A proposal to add 280 acres of skiable terrain and a fourth mountain peak at New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain Resort is moving through federal environmental review, with the U.S. Forest Service seeking public input on a project that would more than double the resort’s current skiable acreage.
The Forest Service hosted a virtual public meeting Wednesday, October 14, to discuss the proposed expansion, which would include four new aerial lifts, additional snowmaking infrastructure and new trails overlooking downtown Lincoln. Approximately 90 people attended the meeting, where federal officials and consultants addressed questions about the development and its potential environmental impacts.
Most of the proposed expansion would take place within the White Mountain National Forest, making federal approval necessary before construction can proceed. The Forest Service has accepted Loon’s proposal for review, but has not authorized the expansion.
Four New Lifts And 280 Acres Of Skiable Terrain
Loon Mountain announced the proposed fourth peak October 6 as part of its long-term Flight Path: 2030 development plan. If fully completed, the project would bring the resort to 955 skiable acres, a 137% increase over its current 403-acre footprint.
The expansion would include 145 acres of traditional ski trails and 135 acres of gladed terrain, served by approximately 1,500 vertical feet of lift infrastructure. The resort’s preliminary plans call for two fixed-grip chairlifts, one detachable chairlift and one detachable gondola.
A summit lodge at an elevation of 2,324 feet would provide dining, sightseeing and event space, while a second lodge would be constructed farther down the mountain. The expansion would also establish a more direct connection between the ski resort and downtown Lincoln.
Loon President and General Manager Brian Norton said the additional terrain would provide more intermediate skiing while also creating opportunities for experienced skiers looking for winding New England trails and challenging glades.
The fourth peak was included in the original vision of Loon Mountain founder and former New Hampshire Gov. Sherman Adams more than 60 years ago. The latest proposal represents an effort to complete that long-standing development concept.
Snowmaking And Wildlife Among Concerns Raised During Federal Meeting
During Wednesday’s virtual public meeting, participants raised questions about the expansion’s water requirements, wildlife impacts and effects on the surrounding community.
All newly developed ski trails would require snowmaking infrastructure, including pumping equipment and electrical installations. Justin Preisendorfer of the U.S. Forest Service said the water needed for additional snowmaking would come from existing state-permitted withdrawal allowances.
Wildlife concerns focused on Canada lynx, bats and deer. Forest Service wildlife biologist Brett Hillman said surveys are underway to assess lynx presence in the proposed development area, although the species is uncommon in that part of New Hampshire.
Tree removal could also affect bat habitat, while officials indicated that existing deer wintering habitat near the project would remain undisturbed.
Residents also questioned whether proposed night-skiing lighting would comply with Lincoln’s dark-sky regulations. Parking, sewage and other infrastructure concerns were raised, with some issues expected to be addressed through separate town and county review processes.
Public Comments Accepted Through October 23
The Forest Service is accepting public comments on the proposal through October 23, 2026. The environmental review will evaluate the potential effects of expanding ski operations onto additional federal land.
Loon expects the environmental assessment process to take approximately 12 months. The project would also require local approvals, and the resort has not announced a construction schedule or projected opening date for the fourth peak.
The proposal comes as Loon is already preparing another substantial terrain expansion. Its 272-acre Black Ridge project, featuring expert-level tree skiing, is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 winter season. That project would increase the resort’s available terrain from 403 to 675 acres and make Loon the largest ski resort in New Hampshire.
The proposed fourth peak would eventually bring the resort to 955 acres if both projects are completed. For now, the fourth-peak expansion remains in the federal review process, with the Forest Service collecting public feedback before determining whether the proposed development can proceed.
