Lincoln, NH – If you’ve ever dreamed of getting behind the controls of a steam-powered train, New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain has an opportunity this summer for you.

Loon Mountain’s J.E. Henry Railroad, with its German-built 0-4-0T engine, harkens back to the narrow gauge logging trains that ran through New Hampshire’s White Mountains more than a century ago. The engine, which Loon Mountain acquired in the 1970s, runs daily during the winter between two of the ski resort’s base areas. During a typical winter season, the train will shuttle skiers and snowboarders a total of 300 miles along its 600-foot length of track.

This summer, Loon’s Guest Engineer Program will be offered one day each month from July through October:  July 12, August 2, September 6 and October 4. Each session will run for six hours and include a primer on the basics of steam operation, safety, a brief history of Loon’s locomotive, a close-up look at the engine, start-up/close down procedures, and the opportunity for each participant to operate the engine.

Space is limited and the program cost is $100 per person, including lunch. Participants must be at least 18 years old and dress in long pants, long-sleeved shirt, boots, and work gloves. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Loon Mountain at (603) 745-8111 or (800) 229-LOON (5666).

Loon Mountain opens for its summer season this Saturday. In addition to the new Guest Engineer Program, Loon this summer is also introducing Bunyan’s Backyard, a larger-than-life fun park featuring the Paul Bunyan-sized LogJam Maze, where kids and families find their way to various checkpoints while racing against the clock; an interactive Gyro Loop swing that would throw Babe the Blue Ox for a loop; and an assortment of other games and amusements.

Summertime guests can also ride New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride and enjoy spectacular vistas of the White Mountains from the mountaintop observation tower, eat lunch at the Summit Café, or explore the summit glacial caves and self-guided nature walk.

For adrenaline junkies, the Loon Mountain Adventure Center offers rock wall climbing, bungee trampolines, a 700-foot zipline across the Pemigewasset River, and a new spider web climbing feature and slide for kids. Bike rentals and Segway tours are also available.

For a truly unique challenge, visitors can test themselves crossing bridges, climbing ladders, zip lines and other obstacles in Loon’s Aerial Forest Adventure Park.