A wintertime favorite in New Hampshire is the Alton Bay Ice Runway (B18) which is located on the east side of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Aviators from far and wide fly into this seasonal destination for the challenge as well as to dine at the warm restaurant overlooking the runway.

I am only 15 minutes from this gem and I flew up several times this week. I avoided yesterday however as the temperatures were just shy of 50* F which meant very slippery conditions and lots of surface water.

These pictures were taken over several days with various surface conditions.

Below is a picture enroute with Mount Washington off of the starboard bow.



On the Left Downwind where you can see the outline of the runway.



After landing and taxiing on the nice crusty snow to the parking area.



A few pictures of the parking area.








As mentioned, yesterday was quite warm which made it ultra-slippery.

This poor soul paid the consequences.




Today was not much better with two planes colliding in the parking area, several people slipping on the ice, and pilots unable to make the 90* degree turns to and from the runway.

SECOND CRASH VIDEO - http://m.wmur.com/news/plane-crashes-in ... y/24910512

Ouch!

I used to love working off wet ice up north, especially with a good crosswind. Once ya figured out the steering with the throttle as you slid down the runway, it was fun.

Gump

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/s ... swind-4721

I was going to fly in on 2/20 but there was a Notam that the runway was closed. I called the telephone number and the recording said it was closed until further notice. Any idea why it was closed or for how long? I thought they may have shut it down for the year. Ended up flying over from 4B7 and making a couple of passes over the runway. Neat place. Any idea how long it will be open this season?

Beautiful 170.

Thanks.

Frank

Wow. Shocking reminder of how dangerous it can get. Note taken, thank you.

This is one on my bucket list. Bummer to see bent planes. Wish it was closer!

I've done a bit of "power ice sliding" myself, some in the not too distant past. It's fun as long as it works, right? Last time I did it was just a few years ago, on one of those "I gotta get in the air" afternoons, flew out to Fort Morgan, didn't realize it was as slick as it was until after I'd lost flying speed, and with a right crosswind, sort of crabbed/slid on the runway until I got stopped. No way was I going to be able to turn around to get to the ramp. But since I'd stopped, even with the ice, in maybe 1500', I decided to just take off again from where I was stopped, slip-sliding away so to speak. The FMM runway is over 5000' long, so getting back off wasn't any kind of issue.

Cary

Fshaw - the runway was closed a few weeks ago due to the manager being unable to plow the heavy wet snow on the runway. Once things dried up a bit he was able to clear it and re-open.

Another problem is the less than bright snowmobilers who trespass on the runway when it is slushy leaving a trench behind them, and when it refreezes, it leaves dangerous ruts.

He usually updates on a daily basis and I hope to see you there..................Rob.

Rob,

I'd like that. I've been working on ski patrol on the weekends so time off has been hard to come by. If Alton Bay doesn't work out before things get soft I'd love to meet you somewhere in the neighborhood. If you're a skier fly up to 4B7 and I'll comp you for a day of skiing and provide transportation.

I'm guessing that's your Maule. Beautiful aircraft.

Frank

A more expensive plane managed to lose control and crash on Alton Bay.

Looks like he landed long with a tailwind.

http://m.wmur.com/news/plane-crashes-in ... y/24910512

That chute didn't help him much.

Steve