Press Kit

Good News from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – January 30, 2018

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

7 GREAT WAYS FOR NON-SKIERS TO ENJOY SNOW SPORT ADVENTURES IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

North Conway, NH – North Conway, NH may be the #1 ski town in North America, say readers of USA Today/10 Best, but it’s also a fabulous snow sports destination for non-skiers too.  Surrounded by Mt Washington Valley and 770,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest, it’s entirely possible for non-skiers to enjoy days and days of outdoor fun in North Conway and beyond.  Let’s look at all the ways to enjoy Mt Washington Valley’s outdoor offerings throughout the winter.

Snowmobiling in Mt Washington Valley

Snowmobilers will enjoy more than 600 miles of trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Add to that four snowmobile rentals and guide services, plus the Mountain Meadow Riders Snowmobile Club to maintain the trails, and you’ve got everything you need for the perfect snowmobile vacation.  Locally, on one of the main state corridors, Corridor 19, a trail that runs from New Hampshire's southern border up to Canada and loops around the Green Hills in Conway is a favorite. Mt. Washington Valley is made up of twenty-seven towns and villages with snowmobiling outfitters from Fryeburg, ME to Berlin, NH and Bretton Woods, NH. Snowmobilers are drawn to Mt Washington Valley for its rolling fields, scenic vistas, access to high elevations and picturesque views. Some businesses have drive-up entrances to their restaurants or lodging properties welcoming snowmobilers with special parking and an ear for hearing about the adventure of the day, not to mention a homemade meal and warm beverage. And with four different outfitters to serve the needs of snowmobilers, Mt Washington Valley is a natural draw for snowmobile enthusiasts. Click here to read more about the snowmobile outfitters in Mt Washington Valley.

Fatbiking in Mt Washington Valley

Your days of biking no longer must be confined to spring, summer and fall. With the Great Glen Trails and Mt. Washington Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation opening their trail networks for fatbikes and with Stan and Dan Sports plus the Great Glen Trails rental shop offering fat bike rentals and equipment to purchase, cyclists can enjoy their favorite sport all year long. Get in a great workout as you take on different terrain with snow or try a new winter activity in the Mt. Washington Valley with easy access to trails and friendly staff to assist you. Fatbiking started with avid mountain bikers looking a way to get out on winter trails and desert terrain. To enjoy year-round biking, fatbikers realized that a tire that could withstand the resistance of such fine turf compared to forest floor and pavement, was imperative. Today’s fatbikes offer a wider tire allowing the rider to seemingly float across the snow while leaving a rut that is no deeper than one inch thick. To be considered a true “Fatbike,” the bike’s tires are oversized with a typical size of four inch or larger and rims that are wider than 89 millimeters. The bike itself has a wider frame to accommodate larger tires and rims. Because there are several trails and outfitters located in Mt Washington Valley, fatbikers are drawn to this area to enjoy a snow sport that can be as extreme as they wish.

Ice Climbing in Mt Washington Valley

Known for some of the best waterfall ice climbing in the world, it’s no wonder Mt. Washington Valley is home to three outdoor adventure centers and climbing schools and the world-famous MWV Ice Fest. This means there are also many experienced ice climbing guides who know the terrain in the Valley well. Booking a guide experience is a great way to learn of new spots to climb, take in the views from a different perspective, hone in your own ice climbing skills and make new friends, not to mention learn ice climbing skills as a beginner. Between Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School and International Mountain Climbing School, both in North Conway, NH and Northeast Mountaineering in Bartlett, NH there is a wide variety of adventure and experiences for ice climbers in the Mt. Washington Valley. Because all the Mt. Washington Valley climbing schools are located in the home of the tallest peak, Mount Washington, ice climbers here are exposed to a wide variety of weather and terrain. This allows for truly unique climbing opportunities. Learn more about ice climbing in Mt Washington Valley here.

Ice Fishing in Mt Washington Valley

Ice fishing adventures in Mt Washington Valley start with Fish Nerds and Chief Executive Fish Nerd, Clay Groves. Clay is a licensed Fishing Guide with over 20 years of ice fishing experience. In addition, Clay has been an educator for over 20 years and loves teaching new concepts to clients. All fishing equipment, bait and tackle are included and if you ask nice, Clay will cook you a hot lunch while you fish. Fish nerds also offers teen fishing camps and can custom-create the ideal ice fishing experience for you, from ice fishing proposals to picnics on the ice, Fish Nerds is a great option.  Clay Groves podcast series is also a must-try for true ice fishing aficionados.

Snowcoach Tours up Mount Washington

Driven by 4 MaxTracks rather than wheels, Mt Washington Auto Road’s 12-passenger vans are transformed into SnowCoaches seating7 to 9 people for one of the only winter sightseeing opportunities in New England. The Mt. Washington SnowCoach transports guests up to treeline on Mt. Washington, at approximately 4,200 feet, offering insight into a sub-arctic world for a truly unforgettable adventure. Mt. Washington SnowCoaches leave the base area of the Auto Road and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center and climb up about 4.5 miles, or two thirds of the way to the summit. Upon arrival at the “Top of the Tour”, passengers may leave the SnowCoach for a few minutes for photos and video opportunities before climbing back aboard for the downward journey back to the base. True adventurers may strap on snowshoes and make their way back down on their own if they choose. At times views are breathtaking overlooking the protected Great Gulf Wilderness and the Presidential mountain range. At other times high winds and snow can be experienced allowing passengers to witness the extreme conditions which Mount Washington is renowned for. Don’t worry, though, at all times the warmth and safety of the SnowCoach are just steps away. Advance reservations are available for the first tour of the day at 9:00am, all other tickets are sold first come, first served as guests arrive throughout the day. Click here for complete fare information and to view video insight into this great winter sightseeing adventure.

Tubing in Mt Washington Valley

You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the thrill of going downhill.  Mt Washington Valley is home to four tubing parks and hills. And while they are all located within ski resorts, you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy them.  You’ll fly, spin, and glide down groomed tubing lanes, and the best part of all is you don’t need any special skills or lessons!  Just jump on the inflated ring and go. The Cranmore Adventure Park offers up a 10-lane mega-tubing park, open Fridays through Sundays and during vacation periods too.  King Pine Ski Area’s tubing park has grown famous for its Friday night Torchlight snow tubing under the stars and lights.  Bretton Woods tubing park at the Omni Mount Washington Resort is located near the Stone Pillar Lodge, with tubes available to guests and the public for rentals. And Great Glen Trails offers a tubing hill free for visitors to Great Glen Trails. 

Snowshoeing in Mt Washington Valley, NH

All of Mt Washington Valley’s 6 XC Centers offer snowshoeing trails for those who’d rather not strap skinny skis to their feet and go.  And many of the XC Centers offer guided snowshoe hikes on Saturdays or moonlit guided snowshoe tours on selected weekends.  Check the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce master calendar for snowshoe tours. Snowshoe rentals are plentiful via the XC Centers’ rental shops too.  And the MWV Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation hosts one of the only snowshoe scramble races found in New England.  Rained out earlier this winter, the Mt Washington Valley, the Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble originally scheduled on January 13th was rescheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2018.

As you can see, there is no shortage of snow sport options for non-skiers in Mt Washington Valley.  To plan your next winter adventure getaway, visit www.MtWashigntonValley.org for all the lodging, dining, tax-free shopping, and snow sports options you could want.  For personalized vacation planning advice, call 1-800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH).  And to learn more about all that New Hampshire offers for winter getaways, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photos available upon request of visit the online Flickr photo gallery for hundreds of photos for your use with attribution.  Photo above credited to Wiseguy Creative Photography.