Press Kit

Who says New England winters have to be long? Say "Bah Humbug!" to old man winter and discover ten great ways to enjoy snow in Mt Washington Valley, NH

North Conway, NH - In spring we make mudslides from mud season. In winter, Mt Washington Valley travelers ignore the winter naysayers and celebrate winter with snow activities. Winter in Mt. Washington Valley, NH is a great time to get the whole family out and on the snow. Whether cruising the wintery trails by sleigh, snowmobile, skis or dog sled, the Mt. Washington Valley has it all, making it the perfect destination for your winter family vacation or a romantic getaway. With affordable midweek ski and stay packages, outdoor recreation parks and tons of free family activities and entertainment, planning your next winter vacation has never been easier or more affordable. It's "snow" fun being cooped up inside all winter. Try out some of these ideas for winter outdoor recreation in Mt Washington Valley, NH:

Snowmobiling - Whether you are a first time rider looking for a guided ride and rental or an experienced rider bringing your own sleds, the Mt. Washington Valley has trails and snowmobile rental companies to fit your needs. Come enjoy the snow at your own speed, by traveling the hundreds of miles of well maintained snowmobile and recreational trails that crisscross the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Need lodging? Be sure to check out the Mt Washington Valley stay & play snowmobile packages, listed under easy adventure on the Vacation Specials page of www.mtwashingtonvalley.org. Rental companies such as A Better Life Snowmobile Tours & Rentals and Northern Extremes Snowmobiling have the latest snowmobiles and equipment to get you out on the trails this winter. Their knowledgeable staff can equip you with trail maps and tell you the best places to stop and have lunch while on the snow.

Ice Climbing - Have you always wanted to try ice climbing but don't know how or didn't have the right equipment? International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS) offers scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. Introductory, one-day courses offer introduction to ice climbing equipment and safety as well as practical experience actually climbing moderately angled snow and ice terrain. The best part: IMCS provides all the technical gear needed for your first traverse, so what are you waiting for! Don't miss the annual Mt Washington Valley Ice Festival and women-only "Chicks with Picks" event held in February, 2010. Eastern Mountain Sports Outdoor Exploration Center also holds excursions to get you out on the ice this winter.

Dog Sledding - New England Dogsledding located in Mason Township, Maine, provides thrilling dog sledding experiences into the White Mountain National Forest trail systems. Guests can experience the beautiful mountain scenery with a relaxed outing propelled by a large team of friendly and athletic Alaskan Husky Sled Dogs. Don't miss the Sled Club races at Purity Spring Resort the first weekend in March, when more than 100 teams from Pennsylvania to Quebec compete for large purse money.

Skating - Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor skating, the Mt. Washington Valley has it all. On clear days and nights enjoy outdoor skating at Schouler Park set in front of the historic Conway Scenic Railroad in the middle of the quaint Village of North Conway. For indoor skating as well as rentals, and lessons visit the Ham Arena in Conway, NH. On Saturday nights visit the Ham Arena for their ‘Saturday Night Family Special,' where a large cheese pizza, soda, skating and rentals for a family of four is just $29. (Family Nights are not available during Holiday Weeks. Price includes parents and two kids, $8 per additional person.). You'll also find a free ice skating rink in the center of Jackson Village, and ice skating is free at Purity Spring Resort when you show a lift ticket from King Pine Ski Area.

Snowshoeing - If you can walk, you can snowshoe through the beautiful landscape and back country of Mt. Washington Valley. If you have never been and would like to try, Eastern Mountain Sports Outdoor Exploration has informative snowshoeing excursions that provide outdoor enthusiasts with the equipment and instruction for your next outdoor adventure. Don't miss Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center's full moon snowshoe hikes on December 30, January 30, 2010 and February 27, 2010 for a true nighttime winter adventure.

Sleigh Rides - Nothing says winter wonderland more than a Victorian sleigh ride through wooded forests, over bridges and across beautiful fields of snow. Choose from sleigh rides offered at Nestlenook Estate and Resort Recreation, Farm by the River B&B with Stables or Darby Field Inn & Restaurant, each of which delight guests as they snuggle up together while enjoying the beautiful, snow covered, mountain scenery.

Skiing & Snowboarding - With seven alpine ski resorts and more than 250 combined alpine ski trails, it is no wonder that Mt. Washington Valley boasts some of the best skiing and riding in the East. Come enjoy a day at any one of our seven family friendly ski resorts ande experience everything from gentle slopes to challenging steeps. Be sure to check out the midweek ski and stay packages, listed under ski & stay on the Vacation Specials page of www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

Cross Country Skiing - With six Nordic centers and over 450 kilometers of cross country ski trails in Mt. Washington Valley, what better way to get out and go this winter than with cross country skiing? Whether you are looking for a peaceful trail winding along frozen rivers and fields or a day of fun, the Mt. Washington Valley has it all. Book a midweek cross country ski and stay package, and receive rentals and a lesson in addition to an all day ticket for additional savings!

Tubing - For those who just can't get enough time on the slopes or would rather go down the hill sitting down, try tubing at King Pine Ski Area, Cranmore Mountain Resort or Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. No need to trek your tube up the slope, there are lifts for that! Tubers can enjoy a day or night, of leisurely outdoor recreation that is sure to be fun for the whole family.

Mt. Washington Auto Road's SnowCoach, Pinkham Notch, NH - The specially constructed all-wheel drive and unique four-track system of the SnowCoach, allows guests to ride up the northern flank of Mount Washington to tree line, taking in one of a kind views of the snow-covered Presidential Range. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast, is home to the highest wind speed ever recorded and boasts four different climate zones. Guests can learn about the history of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Mount Washington from the friendly shuttle drivers, as they make their way up. Looking for a little more adventure? The SnowCoach gives you the option to cross country ski, telemark ski or snowshoe down the Auto Road once at tree line.

For other winter activities and events as well as complete up-to-date information on Mt. Washington Valley lodging, dining and attractions visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). Don't forget to subscribe to the free E-Traveler online newsletter complete with top ten tips, not to miss events and coupons for valley-wide savings.

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