Lincoln, NH – Loon Mountain officials have invested $1.8 million in upgrades for the 2010-11 ski and snowboard season at the New Hampshire resort. While primarily spent on upgraded snowmaking, improvements this season also touch upon grooming, increased lift capacity and a new zip line.nApproximately $1.2 million of the $1.8 million has been spent on the resort’s snowmaking system that covers 97% of its skiable terrain. An addition of 428 highly-efficient Low-E HKD tower snow guns will allow the resort to boost overall snow production by as much as 150%, as well as maximize snow output at a wider range of temperatures.

For skiers and riders, this will result in more terrain opening earlier, as well as giving the resort a better ability to replenish snow and resurface terrain more quickly when weather conditions are less than ideal.

A new Prinoth “Beast” snowcat, with 40% more grooming surface and pushing power than a standard machine, will also refresh snow surfaces at Loon this winter. The first machine of its size in New Hampshire and one of only two in New England, The Beast will allow for more terrain to be groomed better and more efficiently, helping the resort reduce its fuel consumption.

Loon’s newest adventure debuted this summer. A new zip line allows guests to soar above the Pemigewasset River. The zip line, open during the summer and fall, will also welcome skiers and riders on peak weekends and holiday periods during the winter.

Skiers and riders will get more carving, bump and tree-skiing time on North Peak this winter with additional chairs being placed on the North Peak Express Quad, resulting in 42% more uphill capacity on this key lift. A new loading carpet at the Seven Brothers Triple Chair will make it easier for guests to load the chair, resulting in a faster ride time and more time on the hill.

Loon plans to open for the 2010-11 winter season on Nov. 20.