Spring means new building contracts & the excitement of having a custom home with everything your heart desires. With roughly 10 days left of ski season the questions about building – are in fact building. What can we expect to spend on an Adirondack style home?  My general answer is about $200/ square foot – with allowances for things we typically see in the “level of homes we build”. This is not a smoke and mirrors answer, it is in fact based of better than average finishes but not…Hollywood movie star “pimp my crib finishes”. To stay on budget when building Custom Mountain or lake side homes – you’ll have a choice of Hardwood floors, Granite counter tops, lighting fixtures, stainless steel appliances, and landscaping similar to other area homes we have completed. That being said, w... 03/30/2012

  Greetings from Loon Mountain, 'If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes.' That old New England  saying could not be more true this spring. Last week we were skiing & riding in T-shirts; this past Monday & Tuesday a manmade blizzard on the slopes was brewing outside my window. That's right, we fired up the snow guns to ensure some great spring skiing & riding right into April!        They made snow on the upper & lower mountain, refreshing our snow conditions on the most open terrain in New Hampshire. You'll also find the most terrain park features in New England right here, too! And, with a great weekend forecast, spring ticket savings and some of the season's best events coming up, make plans to join us! UPCOMING EVENTS Here are highlights of our upcoming events. Surf over to ou... 03/28/2012

Steve's White Mountain blog.  It is almost inconceivable that I was able to hike in a tee shirt in March, and on trails that are normally still snow covered this time of year. The Franconia Notch State Park - is the home of Cannon Mountain ski area ( New Hampshire - State owned)....Echo Lake, Profile Lake, Mount Lafayette, Mount Liberty and a number of other 4,000 - 5,500 foot peaks ( all worth hiking if you have the time). This shot was taken March 23rd - from the top of Artist Bluff - Looking Across at Cannon with Echo lake below. This shot was taken from the top of Bald Knob - Looking across at Mt Lafayette - the tallest peak in the Notch. Echo Lake at the base of Cannon...Ice out in March is unheard off - the Teenagers SWIMMING near by -CRAZY! Profile pond is fed by Echo Lake...and ... 03/23/2012

  A ride to share with all the folks waiting for Spring.       Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods Ski area, has added a huge Spa to the already great guest services they always had. The spa features an Outdoor heated pool. Evidence of the Snow can still be seen if you look closely.       The Golf course is why I mainly visit the Mount Washington Hotel…the 100+ year old Trent Jones course is as challenging as the view is breath taking.       The covered veranda that stretches the entire view side of the hotel was bustling with guests on this unusually warm March day. Bloody Mary’s were being served when I got there – but a hike planned for later made me pass on the offering.       Today’s Adventure shifts from Mt Washington – to the Flume Gorge in Lincoln New Hampshire –just a mere ... 03/19/2012

Kids considering where to go to college and a "must ski" is part of the overall curriculum...Read on!!   ..In a -Huffington Post Article.. I found interesting. It's that time of year. High school seniors are getting advice from teachers, friends and family to determine which college they will attend. For many, evaluating potential college choices involves the criteria, "Can I ski/snowboard while I'm there?" Many add, "... a lot?" to that question, which narrows the field considerably. ESPN.com recently wrote an article entitled, The 10 best colleges in the U.S. for people who live to ski. The list of 10 was based upon schools that had the best access to good skiing and a community of people who shared the same passion. Plymouth State University: Ask any snowboarder, of any era, from any... 03/12/2012

Spring is officially a little over a week away, but the signs of spring's advance is evident to the camera. The  ice on lakes and ponds are beginning to separate from the land around it, soon it will be no longer safe to walk on.   The Ice along the river has broken apart to reveal the deep blue hue of a winters worth of accumulations. The brooks, streams and rivers are all flowing again. Sending the water south towards the farmers fields and eventually the Atlantic ocean. The snow mass is mainly on the peaks above 4,000 feet ,Mt Washington at 6,300 ft will have enough snow to ski Tuckerman's ravine until June. Still some snow on the lesser peaks and in the shaded woods - but the tree tops are bare. There is always some resistance to making a move in the middle of winter, but with sprin... 03/11/2012

I have written numerous times about the slope side homes on Loon Mountain, and shared photos of the homes my in-house Adirondack design / build team have constructed for clients. But today something a bit different, photos of homes taken from the actual trails...that the owners ski home from /&/ to.   Note the Stair Case built to allow the owners to walk up to the slopes from their ski room built for convenience.           Hemlock Drive – backing up to the South Mt Trails.   Crooked Mountain Rd. – next to the skier’s bridge, ski to the base lodge or to the owners lift from this house.   Yellow Birch Circle – A trail leading to your home and to a private lift from your back door.   South Mountain Rd. – Ski Home access across the street, a ski down and walk 50 feet to your door. "FOR SALE... 03/04/2012

I live in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire directly beside a seasonal tourist Train track.In the winter  it becomes a Snowmobile corridor and a great place to Cross Country ski (snowmobile treads are perfect for preparing the snow for cross country skiing). The Old Boston and Maine line...runs along the Pemigewasset River Valley - a Few miles from Loon Mountain. The View Of Lafayette - Liberty and Little Hay Stack are a great bonus to this intense workout - along the river. A Little further north we get in to the New Hampshire State forest, and the ski slopes of Cannon Mt Resort. Back Over the Trestle Bridge and a turn for home (if you get the chance to ride the dinner train in the summer or early fall I highly recommend it...the Cafe Lafayette...rides the rails and serves... 03/03/2012

If you have been waiting for a large family Chalet that you can ski home to...I got the right spot for you. This 5 bedroom home has a loft that could serve as a sixth bedroom - office or den on it's own floor. ..  Snow making in the winter means great skiing conditions and private homeowners trails to ski right to your house, common area frontage on the Pemigewasset river adds wonderful walking paths throughout the community for all to enjoy. The Gated entrance to South Peak Resort enhances your private enjoyment. ..  A Vaulted Living room dinning room with beautiful hardwood floors and a stone fireplace adds to the rustic feel. ..  Granite Counter tops, cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances are the right touch for this modern kitchen. The master bedroom is colorful yet campy a... 03/02/2012

If you were given an extra day this year to do anything you wanted to do what would it be? These pictures will give you some idea of what I did today...or at least  in the time before my first real estate appointment that was scheduled at 1pm. I hit the slopes on this extra day of February - it helps that my Real estate office is one mile from the base lodge at Loon mountain in Lincoln New Hampshire. The North peak chair offers a wonderful view of Mount Washington off in the distance some 50 miles away. The Summit has a smashing view, and you can ski directly to many homes and condominiums from here. The Gondola is a long standing trade mark of Loon Mountain,  many folks just love it on a cold day. Today was not one of those days - it was in the mid 30's firm and fast just the way I lik... 02/29/2012

Yes...We got that big February Snow dump that the weatherman said we would...Whoo Hoo!! The snow in the Hemlock required a quick cross country spin this Morning before getting ready for a full day of real estate appointments at Loon Mountain today. While some of you are stretching  in front of the morning news - or the more ambitious are taking a morning jog...I was off for a quick cross country ski in the woods. The View of the Pemigewasset River in Woodstock was significantly enhanced by last nights six inch snow fall. I have gotten several messages regarding my decision to sell my plow truck two days ago...this snow fall will require me to pay for a service. So the question I keep getting is "Why didn't you sell the truck earlier" we certainly could have used the snow before now! One... 02/24/2012

  Slope Side, Riverside,Showplace condo – Loon Mt, NH. Ski home to your front door and walk out your back door to the river…now that is my idea of recreational living in a very upscale condominium. Some of the amenities include Granite Counter tops, Stainless steel appliances, Gas fireplace, Central A/C, attached garage, Opulent master suite with glass shower and separate soaking tub, walk-in closet, cherry cabinets and cherry floors, covered entry , covered patio over looking the river, an out side (common area) hot tub, fire pit, and owners walking trails. $469,900 Floor plan / Location and other attractions: This 3 bedroom 2 bath, one car garage condo is a total of 2,000 square feet, it is a one lever villa style floor plan and is walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainm... 02/17/2012

How can you have sparkling blue sky's and - it can be snowing at the same time. While Mother nature has been quite stingy this year with the white stuff - the guns have been cranking out the man-made substitute. In this picture is the "Camp III" lodge a spring time favorite for sunning, skiing and Reggae Music...I'll see you there. The guns were leaving and incredible base depth of skiable terrain. It was nice to need sun block and goggles for snow protection on the same day. A view of Mount Washington From the North Peak Summit. Looking West at Mount Moosilauke from one of the new South Peak Trails (new for this season -Twitcher & Jobber both black diamond additions for the better skiers). The Gondola arrives with skiers ready to try the east basin side of the mountain. If you are a re... 02/09/2012

A Full Moon - over Loon....Loon Mountain Lincoln NH tonight. A few Clouds started the morning, but soon cleared to be a blue sky day..  The White Mountain back drop...are pretty nice from sun up - until sundown. The Hemlocks are coated with snow - the guns have done a great job on the top of the mountain. The View looking east as the full moon rises. The Sun setting in the west...was a sight to see, the White Mountains offer some wonderful photo ops. I hope you all enjoy your full moon tonight. It was a nice sight to see - clear sky's sunup to sunset. Please feel free to use my local real estate search site - by clicking on the MLS icon on the bottom of this post.   02/06/2012

                                                                                                                          Residents of New Hampshire – there may be no greater threat to our states Economy than the current Northern Pass – utility attempt to run a 1200 Megawatt High Voltage Direct Current line – Over head suspended on towers 135 feet in the air across the entire Granite State. The Visual blight alone will hurt the tourist industry and the scenic beauty of our state. The real estate tax revenues,  the health and welfare of our citizens, Gas tax, toll booth revenues, rooms and meals taxes will suffer as well. Please add your town to the list of places who wish to Petition requiring “any” high voltage transmission lines – be required to be buried rather than strung from tower... 02/04/2012

CASA SnowFest at Loon Mountain NH...February 3rd, 2012 On Friday February 3rd, 2012, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children) will be having its 12th Annual SnowFest at Loon Mountain, NH. This fun filled day long event will feature golf on skis...that's right...golf on skis, breakfast, lunch at the Common Man in the Governor's Pavilion and après ski party with raffle prizes and award ceremony. The entry fee for a foursome is $500 or you can sign up individually for $95 and they will place you on a team.  Click here to reserve your spots for teams and individuals now!!! For other levels of sponsorship, please contact Sara Bowen at 603-626-4600 or by email at sbowen@casa.org Sound goofy? You bet it is, but the most fun you can have with your snow pants ON!... 01/31/2012

Being a Realtor in a New Hampshire ski resort community - I'm able to preview properties, and work on business while I ski. Living in town means an office and a ski lift are less than a mile apart. I'll be busy on the weekend but mid-week I bring the following photos your way. This is a shot across Loon pond looking over the Tote Road lift to the South Mountain side of Loon. A Western View of Mount Moosilauke another 4000+ Footer and a favorite hike  looking towards Woodstock NH. Franconia Notch state Park...where the old-man of the mountain once posed in profile. Looking north from Lincoln we are seeing the south side of Cannon Mountain ski area. Upper Flume - and- Walking Boss...made a ton of snow last night..should be great for the weekend. I took out a pair of Rocker skis today...I ... 01/26/2012

During the course of my day I often capture the view out my back window. While enjoying my first coffee of the day I watched the sun creep over the mountain peaks. White Mountain National Forest north of my Location.   Lafayette - Liberty and the Flume...are off in the Franconia Notch State park 15 miles north of Woodstock NH Almost full sun on the western side of the slopes as the eastern sun rises on the northern mountain peaks. The valley floor is fully lit by the days sun....warming us up from -2 all the way up to + 20 a good day to see some real estate.      At the end of the day the sun starts to set and the clouds roll in. Snow is in the forecast and while other dread the white weather - we White Mountain skiers love the prospect of fresh snow for tomorrows trip to the slopes. To... 01/19/2012

  Mansion hill condos – Lowest price – Offering…in years!!   When downsizing or buying a second home location and convenience are often on the top of the list of must haves. This walk in level property allows the owner easy access and one floor living. Two bedrooms and two full baths a fully applianced kitchen, and best of all close to town and Loon Mt.          The association replaced the roof a few years back and the brand new composite decking is maintenance free on your huge 24 foot long private porch. The common area offers an outdoor pool and tennis courts, and the school playground and sports fields are near by (movies & Shopping).        The condominium fees and property taxes add up to less than $300 / month when combined…making this well run association one of the areas most ... 01/14/2012

Wonderful Ski Day - Beautiful views -Enjoy the scenery of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Four Passenger Gondola nearing the top of the mountain - Loon Ski Resort - Lincoln NH.  The View from the top of the East Basin side of Loon.    What an awesome view from the top of the Sunset Trail. The view of Mount Washington - from the top of The North Peak side of Loon Mt. Boom Run - part of the South Peak side of Loon...advanced slopes open and in great shape. The Top of Cruiser trail (the tower guns -seen here are off now - but are the source of all this man made snow)...another great trail in super condition...ready for a big three day weekend. Upper Bear Claw Trail...a beginner trail that can be skied top to bottom...a novice run, but a great view. One last shot of Mount Washington o... 01/11/2012