Alton Bay Ice Runway Becomes Another Casualty of Impending Spring

Closing the unique runway is another sign of spring in New Hampshire.

Longer days have been a big sign of an arriving spring, but warmer temperatures have contributed to another sign of the passing season. The closure of Alton Bay's ice runway.

The runway, which is 100 feet wide, 2,730 feet long, and 50 feet wide is the only Federal Aviation Administration-approved ice runway in the lower 48 states. It's uniqueness draws pilots from all over New England and beyond who fly to the airport to experience landing on an ice covered lake without the aid of skis.This season, 740 planes landed over the 20 days the ice runway was operated, which was a record according to Boston 25 News. Per their website, this year, they warmed up to visiots, literally, as there was a small warming hut to welcome pilots and flyers.

According to WMUR News 9, just because the ice melts doesn't mean planes will not be landing on Lake Winnipesaukee. Later on this year, sea planes will land in the same space.