The Alton Bay Ice Runway on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire will not open in 2023.
According to Jason Leavitt, manager of the ice landing field at Alton Bay Seaplane Base (B18), it’s all about the weather.
“Ice conditions and forecasted weather unfortunately will prevent the Ice Runway from opening this year,” he reported on the seaplane base and ice runway’s Facebook page.
Local news reports noted that as of the third week of January, the lake was “not even close to being frozen.”
At least 12 inches of ice are needed before the ice runway can open.
Not opening is not unusual, officials added, noting the ice runway did not open in 2011, 2016, and 2020.
But hopes remain high for next year.
“All of us at Alton Bay Ice Runway thank everyone for all of the support and we look forward to seeing everyone in the 2024 season,” he added.
Always wanted to land on an ice runway, but not sure if it’s for you? Check out our story from Steve Schapiro, who made his own trek to New Hampshire in February 2022 to check that item off his bucket list. He offers lots of tips to make the experience enjoyable, as well as tells the background of the ice runway and how it came to be.