Press Kit

NEWS FROM MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH – January 2, 2013

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH BUSINESSES CREDIT SNOW WITH A SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY WEEK

Christmas week storms dumped up to six feet of snow in parts of the Valley bringing outdoor adventurers to Mt Washington Valley by the thousands

North Conway, NH – In a recent survey by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (MWVCC), businesses were unanimous in crediting their favorite four-letter-word with a successful Christmas and New Year’s week.  More than six feet of snow fell in different parts of the Valley in successive storms during the last ten days of December, unleashing pent-up desire for skiing, snowmobiling, celebrating and outdoor adventure.  One hundred percent of the businesses responding to the MWVCC survey reported sales were up over last year, and credited the Valley’s preponderance of snow and outdoor adventure with luring vacationers to the region.

Kathy Bennett, Marketing Director for Cranmore Mountain Resort reported that Christmas vacation week sales were up 11-percent over last year through December 30.  “The abundant natural snowfall and our investment in snow making equipment resulted in our having more terrain open this year compared to last,” commented Bennett.  “We believe the pent up demand after last year’s snow challenges has led to a lot of consumer demand for skiing this year,” she finished. 

Thomas Prindle, Marketing Director for Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain also weighed from the ski resort point of view, reporting visits for the holiday week were up significantly over the previous year’s period. “From Christmas Day to New Year’s Eve Day, Attitash was up 45-percent over last year and Wildcat Mountain almost tripled the number of visits this year over last for the same period,” shared Prindle, even after wind holds forced Wildcat to close on New Year’s Day.  Prindle agreed with Bennett on the pent-up desire for good skiing, saying, “With as much new natural snow as we’ve received for the month of December - 6 feet at Wildcat and 3 feet at Attitash - and perfectly timed for the holiday week, there was a pent-up demand in skiers and riders that sought the type of snow they didn’t have a chance to enjoy during last season’s holiday period. With snow falling south of us in our major market areas on Christmas morning and more during the holiday week, the “back-yard” effect obviously plays a part”.

Thom Perkins of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation added that the XC Center was up 150-percent over last year for Christmas week and a whopping 600-percent for New Year’s weekend, crediting all the new snow for the boon.  Not to be outdone, Terry MacGillivray of Northeast Snowmobile Rentals shared that the business was up 900-percent over last year, with a huge increase based upon new snow this year, which was lackluster at best during December, 2011.

Craig Boyer, General Manager at Eagle Mountain House in Jackson, NH weighed into the MWVCC survey with enthusiasm for a great holiday week posting sales well over 2011. “Because of the great snow conditions we found guests arriving earlier and staying longer than they originally planned,” Boyer told the chamber.  “Everyone had positive comments on the skiing and winter activities they enjoyed while visiting the area,” he shared.  Mary Ann owner of the Mt Washington B&B said business at the Shelburne B&B doubled over 2011, agreeing that snow drew skiers into the region.

Corrine Rober, manager of the Margarita Grill in Glen shared that the vacation weeks were the icing on the cake to a year that finished 25-percent over 2011.   Rober said, “Friday seemed as though an explosion happened and released thousands of visitors to the valley. That was just the beginning. This New Year’s Eve Margarita Grill was up 100% over last year’s numbers”, said Rober crediting the snow and the restaurant’s local and farm-to-table direction. 

Thomas Kugel at Café Noche in Conway said that the restaurant was up 10-percent over last year’s vacation week.   And Linda Rafferty at Rafferty’s Restaurant & Pub in North Conway said business was way up over last year, with larger parties and a full dining room on New Year’s eve.

Darlene Leavitt of Synergy Sportswear credited the snow and the timing of the holiday for a 20-percent increase in sales at the store over last year.  Noting that snow brought people into the Valley and into the stores, she shared enthusiasm for the busy vacation week. 

“We are thrilled to see the predictions for a great snow year earlier in the year coming true,” said Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  “We think the December snowfalls are a good omen for the upcoming winter.  Added to the Valley’s recent designation from TripAdvisor as the most affordable ski town in the Northeast, we are confident that 2013 will ring in as a record winter for winter adventure and vacation getaways,” finished Crawford.

For more information on winter fun in Mt Washington Valley, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org where a complete online vacation planner will help to offer all the planning resources you need.  To talk with a vacation concierge, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (1-800-367-3364).  For more information on NH vacations, go to www.visitnh.gov/ .

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High-res photos available upon request.