Loon announces new lift and tree skiing as part of South Peak expansion

Loon's South Peak expansion is expected to be completed in time for the 2023-23 season. (Loon Photo)

Loon Mountain Resort announced Monday that it plans to add more than 30 acres of skiable terrain to the ski area’s South Peak area, an expansion highlighted by a new four-person chairlift, fully-automated snowmaking, and tree-skiing areas for beginner and intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders. 

The expansion is the latest step in Loon’s 10-year investment plan, “Flight Path: 2030,”focused on “development and modernization” across the resort. Several milestones have already been achieved during the first two years of the plan, including the installation of the first eight-person chairlift in the East — Kancamagus 8 — which opened last December.

According to Loon, the South Peak expansion is essential to future developments charted in the 10-year plan. 

“The South Peak expansion has been a key part of Loon’s master plan for decades and we are thrilled to be moving towards the next major milestone of Flight Path: 2030,” Jay Scambio, COO of Loon operator Boyne Resorts, said in a release. 

Work on the expansion is already underway. It is expected to be completed in time for next winter. 

The new lift, a Doppelmayr Alpenstar 4-CLF chairlift with loading conveyor, will be installed at the bottom of the current Escape Route trail. Guests will be transported up 500 vertical feet to access Cruiser, via the Lincoln Express quad. “Adding lift service just a mile and a half from Interstate 93, in the center of Lincoln, improves the guest experience immensely and is something we’ve been focused on for many years.” Loon president and general manager Brian Norton said. “Providing lift access and more skiing and riding closer to downtown Lincoln is exciting—and unique—particularly in the East.”

South Peak’s expanded terrain will feature new trails as well as gladed areas designated for beginner and intermediate tree skiers, “The topography here is ideal for learning to ski or snowboard,” Norton said. The addition will increase Loon’s beginner terrain by more 50 percent and boost the resort’s overall total to more than 400 total skiable acres. 

Ticketing and other essential services will be available at the base of the new four-place chairlift and open during the 2023-24 season.

Other stages of the 2030 project include an upgrade of the Lincoln Express Quad, North Peak trail expansion, a gondola upgrade, and a Westward Trail expansion.