Alton Bay opens ice runway for the 2026 season

The ice runway at Alton Bay Seaplane Base on Lake Winnipesaukee—New Hampshire’s largest lake and one of the most iconic in New England—opened for the 2026 season on January 31, following weeks of ice measurements and snow removal.

Opening day delivered ideal conditions and a strong turnout, with 82 landings recorded. Winds were aligned directly down Runway 1/19, which stretches 2,600 feet long and 100 feet wide across the frozen lake.

Preparation for the opening began well in advance. Run entirely by volunteers, the operation conducted detailed inspections of ice thickness across the runway, taxiway, and ramp at intervals of approximately every 400 feet. The ramp met the required 12 inches of ice, allowing operations to begin.

A parallel taxiway kept traffic moving as aircraft arrived steadily throughout the day. Portions of compacted snow remain on the plowed ice, providing limited traction.

One day after opening, David Krebs, a private pilot and ophthalmologist from Michigan, flew into Alton Bay for the first time from his home airport, James Clements Municipal Airport, to experience the unique winter operation firsthand.

"It's a little daunting landing on ice because you have no traction. You think you're going to skid off the runway, but you actually don't," Krebs said.

Flying his Cessna 182, Krebs described the atmosphere as more than just a flight destination. "They have fishermen there fishing on the side. They have snowmobiles, food trucks, restaurants, and people watching, taking pictures, and people walking their dogs. It's what I like to call a winter version of Oshkosh."

Surrounded by mountainous terrain, departures require planning. Pilots depart straight out over the lake to gain altitude before turning, to avoid nearby slopes used by skiers and snowboarders.

To prepare for the flight, Krebs focused on short- and soft-field landing techniques. "You don't want to be fast. You want to come in slow and touch down gently, then use aerodynamic braking—pull back on the yoke—to slow the airplane."

All arrivals are required to land northbound on Runway 1, and wind direction plays a critical role in operations and its availability. Krebs, who earned his pilot certificate in 2014, said it's an experience he plans to repeat. "One hundred percent I'd do it again," he shared. "The season is short, so I may not get to go again this year, but definitely next year."

First established in the 1960s, the Alton Bay ice runway remains the only officially recognized seasonal ice runway in the contiguous United States. Its availability relies entirely on sustained winter conditions, with openings that are weather‑dependent and temporary.

Pilots planning to visit are encouraged to check current advisories before departure. Volunteers note that plowed ice surfaces can be slippery, and appropriate footwear and cold‑weather gear are strongly recommended when operating on the lake.