New Hampshire’s Alton Bay ice airport opened for the 2019 season on Jan 22. The seasonal, public-use runway on Lake Winnipesaukee, is at the charted location of the Alton Bay Seaplane Base in Alton Bay, and is believed to be the only charted ice airport in the 48 contiguous United States.
Airport manager Paul LaRochelle announced the runway’s opening on the ice airport’s Facebook page. He wrote. “I’m happy to announce Alton Bay ice Runway is now open. The runway is 100 feet wide, 2,730 feet long, with a taxiway 50 feet wide. Runway conditions are good, although a little bumpy in some spots.”
LaRochelle said the depth of the ice reached the required 12 inches on Jan. 16, allowing him and other airport volunteers to begin plowing out the runway, taxiway, and parking ramp. The State of New Hampshire then inspected the runway. The opening was delayed until the weekend’s snowstorm passed and they could plow the airport surfaces again.
The annual Alton Winter Carnival, coordinated by the Alton Business Association, will take place Feb. 17. If flying and runway conditions are good, the airport is sure to be busy. The carnival typically begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Alton Bay Community Center. Activities such as sleigh rides, bed races, snowmobile events, and a chowder festival continue until 3 p.m.
CTAF is 122.8. The wind is usually is from the north, and Runway 1 is the preferred calm-wind runway. On final, watch for snowmobiles and pedestrians. Plan for a long rollout. When the ice looks black or deep blue from above, it’s likely to be slickest; a light covering of snow actually helps. Bring chocks, and wear boots or water-resistant shoes – there can be pools of water on the surface.
Check Notams for Alton Bay Ice Runway before departing. During the season, LaRochelle updates the airport’s information line, 603-875-3498, as needed. Updates also can be found online on the airport’s Facebook page. Notams are primary, however; if the runway must be closed temporarily, a Notam will be issued before the recording is updated.
If you fly in, stop at Facet Jewelers—at Shoppes on the Bay—and LaRochelle’s wife, Donna, will give you a free certificate for landing on the ice runway at Alton Bay. Alton Bay Ice Runway hats are available for purchase, and several restaurants are within walking distance. Donations toward the maintenance of the ice runway also are accepted. For more information on the Alton Bay ice airport, see “The Iceway is Open,” from the January 2010 AOPA Pilot.
Mike Collins AOPA Technical Editor
