You’re driving up I-93, the granite walls of Franconia Notch start closing in, and you see it. A massive, shingle-style structure that looks like it’s been there forever, even though it basically hasn't. Most people see the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain and think, "Oh, another fancy ski hotel."
Honestly? That’s only half the story.
The ground beneath this luxury playground has a gritty past. Before it was a place where people sipped locally made Marquette wine by a lagoon pool, it was the Franconia Paper Mill. For decades, it was the industrial heartbeat of Lincoln, NH, until it shuttered in the '80s and sat as a crumbling, contaminated eyesore for 30 years. Today, it's the poster child for "brownfield" success stories. They didn't just build a hotel; they reclaimed a piece of New Hampshire history from the brink of environmental decay.
Why RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain Lincoln NH Is Actually Two Different Resorts
If you visited a few years ago, you haven't seen the whole picture. The resort just finished a massive Phase 2 expansion—basically doubling down on the "extra" factor.
The new "West Wing" isn't just more rooms. It's an entire ecosystem. We’re talking about a 10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and the brand-new Rhythm Tap & Grille. But the real kicker is the "Pulse Gondola." Scheduled for the 2025/26 winter season, this thing is a game-changer. It’s the first of its kind in New England, connecting the resort directly to the South Peak of Loon Mountain.
No more clunky shuttle buses. You just hop on and glide over the river.
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The Room Situation: Sprawl Out or Stay Small
Rooms here aren't your standard "two queens and a desk" setup. Even the studios feel intentional.
- The Studios: About 300–360 square feet. Perfect for couples, but they have pull-out sofas if you’re cramming in the kids.
- The Suites: This is where it gets crazy. The 1-to-3-bedroom suites go up to 2,500 square feet. Most have full KitchenAid kitchens and marble countertops.
- The Vibe: High ceilings, private balconies, and fireplaces are standard. It feels more like a condo than a hotel, which is why half the people there actually own their units through fractional ownership.
The Pool That Thinks It's an Ice Rink
Let’s talk about the lagoon pool. It’s one of the largest in New England, and it’s weird in the best way possible. In the summer, it’s a massive watering hole with a "cauldron" fire pit that blasts flames and water in the middle of the night.
Then winter hits.
They don't just cover it up. They transform it into a professional-grade ice skating rink. You can literally be sitting in the heated indoor/outdoor pool—the one where you swim under a glass wall to get outside—and watch people doing Triple Axels on the lagoon just a few feet away. It’s surreal to be soaking in $104^{\circ}\text{F}$ water while a Zamboni preps the ice nearby.
Seven Birches Winery: Production in the Lobby
It’s rare to find a resort where the "on-site winery" actually makes the wine right there. Seven Birches isn't a gift shop; it's a full-scale production facility. They use "Minnesota Hybrids"—cold-hardy grapes like Marquette and La Crescent that can actually survive a New Hampshire winter.
If you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday, do the "Meet the Winemaker" tour. You’ll see the fermentation tanks and probably get a bit more technical knowledge about brix levels than you expected.
Eating Your Way Through Lincoln
You've got two main choices on-site, and they couldn't be more different.
La Vista is the "nice" spot. Wood-fired pizzas, Shrimp Scampi, and that classic Italian-American vibe. It gets packed. Like, "book your table three days in advance" packed. If you don't, you'll be staring at the hostess with puppy-dog eyes while smelling the fresh-baked bread.
Rhythm Tap & Grille is the newer, chill sibling. It’s got a modern mill aesthetic—lots of brick and iron—and serves smashburgers and local ciders. It’s where you go when you’re too tired from skiing to care about a white tablecloth.
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Beyond the Property Lines
Lincoln is a weirdly dense hub for food.
- Gordi’s Fish & Steak: A local legend. Ski memorabilia everywhere.
- The Common Man: Great for a cozy fireplace and free crackers/cheese in the bar.
- Black Diamond Grill: If you want to see the "other" side of Loon.
What No One Tells You About the Logistics
The resort is smart with energy, but it creates a funny quirk. They use 214 vertical water-source heat pumps. Because the building has "full frontal exposure" to the sun but a mountain at its back, the system often has to provide air conditioning to the sunny rooms while heating the ones in the shade—simultaneously.
Pro Tip: If you want the best view, ask for a high floor (5th or 6th) facing the vineyard. You’ll see the Pemigewasset River and the South Peak expansion. If you're on the first floor, you’re closer to the pool, but you lose that "epic mountain" perspective.
The "Hidden" Costs and Perks
- Laundry: It’s free. Floors 2 through 6 have laundry rooms. If you’re traveling with kids who treat clothes like napkins, this is a lifesaver.
- Shuttle: If the gondola is down or you’re headed to the main base, the shuttle is reliable.
- Parking: Ample and free. In a town where parking is a nightmare during peak foliage or ski season, this matters.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, it’s not the cheapest stay in the White Mountains. You can find a motel down the road for half the price. But you’re paying for the fact that you never actually have to leave. You can wake up, make coffee in a real kitchen, ski via a private gondola, have a wine tasting, soak in a hot tub, and eat a 3-course Italian dinner without ever touching your car keys.
It’s a "resort" in the truest sense.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book La Vista Early: Call (603) 745-7555 the moment you confirm your room. Reservations disappear fast during "Snowshoe and S'mores" season.
- Check the Event Calendar: They do poolside movies and "Olympic" ice skating shows that aren't always advertised on the main booking sites.
- Visit the Vineyard: Even in winter, the 518 vines look cool against the snow. It's a great spot for the "I'm in the mountains" Instagram shot without having to actually hike a 4,000-footer.
- Plan for Phase 2: If you want the newest rooms, specifically request the West Wing units. They have the most modern tech and the closest access to the new ballroom and taproom.