LINCOLN, N.H., December 20, 2007 -- Against a backdrop of more than two feet of fresh snow this week, New Hampshire's Loon Mountain officially opened its long-awaited and highly-anticipated South Peak expansion this morning. This new terrain combines with Loon's two existing peaks to offer New Hampshire's biggest skiing.
Loon Mountain General Manager Rick Kelley was joined by Boyne Resorts' President of Eastern Operations Stephen Kircher, Representatives Edmond Gionet and Bob Matheson, New Hampshire Councilor Ray Burton, Lincoln Select Board members Deanna Hout, Patricia McTeague and Peter Moore; Henry Goode, Deputy Director of NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development, and Lincoln Town Manager Ted Sutton for the ribbon cutting and loading the first chairs on the new Lincoln Express high-speed quad.
Prior to boarding the lift this morning, Kelley stated, "This day celebrates the biggest single expansion in the history of Loon Mountain." He thanked all the staff and others who made this day possible. "For 24 years this has been the dream of many at the resort and in the community of Lincoln. I'm extremely proud of what our team has accomplished in finally making the vision of South Peak a reality. This is a momentous occasion for so many people, and an exciting time to be a part of the Loon and Lincoln communities," said Kelley.
"Boyne Resorts is proud to have Loon Mountain as the newest member of our resort family. The opening of South Peak is a huge milestone and really puts Loon into a whole new category of New England skiing. When you combine the vertical, skiable acreage, variety of terrain and the uphill capacity that Loon has, it clearly offers New Hampshire's biggest skiing," said Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts.
Town Manager, Ted Sutton added, "The opening of South Peak represents a significant step for our community as we continue to grow and mature as a resort destination. Loon's proximity to the community of Lincoln makes this destination unique in New England, and the mountain and town work in close partnership to attract vacationers to our area."
Over $13 million was invested by the resort over the summer to build South Peak's two new chairlifts, three new trails and new base area, as well as installing a highly energy-efficient snowmaking system which greatly expands Loon's snowmaking capacity. New lifts include Loon's fourth high-speed lift, the Lincoln Express, that runs from the base to the summit of South Peak, and the Tote Road Quad that carries skiers and riders between the summit of South Peak to the trails and lifts on Loon and North Peaks. A total of 50 acres of new terrain is open for this winter: two of the new trails have snowmaking, and one is a gladed, tree-skiing trail. This terrain represents only 35% of the full expansion that is planned for completion at Loon Mountain in the next few years.
The South Peak expansion will make Loon an even more popular mountain destination for New England vacationers. Loon has long been known for its easy access, big mountain skiing on 2,100' vertical, quality of snow, variety of terrain, award-winning terrain parks, full complement of on-hill programs, and abundance of lodging accommodations and amenities. The new trails carved out on South Peak will provide Loon skiers and riders with a new perspective of the resort and the feeling that they could just ski right into the community of Lincoln.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Centex Destination Properties is working with Loon and developing nearly 400 acres of prime real estate between the mountain and the Pemigewasset River. South Peak Resort on Loon Mountain will be an upscale, four-season mountain destination including private ski-in/ski-out and riverside custom homes and condominiums with premium amenities.
Planned amenities include The South Peak Club, featuring an indoor/outdoor pool pavilion, hot tubs, massage studio, fitness center, theater room, dining facility, and skier services. Hiking and biking trails throughout the Resort will offer opportunities to bike or stroll through the woods and along the river and outdoor fire hearths will become natural outdoor gathering places.
Phase I of the project, which began in November 2005, included infrastructure development and 67 single-family home sites. Market demand remains strong and Phase II development is well underway, highlighted by the introduction of Riverside Terrace Condominiums. The initial Riverside Terrace buildings have been completed, with owners taking occupancy this past summer, and 2 more buildings are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by mid-winter. South Peak Resort projects an eight-to-ten year build out for amenities and residences.
# # #
Loon Mountain offers New Hampshire's Biggest Skiing. Located in Lincoln, NH, just two hours north of Boston and three miles from Exit 32 off Interstate 93, Loon is consistently rated as one of the most-accessible resorts in New England by readers of SKI Magazine. Loon features big mountain skiing & riding on 2,100 feet of vertical with 47 trails, 5 tree skiing areas, 5 terrain parks, Ski & Snowboard School, Adventure Center, tubing park and slopeside accommodations. The latest information, snow conditions, video and events are available at www.loonmtn.com.
Loon Mountain is operated by Boyne Resorts, the largest family owned four-season resort company in North America; founded by Everett Kircher in 1947. A Michigan-based corporation, Boyne Resorts owns and/or operates award-winning mountain and golf resorts and attractions throughout the United States and Canada including Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, British Columbia, official freestyle skiing and snowboard venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Big Sky Resort in Montana, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Michigan, Brighton in Utah, Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Sugarloaf and Sunday River Resort in Maine and Gatlinburg Sky Lift in Tennessee. For more information on Boyne Resorts, please visit www.boyneresorts.com.