The Black Ridge side-country area would give Loon the most skiable acres in New Hampshire.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The White Mountain National Forest gave Loon Mountain the green light to proceed with formally developing side-country terrain in a decision issued on August 27. With the 272-acre expansion, Loon will assume the title of largest ski area in New Hampshire.
Located adjacent to the North Peak complex, the Black Ridge tree skiing area will drop 1,350 vertical feet from a top elevation of 2,850.
A 2,700-foot long by 6-foot wide entrance trail will be cut from the top of the North Peak Express Quad, likely following the route of a bootleg path. A 1,700-foot long by 20-foot wide exit trail, complete with a bridge, will also be developed, linking to the Brookway trail.
To facilitate the trail construction and glading, the side-country area will be closed to the public this winter. The new complex is expected to debut for the 2027-28 season.
In a press release issued today, Loon general manager Brian Norton noted, "Black Ridge isn't for everyone, and that's the point. It's a true rugged experience - natural and raw, unlike anything else we maintain at Loon today."
