Winter Flying: Alton Bay and Harrisville Adventures

For aviation enthusiasts, the allure of flying isn’t just about being airborne—it’s about exploring unique challenges, different destinations, and expanding your skillset in diverse environments. Among the most thrilling experiences in winter aviation is ice runways, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the iconic Alton Bay Ice Runway at the Alton Bay Seaplane Base, with a bonus trip to Harrisville Pond for an impromptu helicopter landing for soup and cookies.

Alton Bay Ice Runway: A Frozen Legacy

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, the Alton Bay Ice Runway is a unique airstrips to land on and they aren’t able to open it every year. Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, this frozen runway operates only in the winter months, when the ice thickens to a safe depth of at least 12 inches. Pilots from across the country come here for the rare chance to land on a surface that challenges even seasoned aviators.

The Alton Bay Ice Runway traces its roots back to the 1960s, when Paul LaRochelle began maintaining a winter runway for local pilots. Over time, it gained popularity, becoming one of the only FAA-approved ice runway in the contiguous United States. Each year, weather permitting, the runway is carefully groomed and marked for safe operations, providing pilots with an unforgettable winter flying experience.

Landing on ice is an entirely different ballgame compared to asphalt or grass. The lack of friction requires precise control and careful planning. Aircraft tend to slide more on the ice, making braking ineffective, and crosswinds can add an extra layer of difficulty. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) even offers a course for pilots called Alton Bay Ice Runway - Decision Making On Ice. These challenges are what make the Alton Bay experience so thrilling. Pilots can hone their skills in a controlled environment while enjoying the stunning winter scenery of Lake Winnipesaukee.

A Helicopter Detour to Harrisville Pond

For helicopter pilots, winter flying offers its own set of unique challenges. On a recent flight with Monadnock Choppers, we decided to take an impromptu detour to Harrisville Pond for an ice landing. This frozen destination in the Monadnock region provided the perfect opportunity to practice precision landings on ice.

Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters have the advantage of vertical takeoff and landing, which allows for greater flexibility in choosing landing spots. However, ice landings still demand careful consideration. One of the most significant risks is a helicopter whiteout—a phenomenon caused by rotor wash kicking up snow, which can obscure visibility and spatial awareness. Whiteouts can disorient even experienced pilots, emphasizing the importance of proper training and situational awareness.

At Harrisville Pond, the conditions were ideal for practicing these maneuvers. The clear day allowed us to focus on maintaining precise control, managing the descent rate, and ensuring a smooth touchdown on the icy surface. It was a reminder of how versatile helicopters are and how important it is to be prepared for any situation.

Lessons Learned and the Value of Unique Flight Training

Ice landings offer invaluable lessons for pilots of all levels. Whether it’s mastering the art of landing on Alton Bay’s frozen runway or managing whiteout risks during a helicopter flight, these experiences sharpen your skills and build confidence in your abilities.

At Monadnock Choppers, we pride ourselves on providing pilots with unique and valuable flight training in diverse environments. Our goal is to prepare you for real-world scenarios that demand precision, adaptability, and calm under pressure. Winter flying might seem cold at first, but the aircraft warm up quickly and the weather is generally clear and calm, particularly for crystal clear night flying. Ice landings might seem daunting at first, but with the right training and mindset, it becomes a rewarding challenge in aviation. Come fly with us and see for yourself!