Alton Bay Seaplane Base and Ice Runway (Official Facebook Page here) is likely the world’s most weather-dependent airport or fly-in event. Located on a bay in the southeast corner of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee (nearly equidistant between Boston, MA and Portland, ME), Alton Bay’s airport has two very distinct seasons. During the summer the aerodrome operates as a sleepy seaplane base. During the winter, however, Alton Bay transforms into a bustling (and very unique) airport.
Alton Bay Ice Runway (FAA LID: B18) is the only FAA certified ice runway in the continental United States. There are now several other non-certified Ice Runways in regular operation (Iceport on Lake Mille Lacs MN being the most notable) however Alton Bay is arguably the best known. During the coldest winter months, Alton Bay consistently freezes to a depth which can safely support vehicles and aircraft. The town of Alton takes advantage of this ice not only for ice fishing and winter sports, but also plows a 2,730ft public landing strip down the center of the bay.
Bellanca Scout carefully taxiing on the ice, February 2017.
Highly weather-dependent, Alton Bay Ice Runway is only open when the ice conditions permit. The typical operating season runs from January through early March (though some years the runway may never freeze deep enough to open). Slush and snow on the ice can cause temporary closures, even when the ice thickness would otherwise permit operation. Due to the high variability in operating conditions, Alton Bay is typically its busiest on the first or second weekends of operation (January or February) when thick and dry ice are most likely. The Town of Alton regularly posts updates during the winter season via NOTAM and via their Facebook page.
Operations on Alton Bay are limited to light General Aviation aircraft and helicopters. Most pilots fly in for breakfast or lunch at the local diner, Shibley’s at the Pier. Apart from this local hangout, there are not many other activities available in the small town of Alton. Expect 30-40 aircraft operations on a busy day.
Alton Bay’s runway is oriented North/South (Runway 1/19) and therefore receives good light for photography morning and evening. Options are limited, however, to shoot the mid-day lunch rush of arrivals. Morning arrivals can be shot from across the lake at Harmony Park. Afternoon operations can be shot from the Alton Bay Park adjacent to Shibley’s, or from on the ice. The surface of the ice is publicly accessible, however access by non-pilots is discouraged. Use caution on thin ice near the shoreline. Be prepared with heavy winter gear - it gets very cold!
Alton Bay Ice Runway is operated as a public airport by the New Hampshire DOT and the Town of Alton. If you’re in the area and the weather’s right, it’s definitely worth bundling up in your warmest coat and stopping by to support the small town economy and this very unique airport.
This post is one in a series of indefinite length highlighting some of my favorite little-known fly-ins and airshows. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please let me know in the comments section below. Thanks!