Press Kit

Eleven weatherproof winter activities in Mt Washington Valley, NH



News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – December 16, 2015

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

ELEVEN WEATHERPROOF WINTER FUN DIVERSIONS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Neither snow (or lack of it), rain or wind will interfere with winter fun in Mt Washington Valley, NH

North Conway, NH – The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean the fun can’t be delightful! No stranger to wicked weather, Mt Washington Valley has been home to the world’s worst weather for decades since the highest winds ever recorded (231mph) set the record unbroken until recently on top of Mt Washington.  Call it true grit combined with Yankee ingenuity, and a little bit of “live free or die” thrown in, Mt Washington Valley’s tourism scene is fully weatherproof. 

Of course, winter starts with Mt Washington Valley’s 13 ski resorts and XC centers.  Skiing takes center stage in the Valley, and even without much natural snowfall in the early season, Mt Washington Valley’s ski resorts are offering more skiing than anywhere else in New Hampshire.  Add to that all these additional “weatherproof” activities, and it’s no wonder Mt Washington Valley is the number one destination choice for winter adventure.

Tubing

No special equipment or skills necessary here.  Skiers, riders and non-skiers alike will experience the thrill of the downhill run at Mt Washington Valley’s Tubing Parks.  And you’ll find a number of Tubing Parks to choose from in Mt Washington Valley, from Cranmore Mountain Resort’s Tubing Park to weekend tubing at Purity Spring Resort/King Pine, Bretton Woods and the walk-up tubing  hill at Great Glen Trails, you’ll enjoy tubing from one end of the Valley to the other.

Mountain Coaster, indoor rock climbing & Water & Adventure Parks

Once again, Cranmore Mountain Resort offers up another thrilling downhill ride on their Mountain Coaster down a half mile track where you control the speed.  The two-person cars are perfect for parents and kids together.  Click here to watch the fun on video.  Cranmore’s Adventure Park also features a Giant Swing and the Soaring Eagle Zipline, making all-day adventure available for skiers, riders and non-skiers alike. 

Additionally, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort offers up its 524-square foot indoor Slopeside Rock Climbing Wall located on the Slopeside level of the Bretton Woods Base Lodge. The 30-foot climbing wall ascent includes a variety of routes on modular hand holds and artificial rock. For those that like to stay a little closer to the ground, the 300-square foot bouldering cave complements the climbing wall and makes for a fun afternoon, no matter what the weather is doing outside!

And for those who enjoy a splash rather than a ski, the Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park located at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort offers hours of wet and wild fun including a wave pool, multiple slides and much more.

Bretton Woods Canopy Tour

Get high in Bretton Woods with a thrilling zipline tour above the canopy of the trees. Situated high on the slopes of Bretton Woods and descending over 1000 feet of elevation, this 3-hour tour takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of tree-top zip lines through a network of platforms high in the ancient hemlocks. This unique canopy tour features a dual-cable construction (you slide below two separate cables, instead of just one), coated cables (to make for a quiet, more natural flight through the trees) and platforms and bridges milled from locally-harvested wood sources, in keeping with our commitment to environmentally sustainable programs. As a bonus, enjoy learning about the native flora and fauna from Adventure Guides who come along for the ride.

Dog Sledding

Can you think of a better way to take in the beauty of the White Mountains than on the back of a dogsled?  Take part in the mushing or sit back and enjoy the ride as a powerful team of huskies take you for a tour of the woods.  No snow?  No worries.  The Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, NH has specially fitted sleds with wheels, making this adventure available year-round – with or without snow.  You can also enjoy a dog sled adventure at Bretton Woods too, also offered by Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennels.

ATV Rentals

Winter brings out snowmobilers to Mt Washington Valley’s popular network of trails, and soon once the snow falls, snowmobile rentals and guided tours will be available. Yet until the trails are covered with snow snowmobilers can opt for ATV rentals instead.  Northeast Snowmobile and ATV Rentals in Gorham offeris up a great alternative for exploring the trail network in the White Mountains during the spring, summer, fall and early winter before the snow falls.

Ice Skating

Mt Washington Valley has skating weatherproofed at the Ham Arena where those who love the ice can enjoy it year round.  Look for pick-up hockey games and open skating along with occasional performances here.  You’ll also find skating under the shelter available at King Pine/ Purity Spring Resort and in Schouler Park in the center of North Conway (although this rink is dependent upon cold weather!).

Sleighrides and Carriage Rides

Sometimes sleighrides are the most romantic when snow is falling lightly and you can snuggle under warm blankets while touring New Hampshire’s scenic trails.  Yet, in times of no snow, opt for the carriage rides and you can have the same romantic experience.  You’ll find both sleighrides and carriage rides at Farm by the River B&B and Stables.  For sleighrides, opt for Purity Spring Resort or Bretton Woods as additional options.

Shopping

Mt Washington Valley is home to more than 200 outlets, boutiques, craft shops and specialty stores, and the best part of all is that shopping in New Hampshire is it’s tax-free.  From Setters Green Outlet Village, home to all the brand name outlets you could want, to the locally-owned small shops in North Conway Village, Jackson and beyond, shopping in the Valley is an adventure no matter what the weather.  And whether you’re shopping for yourself or that difficult-to-find item, we’re pretty sure you’ll find it here in Mt Washington Valley with no sales tax added.

Museums

When the weather outside is truly frightful, come inside to learn more about it at the Mt Washington Observatory’s Weather Discovery Center in North Conway.  Home to the only museum in the country dedicated entirely to weather, the Weather Discovery Center offers wonderful interactive displays for budding meteorologists of all ages.  You simply can’t visit here without learning something you never knew before about weather. 

For the younger set, the MWV Children’s Museum offers an ideal educational play setting in North Conway Village.  From dress up in the drama center to creative building in the Lego Room, children ages from infants to eight year olds will find plenty of entertainment, fantasy and play here.

The Mt Washington Valley Arts Association has recently moved in with the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. Visit their offices in North Conway Village and enjoy constantly changing displays and galleries of local artists’ works.

Brewery Tours

Mt Washington Valley is home to some signature craft brewing endeavors.  Enjoy a tour and tasting of Tuckerman Brewing Co. anytime from noon to 5:00pm.  Visit Sap House Meadery and learn about how this sweet nectar is made plus try a sample.  Moat Mountain Brewing Co is another great option for enjoying tastings of locally made craft beer. 

Live Music & Theater

From nationally-renowned musicians at the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield and the Medallion Opera House in Gorham to more traditional and classic music and opera at the Leura Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, music lovers will find something for every taste, year round here.  The Arts Council of Tamworth also offers up a lively and eclectic schedule of year-round performances too.  Live theater presented by local theater company,  M&D Productions, is another great weatherproof option for those who enjoy live theater. 

There you have it – eleven great weatherproof ways to enjoy Mt Washington Valley in the winter.  No matter what Mother Nature doles out, you’re assured an adventure over and over again in the home to the world’s worst weather.  To learn more about visiting Mt Washington Valley, including accommodations, restaurants and fun, visit www.MtWashigntonValley.org.  To talk to a vacation concierge who can offer plenty of insider advice, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  And to learn more about vacations in New Hampshire, visit www.VisitNH.gov.

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Click here to see hundreds of photos of weatherproof fun in Mt Washington Valley.

Photo shown above:  Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, Mark Butterfield photo.