Loon Unveils Black Ridge, a 272-Acre Terrain Expansion

justkeepmovingne

https://www.loonmtn.com/latest-news/loon-unveils-black-ridge

TL;DR - New terrain pod encompassing the Boyle Brook valley just east of the North Peak Express pod. Some uphill required, no new lifts. Pod is expected to bottom out at a point that provides access to lifts. Opening 2027/28 season.

Chuckstah

There is some really fun terrain over on Black Mountain. It’s been a pretty well known side country zone for years. One big issue though is snow pack. I haven’t been to Loon in years, but when I used to ski there regularly Black Ridge was maybe skiable for a handful of days per season in a typical year and often not at all. It is certainly lots of fun in a big snow year, but I’m afraid it will be trashed in a matter of hours now that everyone knows about it.
A 10 person cabin gondola is being installed as well for 2028. I’m not sure The top of Loon can handle that, unless it’s really spaced out cabins on the line.

TomWhite

I’ve lusted at this advanced terrain so long that I’m almost too old to enjoy it! I’ve always this was better terrain than South Peak.

riverc0il

That is one of the few sidecountry areas at a major N.E. mountain that I have yet to ski. Guess it is no longer sidecountry since it is in boundary. I didn’t see any mention of clearing in the article. I assume some “local glading” has already happened. But certainly not 272-acres of glading. I hate this type of marketing BS. Lots of impenetrable softwoods at that elevation on any NH mountain. I wonder how Loon Ski Patrol feels about this, lol. The clientele that Loon attracts could easily find themselves over their heads if the terrain is not gladed and spaced as a resort goer might expect a glade to be.

justkeepmovingne

riverc0il The article mentions the terrain will be gated. I assume, like at many other resorts, there will be signs that probably state the terrain requires traversing/hiking, is for experts only, and that Loon Ski Patrol will not access that area.

Obviously just speculation, but probably what’ll happen. If that’s the case, doubt they care very much one way or another.

TomWhite

Ropeways has a few photos, maps and short video:
https://ropeways.net/rn/berichte/bericht.php?news=10272&klickpass=agh586zyf

lotsoskiing

Looks fun but will need a lot of cooperation from Mother Nature to work. I imagine patrol will be busy in there when the noobs head in.

skelley19

I am hoping they don’t make them wide open like the Walking Boss Woods. Those get the powder beat out of them in minutes after a storm. Some tighter trees would be nice. This gives me hope “ Black Ridge’s skiable terrain will feature expansive areas with dense softwood forests, steep gullies, and open hardwood glades.”

TomWhite

Slopevue is dated but it gives several views of this terrain:
https://www.slopevue.com/Mountains/loon