Experience Once-in-a-Lifetime Solar Eclipse at This New Hampshire Ski Resort

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely heard the buzz about what's going on in the astronomy world.

A solar eclipse will be taking place on April 8, 2024. This is when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, temporarily blocking the Sun.

It's pretty incredible to watch, as the below video from 2017 proves. That solar eclipse was visible out in Oregon.

But this year's eclipse is different, as the path of totality will instead cover northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine – right in our neck of the woods. The below map from NASA shows the path in more detail.

NASA additionally provided a thorough timeline of where and when you can catch a glimpse of the rare astronomical event. In short, totality in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will begin at roughly 3:25pm EST and end ten minutes later. For more details, click here.

One New Hampshire ski resort is making preparations for the incredible phenomenon, which already has locals and out-of-staters marking their calendars and making travel arrangements.

Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire

Any and everyone who's skied in the Granite State has visited Loon Mountain Resort, located in the scenic and picturesque White Mountains. Now, the resort is giving you the opportunity to be on the mountain for the once-in-a-lifetime astrological event.

Here's what the festivities (appropriately called 'Dark Side of the Loon') entail, according to the resort's website.

On April 8, Loon will be open lift-serviced skiing and snowboarding—and will extend lift operating hours by one hour. Maximum coverage is projected to occur at 3:29pm.

 

Gondola Skyride will offer non-skiing guests access to the top of Loon Peak starting at 1:45pm. A limited number of Gondola Skyride tickets will be available for purchase starting March 15 and must be purchased online in advance.

As if that wasn't cool enough, those who spend $30 or more at Loon Mountain Sports will receive limited-addition Loon Solar Eclipse glasses (while supplies last).

We sound like a broken record, but this really is an amazing opportunity. According to the State of New Hampshire, the last time the Granite State was in the direct path of a solar eclipse was in 1959. And after April 8, your next opportunity to see a solar eclipse in these parts won't be until 2079.

As for Lincoln specifically? Well, NASA states that the town will experience 99.3% coverage.

To learn more about Dark Side of the Loon, click here.