**History of Alton Bay Ice Port:**
Winter brings so much to one corner of Lake Winnipesaukee. One very obvious event is the day the Alton Bay Iceport scrapes its frozen ice covered bay into an active runway for small planes surrounded by tiny ice houses and much larger waterfront homes turned icefront homes.
Since being approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Alton Bay's ice runway stands out as the only ice runway to be maintained and approved in the continental United States. This seasonal airstrip attracts pilots and aviation enthusiasts from all over, eager to experience the novelty of landing on ice. After all these planes are lighter than many of the trucks parked The ice port’s history is a testament to the ingenuity and adventurous spirit of the local community.
So how do they make an airport on ice, It requires 260,000-square-foot site and the ice has to be at least 12 inches thick a 2,600-foot runway, taxiway and parking area for airplanes. That thickness is needed more to support plow trucks that clear off snow.
Maintained by volunteers, this icy runway typically opens in January or February, since the 1960s, depending on weather conditions and ice thickness. Seaplanes have been landing here in warm climates since the 1940s. Pilots from as far as Florida must stay informed about the necessary safety protocols, with conditions changing rapidly based on the ever-changing New England weather. As they say here if you want to know what the weather is in New Hampshire, just wait 3 minutes. It is worth the trip for some just to earn an Ice Chip commemorative piece for landing here.
I have witnessed many landings and takeoffs, often complemented by local events and community gatherings which make Alton Bay a lively winter hub including the annual winter festival.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Alton Bay Ice Port offers a remarkable experience of New Hampshire’s adventurous winter culture. Afterwards you can make your way down over to Gunstock for some great skiing.
Check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pASVdrNVs5o
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