Press Kit

NEWS FROM MT WASHINGTON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – December, 2013

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, info@maynelymarketing.com

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ON-AND-OFF SNOW EVENTS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

North Conway, NH – Named the #1 best value for skiing and the most affordable ski town in the Northeast for two years in a row by TripAdvisor, Mt Washington Valley kicks off 2014 with a host of great events on and off the snow.  Whether you’re a skier, boarder or would rather snuggle next to the fire, there are fabulous events to bring smiles to indoor and outdoor adventure seekers.  From chairlift speed dating for singles to lunch tray luge for families, Mt Washington Valley comes alive in winter with events ranging from serious to zany. 

January, 2014

Every Tuesday:  241 Canopy Tours at Bretton Woods: Two guests can take flight on the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour on non-holiday Tuesdays for just $110! Call 603-278-4ZIP [4947] for reservations. (May not be combined with other offers or promotions).

Every Wednesday in January:  2-4-1 at Jackson Ski Touring: Two ski for the price of one every Wednesday in January at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

Every Friday in January: Free Waxing Demonstration for Cross-Country Skis - Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) hosts a free waxing demonstration every Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Sessions take place in the touring center and are hands on. Participants will learn how to maintain waxless and waxable skis - Classic and Skate. JSTF also offers a free wax room to skiers. Info: 383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org.

Fridays in January & February:  2 for 1 at Great Glen Trails: All season long buy one and get the second free with our coupon: Trail passes, tours to treeline in the SnowCoach, snow tubing, snowshoe and ski rentals…even the Trails Total Ticket! Blackout dates are Jan 20 and Feb 17 & 21, 2014. Info: info: www.greatglentrails.com/winter/rates-and-rentals/2-for-1-fridays/ .

January 4:  Steam in the Snow on Conway Scenic RR:  It’s Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiast's 7th annual steam-powered photographers' special excursion on the Conway Scenic Railroad. This unique event features multiple photo stops and photo run-bys starring Conway Scenic's 0-6-0 steam engine 7470 (built by the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1921).  The train departs the North Conway Station at 10:30 a.m. and travels non-stop to the Notchland Inn in Crawford Notch for its first photo stop.  It then returns to North Conway with numerous stops and photo run-bys on the return trip. . Info: 800-232-5251, www.conwayscenic.com/?post_type=event .

January 3:  New England Ski Day at Shawnee Peak: New England residents mark your calendars! Purchase your ticket to ski or ride all day and night at Shawnee Peak on Friday January 3rd for just $19 with the presentation of your New England driver’s license. And the deal just keeps getting better - rentals will just be $19 all day too. Kids get the deal with a license holder too. Info: Click here.

January 4:  5th Annual Attitash GS: Shake off the cobwebs and get ready to face the racing gates this season. The Attitash GS serves as the prelude to the Attitash Race League, a 9-week race series every Tuesday at Attitash Mountain Resort, which commences on Tuesday, January 7. All are welcome to race, regardless of participating in the Attitash Race League. Registration: 8-9:45 a.m. in the South Wing.  Entry fee is $10. Course Inspection: 10-10:45 a.m. event start 11am.  Info:  www.attitash.com/events-and-activities.html?id=5322 .

January 4-5 and January 18 & 19:  January Summit Adventure:  Mt Washington Observatory Overnight EduTrips allow you to fully experience the summit of Mount Washington by spending a night in the weather station at 6,288 feet above sea level. You'll get to enjoy a full day of sightseeing and alpine adventure, then join our staff scientists for a hearty dinner in the comfort of our heated weather station. The educational value of your visit will be enhanced by your choice of exciting, alpine-related subjects, like geology, landscape photography, mountaineering and more. You'll receive expert, one-on-one instruction with the mountain as your classroom. Reservations and qualifications required: 603-356-2137, Click for more info: www.mountwashington.org/events/.

January 10:  Ticket Roll Back Day at Cranmore: Make this your day to ski Cranmore! Tickets are rolled back to $9 on this day only.  Info:  http://www.cranmore.com/winter/events_winter.

January 11:  Free Fisher/Tubbs/Swix Free Demo Day at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation - Try out the latest and greatest equipment from back country to racing. Fischer will have a range of skis and boots, Swix will have demo poles and waxing advice, and Tubbs will have snowshoe options. Demo day starts at 10 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. There is no charge for trying the demo equipment, trail passes required for trail access. For more information or to register email raetha@jackson.org or call 383-9355 or visit www.jacksonxc.org.

January 11:  Winter Feels Good Day at Great Glen Trails: As part of the nationwide awareness campaign, Winter Feels Good, which promotes the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports participation, Great Glen Trails will offer free cross country skiing and snowshoeing to first timers only on Saturday, from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. Please call ahead to reserve your 45 minute lesson time. Info: 603-466-2333,  www.snowlink.com/wintertrails/about/aboutwintertrails.aspx.

January 11-17: Learn to Ski and Ride Free at Bretton Woods, King Pine, Cranmore, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Bretton Woods XC, Purity Springs XC & Snowshoe Reserve and Great Glen Trails: Ski NH's learn to ski & snowboard free week is January 11-17, 2014 when first-time skiers & snowboarders receive a free learn to ski or snowboard lesson, free equipment rentals & a free beginner terrain lift ticket. Participants must register with Ski NH to download a Learn to Ski & Ride Free coupon, and then make a reservation with one of the participating resorts or XC Centers. Registration begins on January 2 at 10am and is first-come, first-served. Registration: Online sign-up at skinh.com, then at participating ski areas and XC Centers for lessons, Saturday-Friday. Info: Click here.

January 12: U Go Girl Race #2 at Attitash: Half of the proceeds from the U Go Girl Race Series benefit Jen's Friends Cancer Foundation, an organization based in the Mt. Washington Valley that provides financial assistance and other resources to cancer patients and their families who are uninsured, underinsured, or financially challenged. Race Registration: 8-9:45 a.m. in the South Wing, Entry Fee: $10.10am – 2pm.  Info: www.attitash.com/events-and-activities.html?id=5316 . 

January 12: TD Bank Kids Skifest: An EXTRA FUN day for kids at Great Glen! Come join us in the morning, afternoon or all day for winter fun on skis! Steve’s Awesome Obstacle Course, Team Sprint Relays, group games, treats to eat at the Cabin, a lollipop race and more. Mini-lessons will be offered in both morning and afternoon for first-time cross country youth skiers. Special trail pass rate for participants; free rentals for kids, 9am-4pm. Trail Pass required for adults and children at a reduced rate of $5. Activities and children’s rental equipment FREE. Rentals for participating parent/guardians: $10. Info: 603.466.2333, www.greatglentrails.com/winter/family-programs/td-bank-kids-ski-day/ .

January 12:  The Great Penguin Race at Cranmore: This event supports the The Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease Association. Their mission is to help children and families who are affected by PND's, support the identification of new PND's, find better treatments and ultimately a cure for those diseases that are already known. Visit their website to find out more: http://www.pndassoc.org/. Penguins will be available for purchase at registration for $5. Winners will be determined from each heat and then compete against each other in the finals. A prize will be awarded to the winning penguin! Info: http://www.cranmore.com/winter/events_winter.

January 13:  Plants impacting New England’s History Lecture: Local author June O’Donal discovered fascinating facts about how our ancestors used native plants for shelter, warmth, food, health, clothing and their livelihoods.  What’s the connection between King Pines and the American Revolution?  Hemlock Trees and tanneries?  and much more.  Learn how plants became significant players in the New England landscape from the Mountain Garden Club.  Program begins at 11 AM; Mountain Garden Club hospitality/ social hour begins at 9:30, in Salyards Center for the Arts, Conway Village. Info: www.mountaingardenclub.org .

January 18: SURETTE & BURKE ENCORE FOLK CONCERT.  Multi-instrumentalist David Surette and vocalist Susie Burke create a delightful evening of fluid fretwork& heartfelt song! Returning to the Valley for a third Mountaintop Music- At-Home Concert at a home in Glen. Tickets: $35/ each. Info: 603-447-4737,  www.mountaintopmusic.org.

January 18 & February 15: Moonlit Snowshoe Tours at Great Glen Trails: Experience the wonder of a winter walk on the moonlit snow. Join an AMC Naturalist Guide on a guided full moon snowshoe walk. We will use our senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails. We will listen for owls calling and explore the winter landscape by light of the full moon.7:00-8:30pm, $12 per person over 12, or $35 per family of four or more, free under 12 (minimum age: 8). Snowshoe rentals available, $10. Info: 603.466.2333 , www.greatglentrails.com/winter/family-programs/moonlit-snowshoe-tours/ .

January 18: Snowshoe Tours at Bretton Woods Nordic Center: Snow and a full moon accentuate the breathtaking beauty of Mount Washington Resort’s Nordic and snowshoe terrain. Join the Nordic Center staff on this hour-long excursion along the moonlit cross-country trails of the Resort. If the views and experience are not hot enough, hot chocolate and a roaring fire will warm you following the adventure. Info: Click here.

January 18 & 25: Night Skiing and Family Racing at King Pine: Family Racing on Saturday nights feature a dual recreation race. Races are free to all with a lift ticket, but are weather dependent. The race course is open from 6:00 - 8:00pm on the King Pine Trail. Info: Click here.

January 18: 10th Annual Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble:  The 4-mile race course will consist of groomed trails and twisty single track through Mt Washington Valley Ski and Snowshoe Foundation trails in Whitaker Woods.  Start time is 10 am. Advance Registration Fee is $15; $20 for registration January 14 through race day.  This event is a Mt Washington Valley Ski and Snowshoe Foundation fundraiser. Info: 603-356-9920, www.mwvskitouring.org/SnowshoeScramble/index.html. 

January 24:  NH Sanctioned Snowsculpting Competition at Black Mountain: Each team will be given a cylinder shaped block of snow 4 feet in diameter by 8 feet tall to create their snow sculptures. Most of the teams will start sculpting on Friday, January 25th and continue working through the night on Saturday to complete their sculptures in time for the judging on Sunday afternoon January 27th starting at Noon. Judging is based on creativity, technique and message. Each team of sculptors consists of 2 or 3 members, and in order to be eligible to compete in the State Championship, team members must be 18 years or older and reside or work in New Hampshire. The winning team of the State Championship will receive a trophy and an invitation to compete in the United States National Snow Sculpting Competition, to be held at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 2015. Amateurs and professionals of any age are eligible to compete in the Overall and People's Choice Awards. Team members come from a variety of backgrounds including chefs from fine restaurants, architects, students of culinary and art schools, and various civic organizations. Sculptors from outside of New Hampshire will also be in Jackson participating in the invitational, exhibiting their magnificent works of snow art. Other activities planned for the snow sculpture weekend include a welcome reception dinner, with a bon fire (weather permitting) along with roasting of marshmallows, sleigh rides and more. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/14/.  

January 25-26:  Attitash Military Salute Weekend at Attitash & Wildcat: The nation’s defenders and their families are honored throughout the weekend with FREE lift tickets for active, veteran and retired service men and women as well as discounted lift tickets ($45 All Ages) for active duty family members with ID* on January 25 and 26 at both Attitash and Wildcat. The Attitash Grand Summit Hotel is offering a 20-percent discount on lodging to military personnel for the weekend. Call 888.554.1900 for reservations. On Saturday, January 25^th, all are welcome to take part in the special flag parade, led by an honor guard, which begins at the top of Attitash and concludes with the National Anthem at the base area at approximately 1 p.m. Après ski entertainment will take place in Ptarmigan's Pub from 3-6 p.m. On Sunday, January 26, get ready for fun competition on the slopes in the 4th Annual Battle of the Branches GS Race. Racers (including kids!) will select which branch they are representing and their points will go toward each branch to determine a winner. Info: Click here.

February 15:  Chairlift Speed Dating at Black Mountain: Looking for love this Valentine’s Day weekend? Seeking someone who shares your interests including your love of skiing? Black Mountain, in Jackson, New Hampshire will be hosting its annual Chairlift Speed Dating event where you ride the “lift of love”, a double chairlift, with another single.  If you hit it off on the ride up you can ski or ride down together…if not you can head back to the lift for another opportunity at meeting your soul mate. The lift of love will be loading participants from 2-4pm on the double chairlift with registration starting at 12:30pm in the main base lodge.  Participation is free but you will be required to have a lift ticket or Black Mountain Season’s Pass in order ride the lift.  In addition to the opportunity to meet your match on the chairlift, there’s a special après event in the Lostbo Pub from 3:30-5:30pm with music from Jon Sarty who makes girls swoon, if their speed dating friends didn’t. There will be special “love potions” being served up including The Love Bug, Absolute Bliss & the Bun Warmer.  Prizes will be given away to new couples and the winner of the “Best Pick-up Line” contest.  Info:  www.blackmt.com. 

February 18: Kitty Litter Cardboard Box Race at Wildcat Mountain: This fun, free, race is a  February Vacation tradition for kids. Build your own “vessel” out of cardboard boxes and go head-to-head in a series of heats held at the base of Wildcat. The bottom of the vessel must consist entirely of cardboard--no duct tape or plastic surfaces. Decorating is encouraged. Pre-registration Required at Guest Services 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Race starts at 2pm. Info and rules: Click here. 

February 19: Nine Lives Lunch Tray Luge at Wildcat: This is the one day a season Wildcat Mountain permits lunch tray luge at the mountain. It’s another February Vacation tradition; test your speed on the “track” at the base of Wildcat in a series of head-to-head heats. Based on number of participants, the two fastest "lugers" will move on to the next heat until the finals. This free event starts at 2pm.  Sign-up on the day of the event at Guest Services from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Top 3 winners will go home with a prize. Info and rules: www.skiwildcat.com/events.html?id=5241 . 

February 23: 25th Annual Chocolate Festival at Mt Washington Valley Ski & Snowshoe Foundation: Join us for the "Sweetest Day on the Trails" , Cross country ski or snowshoe from inn-to-inn and other trailside businesses for chocolate treats between 11 am and 4 pm! This may be the only day of the year when your love of chocolate can be totally guilt-free. Festival participants are invited to visit every chocolate stop to enjoy chocolate prepared in a variety of ways and to tour or browse the stop.  Trailside lodging properties open their doors and will gladly give you a tour of their property.  Trailside shops invite you to browse their merchandise. Ski or snowshoe from beginning to end, ride the complimentary shuttle between some stops, or drive. Festival tickets which include the daily trail pass and lots and lots of chocolate are available in advance online or at the Touring Center for $30.  Tickets purchased the day of the event will be $35. This event is a fundraiser for the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring Foundation presented by the Foundation members. Info: 603-356-9920, www.mwvskitouring.org/Chocolate-Festival.html.

For more information about planning your Mt Washington Valley winter getaway, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) for all the vacation planning resources you need.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, visit www.visitnh.gov.

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