For release at will                                                                                                                                    Winter 2006/2007

SNOWMAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES
ENSURE TOP-RATED TERRAIN AT LOON MOUNTAIN

LINCOLN, N.H. - Loon Mountain has invested close to $500,000 in 2006 on snowmaking improvements and upgrades including the installation of 31 Ratnik guns, 10 new tower guns and new fan gun disconnects.  The new upgrades to the snowmaking system, Loon's nightly grooming and a daily trail map that shows up-to-date trail conditions are all factors that support Loon as New Hampshire's most popular winter destination. 

"Loon Mountain values itself on offering guests the best snow surface and quality in the East," said General Manager Rick Kelley.  "Proper snow coverage combined with fresh grooming and our daily trail map enhances the visit to Loon and keeps guests knowing what to expect each visit to the mountain."     

The addition of 31 new Ratnik Ground Guns and 10 new 'terrain focused' tower guns add to the already powerful snowmaking system.  New disconnects have also been installed to power the fan guns on Little Sister Trail and the Loon Mountain Park.  The placement of these fan guns will allow these areas to be covered quicker and open earlier.  A SMI Super Polecat tower fan gun has also been installed at Grand Junction and Loon has doubled the amount of snowmaking hydrants on Upper Bear Claw.    

Loon Mountain's new River Pump House II boasts three of the world's largest snowmaking pumps.  The pump house is capable of pumping 5,000 gallons per/min and takes water from the river by a series of pipes under the river bottom.  This process is like an under gravel fish tank filter where it does not disturb aquatic life.  Loon is able to pump 7,500 gpm with all 4 pump houses at full boar and last season 230 million gallons of water was pumped in only 1,046 hours.    
 
Once the snow is on the hill, Loon's grooming department takes over to manicure the slopes nightly.  Seven grooming cats including two winch cats are used for nightly trail grooming.  The terrain park also dedicates two grooming vehicles per night to ensure the best freestyle terrain possible. 

Last season a daily printed trail map offered guests a fresh look at the mountain each morning.  Continuing again for the 2006-07 winter season, the daily trail maps provide skiers and riders with what trails are open, what ones are closed, what has been freshly groomed and any other pertinent resort information.  Providing guest with the 'fresh' information on a daily basis allows them to have the power in their hands to have the best day of skiing or riding according to that day's condition.  The daily trail map is also viewable online.      
 
Loon Mountain plans to start snowmaking November 1.  For more information please call 800-229-LOON (5666) or visit www.loonmtn.com.

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