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Popular Attractions Ready to Open for the Season in the White Mountains

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH - As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, attractions in New Hampshire's White Mountains are ready to welcome the first wave of summer visitors who will head north after work on Friday.

"With a milder than usual winter, I think people have been ready to get away for a few weeks now," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock, which handles marketing for the area and its association of 16 tourism venues. 

Several natural attractions, including the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch and Polar Caves in Rumney, were able to open earlier than usual, O'Connor said. The Mount Washington Cog Railway also got a headstart on its season and the Mount Washington Auto Road opened to the top last weekend. The Conway Scenic Railroad was also able to resume operations before the April school vacation weeks.

Scheduled to open for Memorial Day are Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, on Friday, Attitash in Bartlett; the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln; Santa's Village and Six Gun City, both in Jefferson; Story Land in Glen; Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln and Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, all on Saturday, and operating weekends only through June 10.

Lincoln-based attractions Loon Mountain will open on June 23rd and the Whale's Tale Water Park opens daily on June 6th.

O'Connor said the attractions are expecting another strong summer, as the economy improves and gas prices are expected to stabilize or drop a bit as the season begins.

"Not only are the White Mountains within just a few hours' drive of millions of people, but we have found, especially through our Facebook and social media sites, is that the region really provides comfort in our fast-paced world," she said. "Many people come here because it's a tradition, while others come here because of the views and trails - places where they can count on the scenery and a sense of peace not changing."

 White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for the White Mountains region and its 16 attractions, including Attitash Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain.

For information about the White Mountains, the visitors’ center is located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock; visit www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND MTS.

 

Lost River Gorge honors Military families this Memorial Day weekend

North Woodstock, NH -- Military families will be honored this Memorial Day weekend at Lost River Gorge in N. Woodstock, New Hampshire. Military members past and present will be admitted free with ID; immediate military family members will receive a discounted rate. 

“The only time Lost River Gorge was closed in its history was during World War II, when most of its young staff – guides, kitchen workers and other help – were off serving their country in military service. The gorge remained closed for four years. 

This Memorial Day we want to honor the men and women who are protecting our country today,” says Lost River Manager Deb Williams. She added that on Wednesdays through the remainder of the season, Lost River will offer free admission to active military with ID, and their immediate family will receive a discounted rate.

The gorge was discovered in 1852 by two young brothers, Lyman and Royal Jackman, who were fishing the river when one of them slid out of sight and landed waist-deep in a hidden cave 15 feet below. Their discovery sparked great interest in the amazing natural site, and they began taking visitors on tours.  

Lost River Gorge, located on Route 112W in N. Woodstock, NH, is one of the oldest natural attractions in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This year will mark 100 years of preservation of its natural beauty and habitat by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. A public celebration of their stewardship is planned for June 7.

Today Lost River Gorge is more than a climb through the caves. As part of the centennial celebration, guided tours will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2pm through the 2012 season. The tours are available to the first 25 people at the general admission rate. Tours include information on the natural and cultural history of the gorge. 

Visitors meander along an intricate series of boardwalks, past gigantic granite walls, through boulder caves and beside beautiful Paradise Falls. The caves are optional, as visitors can remain on the main boardwalk throughout their tour.

Saturday evening lantern tours will begin in mid-June, and reservations are needed. A nature garden with native New Hampshire plants is beginning to blossom, and with new signage in place, visitors can learn to identify plants at all stages through the seasons. Evenings in July and August will feature a full schedule of educational programs.

For more information about Lost River Gorge and a full schedule of events for the celebration, visit www.lostrivergorge.org; emailinfo@lostrivergorge.com. Look for Lost River Gorge on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waterville Valley Resort Expands Summer Offering with Zipline, Renaissance Fair, and Zombies

Waterville Valley, NH- What do zip line adventures, wandering minstrels, and brain eating zombies all have common? They, and many others, will all be at Waterville Valley this summer and fall!  Be sure to be one of the first to check out these new events.

This summer, Waterville Valley is partnering with Alpine Adventures, based in Lincoln, to offer guests the opportunity for a zip line tour. The package is set to include exciting, off road transportation from the Waterville Valley to Alpine Adventures. From there, guests will be able to experience canopy zip line tours.  A thrilling off-road ride brings you up Barron Mountain to the Ziplines and the start of your aerial adventure. On this special tour guests will experience the most exciting Ziplines on two of Alpine Adventures’ three award winning courses. Prices start at $99, per person. 

Waterville Valley will be hosting their first Renaissance Faire this August 18-19 and 25-26, 2012, running from 11 am to 5 pm on both weekends.  With the live music from The Minstrel and The Harper, various foods and goods from different vendors, and exciting combat in battle armor, guests are sure to be transported back in time. For more information, visit http://www.watervillevalleyrenfaire.com.

The weekend of October 13-14, 2012 is going to be spooky as the Zombie Zone Survival Challenge and Haunted Half-Marathon invade Waterville Valley.  The Zombie Zone Survival is a zombie-infested 5k where the participants must complete different challenges in order to gain Antidote Amulets. The next day is the Haunted Half Marathon, a scenic 13.1-mile run through Waterville Valley and the White Mountain National Forest.  Both events are concluded with the Dead Man’s Party, a festival including live music, food, and beer.  For more information, visit: www.biglakehalf.com

 Make this the year you hit par by checking out Waterville Valley’s historic 9-hole golf course.  Take advantage of their $5 golfing clinics on Friday and Saturday mornings and improve your stroke and putting skills.

From September 14-15, 2012 the Waterville Valley Resort and White Mountain Conference Center are partnering with the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited to Sponsor the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its award-winning tennis courts, Waterville Valley Resort has its world-class ski area, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Specials aboard the M/S Mount Washington

Memorial Day Weekend Specials aboard the M/S Mount Washington

May 26, 27 & 28

Kids cruise free aboard the M/S Mount Washington during Memorial Day weekend. This is you chance to show your kids one of NH's natural wonders. Take them on a cruise on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee for free this weekend. The offer is good on all daytime cruises from all ports. (Limit 2 kids per adult) See the schedule on line: www.cruiseNH.com

Premier SnowSport Venue Dedication

Waterville Valley, NH, May 3, 2012… The East Coast’s premier Freestyle and Snowboard aerial jumping site – Phil’s Hill Training Center – will be officially dedicated on Saturday May 19, in Waterville Valley. WVBBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation is presenting the dedication, featuring athlete demonstrations, from 11am to 3pm at Snow’s Mountain off Boulder Path Road, and the general public is welcome. 

This new version of Phil’s Hill replaces a smaller venue originally located at the Resort.  Named in honor of Philip Holmes, a skiing enthusiast who tragically died young, this earlier venue helped many athletes hone their skills, but was dismantled several years ago.

Our new and improved site, built by reshaping the Snow’s Mountain ski hill, is a 220’ earthen ramp covered with high tech Neveplast artificial snow surfacing, and is the first of its kind in New England.  Another name from the Holmes family has been added to the site in “Sandy’s Way,” the path the athletes hike to get to the top of the venue.  Sandy Holmes was a dedicated volunteer and tireless in her support of young snowsports athletes reaching their dreams.  Sandy passed away in early 2011.

The Holmes Family has supported the re-creation of Phil’s Hill in many ways, and their generosity is truly appreciated as a new generation of athletes takes flight on this year-round venue. 

According to Nick Preston, Freestyle Director, “Phil’s Hill sets our athletes and BBTS apart by having a safety-first jumping site available all year.” 

Two jumps, to accommodate varying skill levels, send athletes soaring into the air as they perform complex grabs, flips and rotations before landing on the 12 foot high and 50 x 50 foot highly engineered BagJump airbag. 

According to Snowboard Director and former Olympian, Peter Thorndike, “The BagJump gives kids a confidence to explore and improve their skills in the air because the airbag cushions the landing.” 

CEO Peter Stokloza acknowledges, “We’d like to thank our corporate and individual supporters and are proud to honor Phil and Sandy Holmes with this site - a great example of our motto ‘Pioneering Snowsports and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.’”

Now, as we move into the warmer weather, Phil’s Hill is being prepped for spring, summer and fall programming.  No snow, no problem as the only year-round training facility in New England announces summer camps, a weekend training program and a full-time training program.  These offerings, in concert with the Burdenko Method workouts under the direction of Athletic Director Tom Barbeau and trampoline training at Freestyle America Training Center under Nick Preston create a complete first-rate training experience.

Please join WVBBTS/ SEF at the Phil’s Hill Training Venue on Saturday, May 19 to see the amazing skills of our student-athletes as they showcase their talents. Athletes will be demonstrating from 2 - 3pm following the formal dedication ceremonies and refreshments from 11am – 2pm.  RSVP to Krista Katz, Director of Advancement, at kkatz@wvbbts.org or (603) 236-4246 x 117 with the names of the individuals in your party or should you have any questions.

Visit our website for more information and to see videos of the site in use at www.wvbbts.org

Manor on Golden Pond Stay and Play Golf Package

Stay and Play Golf Packages

Start with a Elegant Bed and Breakfast, fill your day with a round of golf at a premier golf club in the White Mountains, finish off with a romantic candlelight dinner for two, and you have a match made in paradise. The Manor on Golden Pond and the premier golf course Owl’s Nest Golf Club have teamed together for a getaway package that will make any golfer’s getaway complete. You will be playing golf at a premier championship golf club while staying at the Manor in one of our luxury suites. When you return to the Manor after your golf day we will have our masseuse waiting to soothe those achy muscles.

Your includes 2 nights accommodations, full Country Breakfast and afternoon tea each day, candlelight dinner one evening of your stay, Round of Golf at the Owl’s Nest Golf Club with cart for two, Manor Signature Massage for two, and several surprises along the way.

Pricing:
Classic Room: $950
Fireplace Room: $1,100
Jacuzzi Room: $1,200
Suite: $ 1,350

For reservations contact: 1-800-545-2141 or www.manorongoldenpond.com

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Earns World Ranking in tennisresortsonline.com poll.

May 1, 2012, (Waterville Valley, NH) – The Waterville Valley Tennis Center is pleased to announce its’ continued inclusion as a Gold Medal Resort in the annual tennisresortsonline.com rankings of tennis resorts across the globe, achieving a ranking of #13. In addition, we were recognized in the poll as #4 for Best Value for Dollar and #5 for Best Setting.

Cox - "Tennis Resorts Online" 7 Years In A Row

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Owner and USPTA Director Tom Gross, Jr. states, “We are thrilled to once again receive a top 25 ranking as a Gold Medal Resort in the World. Our members and guests appreciate not only our 18 red clay courts surrounded by 4,000-foot mountains, but also the beautiful resort village of Waterville Valley. I can’t wait for them to experience Waterville Valley this summer and this ranking continues our long tradition of providing a first rate tennis center and resort for vacationers.”

Former touring pro Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt of New England Tennis Holidays will once again operate their very high quality, 5-hour-a-day summer tennis camps on those same red-clay tournament courts. States Kurt, "As founders of New England Tennis Holidays, we are very excited about our relationship with Tom Gross, Jr. and the Waterville Valley Resort and Tennis Center. This is our 25th year of tennis in New England and our 3rd season in Waterville Valley, NH.

Writes Roger Cox, editor of tennisresortsonline.com “What the top resorts all have in common, … is a passion for tennis and a proven ability to cater to the needs of avid players.”

The Waterville Valley Tennis Center (http://www.wvtennis.com/ 603-236-4840) opens in mid-May and continues through Columbus Day Weekend. A variety of clinics, lessons, round robins, kid’s programs, racquet stringing, tournaments and pro shop apparel are available. 

White Mountain Athletic Club, Inc. (WMAC), with headquarters in Waterville Valley, NH, owns and operates the White Mountain Athletic Club - a full service athletic club featuring indoor and outdoor 25m swimming pools, cardio and weight rooms, indoor tennis, racquetball, the Coyote Grill Restaurant, saunas, steam rooms & whirlpool spas, aerobics, massage, and more.

WMAC also owns and operates the Waterville Valley Tennis Center (WVTC)- an award-winning 18-clay court outdoor tennis facility named by Tennis Magazine as one of the 50 greatest tennis resorts in the U.S. and also chosen as one of the top five family resorts in the United States. Since 2005, the WVTC has been named a Gold Medal Resort by tennisresortsonline.com, with ranking consistently in the Top 20 in the World and a most recent ranking of #13 in 2012. The 31^st New Hampshire Open, held in Waterville Valley this July 6-8th, is New Hampshire’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

New England Tennis Holidays rated the #1 Tennis Camp in the US and Canada by Roger Cox –tennisresortsonline.com 7 years in a row operates 3 and 5-day adult instructional camps here.

In 2011 the resort garnered Yankee Magazine’s Editors Choice Award for “Best in New England-- Best Family Resort”.

WMAC, Inc. provides modern, four-season recreational opportunities, currently in the form of the WMAC and the WVTC, to property owners, vacationers, and local townspeople in Waterville Valley and the greater Waterville Valley area. WMAC, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is an advocate in the preservation and well being of Waterville Valley and the White Mountain National Forest.

 

 

 

Spring, Summer and Fall Skiing and Snowboarding

Waterville Valley, NH, April 11, 2012…Waterville Valley BBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation has completed construction on the east coast’s premier Freestyle and Snowboard aerial jumping site – Phil’s Hill Training Center.  Athletes can now learn new skills and qualify tricks on a state-of-the-art year round venue.

Built by reshaping the WVBBTS property at the base of Snow’s Mountain, this 220’ earthen ramp covered with high tech Neveplast artificial snow surfacing, is the first of its kind in New England. 

As Nick Preston, Freestyle Director says, “Phil’s Hill sets our athletes and BBTS apart by having a safety-first jumping site available all year.” 

Two jumps, to accommodate varying skill levels, send athletes soaring into the air as they perform complex grabs, flips and rotations before landing on the 12 foot high and 50 x 50 foot exceptionally engineered BagJump airbag. 

According to Snowboard Director and former Olympian, Peter Thorndike, “The BagJump gives kids a confidence to explore and improve their skills in the air because the airbag cushions the landing.” 

Completed just in time for the start of the winter season in late November, Phil’s Hill proved its worth again and again during a winter of little natural snow.  The athletes of the BBTS Weekend Club and our 5-month snowsports school, Waterville Valley Academy excelled on the new apparatus and dominated in their sports.

Succinctly stated by CEO Peter Stokloza, “We thank our supporters and are proud to honor Phil and Sandy Holmes with this site - a potent example of our motto ‘Pioneering Snowsports and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.’”

Now, as we move into the warmer weather, Phil’s Hill is being prepped for spring, summer and fall programming.  No snow, no problem as the only year-round training facility in New England announces summer camps, April vacation camps, a weekend training program and a full-time training program.  These offerings, in concert with the Burdenko Method workouts under the direction of Athletic Director Tom Barbeau and trampoline training at Freestyle America Training Center under Nick Preston create a complete first-rate training experience.

Visit our website for more information and to see videos of the site in use at www.wvbbts.org

Marathon? That Ain't Nothing....The Toughest 5K Race You'll Ever Run Come To Gunstock Mountain Resort

GILFORD, NH (April 16, 2012) – Maddog Fitness Challenge is a fitness obstacle race for mud-loving athletes who want a real challenge. On Saturday, June 2nd, 2012, 1,500 runners will head to Gunstock Mountain Resort to take on 11 challenging obstacles over 3.1 miles of extreme vertical terrain. After victoriously finishing the race, participants celebrate with friends and family during an all day party with live music, festivities, food and post-workout beer (Red Sox Fans welcome).

Fitness obstacle races have become incredibly popular and the Maddog Fitness Challenge brings the excitement to New Hampshire and offers an alternative to the traditional 5k road races.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge is also supporting a worthy cause that gives back to New Hampshire. A portion of every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Womenade of Concord.

For some families, one unexpected medical bill or emergency car repair is a big setback. Even back-to-school shopping can hurt those already close to poverty. For these families, sometimes a few hundred dollars is enough to avert a financial crisis, which is where Womenade of Concord helps.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge will test your all around strength, stamina, and mental toughness. The course is set up on the grueling uphill terrain of Gunstock’s ski slopes, with eleven challenging fitness obstacles sprinkled throughout the course. 

The “Maddog Party” area will be the scene of greater celebrations with more food, drinks and post-race activities.

Maddog Fitness Challenge is an event that competitors and spectators will never forget and the combination of the scenic Gunstock Mountain terrain, mud, sweat and beer will make for a day participants and spectators will never forget.

To learn more about the Maddog Fitness Challenge visit www.MaddogFitness Challenge.com, or contact Brian Silfies at (603)-738-5579.

 

 

Waterville Valley Resort Combines Fishing and Chowder this Memorial Day

Waterville Valley, NH- Memorial Day weekend signals the opening of the waterfront in Waterville Valley, with paddle boats, kayaks, and canoe rentals, a youth fishing derby, outdoor concert, and annual chowderfest.