About The Snow Wildcat Mountain - Tom Caughy

Snow Much Fun in the Mt. Washington Valley
Anything is Possible!

Welcome to Mt Washington Valley, New England's premier snow sports playground.  Here we're all about the snow! The 13 ski resorts and XC Centers in Mt Washington Valley are all within a half-hour of North Conway, named among the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic in 2012.   

Looking for exclusive offers for Canadian travelers?  Scroll down to the bottom for package offers.

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CONTEST OF THE WEEK

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Alpine Ski Resorts

XC Centers

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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: 

Mt Washington Valley ski resorts are celebrating snow this year!  Nearly 200 inches have fallen in places throughout the Valley during this ski season and more is on its way throughout the winter.

This photo of perfectly groomed corderoy with a view comes from Wildcat Mountain on 3/27/'13 by Dave Lennon. 

Just in time to welcome spring, Mt Washington Valley ski resorts and XC Centers got another 12" - 17" of snow on March 19-20. Our friends at Great Glen Trails celebrated by extending the season to the end of March.  This photo was taken on 3-20-13 by Meg Skidmore.

Just in case you're wondering if there's still snow in Mt Washington Valley, check out this phototaken at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation by Thom Perkins at Sunrise on 3-14-13.

And this one taken at Bretton Woods on 3-13-13.  Look how deep into the snow those skis go! (they are 163cm long!).  Thanks for the photo, Mark Butterfield!

Nordic skiers took to the trails at Bretton Woods XC Center on March 9 for the annual Ski Marathon. This photo was taken by Mark Butterfield.

The tree skiing at Wildcat is fabulous. Photo by Laura Tuveson.

    ABOUT THE SNOW ADVICE FOR THE WEEK

What's Happening at ski resorts and XC Centers?

March 29, 2013 update:

In addition to last week's snowfall, snowmaking continues around the clock as temps allow!  Click here for details. 

There's still dons of skiing in Mt Washington Valley.  We welcomed even more natural snowfall this week.  Here's a look at what's open. 

Attitash - 67 trails; 6 lifts. Base depth: 18" - 36". Season snowfall total: 106". 

Black Mountain - Closed for the season.

Bretton Woods - 100 trails; 5 lifts. Base depth: 15" - 48". Season snowfall total: 161". 

Cranmore - 55 trails; 4 lifts. Base depth: 19" - 39". Season snowfall total: 80". 

King Pine - 17 trails; 5 lifts. Base depth: 18" - 30".  Season snowfall 75". 

Shawnee Peak - 35 trails; 5 lifts.  Base depth:  25-30".  Season snowfall 82"

Wildcat - 47 trails; 2 lifts. Base depth: 24" - 48". Season snowfall total: 202". New snow: 2" in the past 24 hours

 Here's a look at the amount of xc ski and snowshoe terrain now open at the Valley's 6 XC centers:

Bear Notch Ski Touring : 65 km open with 45 km classic groomed and 50 km skate groomed. Base depth: 14" - 21".  New Snow: 11" in past 4 days.

Bretton Woods Nordic: 100km total wtih 40km classic groomed and 60k skate groomed. Base depth: 4"-12". New Snow: " in th3e past 6 days.

Great Glen Trails: 45 km open with 20 km classic groomed and 22 km skate groomed. Base depth: 9" - 17".  New snow: 16" in past 6 days.

Jackson Ski Touring: 142 km total with 42 km classic groomed and 28 km skate groomed. Base depth: 2" - 25".

Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring: Closed for the season. 

Purity Spring XC and Snowshoe Reserve: Closed for the season.

 Check out the Snow Reports in the side bar or visit  www.AboutTheSnow.com for the most up-to-date snow conditions and information. 

 SKI NH FORECAST from Mt Washington Obervatory  March 29, 2013:

A weak trough of low pressure will drop south across the state today bringing continued clouds in the skies along with several scattered showers. Temperatures on the onset will be cold enough for most to see snow showers but as daytime warming takes effect, snow showers will transition to rain showers or drizzle for all but the far north and the higher terrain Heading into Saturday, drier air from a building high will work in. This will allow for a clearing pattern and milder temperatures around the state, with some southern areas possibly flirting with the 50s by the afternoon. The perfect spring skiing day! As the high slides offshore, skies will continue to clear overnight and a return flow will set in allowing for milder temperatures to continue. 

On Easter Sunday this set up will allow for a sunny start with temperatures well into the 40s and 50s around the state. However, clouds will be back on the increase over the course of the day Sunday as a cold front approaches from the west. Precipitation with the front will spread in overnight and will pick up in intensity heading into Monday as a weak low riding along the front is lifted north. Precipitation is looking like rain in the south and snow in the far north and on the higher terrain. The system will swing northeast Monday night but an upper level low approaching from the northwest will continue to keep unsettled weather as well as a return of colder weather for the midweek time frame

 For the complete Ski NH Outdoor Lovers weather forecast, click here        

 Where to find deals

Big news! TripIndex and North Conway, NH was rated the #1 best value ski town in the Northeast!

TripAdvisor TripIndex Ski highlights the combined average cost of common ski trip expenses including a one-night hotel stay, a single-day lift ticket, a basic ski equipment rental package, and a meal at a local restaurant consisting of a burger and fries and a bottle or draft of domestic beer. According to TripAdvisor, North Conway, New Hampshire offers the best value of ski destinations in the Northeast with a TripIndex Ski cost of $247. Read more here.

Ticket Offers of the Week:

St. Patrick's Day Deals: All St. Patrick's Day lift ticket deals listed below are valid on Sunday, March 17th, 2013 only, and cannot be combined with any other offers. 

 Attitash: $17 full day lift tickets, all ages.

Black Mountain: $17 full day lift tickets, all ages, if you are wearing green!

Bretton Woods: Visit any ticket window wearing green, and you will be eligible to purchase one ticket for the day and get another ticket for the day free.

Wildcat: $17 full day lift tickets, all ages.

Here's a good guide to the 2fers and ticket offers at Mt Washington Valley's ski resorts and XC Center.

Combo Days at Attitash and Wildcat: Head up to Wildcat on Mondays, or Attitash on Tuesdays, where 2 lift tickets, 2 lessons (age 13+) plus lunch vouchers are only $110.
Two-for-One Skiing at Shawnee Peak on Tuesdays: Two people can ski or ride at Shawnee Peak on Tuesdays, from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, for only $59 ($70 on 2/26/13). Two-for-one pricing not valid on Tuesday, February 19, 2013.

Two-for-One Skiing at Bretton Woods on Wednesdays: Alpine ski or snowboard at Bretton Woods on Wednesdays, and two people ski or ride for only $71. Interested in xc skiing? Two people can nordic ski on Wednesdays for only $19. Two-for-one pricing not valid on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.

Two-for-One Skiing at Jackson Ski Touring on Wednesdays:Download a coupon from Jackson's website and two can ski for the price of one on Wednesdays throughout the winter. Two-for-one deal valid in 2013 on: January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; and March 6, 13, and 20.

Two-for-One at Great Glen Trails on Fridays: Come up to Great Glen on Fridays and get two for one trail passes, tubing, rentals, SnowCoach tours, even the Trails Total Ticket. A downloadable Two-for-one coupon from Great Glen's website must be presented at time of purchase. Two-for-one not valid on Friday, February 22, 2013.

The Moonlight Family Four-Pack at King Pine: Head to King Pine on Saturday nights throughout the winter, where a family of four can night ski or snowboard from 4:00 to 9:00 pm for only $54.

Family Passport Ticket Deal at Black Mountain: A family of four (2 adults; 2 juniors) can ski or ride at Black for only $109 mid-week, non-holiday. Headed to Black during the weekend? The Family Passport is only $139 on the weekends, with no blackout dates.

(Photo taken at Bretton Woodsby Mark Butterfield)

SKI, STAY & SNOW PLAY

One of the terrific things about the Mt. Washington Valley is all the options for alpine and cross country skiing, plus all the other outdoor adventure from dog sledding to snowmobiling, skating, tubing and more.  

And there's no better way to explore all that great variety than to stay a little longer. Don't just visit for the weekend. Spend a few midweek days with us! Our midweek Snow Much Fun Vacation Packages make it easy, and the variety of properties gives you plenty of choices.     

One of the terrific things about the Mt. Washington Valley is all the options for alpine and cross country skiing, plus all the other outdoor adventure from dog sledding to snowmobiling, skating, tubing and more.

  And there's no better way to explore all that great variety than to stay a little longer. Don't just visit for the weekend. Spend a few midweek days with us! Our midweek Snow Much Fun Vacation Packages make it easy, and the variety of properties gives you plenty of choices.

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH BUSINESSES CREATE LODGING PACKAGES AND INCENTIVES FOR CANADIAN TRAVELERS

In the U.S. travelers are gearing up for President’s Week. In Canada, they are planning Family Day getaways and spring vacations.  Mt Washington Valley businesses welcome Canadian travelers with a host of affordable lodging packages, tax-free shopping and ski/adventure getaways.  With access to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Mt Washington Valley within an easy drive for so many in Canada, winter and spring getaways are easy.  Add to that Mt Washington Valley’s designation by TripAdvisor for two years as the most affordable ski town in the Northeast, and a winter or spring getaway becomes an affordable choice too.  Throw in a number of offers exclusive to Canadian travelers, 13 ski resorts and XC Centers and 200 tax-free shops, outlets and boutiques, and a Mt Washington Valley getaway is a no-brainer! 

Here are a number of ideas for Canadian families, couples and groups hoping to visit Mt Washington Valley. (Please note all packages may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or packages, are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Unless otherwise stipulated lodging packages do not include 9% Rooms & Meals tax or gratuities). If you’d like to link to all offers online, they are all listed at www.aboutthesnow.com.

Save 30% with AMC Canadian Midwinter Special:

Stay any three nights from March 1- March 17th, and save 30% on regular member and non-member rates at the Highland Lodge in New Hampshire's White Mountains, or additional Lodges and Cabins in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness. But you'll need to act quickly and book by February 15th to take advantage of these savings. Winter won't last forever, and neither will this deal, valid on stays March 1-17. You must mention MOTC13 when making your reservation. For more information, click here: http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/canada-midwinter-savings-2013.cfm .

$20 spa credit for stays at Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson, NH

Take advantage of low winter rates at this luxury inn with a view in Jackson, NH.  Stay anytime between now and April 30 and receive a $20 credit toward any treatment at the inn’s in-house spa.  Be sure to mention the promo phrase Canadian Friends to receive your spa credit. Info:  www.InnatThornHill.com.

Special offer for Canadian Travelers: 15% off two night stays at Cranmore Mountain Lodge

Canadians, show your passport and take 15-percent off your two-or more night stay in February, March and April, plus receive a VIP shopping card and a coupon booklet to go tax-free shopping at Settlers’ Green Outlet Stores. You’ll also be treated to FREE x-country skiing and/or snowshoeing and/or tubing at Great Glen Trails (until trails close).  This offer must be booked in advance by calling (800) 356-3596 or online at www.north-conway.com. Mention “ABOUTTHESNOW” to get the discount. The discount is available on all advance reservations until April 30, 2013 except February 15 to 23, 2013 when it cannot be honored. Info: www.north-conway.com.

Buttonwood Inn, North Conway, NH Canadian Offer:

If you are a first time Canadian visitor to the Buttonwood Inn in North Conway, NH between now and March 31, this offer is for you!  Stay two nights and the second night is offered at half-price.  Stay three nights and the third night is 75-percent off. Stay four nights and the fourth night is free.  Be sure to mention Canadian offer when booking. Subject to availability. Info: www.buttonwoodinn.com .

Attitash Grand Summit Hotel & Conference Center $99 Midweek Ski & Stay Package for Canadian Friends, Bartlett, NH

The Attitash Grand Summit Hotel offers slopeside accommodations at the base of Bear Peak/Attitash Mountain Resort. The Canadian Friend Package includes a single full-day lift ticket valid at Attitash Mountain Resort or Wildcat Mountain and a midweek (Sunday-Thursday only) stay. Kids love the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs and children 12 and under eat FREE at Crawford’s Pub. Packages start at $99 per person, per night, based on double occupancy (plus 9% NH tax and 8% service charge). Valid midweek (Sunday through Thursday) through the end of the ski season, except February 15 – 23, 2013 (when it is not offered). Mention the $99 Midweek deal when booking by calling. 888-554-1900.

Specials for Canadian Travelers from the Bartlett Inn, Bartlett, NH

Get FREE Tubing, XC Skiing and Snowshoeing at Great Glen Trails when you stay for any one or more nights at the Bartlett Inn. Plus Canadian guests receive a FREE Settlers Green Coupon Book to tax free Factory outlet stores. Canadian Travelers may add this offer for FREE Snow TUBING and shopping to any of the Bartlett Inn packages.  Info:  www.BartlettInn.com.

Canadian exclusive:  20% off for Canadians from Attitash Mountain Village, Bartlett, NH

Attitash Mountain Village offers easy access to Attitash Mountain Resort skiing and Mt Washington Valley's tax-free shopping in spacious studios, condos and townhomes accommodating one to ten people! Simply use promo code CANADIAN FRIENDS during the month of March and April to receive a 20-percent discount on your stay (as space allows). Call to schedule your stay: 1-800-862-1600. Info:  http://www.mtwashingtonvalleyaccommodations.com/attitash-mountain-village/index.htm.

Stay, Sled & Shop (tax free) with Northern Extremes Snowmobiling & Golden Gables Inn, North Conway

Enjoy a two-day sled and shop weekend anytime after March 1!  Spend one day on the trails with a guided snowmobile tour provided by Northern Extremes, then spend the second day shopping with special coupons from Settlers Green, offering 60 tax-free outlet stores.  Stay at the Golden Gables Inn, in the heart of North Conway’s shopping district.  This package includes a two night stay at the Golden Gables Inn in a room with King bed, a two hour self-guided snowmobile rental or one hour guided tour on a double snowmobile and coupons to nearby Settlers’ Green Outlet Village for $240 per couple midweek; $260 per couple weekends from March 1, 2013 throughout the snowmobile season.  Use Promo code March Madness and call 1-603-374-6000 to book.  Info: http://northernextremessnowmobiling.com/packages.php.

Canadian Cranmore Mountain Ski & Stay from Old Red Inn & Cottages:

All Canadian visitors receive 10-percent off regular lodging prices now through April at this inn and cottages near Cranmore Mountain Resort. Additionally, guests are offered special discounts on Cranmore Mountain tickets.  A complimentary breakfast is included for all who stay at the inn or cottages. Call 800-338-1356 for complete details and to inquire about availability.  Info:  www.oldredinn.com.

And when you visit the 200 outlets, shops and boutiques in Mt Washington Valley, plan on tax-free shopping.  What you see on the price tag is what you pay!  Here are two offers for Canadian travelers from stores in Mt Washington Valley.

Take an additional $10 off a $75 or more purchase at The Rugged Mill, North Conway

Spend $75 or more on original outdoor apparel, home décor and gifts and take an additional $10 off through 2013.  Info: www.theruggedmill.com/.

Get two place settings free when you buy two at Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton Store at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village

Receive two free Royal Doulton Casual four-piece place settings with the purchase of two place settings of the same pattern.  Offer valid at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village store only.  One per customer through April 20, 2013.

UPCOMING EVENTS

3/20: Two-For-One XC Skiing, Jackson Ski Touring

3/23: Apres Ski, The Snowvillage Inn 

 3/20: Two-For-One XC Skiing, Jackson Ski Touring

 3/20: Two-For-One XC Skiing, Jackson Ski Touring

3/23: Spring Mania: Open On-Snow Golf Tournament, Attitash

 3/23, 3/30, 4/6: Character Breakfast, Believe in Books

 3/23: Junior Regatta, Black Mountain 

 3/23, 3/24: Maple Weekend, Believe in Books

 3/23: Skating Show, Ham Arena

 3/23: Spring Splash, Cranmore

 3/24: Cranarchy, Cranmore

 3/24: Red Parka Pub Annual Regatta, Black Mountain

 3/30: Pond Skimming, Black Mountain

 3/30: Spring Mania: Grandstand Mogul Jam & Pond Skim, Attitash

Intrepid winter photographer, Dan Houde of Wiseguy Creative captured this photo along the trails at Bear Notch Ski Touring Center.