Family Outdoor Adventures Loon at Mountain, New Hampshire

Loon Mountain, in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is best known as one of the top downhill ski areas in the east. But Loon Mountain Resort boasts other outdoor activities, as well, making the destination a good family travel destination at any season.

Loon Mountain Gondola, used by skiers in the winter, carries visitors in the summer and fall for views of the surrounding White Mountains. At the top lies a café, mountain disc golf course and observation tower for even more views and a little-known natural attraction.

A short trail from the gondola landing leads into a maze-like tumble of gigantic boulders you can explore via wooden stairs and walkways. Kids love the caves and narrow passages to play and hide, while older kids can learn about glaciers that dropped these boulders as they scoured the once higher mountain tops.

At Loon Adventure Center, kids and parents can challenge themselves on the 30-foot outdoor climbing wall, safely secured by harnesses. This is also the launch point for the zipline that soars 750 feet across the river and back. Kids as small as 40 pounds can use the climbing wall and the zipline minimum is 50 pounds.

Beginners can learn mountain biking at Loon’s Bike Park, while experienced bikers can choose from a network of trails carved through the woods and across the mountainside. The bike rental center sits at the base of the chairlift.

In the winter, the mountain comprises one of three mountains covered in a network of 61 ski trails and eight tree-skiing glades, rated from learners through double diamond for experts. The resort is not just for skiers in the winter. The Adventure Center becomes the hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as ice skating. Family members who prefer non-snow activities can rejuvenate in a full-service spa or swim in the indoor pool.

At the center of all these year-round activities is Mountain Club at Loon, a hotel, dining and spa complex right at the base of the mountain. You can ski right from the door and onto the lifts. Guestrooms and suites are configured so they can be adapted to any size family group or even for multiple families traveling together. Loon is one of the few New Hampshire resorts with ski-in, ski-out lodging, making it especially convenient for families.