Archive for the ‘New Hampshire skiing’ Category

Dogsledding, X-Country Skiing, Snowmobiling in New Hampshire’s Grand North

February 25, 2015
Conditions are simply perfect for cross country, snowshoeing or whatever you choose at Great Glen!

Conditions are simply perfect for cross country, snowshoeing or whatever you choose at Great Glen!

With winter in full swing now, New Hampshire Grand, the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains, is highlighting winter fun, including the Snodeo, the Great North Woods Vintage Series, Ski and Shoe to the Clouds, Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon and the Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge. Along with these events and more, the Grand North features plenty of opportunities to get outside—and inside—this winter.

“There is never a dull moment when it comes to wintertime activities in New Hampshire’s Grand North,” said Karl Stone, NH Grand Marketing Manager. “Once again we’re enjoying another great season of snowmobiling, dog sled racing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Pair this with outstanding dining, opportunities to relax, and breathtaking beauty, and New Hampshire’s Grand North offers a spectacular vacation destination, close to home.”

Snowmobiling
Riding snowmobiles manufactured prior to 1973, racers will hit the throttle for 10 laps during The Great North Woods Vintage Series race in Errol on February 21. Now in its 8th season, the four-race series, which culminates in Pittsburg on March 14, gives snowmobile racers the opportunity to tune up their old sleds and take a step back in time. The roar of the engines and the speed of the racers is sure to bring excitement to all ages.

For plenty of fun and excitement, check out the 23rd annual SnoDeo, one of the premier snowmobile events in the Northeast drawing about 6,000 snowmobile enthusiasts. Taking place the weekend of March 6 and 7, this event gives snowmobilers the chance to check out the latest and greatest snowmobiles. The event, which takes place at Coleman State Park, began in 1993 as a fundraiser for the Swift Diamond Rider’s Club.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross country skiers and snowshoers who are up for a challenge may compete at this year’s Ski and Shoe to the Clouds. Dubbed North America’s toughest 10K, Ski to the Clouds, which takes place March 1, takes racers up the steep slopes of Mount Washington, offering a challenging opportunity to push yourself to new heights.

On March 8, the Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon offers long-distance cross-country skiers an opportunity to compete against some of the stiffest competition in the region. Hosted by Bretton Woods Nordic Center on the grounds of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this event features marathon and half marathon distances. Since 2009, cross country skiers have hit the trails in this annual race on one of the largest Nordic systems in the northeast between the Mount Washington Hotel, the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and Bretton Woods.

Dogsledding
For a uniquely-New Hampshire experience, The Great North Woods Sled Dog Challenge offers a weekend of dog-sledding fun and excitement for all. The three-stage race kicks off at Back Lake Road in Pittsburg on March 13. Dogsled teams continue from Pittsburg to the Mahoosuc Inn in Milan before finishing at the Colebrook Country Club on March 15.

Or, maybe you would like to see the view from a dogsled yourself? Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson offers a variety of tours and adventures, ranging from two-hour trips to full-day trips.

Relaxing Outdoor Fun
Enjoy some relaxing family fun with a sleigh ride at Bear Tree in Pittsburg. Take in the Grand North’s scenic, wintertime beauty as a team of Clydesdales does all the work. Rides will take place Saturday afternoons through March 1, which makes for a great Valentine’s Day date, February 14.  

Looking for a more relaxing snowshoeing experience? Starlit Snowshoe Tours at Great Glen Trails offer great family fun under the stars of northern New Hampshire. A guide will help snowshoers navigate unlit trails using the stars as beacons in the night. Snowshoers ages 8 and up are welcome.

Hitch a ride on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach and take in Mount Washington in all its snow-covered glory. Relying on a 4-track, all-wheel-powered drive-train, the SnowCoach takes passengers to treeline at about 4,200 feet in elevation, providing a glimpse into a sub-arctic world.

Indoor Relaxation
After a day of fun outside, it is time to warm those red cheeks and numb fingers. Pop over to the family-owned Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton for a hot meal and a cold, craft brew. The Grand North’s brewpub, which boasts a selection of 14 beers and great food, is a continental European-artisanal brewery.

Schedule a massage at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. With a full array of massage options, treat yourself as you unwind and work out the kinks after a long day in the fresh mountain air.

Warm up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the Moose Muck Coffee House in Colebrook. Have a hot sandwich or cup of soup while you’re at it. And maybe throw in a piece of key lime pie as well. Moose Muck relies on local ingredients whenever possible.

For more information on NH Grand, visit www.nhgrand.com, New Hampshire Grand on Facebook, and NH Grand on Twitter. To sign up for the monthly e-newsletters, visit http://www.nhgrand.com/newsletter-sign-up/default.aspx.

 

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New Hampshire Ski Areas Loaded with Snow & Plenty of Activities for February Vacation Weeks

February 12, 2015

 

Freestyle daredevils can test their skills on the Bag Jump at Cannon Mtn, Feb. 14-17.

Freestyle daredevils can test their skills on the Bag Jump at Cannon Mtn, Feb. 14-17.

LINCOLN, NH –New Hampshire ski areas, enjoying record amounts of snowfall, offer scores of events and deals, particularly in the upcoming February vacation weeks, and some of the best conditions ever.

While skiers and riders will be drawn to the New Hampshire mountains for the fresh powder and soft skiing conditions, most resorts also offer exciting activities for non-skiers as well as a host of events to compliment great conditions. Here are some highlights of vacation week events and activities at New Hampshire ski areas:

  • Family Fun Weeks at Bretton Woods that include ice skating, tubing, movies, storytelling & songs, snowman building, s’mores parties and more.
  • Snowshoe & S’mores at Loon Mountain, an après-ski adventure involving a lift ride mid-mountain, guided snowshoe hike to the rustic Camp III lodge, and a feast of hors d’oeuvres, hot cocoa, and s’mores around a crackling fire.
  • Saturday Night Pay-One-Price (POP) Program at Pats Peak, in which guests have access to skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, lesson tips, rentals, bonfires, and entertainment from 3pm to 10pm.
  • Winter Carnival at King Pine Ski Area, featuring sleigh rides, snowshoe tours, Silly Slalom, Belly Bag Races, Family Challenge Races, Gold Rush, Kids Fun Race, and more.
  • Cranapalooza après-ski activities at Cranmore Mountain Resort, including entertainment, s’mores, face painting, Cranmore’s mascot C-More, and fireworks.
  • Freestyle events at Cannon Mountain including the return of the Bag Jump and the second event of the Bern Freeride Series.

“Now is the time to come to New Hampshire to take advantage of all the new snow,” said Jessyca Keeler, Ski NH’s executive director. “For those who haven’t skied or simply haven’t skied in a while, our ski areas will have plenty of ski school staff on hand over the vacation weeks to teach people of all ages how to love winter.”

Details on these and many more events and activities – including Valentine’s Day specials and events – can be found at www.SkiNH.com. Guests can also find information about tickets and deals, weather and conditions, resort activities, lodging and lessons.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

 

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Ski NH Selling ‘Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets’ Offer Savings Up to 45% Off if Purchased by Sept 14

September 5, 2014

SkiNH-Waterville Valley e4

Ski NH is selling its popular Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets, which offer some of the best lift ticket deals available all year at New Hampshire alpine ski resorts.

Skiers and snowboarders who purchase their tickets by the early season deadline of September 14 can save between 20-45% off weekend and holiday rates. Better yet, tickets are fully transferable to family and friends, and can be used any day of the 2014-15 ski season.
Early season tickets are available at six price points: $18, $28, $45, $56 and $67 per ticket, and tickets must be purchased in minimum packages of six total tickets. Customers can purchase as many as they’d like until quantities run out, and they can also mix tickets up from different ski areas to enjoy a sampling of what New Hampshire has to offer. Tickets are only available for purchase online at SkiNH.com.
“Ski NH’s Anywhere, Anytime Lift Tickets are an awesome deal for skiers and riders. The fact that they’re transferable and can be used anytime during the season make them ideal gifts,” said Jessyca Keeler, Ski NH Executive Director. “But people shouldn’t wait until the holidays to buy, because quantities are limited and we sell out of many resort tickets long before the first frost.”
Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com.

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Bromley, Cranmore, and Jiminy Peak Offer Free Lessons, Lifts, Rentals to First Timers on Sunday, Mar. 9, 2014

February 14, 2014

If ever there was a time to learn to ski or snowboard in the Northeast, that time is Sunday, March 9, 2014, when three New England resorts showcase for free their new Terrain Based Learning (TBL) programs to first time skiers and snowboarders. No small print. No hidden fees. Just register in advance, show up, get professionally fitted in free rental gear, and have access to instructors for 90 minutes at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass., Bromley Resort in Peru, Vt., and Cranmore Resort in North Conway, N.H.

It’s a first for the TBL Program at these resorts, and a first in at least a decade that beginners are being invited to enjoy winter as guests of the resorts’ ski schools. All three host resorts are part of the Fairbank Group based at Jiminy Peak which has made a major commitment to learning by rethinking the process of transforming beginners into skiers or snowboarders on fun, specially designed fear-free slopes.

Terrain features such as rollers, half-pipes, and banks are carved into the surface to serve almost like training wheels to build confidence in sliding on snow, said Ben Wilcox, president and general manager of Cranmore Resort. “Once beginners learn the fundamentals, they progress to the rest of the mountain much faster.”

Adds Tyler Fairbank, president of Fairbank Group, “Through this unprecedented offer, we hope to capitalize on the buzz created by the Winter Games. What’s more, it will be a little warmer, a little sunnier than those days earlier this season when we were all under the spell of the polar vortex. “We believe TBL is a better way to become skiers and snowboarders and hope to expose more beginners to this most intuitive and enjoyable way to learn,” Fairbank says.

First time skiers and snowboarders, ages six and up, must register in advance at their preferred resort, then upon arrival will receive complimentary equipment rental, a rental helmet, and a beginners’ lift ticket valid all day after the 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon instruction ($89 value). They will also receive a discount on additional lessons, lift tickets, and rentals through the end of the 2013-14 winter season.

The offer is limited to the first 150 beginners at each resort. Some other restrictions apply. Terrain Based Learning instruction, now a permanent part of each resort’s learning programs, will continue to be available through the end of the 2013-14 ski season.

For more information online, visit: bromley.com, jiminypeak.com or Cranmore.com. Or call: Bromley (802 824 5522 x 301), Cranmore (603 356 5544 x 333), or Jiminy Peak (413 738 5500 x 3680).

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New Hampshire Ski Areas Celebrate January Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month; Free Week Jan. 11-17

December 23, 2013
Snowboarding at Waterville Valley. Ski New Hampshire resorts are celebrating January as Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Snowboarding at Waterville Valley. Ski New Hampshire resorts are celebrating January as Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

During the month of January, Ski New Hampshire (Ski NH) and its 33 member resorts will participate in a national program to introduce guests to the sports of skiing and snowboarding.  Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month is a program taking place across the United States that features special offers making it easy and affordable for people to learn to ski, snowboard, cross country ski or snowshoe, and for current skiers & snowboarders to enhance their skills by taking lessons from professional instructors.

Among the special offers being featured in New Hampshire is Learn to Ski & Snowboard Free Week from January 11-17. 2014.  During this week, participating NH ski areas will be offering a limited number of free learn to ski or snowboard packages.  These packages include a free beginner lesson, free equipment rentals, and a free beginner lift ticket or trail pass to those who register in advance.  Participants must visit www.SkiNH.com to register and download a Learn to Ski or Ride Free Coupon; they then contact one of the participating areas to make a reservation for a specific day that week.  Registration opens January 2, 2014 at SkiNH.com.  Participating alpine areas include Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Pats Peak, King Pine, Dartmouth Skiway and Granite Gorge; participating cross country areas include Jackson XC, Great Glen Trails, Gunstock Mountain Resort XC, Purity Spring XC, Waterville Valley XC, Pine Hill Ski Club and Bretton Woods XC.

Every day of the ski season, New Hampshire’s ski areas already offer specially-designed learn to ski and snowboard programs to introduce new people to the sport. In addition to these learn to ski and snowboard packages, there will be many other special programs offered during January that normally are not available.  Among these offerings, guests will find free & discounted lift tickets for those who bring a friend to try the sport, special pricing on learn to ski or snowboard packages, and follow-up rewards for first timers who choose to hit the downhill slopes or cross country trails again.  Guests can visit the January Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month section on SkiNH.com for full details & offers.

Nationally the program is being promoted by a consortium of ski industry organizations & media outlets, as well as three well-known national ambassadors: ski icon Glen Plake, New Hampshire’s own Olympic & World Cup champion Bode Miller, and World Cup champion Darren Rahlves.

“Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing & snowshoeing offer a fun & healthy way to get outside and enjoy winter with family and friends,” said Alice Pearce, president of Ski NH.  “As the national slogan says, ‘Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate.'”

To learn more about Ski NH’s January Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month events and New Hampshire’s 33 downhill and cross country resorts, visit www.SkiNH.com

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Ski New Hampshire Lift Ticket Packages, Snowsports Passport Make Ideal Holiday Gifts

December 3, 2013
Snowboarding at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Snowboarding at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Searching for gifts geared towards skiers and snowboarders? Ski NH’s Anywhere, Anytime Lift Ticket Packages offer one of the best gift ideas, especially for those that ski primarily on weekends and during holiday periods. The tickets offer savings of up to $26 off weekend & holiday rates at Ski NH member ski areas. The packages consist of the purchaser’s choice of fully-transferable lift tickets that are valid every day of the 2013-14 ski season. New for this season purchasers have the convenient option of printing their tickets at home or work, ideal for last-minute shopping.

Customers can choose their favorite ski areas or customize a mix of lift tickets to two or more ski areas; tickets are broken down into five price categories of $22, $32, $47, $60 and $70 per ticket. Packages begin at a minimum of six lift tickets and can be purchased in any increment above that. Ski areas included in the offer are Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods (sold out), Cannon Mountain (sold out), Waterville Valley, Mount Sunapee, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain, Pats Peak, Ragged Mountain, Black Mountain, King Pine Ski Area, Dartmouth Skiway, Granite Gorge, and McIntyre Ski Area. Ticket inventory is limited and many areas sell out quickly.  Currently less than 100 tickets remain for four ski areas.

The 4th and 5th Grade Snowsports Passport program is available to any 4th or 5th grade student, regardless of location. The passport costs $35, with a portion donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. The passport consists of one, two, or three lift tickets or trail passes for each of the 33 member resorts of Ski NH, as well as savings on downhill lift tickets and cross country trail passes for parents and siblings, rental packages, lessons and more. To purchase a Ski NH Snowsports Passport, simply complete an application available on SkiNH.com and forward a copy of the child’s report card. Quantities are limited with only 4,000 Snowsports Passports available for the 2013-14 ski season, so it’s best to act sooner than later.

Lift ticket packages and the Snowsports Passport can both be purchased online at SkiNH.com, or by phone (phone orders are subject to a $10 shipping plus processing fee). For more details and to order, visit www.SkiNH.com or call 800-88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464).

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Super Bowl Weekend in New Hampshire Features Uncrowded Slopes, Lift Ticket Deals

January 26, 2013

Though the New England Patriots are not competing in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, February 3 but the good news is that Super Bowl Weekend still provides an ideal opportunity to find great deals on lift tickets to New Hampshire’s ski areas.

On past Super Bowl weekends many guests have elected to pass up skiing and riding even though the game isn’t played until Sunday night at 6:30 pm. As a result, this means less-crowded slopes and an opportunity to enjoy midweek crowds with mid-winter conditions. Ski areas have recognized the popularity of the Super Bowl and many offer lift ticket specials to entice guests. The 6:30 pm kickoff time is also ideal for skiers and riders who want to enjoy a weekend on the snow and still be on the couch for kickoff with plenty of time to spare.

Among the special offers this Super Bowl weekend is the Super Sunday Special at Cannon Mountain where two people can ski or ride for $70 on February 3. Cranmore Mountain Resort is offering a Super Bowl ECoupon that must be printed by midnight the night before from Cranmore.com and is valid for $47 adult lift tickets on February 3. Bretton Woods Ski Area will be offering a limited amount of $30 lift tickets when purchased in advance online at shop.brettonwoods.com. Several specials are available at Gunstock Mountain Resort on February 3 including Souper Bowl Sunday, when guests can bring a can of soup to donate to a local food pantry and receive a 2 for 1 Prime Time Lift Ticket. Guests who wear a piece of clothing with an NFL logo will receive $10 off a Prime Time Lift Ticket and two for one afternoon lift tickets and two for one Zip Tours (1pm and 2pm only) will be available that day as well.

For cross country skiers, Jackson Ski Touring will be hosting Super Bowl Widows’ Weekend on February 3 with two day trail passes available that day for only $21 for groups of three or more guests.

Many New Hampshire areas also regularly offer discounted passes on Sunday afternoons, which should prove to be an outstanding time to hit the slopes with many skiers and riders already at home getting ready for the game. Even if you ski right until 4pm you still have 2 ½ hours until kickoff. Among those areas with Sunday afternoon offers are Black Mountain, King Pine at Purity Spring Resort, Loon Mountain, Mount Sunapee and Waterville Valley. Some of these offers apply to specific groups (like NH residents or kids) so check for full details on the Daily Ticket Deals page at SkiNH.com.

“Because of the popularity of the Super Bowl our ski areas find their slopes and trails relatively quiet that weekend. So, it’s an ideal opportunity to enjoy mid-winter conditions at a discount price, with fewer skiers on the slopes, and still be home in time for the game if you wish,” stated Karl Stone, Ski NH’s Marketing Director.

For a complete list of deals and updated snow conditions, visit SkiNH.com or XCSkiNH.com.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

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Ski New Hampshire Offers Holiday 4-Pack Lift Ticket Packages Available through Dec. 20

November 20, 2012

Snowboarding at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Ski New Hampshire is offering discounted Holiday 4-Packs lift ticket packages © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Ski NH introduces a new lift ticket package just in time for holiday shopping. Holiday 4-Packs are available only until December 20 and offer a savings of $10-$26 off weekend/holiday lift tickets. Tickets are fully-transferable, making them an excellent gift idea for family, friends or even the gift giver!

The Holiday 4-Pack consists of four or more fully-transferable lift tickets which are valid any day during the 2012-13 ski season, including holidays and weekends. Tickets must be selected to at least two different ski areas, with no more than 50% of the tickets from one ski area and are broken down into five price categories of $20, $30, $45, $58 and $68 per ticket.

Ski areas included in the offer are Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Mount Sunapee, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain, Pats Peak, Ragged Mountain, Black Mountain, King Pine Ski Area, Dartmouth Skiway, Granite Gorge, and McIntyre Ski Area.

Since there are limited ticket quantities available, skiers and riders should make their purchase sooner than later to be sure to get their favorite ski areas. For details on Ski NH’s 4-Pack Lift Ticket Packages and to order, visit http://www.SkiNH.com or call 800-88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464).

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

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Ski New Hampshire Resorts Offer Deals, Special Events for February Vacation Weeks

February 15, 2012

Snowboarding at Waterville Valley. New Hampshire ski resorts now have a deep base of snow for skiing and riding, and special deals and events for the February vacation © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

The slow snow start of the 2011-12 ski season is now a distant memory with a deep base of snow statewide. The upcoming February school vacation weeks offer kids and families of all ages an opportunity to enjoy the fun part of winter along with special events at the state’s ski resorts.

Thanks to intense snowmaking efforts over the past three months, New Hampshire’s ski areas have made the most of a winter that has brought below-normal snowfall totals to most of the United States. Although many New England residents have bare ground in their yards, most of New Hampshire has natural snow on the ground and alpine areas have enhanced natural snowfall with hundreds of hours of snowmaking. As a result, not only are the downhill conditions surprisingly good, most of New Hampshire’s cross country ski areas are also open with over 450 kilometers of trails available.

“It’s very easy to look out your window at home and assume that the ski areas may not have much snow, which really is an unfortunate misconception. Thanks to cooler temperatures, we’ve retained much of the natural snow that has fallen and ski areas have spared no expense utilizing modern snowmaking technology to pile the snow deep over the past few months,” stated Alice Pearce, Ski NH’s president.

Vacation weeks allow families to enjoy time together and take advantage of the fun part of winter in New England. Ski areas realize that and offer a variety of activities to entertain everyone. Special events are scheduled through the week including fireworks displays, family ski races, après ski entertainment for adults and kids, and much more. For a complete list visit SkiNH.com.

Among the offerings are Disney’s Get Out and Play with giveaways, games and more at Gunstock on February 18. King Pine at Purity Spring Resort will host Retro Day and a Scavenger Hunt on February 19. The Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge family-friendly race series visits Black Mountain, Crotched Mountain, and Mount Sunapee over the holiday break. Live music and auctions are part of the Childhood Cancer Lifeline Event at Pats Peak on February 25-26.

New Hampshire’s ski areas also continue to offer a wide variety of year-round attractions for guests. Among the non-skiing activities offered are mountain coasters, zip line rides, canopy tours, giant swings, dog sled and sleigh rides, ice skating and much more.

Although it may be considered a holiday period at resorts, many discount offers are still available. Ski NH’s Anywhere, Anytime Lift Ticket Packages offer $11-$21 off of holiday lift ticket rates, are valid anyday, and are fully-transferable so they can be shared with family and friends. Many ski areas also have daily lift ticket specials, discounts for buying online in advance, family deals and much more. Visit SkiNH.com for full details on all of these February vacation offers.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 38 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

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New Hampshire Ski Resorts offer Super Deals for Super Bowl Weekend

January 27, 2012

Snowboarding down a trail at Waterville Valley, a premeir New Hampshire ski resort. New Hampshire mountain resorts are offering super deals for Super Bowl weekend © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

The New England Patriots and New York Giants will face off in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5. The Super Bowl is a traditional occasion for family and friends to gather to enjoy the game. The 6:30 pm kickoff time is ideal for skiers and riders who want to enjoy a weekend on the snow and still be on the couch for kickoff with plenty of time to spare.

During past Patriots’ Super Bowl appearances many guests have elected to pass up skiing and riding that weekend even though the game isn’t played until Sunday night. As a result, this means less-crowded slopes and an opportunity to enjoy midweek crowds with mid-winter conditions. Ski areas have also recognized the popularity of the Super Bowl and many offer lift ticket specials to entice guests.

Among the special offers this Super Bowl weekend is the Super Sunday Special at Cannon Mountain where two people can ski or ride for $68 on February 5. King Pine at Purity Spring Resort will be offering half-day, morning lift tickets for $22 for adults and $15 for juniors on February 5. Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain will be offering $46 all-day lift tickets on February 5. Cranmore Mountain Resort is offering a Super Bowl ECoupon that must be printed in advance from Cranmore.com and is valid for $47 adult, $37 teen, and $32 child lift tickets on February 5. Show up at Gunstock Mountain Resort with your Patriots gear on and receive $12 off a full price adult ticket on February 5. In celebration of Super Bowl XLVI, Waterville Valley will be offering $46 lift tickets for adults and $15 for ages 12 and under on February 5. Ragged Mountain will be offering two-for-one full price lift tickets on February 5.

For cross country skiers Jackson Ski Touring will be hosting Super Bowl Widows Weekend with 50% off one or two day trails passes for groups of three or more women. Pine Hill XC Ski Club in New London will be offering a pre-Super Bowl Two Trail Passes for One promotion.

Many New Hampshire areas also regularly offer discounted passes on Sunday afternoons, which should prove to be an outstanding time to hit the slopes with many skiers and riders already at home on the couch. Even if you ski right until 4pm you still have 2 ½ hours until kickoff. Among those areas with Sunday afternoon offers are Attitash Mountain Resort, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Crotched Mountain, King Pine at Purity Spring Resort, Loon Mountain, Mount Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, Waterville Valley and Wildcat Mountain. Some of these offers apply to specific groups (like NH residents or kids) so please check for full details on the Daily Ticket Deals page at SkiNH.com.

“The first year or two the Patriots made the Super Bowl, we noticed some extra space on the slopes. Now that the Patriots make this almost an annual tradition, the ski areas have gotten creative with some incredible deals. Super Bowl weekend provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy mid-winter conditions at a discount price, with fewer skiers on the slopes, and still be home in time for the game,” stated Karl Stone, Ski NH’s Marketing Director.

For a complete list of deals and updated snow conditions, visit SkiNH.com or XCSkiNH.com.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 38 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com.

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www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin