One of the many advantages of Mount Prospect Academy’s location is the close proximity to both Loon Mountain Resort and Tenney Mountain Resort. These nearby mountains offer students an incredible opportunity to learn a new skill or push themselves to the next level in a fun, challenging outdoor environment. Whether students are clicking into skis for the first time or refining advanced techniques, time on the mountain provides meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. 

Loon Mountain has been especially generous in supporting our program by helping with rentals, gear, and access to the mountain throughout the season. Students have spent many days practicing turns, learning foundational skills, and even experimenting with tricks—all while sharing the same trail. A green circle trail created the perfect learning space, allowing beginners to build confidence while more experienced skiers explored the edges for powder, small jumps, and added challenges. 

For some students, confidence and curiosity led them beyond the easier terrain and onto black diamond trails. With experienced staff by their side, these students embraced the challenge and thrived. Others took on personal goals, practicing 360s, skiing backward, and encouraging one another through falls and retries. These moments of perseverance, optimism, and peer support highlight the powerful social and emotional growth that comes from shared outdoor experiences. 

Tenney Mountain has also played an important role in student success, especially for beginners. Its welcoming atmosphere and accessible terrain make it an ideal place for students to learn to ski or snowboard for the very first time. With help from the Tenney team providing rentals and gear, students quickly progress from cautious first runs to confidently flying down the mountain. 

We are incredibly grateful to incorporate skiing into our academic days and to partner with local communities that help make these experiences possible. The excitement and collaboration between students and staff have been inspiring to witness. Each season brings visible growth, as students’ skills, confidence, and resilience continue to build from their first run to their last. These adventures on the slopes truly help our students reach new heights—both on and off the mountain. 

Winter at Mount Prospect Academy offers no shortage of outdoor adventure, and ice fishing continues to be a favorite seasonal activity for students. With consistently cold temperatures this year, the lake has frozen to more than 15 inches thick, creating ideal conditions for time on the ice. Students have learned quickly that staying warm is part of the experience, bundling up to enjoy long days outdoors in true New Hampshire winter fashion. 

Cohorts have spent time fishing across the lake, catching a variety of species including lake trout, catfish, pike, and more. Each outing provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about local ecosystems and how they change with the seasons. Being out on the ice encourages curiosity, patience, and an appreciation for the natural environment that surrounds our campus. 

Safety is also an important focus during these trips. Students practice scene awareness and personal safety while learning how to look out for one another in a shared outdoor setting. Through a valued partnership with local Fish and Game, students gain insight into state regulations, conservation efforts, and responsible fishing practices that help protect both people and wildlife. 

Ice fishing has been a long-standing tradition at MPA, and year after year it remains a fan favorite. The combination of learning, adventure, and community connection makes it a meaningful experience for students. We are grateful to our local Fish and Game partners for their continued support and for helping make these winter learning opportunities both safe and memorable.