Press Kit
Annual events being featured in Mt Washington Valley, NH throughout 2017
News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – December 6, 2016
Contact: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org
Mt Washington Valley’s 2017 Calendar of Annual Events
North Conway, NH – While hundreds of events are hosted in Mt Washington Valley, NH each year, the list below offers insight into those annual events to look forward to year after year. For a complete and up-to-date calendar of events, visit www.MtwashingtonValley.org and click on EVENTS or simply click here.
January, 2017
Every Saturday, starting Jan 7 at Cranmore: CRANAPALOOZA: Cranmore’s signature winter event, including DJ dance parties in Schneider Square with C-more the Penguin, live music, outdoor entertainment, family activities, smore’s to add to the fun. Fireworks will be added on January 14th. Info: Click here.
Jan 14: Annual Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble: This annual Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble is the first event of the Granite State Snowshoe Series presented by the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center. The race will be held in Whitaker Woods, the intown trail network located at the northern end of North Conway Village. This 4-mile course consists of groomed trails and twisty single track and has become one of the most popular races in the series. Race starts at 10 am sharp. Online registration opens December 1st. Advance registration is $15. Registration after January 8th will be $20. Info: mwvskitouring.org/SnowshoeScramble/index.html.
January 15, February 18 & 25: m Evening Snowshoe Tours at Great Glen Trails: Experience the wonder of a night time winter walk. Join a Naturalist on a guided snowshoe walk. You will use your senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails while listening for owls calling and exploring nature. Reservations required and fill quickly. For questions, please call (603) 466-2333. Info: http://greatglentrails.com/winter/family-programs/evening-snowshoe-tours/
Jan 16: 44th Geschmossel Classic Ski Race at Bretton Woods XC: Originally staged during the winter of 1972-73, the Geschmossel is one of New England’s oldest citizens’ races. A 15 km classical style Nordic ski race on the Ammonoosuc trail network at the Bretton Woods Nordic Center which attracts high-level skiers including members of the United States Ski Team. Please call the Bretton Woods Nordic Center at 603.278.3322 for more information. To register online, please visit www.skireg.com by January 15th, 2017.
Jan 20-21: Annual Stonehurst Manor Ice Bar: Tons of ice is used to carve an outside bar, additional serving areas and seating. There will be a special cocktail menu, drink luge, music, complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be passed, and fire pits will be burning surrounded by hay bales for seating to keep you warm. Tickets are limited and will be available for purchase by contacting the Stonehurst Manor and sold online as the event date approaches. All tickets will be held for pickup at the door. Open each day from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Info: www.stonehurstmanor.com/library-lounge/ice-bar.
Jan 27-29: 16th Annual Jackson Snow Sculpting Competition: At least 15 teams from the Northeast will converge on Jackson Village to create beautiful snow sculptures from an 8-foot high by 4-foot round cylinder of compacted snow. Spectators are welcome to view the entire process but to see finished be sure to come back on Sunday the 29th. At night, during the event, the Sculptures are lit up giving them an entirely different perspective. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/1050/Snow-Sculpting-Competition
Jan 28 - Sun, Jan 29: Military Salute Weekend at Attitash & Wildcat: FREE lift tickets are offered to active and veteran service men and women, and discounted lift tickets ($45 All Ages) are available for active duty family members with a valid form of ID on Saturday January 28 & Sunday January 29 at Attitash and Wildcat Mountains. For a full schedule of on-snow activities including a parade of the branches and race of the branches, click here: http://www.attitash.com/event/new-event-206/.
February, 2017
Every Saturday at Cranmore: CRANAPALOOZA: Cranmore’s signature winter event, including DJ dance parties in Schneider Square with C-more the Penguin, live music, outdoor entertainment, family activities, smore’s and more! Fireworks will be added on February 18thth. Info: Click here.
Feb 3: Go Red for Women’s Heart Disease at Great Glen Trails: February is heart month! Red is the color of the day, so come wearing your best red sweater or outfit and receive 50% off trail passes at Great Glen Trails, rentals and a Go Red Dress pin. Info: http://greatglentrails.com/events/
Feb 11: Chairlift Speed Dating at Black Mountain: No need to worry if you’re single this Valentine’s Day. Meet the ski bum of your dreams on the 6 minute lift ride to the top of Black Mountain. Like him/her? Ski down and ride up again. If not, ski down and try again. Apres ski fun in the Lostbo Pub includes Best Pick Up Line contests and more. Info: http://www.blackmt.com/visiting-black/events.
Feb 11: Memorial Hospital Winter Jubilee: The Medical Staff of Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a winter celebration event from 8:00pm to midnight at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel. This semi-formal will feature both a live band in one area and a DJ in another area, several fun games of skill, a photo booth, snacks, opportunity for a formal photo and a late evening breakfast. Tickets are $50 per person. Info: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/events-all-list.cfm?eventID=10451.
Feb 17-24: Winter Carnival at Settlers Green: Enjoy special sales and fun entertainment for all during February vacation break. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
Feb 19-25 & Feb 26-March 3: Overnight Ski & Snowboard Camp at King Pine: A winter tradition at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort since 1939. A full week of fun learning for skiers and riders age 8 – 17. Info: http://www.tohko.com/ski-snowboard-camp/parents-info/nh-week-camp/.
Feb 20-24: Winter Carnival at King Pine: Celebrate February Vacation Week on the slopes at King Pine with sleigh rides, snowshoe tours, Silly Slalom and Belly Bag Races, Family Challenge Races and a Kids Light Parade and fireworks. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/events/winter-carnival.
Feb 21: Kitty Litter Box Race at Wildcat: A fun free February vacation tradition for kids at Wildcat. Build your own “vessel” to get down the mountain out of cardboard boxes. Prizes for the fastest, best decorated, best crash and judges choice. Info: http://www.skiwildcat.com/event/new-event-171/.
Feb 22: Lunch Tray Luge at Wildcat: The one day a year that lunch trays are allowed on the mountain and another February vacation tradition. Test your speed on the track at the base of the mountain. Free. Info: http://www.skiwildcat.com/event/new-event-172/.
Feb 26: 28th Annual Mt Washington Valley Chocolate Tour: Cross country ski or snowshoe from inn-to-inn along the Mt Washington Valley Ski & Snowshoe Foundation network for the Sweetest Day on the Trails. Sample chocolate treats at each stop. Chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate fountains and fondue, brownie sundaes, and chocolate cookies of all kinds are just some of the treats you'll enjoy at the trailside stops between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Other area businesses also prepare complimentary chocolate treats for festival participants. Info: http://www.mwvskitouring.org/Chocolate-Festival.html.
March, 2017
March 11: Carl Johnson Memorial Ski-a-Thon at Great Glen Trails: Carl Johnson, a close friend to Great Glen Trails and a lover of all things skiing, passed away in 2006 of ALS. This event is held in his honor to raise money, and in his spirit, it’s all about fun! Get your family and friends to pledge money based on how many laps of the 5-kilometer course you will ski. Entry fee: $20, includes trail pass with all proceeds donated a beneficiary TBD. Prizes awarded for the most laps completed and highest amount pledged. As always, the event will feature a prize for the loudest & wackiest tights! Info: http://greatglentrails.com/events/carl-johnson-memorial-ski-a-thon/.
March 17: Cynthia’s Challenge 24 Hour Ski-a-Thon at King Pine: Gather pledges and donations for this year’s benefactor, Faith Holt, an 11-year-old girl living with skeletal dysplasia, seizure disorder and Crane-Heise Syndrome. This year’s goal is to purchase Faith’s family a wheelchair accessible van. Then come ski your heart out at King Pine. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/cynthiaschallenge.
March 18: Red Parka Challenge Cup: The top New England Amateur ski racers compete at Attitash in the longest running pro-style dual slalom race in the US. Great to watch, too! Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1486480284752146/.
March 17: St Patrick’s Day at Mt Washington Valley ski resorts: From green ski wear contests to green beer and special ticket deals, skiers and riders will find plenty of festivities at Mt Washington Valley’s ski resorts and XC Centers. Info: www.SkiMWV.com.
March 25: 30th Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods Ski Area: Spring skiing, live island-style music, BBQ, & après ski fun! Don’t forget about the annual Slush Pool event. Bring on the sun and wear your beach attire! Wear your beach gear and ski and ride for just $30! (Special tickets available at ticket windows and online). Info: Click here.
March 26: Pond Skimming and Beach Party at King Pine: End the ski season with a splash! Skiers and riders attempt to cross the man-made shark-pond at the base of King Pine on the final day of the season. Hawaiian shirts recommended! Course inspection at 12:00pm; race begins at 1:00 p.m. Registration form and waiver needed. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/events/king-pine-pond-skimming-beach-party.
April, 2017
April 8: Annual Mt Washington Valley Chili Cook off: Sample dozens of different chilis and cornbreads at the MWV Chamber's Annual Chili Cook-Off from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Businesses and non-professional chefs offer up many different versions of chili. Walk between the North Conway Community Center and the Gibson Senior Center for tastings. Vote on your favorite for the title of People’s Choice. Info: www.Mtwashingtonvalley.org.
April 8: Friends of Tuckerman Inferno Race: Run, Kayak, Bike, Hike and Ski! Test yourself on roads, on the river, on the bike, on the hiking trail and on your skis in Tuckerman Ravine during the Tuckerman Inferno! Individuals and teams compete in five different sports as they head from Mount Washington Valley up to Tuckerman Ravine in Pinkham Notch. Individual champions are crowned Tuckerman and Tuckerwoman and there are terrific prizes for all categories of competitors. It’s a really fun event to watch too. Info: http://www.friendsoftuckermanravine.org/inferno .
April 14-16: Easter in the Mountains at Bretton Woods Ski Area: An eggs-tra special time for families. Jelly beans, colored eggs, and Easter bonnets are only a few of the bountiful activities. Young and old alike will find spring-like delight in the Easter egg hunts and Easter Brunch at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. Info: Click here.
April 15: Easter on the Green at Settlers Green: Hunt for eggs, treats and enjoy a visit from a special bunny. Look for Easter sales too. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
April 22: Pojo Pillo Polo Tournament at Settlers Green: Each player will be equipped with a Hopper Ball, ya know, the bouncies with handle on it and a Pillo Stick--that game you used to play in gym class, remember? The game ball will be a giant beach ball and two oversized nets will be at each end. There will be three field players, an no goalies allowed in net. This is a 3v3, double elimination tournament to win up to a $500 donation, directly benefiting the winning nonprofit or elected nonprofit by the team. Teams can have up to six people on a roster, but only three players can be on the field of play. Kids Play Prize - $100, Kind of Adults Prize - $250, Adults Prize - $500. Complete info and registration: www.SettlersGreen.com.
May, 2017
May 13: Half Way to Bring a Friend Weekend at Settlers Green: Think of this as a mini-Bring-A-Friend weekend with sales, special giveaways, entertainment. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
May 14: Mom rides free on Conway Scenic RR: Mom rides FREE in Coach when accompanied by one or more of her children. Mom rides FREE in First Class when accompanied by another paying adult. Complimentary appetizers will be served on board the First Class cars. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
May 19-22 & 26-29: Victoria Day & Memorial Day Sidewalk Sales at Settlers Green: Stock up on summer apparel, shoes, gifts and more at these sidewalk sales offering extra value at Settlers Green. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
May 23: Annual Mt Washington Valley Business to Business Expo: The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce's Annual Community Expo is the largest business trade show in the North Country. This event includes plenty of opportunities for networking with businesses and potential customers, educational workshops, Mt Washington Valley Awards Luncheon, a silent auction and plenty of comradery. Info: www.MtWashingtonValley.org.
May 29: Memorial Day & Opening Day for Mt Washington Valley attractions: Memorial Day marks the weekend when Mt Washington Valley’s attractions all open for the season. Some (like Conway Scenic RR and Mt Washington Cog Railway) may open prior to that, but they’ll all open by this date. This date marks opening weekend for Story Land and Santa’s Village. Info: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/events-all.cfm?RP=Home.
June, 2017
June 3: Annual Mountain Garden Club Spring Plant Sale at North Conway Community Center, 9:30am - 11:30 am: Appreciated by plant enthusiasts far and wide, this event offers plants carefully cultivated by Mountain Garden Club members, plus garden sundries created by the MGC’s talented members. Whether to enhance your own gardens, or to provide a unique gift for others, you won’t want to miss this eagerly awaited plant sale. Come early for best selections. Info: www.mountaingardenclub.org.
June 3-4: USA National Running Championships at Cranmore Mountain Resort: The weekend’s races will start on Saturday morning June 3rd with a 5k loop course on the mountain for those looking to try out mountain running. It will be followed by the men’s championship two-loop course. And then ninety minutes later, the women will run the same two-loop course as that of the men. On Sunday, an uphill mountain race will be staged. All of the races will be open to all ages and abilities, including the National Championship. Info: www.facebook.com/cranmoremountainrace.
June 16: The 16th Annual MWVCC Golf Tournament: This event brings business and community leaders together each year for a day of fun and friendly competition out on the greens. This year's tournament will be held at the North Conway Country Club, with an awards lunch and celebration to follow at the clubhouse. Register as an individual or as a team of four to compete for top prizes. Info: www.Mtwashingtonvalley.org.
June 17: Northeast Delta Dental Mt Washington Road Race: The 57th annual “Run to the Clouds” draws thousands of runners from across New England, throughout the U.S., and from countries as close as Canada and as far away as Kenya, to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, Mt Washington. Info: Click here.
June 18: Dad rides free on Conway Scenic RR: Dad rides FREE in Coach when accompanied by one or more of her children. Dad rides FREE in First Class when accompanied by another paying adult. Complimentary appetizers will be served on board the First Class cars. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com
June 18, July 30 & August 27: Sunrise Drive up Mt Washington Auto Road: The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens early on three Sundays every summer, allowing guests to drive themselves to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunrise from the highest peak in the Northeast. Due to the popularity of these sunrise opportunities, we recommend not waiting until the last minute to arrive as you may spend time waiting at the Toll House due to traffic. The State Park building on the summit will be open with limited food service on all three of these mornings. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/sunrise-drives
June 24: Art in Bloom in Jackson Village: Take the self-guided walking tour of Jackson Village and see artworks and floral works displayed in businesses throughout Jackson. Presented by the Mountain Garden Club. Free. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/463/Art-In-Bloom.
June 24:North Conway Strawberry Festival: The Strawberry Festival is held 11:00 am -4:00 pm on the North Conway Congregational Church campus in North Conway Village. The festival offers a fun day of feasting on locally grown fresh strawberries served in shortcakes, in smoothies and in hand-dipped chocolate covered treats. There will be free kids games, balloon animals, live music and a white elephant sale of treasures. Tours of the historic “First Church” are available to those interested in learning about the living history of the nearly 250 year-old building. Info: www.firstchurchnc.com.
July, 2017
July 4: Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy a good old fashioned July 4th fair in Schouler Park in North Conway Village along with fireworks at night. Info: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3 & Aug. 10: 34th Arts Jubilee Summer Concert Series at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Featuring live performances from folk to pop to symphony. Bring friends and family plus your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. An early concert by area performers, is at 6:00pm, the featured main performance is at 7:00pm. The Arts Jubilee concert Series is a rain or shine event. Concert goers are encouraged to come prepared as they would to any outdoor event. Tickets are $10 for adults. Info: http://www.cranmore.com/Summer-Fall/Events/Arts-Jubilee-Summer-Concert-Series .
Tuesdays, July 11 – Aug 8: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Bring lawn chairs and a picnic or enjoy food available there. Each Tuesday a different family-oriented movie will be shown. Activities start at 6:00pm, movies shown at dusk. Free. Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events.
July 21, 22 & 23 and July 28, 29 & 30: Day Out With Thomas™ at Conway Scenic RR: A family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™. A variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, live music, plus unlimited motorcar rides, engine tours, mini golf, bouncy houses will also be hosted for this event. Here there are Thomas play stations, face painting, entertainment, temporary tattoos, and more, including “Frodo the Tank,” a 75-pound tortoise that free roams the area! Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor. Autism-friendly” trains are being offered on both Sundays Info: www.Conwayscenic.com.
July 28-August 6: Annual Mall Wide Tent Sale at Settlers Green: Now is the time to do some back to school shopping with lots of extra value. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August, 2017
Aug 5: Full Moon Midnight Owl 15K Race: Walk or Run under the beauty of a full moon but be smart as an owl in predicting how long it will take for you to go 15K. Winners are the first five runners to cross the finish line AFTER MIDNIGHT. Estimate how long you will take to cover the Garmin measured 15K (9.3 mile) course and start when the countdown clock at the start line reads that time. This race course starts in North Conway Village's Schouler Park, proceeds to River and West Side Roads past the Saco River and through beautiful farmland to Conway Village and then the Ham Ice Arena. This events benefits Mount Washington Valley Skating Club. Info: www.racemenu.com.
Aug 5: Art in the Park: Shop for beautiful handmade artworks under the big tents in Schouler Park. Sponsored by the MWV Arts Association. Info: https://www.facebook.com/MWVArts/events/
Aug 5: Summit Salute: Celebrating service members, veterans & military families at Mt Washington Auto Road: Join other service members, veterans, & military families for this special FREE event at the base of Mt. Washington at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/summit-salute.
August 7 - Conway Scenic Railroad’s 43rd Birthday Celebration: Celebrate Conway Scenic RR’s birthday with reduced fares. Each passenger riding will receive cake and lemonade on the return trip. Other festivities and entertainment included. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
Aug 19: Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb: The original bicycle race up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Deemed the Toughest Hillclimb in the World. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/mt-washington-auto-road-bicycle-hillclimb.
Aug 19: Back to School Blitz at Settlers Green: Enjoy great kids activities including face painting, balloon twisters, photo booth, music, yard games and more. Plus have the chance to see the latest in back to school fashion from some of your favorite retailers. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
September, 2017
Sept 1-3: Labor Day Tent Sales at Settlers Green: Finish off the back to school shopping and get in on some great deals at this annual tent sale at Settlers Green outlets. Info: www.Settlersgreen.com.
Sept 2 - Railfans’ Day at Conway Scenic Railroad: Join in the fun as the whole Valley celebrates Railfans’ Day with special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains will be running along with a trip to the Notch and beyond. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
Sept. 8-10: Mud Bowl, the championships of mud football in Hog Coliseum: The championships of mud football mean good clean fun played in knee deep mud every year in North Conway's Hog Coliseum, Friday on the second weekend in September. Featuring ten teams from throughout New England, it may be full of laughs, but there's no denying there is serious competition with team names like the Muddahs Football Club, Rowley Mud Ducks, The Mt Washington Valley Hogs, and more. It's a double-elimination, three-day tournament played in a manmade mud pool making for a weekend of good clean muddy fun! One of the weekend’s highlights is the 35th Tournament of Mud Parade on Saturday morning, on the streets of North Conway Village. Add in zany halftime entertainment, cheerleader competitions, synchronized mud swimming, and you can see there’ll be lots of smiles. Info: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
Sept 8-9: Muster in the Mountains at Mt Washington Auto Road: A colonial encampment of reenactors representing various individuals of the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Mountain Man periods from 1750 through 1840 takes place all weekend in the fields at the base of Mt. Washington Auto Road. Participants will demonstrate the use of appropriate tools, clothing, and firearms for their respective time periods. This event is free open to the public from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Details and info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/muster-in-the-mountains
October, 2017
Oct 1 – 20: Return of the Pumpkin People: Look for creative and whimsical displays of Pumpkin People throughout Mt Washington Valley. Pick up your map at Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Office, and vote for your favorite display. Over 20 displays can be voted on at Settlers Green for its Pumpkin People Decorating Challenge too. Info: www.jacksonnh.com.
Weekends in October: The Ghoullog at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Navigate your way through 4 individual haunts in one terrifying experience. Be chased through the dark woods and embrace the horror that's waiting for you behind every twist and turn? And scream the night away in the Haunted Playground with unlimited rides on the Giant Swing, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Mountain Coaster. Special effects and the occasional ghost or ghoul can be found along the way. Info: http://theghoullog.co