Press Kit
Calendar of Events in Mt. Washington Valley, NH January - May, 2019
News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – December 24, 2016
Contact: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org
Mt Washington Valley’s 2019 Calendar of Annual Events - January - May, 2019
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.
To read about events that take place from June through December in Mt Washington Valley, NH, click here.
January, 2019
Every Saturday, starting Jan 5 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. Enjoy live entertainment in Zips Pub for adults every Saturday too. Info: Click here.
Every Saturday, starting Jan 5-end of season: Après Ski Parties at Bretton Woods: Just because the sun goes down at 4:00pm doesn’t mean your day has to end. Come on up and listen to some après ski entertainment and try a new brew at Slopeside Pub located on the 3rd level of the Bretton Woods Base Lodge. Entertainment and beer promos will be from 3:00pm-5:30pm every weekend. No worries, there’s also a kid-version too. Take the kids to Kid’s Après Ski parties and then enjoy the adult version too. Info: Adult parties, Kids Après Ski parties.
Throughout January: Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month: Does your New Year’s resolution include more outdoor fun? Enjoy a specially priced introduction to skiing or riding on select dates including lesson, equipment rentals and trail pass or beginner ticket for Alpine and XC skiing. Check with individual ski resorts/XC Centers for offers: Info: www.SkiMWV.com.
Jan 5: Winter Trails Day at Bretton Woods Nordic Center: Celebrate Winter Trails Day in style at the Omni Mount Washington Resort’s Nordic Center. Enjoy a day on our finely groomed trail network in the shadow of the majestic Presidential Mountain Range on skis, snowshoes, or a fat tire bike! Info: www.brettonwoods.com.
Jan 18, Feb 15, March 15: Shoes and Brews at Bretton Woods Ski Area: Join us for this mountain top snowshoe tour taking place on select Fridays throughout the ski season. Explore the snow drifts and high country trail system with our experienced guides. As part of the tour, enjoy a beverage and the view by the fire. Info: www.BrettonWoods.com .
Jan 19: 9th Annual Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble: This annual Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble 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, check-in between 8:30-9:00am. Online registration opens December 1st. Advance registration is $15. Registration after January 8th will be $20. Info: http://www.mwvskitouring.org/SnowshoeScramble/index.html .
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 – mind you, they always sell out. All tickets will be held for pickup at the door. Open each day from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm. This is a 21+ event. Info: www.stonehurstmanor.com/library-lounge/ice-bar.
January 20, 2019, February 17, 20 & 24: Sunrise SnowCoach Tours: Experienced SnowCoach drivers will take you to treeline (weather permitting) at 4,200 feet on the Mt. Washington Auto Road for a chance to watch the sun rise. Plan to leave promptly at 6:30 am in January and 5:45 am in February from the base lodge and will not hold back the trip as we need to keep a tight schedule throughout the day for all our guests. Even if you don't actually get to the see the sun rise, you can be sure the early morning lighting at treeline will make for incredible and unforgettable scenes. Although you are riding in a heated van, you should dress warm as you will have an opportunity to get out of the SnowCoach for pictures and to experience the weather on Mount Washington. Full info & reservations: click here.
Jan 25-26: 19th 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 the finished creations be sure to come back on Sunday. during the weekend there will be scavenger hunts for the kids, and other exciting things to do Look forward to during the weekend there will be scavenger hunts for the kids, and other exciting things to do throughout the weekend, and a torch light parade at Black Mountain too. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/1050/Snow-Sculpting-Competition.
Jan 26: Otto Rhode Ski Mountaineering Race on the MW Auto Road: This ski mountaineering event will begin at noon (facility will open for use at 8:30am) and you can race or skin socially at your own pace -- to any distance you so choose. Those crazy enough to bag the summit will go 7.6 miles and earn bragging rights for the longest vertical foot descent back to the Auto Road Toll House (4,618 feet to be exact). Others can hit treeline at 4 miles (and warm-up in a SnowCoach). Whatever you do, there’ll be have hot showers, beer, food, live music, and prizes, all back at the Base Lodge from 4-7pm - all as part of one ticket. Info: Click here.
February, 2019
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 1: Go Red for Women 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, rentals and a Go Red Dress pin. Help raise heart disease awareness. Info: Click here.
Feb 9: Kid’s Skifest at Great Glen Trails: Winter fun on skis for the whole family! Try out the maze, bicycle bumps, and junior jump at the Skier Discovery Zone! Games, team relays, and a scavenger hunt with prizes on trails to the Great Angel Cabin! Beginner lessons and a lollipop race for new skiers. Lunch in our cozy Base Lodge, storytelling, and tubing all day! Parents are welcome and encouraged to take part in all activities offered. Registration includes a trail pass, lunch, and activities all day. Register in advance, and kids rental skis are free, adults 1/2 off. Info: https://greatglentrails.com/kids-ski-fest.
Feb 9: 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. Après ski fun in the Lostbo Pub includes Best Pick Up Line contests and more. Info: https://www.blackmt.com/events.
Feb 9: Sweetheart Race at King Pine: Race with your sweetheart for the best-combined time! Sign up in the Fireplace Room from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored by Bavarian Chocolate Haus! Info: https://www.kingpine.com/events/sweetheart-race-1.
Feb 16: Torchlight Parade at Wildcat: Ski Patrol and Ski School will journey down the hill just after dusk (5:30-6:00pm) to form the Torchlight Parade. This is a great event that brings families and friends together on the ski mountain. Info: Click here.
Feb 17-23 & Feb 24-March 1: 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: https://www.kingpine.com/events/overnight-ski-camp-%E2%80%93-week-1-0
Feb 19-23: 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 19: 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: https://www.skiwildcat.com/event/kittylitter-cardboardboxrace/
Feb 20: 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: https://www.skiwildcat.com/event/9lives-lunchtrayluge/ .
Feb 23: Crazy Hat Day at Wildcat: Design your own or dig deep into your closets and imagination the craziest, weirdest, wackiest, funniest, hat you can wear for Crazy Hat Day. Meet on the front lawn at 11am where the winner will take home the Grand Prize. Info: click here.
Feb 26: 30th Annual Mt Washington Valley Chocolate Tour: Named among the 11 Most Delicious Chocolate Tours Around the World by Epicure & Culture, 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 too. Info: http://www.mwvskitouring.org/Chocolate-Festival.html.
March, 2019
March 1 – 3: Annual Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race at Cranmore: The Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race combines the best of skiing today with the warm nostalgia of yesterday. It honors the founding father of ski instruction, Austrian Hannes Schneider, who brought his world-renowned skills to North Conway and Mt. Cranmore in 1939. Schneider introduced skiing fun and excitement to millions around the globe. Participation in this event helps fund the collection and conservation of our skiing heritage exhibited at the New England Ski Museum for the purpose of research, education, and entertainment. If you can ski around a few gates on intermediate terrain, you are invited to participate in the race…and win! The names of the winning team and individuals will be inscribed on the handsome Hannes Schneider Meister Cup trophy on permanent display in the New England Ski Museum. Race format: Dual GS Race Format on Lower Intermediate Terrain, race classes: from 13 & Under to 90 plus. Compete information: https://www.cranmore.com/The-Mountain/Mountain-Events/Hannes-Schneider-Meister-Cup-Race.
March 2: 45th Annual Mt Washington Cup Race at Bretton Woods XC Center: This year marks the Sapphire Anniversary of our annual 10k Freestyle (skate ski) Race, which is part of the ZAK Cup Series. Located on the grounds of the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort and the White Mountain National Forest, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center is one of the largest cross country areas in the East. The 100-km trail network crosses open fields, meanders through woods of spruce and fir, passes beaver ponds and mountain streams, and traverses open hardwood stands. Info: call 603.278.3322 or to register online, please visit www.skireg.com/45th-annual-mt-washington-cup-skate-race.
March 2: Crazy Catwalk Challenge at Wildcat: Prizes will be given out for the fastest time through the Crazy Cat Walk Challenge course. The course will be setup by 11:00 and go until 1:00. Prizes will be given out at 1:15 next to the course! Info: Click here.
March 3: Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds: This challenging event takes place at Great Glen Trails and the snow covered Mt. Washington Auto Road. Long referred to as “North America’s Toughest 10K”, the Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds course has an average grade of 12% over the last 6K as you climb the final 2,200 vertical feet. After covering 4k on the Nordic system, racers will have the historical Mt. Washington Auto Road to themselves as remarkable views of the Presidential Range and beyond are revealed. On race day, there will be a mass start of cross country skiers at 10 am, followed by the snowshoe start at 10:05 am and Fatbikers at 10:10 am. Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds is considered a true freestyle event, there will not be separate classes for classic and skate skiing. This is NOT an event for inexperienced fatbikers, skiers or snowshoers! Info: Click here.
March 9-10, 2019: Annual 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 at Attitash and Wildcat Mountains. Parade of military flags and Battle of the Branches ski race are among some of the activities. For a full schedule of on-snow activities including a parade of the branches and race of the branches, click here: https://www.attitash.com/event/militarysalute/.
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 15: Red Parka Challenge Cup at Attitash: The Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup is the longest-running, pro-style dual giant slalom ski race in the United States. Considered the premier New England Amateur ski race, the RPP Challenge Cup attracts some of the best racers in the region. All proceeds from the race benefit the Eastern Slopes Ski Club, a local organization that funds youth skiing in the Mt. Washington Valley. The Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup stems from the Red Parka Pub, located in Downtown Glen, New Hampshire. The restaurant opened its doors in 1973 and along with the pub came the birth of the first Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup. Registration: More information on the race at redparkapubchallengecup.com.
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 23: Spring Splash Bash at Cranmore: How far can you make it across the splash pool? Will you sink, skim or splash? Plus, live music, prizes, giveaways and more! Info: www.Cranmore.com .
March 30: 32nd Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods Ski Area: Join in for Bretton Wood’s 32nd Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods. Spring skiing, live music, BBQ, & après ski fun! Don’t forget about the annual Slush Pool event. Break out the beach attire and hit the slopes for just $35! (Special tickets available at ticket windows and online). Info: www.BrettonWoods.com.
March 31: 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/pond-skimming.
March 30: Annual Pond Skimming at Attitash: The last event of the season and a rite of passage for skiers and riders who attempt to make it across the pond without falling. If you’re not up to the challenge, no worries. This is a fun event for spectators. For complete schedule, click here.
April, 2019
April 5: Art Celebrates Place: The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust presents the 10th annual Arts Celebrates Place event from 5-7:30 pm at the Leura Eastman PAC at Fryeburg Academy. Showcasing the work of local artists and the landscapes of the Mount Washington Valley and western Maine. Enjoy it’s an evening of local foods, drinks, original artwork, and live performance, all in support of land conservation. Free Admission. Info: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.
April 6: 16th Annual Mt Washington Valley Chili Cook off: Calling all foodie adventure lovers to join us to kick off our spring season here in the Mt. Washington Valley for the 16th Annual Chili Cookoff. There will be plenty of Chili and Cornbread to keep you fueled for a day of fun and festivities. Plus, there’s music, some sweet treats and discount offerings along the North Conway Village Red Hot Stops route. For you early risers, start the day with the White Mountain Milers for the Feelin' Good 5K to work up your appetite. Info:
northconwaychilicookoff.com.
April 13: 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 13: Wildcat Pond Skim: Get ready to get wet and have some fun in the spring time. This event is just as good for the spectators as it is for the competitors doing their best to make it across the pond. Costumes are suggested not required. 8:30-11:00am Registration Located at Guest Services. Absolutely No Registering Outside at the Event. Free to Enter Event. Must be 48" or Taller to Participate. From noon to 1:00pm Pond is open to registered Skimmers; skim as many times as you would like for one hour. Info: https://www.skiwildcat.com/event/wildcat-pondskim/.
April 13: Easter on the Green at Settlers Green: Arts and crafts event – decorate an Easter egg then go on an Easter Treasure Hunt at participating stores. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
April 15: Patriot’s Day at Bretton Woods: Come for the final day of the 18-19 season and celebrate a year of skiing and riding with $17.76 lift tickets AND receive a return voucher to kick off the next season. Voucher valid opening day through Dec. 13, 2019. (Special tickets available at ticket windows and online). Info: www.BrettonWoods.com.
April 19-21: 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.
April 20-21: Easter Bunny Express on the Conway Scenic RR: All aboard the Valley Train to Conway, where there will be a children’s Easter egg hunt. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
May, 2019
May 12: Moms Golf & Fly Free at Omni Mt Washington Resort: Treat Mom to a complimentary Canopy Tour on Sunday, May 12 with the purchase of an accompanying full-price Canopy Tour. Based on availability and space is limited—call 603.278.4ZIP (4947) to make your reservation. In addition, Mom’s green fees are free on Mother’s Day with an accompanying paying player! Special is subject to opening day of Golf Center. (Reservations are required; call 603-278-4653 to set up a tee time!).
May 12: Mother’s Day on Conway Scenic RR: Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride with complimentary appetizers or treat Mom and yourself to an elegant brunch in one of the beautiful dining cars Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
May 17-20: Victoria Day & Memorial Day Sidewalk Sales at Settlers Green: Stock up on summer apparel, shoes, gifts and more at dozens of sidewalk sales offering extra value at Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing. Complimentary Canadian flags available at Customer Service, while supplies last. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
May 21: 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 takes place at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort and includes plenty of opportunities for networking with businesses and potential customers, educational workshops, a silent auction, cocktails and plenty of comradery. Info: www.MtWashingtonValley.org.
May 24-27: 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.
May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale at Settlers Green: Celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Dozens of sidewalk sales across Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing. Complimentary American flags available at Customer Service, while supplies last. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
May 25: Alton Weagle Day on Mt Washington Auto Road: Alton Weagle had a passion for Mt. Washington. To show his passion, he climbed the Mt. Washington Auto Road in a number of unique ways: by car, on foot, walking backwards, blindfolded and finally pushing a wheelbarrow full of sugar…just to name a few. This day honors his spirit and the spirit of all the camels, Segway’s and even the odd pogo sticks that have been the first up the mountain - think you’re up to it? You are invited to dream up a “first ascent” of some kind and run the idea by the good folks at the Auto Road. You just may get invited to celebrate with the rest of the innovative climbers. Send an email with your first ascent idea to info@mt-washington.com. Info: https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/alton-weagle-day.
May 26: Wildquack Duck Festival in Jackson: As if the Duck Races, Food Vendors, Kids Games, Traveling Train Rides, Face Painting, Parade Watching and more was not enough... this year performances by local favorites (TBA) will be added. Duck Race time for Big Ducks is 1:45 PM and then the Regular and Olympic Ducks go down the river promptly at 2 PM. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/1200/Wildquack-Duck-Race--Music-Festival.
To learn more about June through December, 2019 events, click here.
For more information on planning vacations to Mt Washington Valley, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE0-NH). To make plans for a New Hampshire getaway, go to www.VisitNH.gov.
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Photo attached by WiseguyCreative.com. Please ask permission before using.
Photos available in the online photo gallery. Click here.
To request specific photos, contact Marti Mayne at PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org.