More New Terrain: Loon Submits Plan to Add Fourth Mountain Peak

Loon Mountain Resort has submitted a proposal to develop an additional 280 acres of skiable terrain, adding a new mountain peak to the resort’s current footprint, that overlooks downtown Lincoln, New Hampshire. If accepted, the project positions Loon to offer 955 skiable acres upon full build out, a 137% increase from today’s available terrain.

An Original Vision

This project has been a part of Loon’s plan for decades. The original conceptual drawings of Loon, developed in the 1960s by founder and former New Hampshire governor Sherman Adams, depict four distinct mountain peaks of lift-served skiing. Now, more than sixty years later, this project proposal would fulfill Adams’ original vision.

This project is the latest update to Flight Path: 2030, Loon’s ten-year capital investment plan which was announced in 2020. "We've accomplished quite a lot in the last six years," said Brian Norton, President and General Manager of Loon Mountain Resort. "Expansion at South Peak and three major lift installations — led by Kancamagus 8 — have been gamechangers for our guests. Looking west to add this fourth peak of skiing is a giant step. It's the terrain Mr. Adams envisioned first due to its convenient location in downtown Lincoln. We're at the very start of a public process, and we intend to do it right."

Filling a Need

The new terrain bridges a gap in Loon’s existing trail network, providing a natural next step for skiers and snowboarders progressing beyond the beginner-level trails.

“This new peak delivers on progression,” said Norton. “The lower trails will give skiers and snowboarders confidence to move up — beyond the trails of Timbertown Quad — without a big jump in difficulty. At the same time, it gives experienced skiers more of what they’re looking for: from classic, winding New England trails and wide-open cruisers to challenging tree skiing. I picture many guests spending an entire day on this peak alone.”

Of the 280 skiable acres proposed, 145 acres are intended to be traditional ski trails, while 135 acres are proposed for tree skiing areas. Four aerial lifts would carry guests up roughly 1,500 vertical feet. A lodge is planned at the 2,324-ft. mountain summit, with dining, sightseeing, and event space overlooking the town center. A mid-mountain lodge is also proposed, providing scenic views of the town of Lincoln.

A Collaboration

The proposed terrain spans a mix of federal and private land, none of which Loon owns. Most of it lies within the White Mountain National Forest, and the U.S. Forest Service has issued a letter accepting the proposal for review. The project must undergo an Environmental Assessment — a federal review required before the U.S. Forest Service can approve new development on national forest land.

The private land within the project area is owned by South Peak Resort, a separately owned and independently operated business. "This is the next step in a long-term vision for Loon, Lincoln, and South Peak Resort, and we're excited to keep moving it forward for the region," said Mark Bogosian, developer of South Peak Resort. Both parties, Loon and South Peak Resort, are focused on seeing this project develop.

The Future

An expansion of this size and scope would be approached in phases, and there are multiple permits and approvals at local and federal levels needed before Loon can announce timelines. The first of which is the federal Environmental Assessment process, which is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Conceptual trail and lift layouts are in place, but these allow for a flexible, phased rollout that can adapt to public feedback, operational needs, and environmental considerations as the project advances. Loon's connection to the Lincoln community and its local partners will remain critical at each phase.

Adjusting the Path to 2030

This announcement has also prompted a fresh round of updates to near-term and late-stage projects across the ten-year plan, including the White Mountain Express Gondola upgrade, Black Ridge tree-skiing expansion, summer activities expansion, and more. Additional highlights of Flight Path: 2030 are available online.

To see an artist's rendering depicting expansion opportunities and get more project information, visit https://www.loonmtn.com/flight-path-2030/peak-4.