Loon Mountain Prepares for Winter Season with Major Upgrades

LINCOLN, New Hampshire, USA – Loon Mountain is stepping up preparations for its 61st winter season with investments in snowmaking infrastructure, a new operations facility and additional expertise within its management team. The improvements are designed to strengthen early-season snowmaking capabilities, improve operational coordination and enhance the overall guest experience.

Snowmaking remains a central component of Loon Mountain’s winter preparations. Ahead of the coming season, the resort has installed approximately 3,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe, including 2,000 feet in the East Basin, and added 42 snow guns.

A new booster pump will also increase water pressure serving the East Basin and North Peak trails. The upgrades are intended to improve snowmaking efficiency and help the resort establish reliable snow coverage at higher elevations earlier in the season.

The investment builds on improvements made to North Peak’s snowmaking system last winter. With limited cold-weather windows often determining the pace of early-season operations in November and December, the additional infrastructure is expected to give Loon greater flexibility in making snow when temperatures permit.

Particular attention has been given to the East Basin, which includes Angel Street, a well-known trail running beneath the White Mountain Express Gondola and offering views of Mount Washington. Increased snowmaking capacity should help the resort prepare popular intermediate and advanced terrain more quickly.

Another major development is the opening of a new Resort Operations Center (ROC), scheduled for the upcoming winter season.

The two-story facility covers approximately 6,605 square feet and will bring several operational departments together under one roof. These include lift maintenance, facilities and grounds maintenance, and sign production.

By centralizing these functions, Loon aims to improve communication and coordination among teams responsible for the resort’s day-to-day operations.

Although much of this work takes place behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in the guest experience. Reliable lift operations, well-maintained facilities and efficient infrastructure management all contribute to the smooth running of a ski resort. The new center is intended to provide staff with improved working conditions and the resources needed to support these essential services.

Visitors can also look forward to the anticipated return of the J.E. Henry Railroad. The wood-fired steam train is expected to be back at Loon during the first week of November following summer repairs in Maine.

The railroad has long been part of the resort’s winter atmosphere, offering complimentary rides between the Octagon and Governor Adams lodges. Beyond providing an additional attraction for guests, the train reflects the region’s historic connection to the logging industry and the broader heritage of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Its return will restore a distinctive feature of the Loon Mountain experience ahead of the new ski season.

Loon Mountain is also strengthening its leadership team with the appointment of Keenan Gillin as Vice President of Resort Operations, effective November 2, 2026.

Gillin brings nearly two decades of experience in the ski industry. He began his career at Seven Springs in Pennsylvania in 2006, working across grooming, equipment operations and terrain park construction before moving into management.

He subsequently took on operational leadership responsibilities at Laurel Mountain before expanding his remit to include Hidden Valley. Most recently, he served as Director of Mountain Operations at Seven Springs, overseeing operations across all three resorts.

His experience across multiple mountain operations is expected to support Loon Mountain as it continues to develop its infrastructure, invest in lift systems and expand its terrain offerings.

The latest developments reflect Loon Mountain’s continued focus on preparing its facilities, infrastructure and workforce for the demands of the winter season.

From additional snowmaking capacity to improved operational facilities and experienced leadership, the resort is investing in the systems that support reliable mountain operations and a high-quality skiing experience.

With its 61st season approaching, Loon Mountain is working to ensure that both guests and resort teams are well prepared for the winter ahead.