loon Mountain, with a drive afterward (so you may need to rent a car.)

Manchester, New Hampshire – MHT-(1.5 hour drive)
Boston Logan International Airport – BOS (2 to 2.5 hour drive)
Providence, Rhode Island – PVD (4 hour drive)

Visiting Boston? Check out the 15 Best Things To Do With Kids In Boston!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Loon good for beginners?

Yes, Loon Mountain resort is great for beginners. It is one of the reasons I list it as one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts for families. In addition to its’ comprehensive ski and ride program for kids, Loon also offers lessons for adults.

And, in fact you can purchase a lift ticket just for access to the beginner area. This is an ideal option for anyone just getting their ski legs underneath them.

How Many Trails does Loon Mountain Resort have?

In total, Loon Mountain has 63 trails and glades across three peaks. Its variety of terrain, with something for skiers at all ski levels, and its’ dedicated family slopes makes it one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts for families.

Does Loon Mountain Resort have a terrain park?

Yes, Loon Mountain has six terrain parks for all abilities. It has two innovative terrain parks created exclusively for kids (another one of its’ family-friendly features!)

Loon is also home New Hampshire’s only Superpipe in New Hampshire!

Does Loon have a gondola?

Yes, Loon Mountain does have a gondola. And, coming in 2021, Loon will be opening the Kancamagus 8, the most technologically advanced chairlift in North America.

It will be a high-speed eight-person lift, with heated seats, a tinted bubble, and North America’s fastest chairlift! This will certainly add to Loon Mountain’s family-friendliness and appeal for one of the best in the East.

How much are lift tickets at Loon?

Loon Mountain lift tickets range in price based on a variety of factors including the day you are skiing.

For 2022/2023, all current ONE DAY prices:

Children ages six to 18: Lift tickets start at $49 and up (depending on day)
For ages 19 to 64: Lift tickets start at $61 and up (depending on day)
Seniors ages 65 and up: Lift tickets start at $65 and up (depending on day)
Beginner tickets for access just to the beginners’ area are available at the ticket window.

Additional day tickets will vary in price and may provide a discount for additional days.

Loon Mountain is on the Ikon pass. Ikon pass holders can purchase family and friend tickets at a savings. See Loon’s ticket page for more information.

Can you rent skis and snowboards at Loon Mountain Resort?

Yes, you can! The main rental shop has equipment rentals and packages. Check the Loon Mountain Resort’s rental page for details.

Is there snow tubing at Loon Mountain Resort?

Yes, there is! Loon Mountain has afternoon and night snow tubing. Visit Loon Mountain’s Snow Tubing Park site for more details.

What are the best things to do in Lincoln, NH near Loon Mountain Resort?

Note: Some of these activities may only be open seasonally, so check before visiting.

The Last Thing You Need To Know About Loon Mountain

Loon Mountain is definitely one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts for families. In addition to its amazing offerings for kids, there is something for every ski ability from tots to teens and for multigenerational family vacations.

Located right off the Kacamagus Highway, in the heart of New Hampshire’s gorgeous white mountains, Loon Mountain is very accessible from a variety of locations. And, with so many family-friendly places to stay and dine, and unique activities off the slopes, Loon is definitely a top New Hampshire ski resort for families and one of our favorite.

Be sure to add Loon Mountain to your list of family-friendly ski resorts in the East.