Press Kit

News from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce - 1/19/15

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

JANUARY THROUGH FEBRUARY EVENTS CELEBRATE LOCAL FOODS, & GREAT SKIING & RIDING

North Conway, NH:  Visit Mt Washington Valley any day of the week and you’ll find everything from culinary adventure to workshops and events on the slopes.  Take a look at what’s in store for your taste buds and your skis and boards throughout January and February in Mt Washington Valley, NH.

Second Sunday of the Month:  Jan - March:  International Dinner Parties at Snowvillage Inn:  Enjoy an Internationally themed dinner with everything from decorations to themed cuisine. Appetizers and drink specials are served during the 6:00pm social hour then a family style three course dinner is served including soup or salad, entrée and dessert after that, with dishes themed for the country.  February 8^th features a French Bistro-style menu, and March 8^th celebrates a Caribbean theme. $75 per person.   Reservations required.  Info: 603-447-2818, www.snowvillageinn.com.

Tuesdays in January & February:  Ladies Day at Black Mountain: Every Tuesday is Ladies Day at Black Mountain when ladies ski with for only $25.  Better yet, add a value lunch for an additional $10!  Need a lesson? Discounted ski lessons are offered to ladies on Tuesdays too.  And just to remove all the barriers to skiing on Ladies day, child care is offered too (with 24 hour advance reservation). Exclusion:  Feb 16 is not included.  Info:  www.Blackmt.com.

Wednesdays & Saturdays in January & February: Free Waxing Demo at JSTF: Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) hosts a free waxing demonstration every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00pm -1:00pm. Sessions take place in the touring center and are hands-on as participants learn how to maintain waxless and waxable skis - Classic and Skate. JSTF also offers a free wax room to skiers. Info:  www.jacksonxc.org.

Wednesdays, Jan 14 – March 25: AMC International Dinners kick off International Dinners & celebrate 25^th Anniversary: The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) kicked off the twenty-fifth season of its International Dinner and Adventure Series on January 14, when the weekly winter program at the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge/ Pinkham Notch Visitor Center  explores Nepal and trekking around the Annapurna Circuit.  For 25 years, winter Wednesday evenings in Pinkham Notch have been transformed into an armchair adventure offering a taste of international cuisine, culture, and exploration. Dinners include soup or appetizer, salad, entrée, bread, dessert, coffee, teas and cold beverages. Guests may bring their own beer or wine. A nightly raffle of AMC or other regional items is offered to spur thoughts of new adventures. Dinner is served at 6:00pm, immediately before the presentation, and is $29 for adult non-members ($24 for AMC members). The International Dinner lodging package starts at $59 per person for adult non-members ($49 for members), and includes Joe Dodge Lodge accommodations, featured dinner and presentation, breakfast, and a one-day trail pass for cross-country skiing and tubing the next day at Great Glen Trails. The Wednesday series runs from January 14 – March 25, with the exception of February 18. The presentations are free and open to the public. See the full schedule of 10 programs through March 25, from Tasmania and Greenland to Beirut and British Columbia, at www.outdoors.org/internationaldinner.

Fridays in January & February:  Friday Night Lights Shopping Series at Settlers’ Green: Shop Settlers' Green on your way into town on Fridays this winter and get exclusive savings and access to specially priced lift tickets to Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain. Visit Customer Service (Suite C13) and get a free voucher for hot chocolate made with Lindt Chocolate at the White Mountain Cupcakery and get exclusive offers at participating stores when you sign up for the VIP Program. Plus, cozy up in an Adirondack chair at the new fire pit in the Courtyard. Friday Night Lights takes place every Friday night in January and February from 4:00-8:00pm.  Info: Click here http://settlersgreen.com/events/upcoming-events#294 .

Fridays & Mondays Jan, Feb & March: 2 for 1 at Great Glen Trails: All season long buy one and get the second free with coupon from website. Trail passes, tours to treeline in the Mt Washington  SnowCoach, snow tubing, snowshoe and ski rentals…even the Trails Total Ticket! Not valid on December 22 & 26, 2014, January 19, 2015 and February 16 & 20 2015. Info:  www.GreatGlenTrails.com.  

Saturdays, Sundays & Tuesdays in Jan, Feb & March:  Snowshoe Tours at Jackson XC: Two Hour instructional nature tour on snowshoes with an expert guide. Jackson Ski Touring Foundation guides will show you places along the trails and off the system that most people would never get to find. This is a fun and interesting tour led by snowshoeing experts who will also give technique tips along the way. Pre-registration suggested. Tour price $10. Tours start at 10am and 1:00pm Saturdays and Sundays and at 1:00pm on Tuesdays. Rentals available for just $12. Good winter boots recommended. For more information or to register, email info@jacksonxc.org. 

Saturdays in January & February:  Cranapalooza at Cranmore : On Saturday afternoons and select holidays just as the skiing winds down, kid fun starts up at Cranmore Mountain Resort.  It’s their own form of après ski energy-dash. Even before the chairlifts close, a variety of fun family events are planned throughout the resort in addition to snow tubing, mountain coaster, giant swing and soaring eagle zip line operations are planned until 9:00pm. The resort-wide, fun-filled après celebration is geared toward the whole family.  Now bigger than ever, families can enjoy entertainment every Saturday through March 7th, including bonus nights during holiday periods.  You'll find family entertainment, famous s'mores at the outdoor fire pit in Schneider Square and tubing area, parades led by C-More across the base area, and face painting. Plus adults can enjoy live music in Zip's Pub and Grill then gather the family back together for evening fireworks (held on select dates at the base of the South Slope). Cranmore is open for skiing until 6:00pm on Saturdays and vacation periods. For more information regarding dates and scheduled entertainers check out the Cranmore events calendar. 

Saturdays in January & February: Kids Fun Races at King Pine: Plan to take part in the weekly Kids Fun Race at King Pine every Saturday.  The Race course is at the bottom of the Open Slope.  Then follow it up with a Family Fun Race that evening.  Family Racing on Saturday nights are a dual recreation race from 6:00pm  - 8:00pm on the King Pine Trail.  Both races are free to all with a lift ticket and are weather dependent. And this is a great way to introduce the youngest skiers into the fun of racing.  Info: click here.

Saturdays in January & February:  Kid’s Slopeside Après Ski Party at Bretton Woods: Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to join in this special après ski fun! This supervised program will take place from 3:30pm – 5:00pm upstairs in the Mount Washington View Room, located on the Heaven Level of the Bretton Woods Base Lodge. Special kids' apres events are scheduled on most Saturday’s and during vacation and holiday periods. Each party will include live entertainment, games, activities, and refreshments for kids. Parents are welcome to leave their kids at this supervised program and enjoy the adult apres party and entertainment at the Slopeside Lounge. Reservations are not required for this complimentary program. Info: http://brettonwoods.com/kids_apres. 

January 19: Start Fun, Start Free at Cranmore: Learn to ski or ride for free at Cranmore on January 19th. Take one of their signature GET lessons, powered by terrain based learning and get ready to have fun with on the slopes this winter!  Free lessons , limited to the first 50 people, ages 8 and older. Reservations are required, call 603-356-5544 ext. 333 to sign up. Info:  www.Cranmore.com.

January 22: Free Show at Stone Mountain Arts Center: Waltzings for Dreamers FREE Music Series featuring Dustbowl Revival:  L.A. WEEKLY says of Dustbowl Revival,  "In a city like Los Angeles, home to musical stars in nearly every known genre, handing out the Best Live Band title is not easy. But the free-thinking local collective Dustbowl Revival's upbeat, old-school, All-American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear." This show has free admission by reservation.  In the spirit of providing, you are asked if possible, to please bring a donation in the form of cat or dog food, bleach, detergent, and "hardwood" pellets for the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. Info: Click here.

January 23: Small Farmers Club at Remick Museum and Farm: Parents and children 2-6 years old are invited to enjoy a hands-on activity with the different animals on the farm each month. Brush a goat, milk a cow, and even spin wool, to name a few! The time will be spent getting to know the animals, and will include a story, craft or game to complement learning. This is a parent/child activity; parents need to accompany their child for the duration of the activity. Location: Main Museum Cost: $5.00. Please make sure children are ready to spend time outdoors (appropriate clothing for any inclement weather). This day's theme is goats!  Info: Click here. 

January 23: New West Guitar Group at Gorham, NH Town Hall: Featuring  John Storie, Perry Smith and Jeff Stein, the New West Guitar Group has been making their mark as a fresh, cutting-edge guitar ensemble. Performing popular covers, jazz standards and exciting originals, NWGG combines the acoustic and electric guitar to create their signature sound. They’re performing at the Gorham, NH Town Hall at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $12 and available at the door.  Info: www.medallionoperahouse.org.

January 24 & 25: Conway 250^th Celebration Committee Presents the Greater Conway Winter Carnival: Come take part in a weekend of events highlighting all the winter activities enjoyed in the Town of Conway,  one of New England’s birthplaces for skiing. While specific events are being added to the calendar all the time, look forward to church suppers throughout Conway and North Conway, a presentation of the history of skiing at Conway Public Library, classic wooden stick hockey game at Ham Ice Arena, concerts, a Cranapalooza Conway 250th birthday party hosted by Cranmore Mountain. sleigh rides with Stables at Farm by the River B&B, a Square Dance at Salyards Center for the Arts in Conway and more. Ice climbing demonstrations by International Mountain Climbing School at Cathedral Ledge and ice skating and snow sculptures in Schouler Park are among the on-snow activities.  Be sure to follow the schedule being updated regularly on Facebook.  Note:  some events will take place earlier in January too!

January 24 &25: 7^th Annual Salute to Military: Our nation’s defenders will be honored with FREE lift tickets for active duty, 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 24 and 25th. While all events take place at Attitash, Wildcat Mountain located in Pinkham Notch just 20 minutes from Attitash, will also be offering free lift tickets for active, veteran and retired service men and women on January 24 and 25. It’s a weekend filled with pride including a flag parade and anthem, après ski entertainment and the 6^th Annual Battle of the Branches GS race.  For info and complete details and schedule, click here  . *Common Access Card (CAC) or their DD Form 2ACT. Dependent family members of active duty personnel must show their DD Form 1173. Veterans must present their DD Form 214 and retired military personnel must show their DD Form 2RET.  Please note, the family member/dependent discount is only available for active duty military personnel.

January 25: The Great Penguin Race at Cranmore: Purchase a rubber penguin and race it down the slope for the Great Penguin Race, where all proceeds benefit the Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease Association.  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.  Penguins will be available for purchase at registration located on the 3rd floor of Skimobile Station, from 9:00am 11:30am.  The race will be held on the base of the North Slope at noon. Info: www.Cranmore.com.

January 25, Feb 1, 22: Fat Biking at Great Glen Trails: With all those weight loss resolutions at this time of year, we try hard not to use the word “fat” unless it refers to taking special bikes on the trails. However, on January 4^th and 25^th (along with February 1, 22, and March 1, 15) Great Glen Trails<http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/newhampshire/recreation/great-glen-trails-outdoor-center.cfm?SectionID=10> will allow winter biking, better known as Fatbiking on their trail system.  This privilege is restricted to select Sunday afternoons from 12:30pm – 4:00pm on  Jan 4th & 25th, Feb 1st & 22nd and March 1st & 15th. A trail pass required and rentals available.  Info:  www.GreatGlenTrails.com. 

January 25:  Russ Haggett Memorial Race at Shawnee Peak: Russ Haggett, a 2003 inductee to the Ski Maine Hall of Fame, was Pleasant Mountain's general manager throughout the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. Haggett's vision and ambition made Pleasant Mountain into a true winter destination, thus improving the Lakes Region winter economy forever. The Russ Haggett Memorial Race is a family-fun race, for Skiers and Snowboarders of all ages and ability, and a great opportunity for beginners to experience downhill ski racing. You can sign up to race here. Race day registration is  8:30am-10:30am. Race fee $15.  Race begins at 11am. Door prizes and awards will be handed out at 2:30pm. Info:
207-647-8444, or click here.

January 26:  Attitash 50th Anniversary Celebration: : Attitash Ski Area opened in January 1965 and quickly became known as the "Red Carpet" ski area for their customer service and business philosophy of limiting the number of tickets sold daily. Come celebrate their 50^th Anniversary and the 7^th Annual Salute to Military weekend on January 24-25, 2015. All full-day lift tickets will be $19.65 for Monday, January 26 and discounts also available at sister mountain, Wildcat too. Come celebrate and party in Ptarmigan's Pub from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. to celebrate the big 5-0 and enjoy live music from local favorites Shark Martin.  Everyone attending will be entered in to free raffle where there will be  50 prizes to celebrate 50 years, including special Attitash 50th Anniversary t-shirts and one special Grand Prize. And be sure to grab a free commemorative poster or this year's special vintage Attitash logo die-cut sticker to add on your car or ski box if you haven't picked one up already!  Info: Click here.

January 29:  Silver Fox Day at Black Mountain:  Skiers and riders 55 years and up enjoy a day on the slopes at Black Mountain for just $25.  Info:  www.Blackmt.com.

January 31-February 8: Food Drive at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village: February is National Canned Food Month, so Settlers' Green will be hosting a week-long food drive at the Settlers’ Green Customer Service Office to support local food pantries. Customers can bring in 10 or more cans and receive $10 off any purchase* at Settlers’ Green. The Food Drive will be based at the Customer Service Office (Suite C13), which is open 8:30-5 Monday-Friday and 10-5 Saturday and Sunday. We encourage everyone to bring in canned food of any amount to help support the cause and appreciate the support to reach the goal of 1000 non-perishable items! *Limit one per customer/household for the duration of the Food Drive. While supplies last. Must be applied toward a future purchase. Not applicable to returns or exchanges. Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events/upcoming-events#380.

January 31:  Powder Bear’s Snowfest at King Pine: It’s King Pine’s mascot Powder Bear’s Birthday and he is throwing a party and all are invited! Face painting, tattoos, balloons, music, cake and Bobo the Clown! The festival is at the base of the mountain. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/events/powder-bear%E2%80%99s-snow-fest-0.

January 31:  Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Bretton Woods: Complimentary Nordic or Alpine skiing and snowboarding with a valid Military ID. Adaptive lessons with advance reservation will be provided through New England Disabled Sports at Bretton Woods. Info: (603) 278-3398.

January 31: MCCP Moonlight Charity Challenge at Shawnee Peak: An evening of friendly competition and fun on the ski slopes - all for the sake of supporting children in Maine and New Hampshire with cancer and blood disorders, this event is a fundraiser for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Recruit a team of four skiers or snowboarders (all ages welcome) and compete to clock the fastest average score on the race course and to raise the most funds for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Incredible prizes will be awarded, including Round-trip JetBlue airfare for two to Denver, Colorado and two 4-day USSA Gold Passes or  4 tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, including transportation to and from the game! Following the race, participants are invited to the Base Lodge at Shawnee Peak for a buffet dinner, an awards ceremony (with surprise guests), live music and dancing in the moonlight.  The cost to register is $250 per team - this includes a lift ticket for the race, an event t-shirt, and a post-race dinner for four Info: (207) 662-6274,  moonlightchallenge.org.

 February 1, 15, March 1, 15: Cranmore’s Ski with the GM:  Cranmore season pass holders are invited to ski first tracks with Cranmore President and General Manager, Ben Wilcox for Ski with the GM.  Season pass holders can meet at the Skimobile Express Quad at 7:30am for first tracks followed by coffee and pastries at the Meister Hut. Info: www.Cranmore.com .

February 1:  Grand Tailgate Party at Omni Mount Washington Hotel: Celebrate the Patriots at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel for The Grand Tailgate Party. The hotel will have the big game on the big screen complete with surround sound. Door prizes will be given out at half-time, and the concessions and cash bar will be open. Come cheer for your team in the Grand Ballroom on Sunday, February 1st,(but if you’re not cheering for the Patriots you’ll be outnumbered!) doors open at 4:00pm. Concessions include your favorite football game favorites:  pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, chili, sliders and wings. Info:  Click here. 

February 3:  Full Moon Snowshoe Adventure with Jackson XC: Take part in a full moon guided tour from Jackson Ski Touring  to the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa. The tour is free with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies or stay for Turkey dinner at Christmas Farm Inn $18 plus $10 off at the Spa. Call for more information or to make reservations. 383-9355 or info@jacksonxc.org Reservations suggested. Info: Click here. 

February 6:  New England Ski Day at Shawnee Peak: New England Residents mark your Calendars! Purchase your ticket to ski or ride all day and night on Friday February 6th for just $19 with the presentation of your driver’s license from any New England state. The deal just keeps getting better - rentals will just be $19 all day too and kids get the deal with a license holder. Info: Click here. 

February 6, 7 & 8: Mt Washington Valley Icefest: Since its inception 22 years ago, Ice Fest North Conway has been eagerly anticipated by ice climbers in the Eastern United States and is considered one of the premier climbing events in the country. It is intended to be a celebration of ice climbing and winter mountaineering and the people that make it a part of their lives. It continues to provide a great opportunity for those attending to network, socialize, try new gear and participate in multiple day courses, one-day technical clinics and privately guided climbs. The Mt. Washington Valley is one of the finest waterfall ice climbing destinations in North America. Each year a variety of skills-based clinics and exciting slide shows are combined with  clinics and the chance to meet featured climbers and guides from the New England area and around the world. For a complete schedule and more information, visit http://www.mwv-icefest.com/. 

February 7: 12th Annual Ice Festival and Winter Carnival at Remick Farm: From 11:00am to 3:00pm Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth will celebrate winter with their largest event of the season.  Try your hand at a historic New Hampshire tradition: the Ice Harvest. Visitors of all ages may try marking, cutting, floating, lifting and stacking ice blocks from the farm pond. See the blocks stored in sawdust in the Ice House. Interact with farm animals, outdoor cooking demonstrations, historic exhibits and buildings, live music, winter games, activities & more. Admission: $10/adult; $5 ages 5–10; 4 & under, FREE.  Info:  800-686-6117, www.remickmuseum.org/index.php?page=ice-harvest-and-winter-carnival.

February 7:  North vs. South Dual GS at Attitash: Pick a side, or direction, North or South of the Massachusetts' border. Racers will go head-to-head, earning points for North or South, based on which the racer wants to represent. Proceeds from this event go to Eastern Slope Ski Club, a local organization that promotes skiing in the Mt. Washington Valley and gives all children in the Valley the opportunity to participate in the sport. Season passholders are welcome to join us that evening for the annual Season Passholders Party. Registration: 8:00 -10:00 a.m. in the South Wing. Entry Fee: $10 and event is open to all ages. Course inspection: 9:30 am, Event Start: 11:00am to 1:00pm. Awards: 2:00pm in the South Wing.  Info:  Click here.

February 8:  Hope on the Slopes Race to Beat Cancer at Cranmore:  This fundraising event of racing to beat cancer will take place on the NASTAR hill, and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Together teams of skiers and riders of all abilities obtain pledges and then race down a gentle course all to raise money for cancer.  Info: www.cranmore.com.

February 14:  5^th Annual Cupcake Battle: Mount Washington Valley Promotions presents the 5th annual Cupcake Battle from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at the North Conway Community Center.  Taste a variety of inspired cupcake flavors from 15 or more bakers and vote for your favorites in 3 categories.  Tickets are limited and may be purchased from the bakers or by calling Lisa at 374-6241 or Chrissy at 733-7666. Info: www.valleypromotions.net.

February 14: 8^th Annual Black Mountain Chairlift Speed Dating: Did you know there are more single than non-single people in the USA?? That means that while love is in the air on Valentine’s Day for some, more than half the population will be pining away.  Unless they come to Mt Washington Valley for Black Mountain’s Chairlift Speed Dating Annual Event! On Saturday, February 14^th, singles should make tracks for Black Mountain in Jackson, NH for the 8^th Annual Chairlift Speed Dating event.  Register to ride the Lift of Love!  Have a great dating story?  Enter it in the dating story contest!  Great Pickup lines?  There will be prizes given prizes for the best ones! And one happy new couple of the day will win a dream date! Add to that an Angry Orchard promotion going on and Benny Vinny in the Lostbo Pub to romance everyone.  And for those who think it doesn’t work, you need to know that this event has produced a wedding!  Come meet the happy couple who met on the Lift of Love!  Info: 603-383-4490 or www.blackmt.com or click here.

February 14:  Terrain Park After Dark Series 2 at Cranmore: This Freestyle event is held under the lights at Cranmore, and is open to skiers and riders of all abilities. Competitors will compete in a variety of different events to earn points for the final event and award ceremony in March.   Registration will be held from 2:30-3:30pm on the third floor of Skimobile Station, and the event will start at 4:00pm in the Double Feature Terrain Park.  Info:  www.Cranmore.com.

February 14:  Freezing for a Reason: Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to warm