Granite State Stuff : Skiing

Cranmore Mountain Offers New Hampshire's Best Value for Season Passes and Ticket Deals This Winter

AskLisa — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:13:00 GMT

November 30th price increase for season passes approaches

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- Cranmore Mountain, long known for its value for family skiing, offers the best season pass prices in the region. With season pass prices increasing November 30th, skiers and riders are encouraged to sign up for their passes for the coming winter to keep the sport affordable for the entire family.

Cranmore's "Happy Trails Pass" costs just $169 for kids ages 6-12 with no blackout dates. Teens ages 13-18 are just $299 and adults pay only $479 for unlimited skiing, or $319 for a pass with holiday restrictions.

Skiers and riders looking for even more variety can consider the Threedom Pass, now featuring Cranmore, Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley resorts. When you add up the numbers, it's easy to see how this 3-resort season pass delivers the most skiing and riding in New Hampshire. The combined trail count is 195 with 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts. All three mountains are within an hour's drive of each other making the pass an easy choice for skiers heading up I-93 or I-95 to the White Mountains .

A 2009-2010 Threedom Pass Anytime option with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over skiers and riders; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12). A Limited Edition Pass will also be sold for $739 for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. The Limited Edition pass is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley and at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods has blackout dates of 12/26/2009-1/2/2010, 1/16-1/17/2010, and 2/13-2/20/2010.

A 4-NH College Anytime Pass is offered to full time students and also includes Cannon Mountain. With a 4-NH College pass, students can ski and ride on over 1,060 acres of terrain with 255 trails, 13 terrain parks and 37 lifts, all less then 2 ½ hours from Boston. Good anyday, the cost is $289.

Threedom Passes will also feature a full line up of benefits for next winter including $10 off for friends and family on weekends and holidays, night skiing and riding at Cranmore and Bretton Woods and special offers on Nordic skiing and resort lodging. Benefits vary depending on pass type and will be posted on threedompass.com. Threedom Passholders also receive special benefits from sister resorts Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe in California.

Cranmore is also selling a 3-Pak, valid for any 3 days of skiing and riding for only $135. The 3-Pak can be purchased online or in person at the resort. For people visiting the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo Nov. 19-22, the 3-Pak will be available for sale at the show only for $99. That price is not available at the resort, or online and will expire the last day of the show, Nov. 22. The resort will also be giving away free lift tickets at the Expo valid for its Ticket Roll Back Day on Fri., Dec. 18, 2009.

Prices on all passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit https://owa.unionleader.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2a15757c6706797c1672%26ls=fdf31170726c047873177473%26m=ff051572716605%26l=fe9a15727065067973%26s=fdf11571716d0079741d7870%26jb=ffcf14%26t=, https://owa.unionleader.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2915757c6706797c1772%26ls=fdf31170726c047873177473%26m=ff051572716605%26l=fe9a15727065067973%26s=fdf11571716d0079741d7870%26jb=ffcf14%26t= or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

NH's Threedom Pass Price Deadline is November 30

AskLisa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:48:00 GMT

Ski Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Bretton Woods All Season on One Pass

Waterville Valley, NH, November 10, 2009 ....The early season price deadline for New Hampshire's Threedom Pass will hit right after most of the resorts open later this month. Waterville Valley opens Saturday, November 21. Threedom Passes start at $739 for a Limited Edition for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. It is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley with holiday blackout dates at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods. An Anytime Threedom Pass with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12).

, NH, November 10, 2009 ....The early season price deadline for New Hampshire's Threedom Pass will hit right after most of the resorts open later this month. Waterville Valley opens Saturday, November 21. Threedom Passes start at $739 for a Limited Edition for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. It is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley with holiday blackout dates at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods. An Anytime Threedom Pass with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12).

The Threedom Pass offers a lot of skiing for the money. The total trail count is 195 with 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts. All three resorts are within an hour's drive of each other, making the pass easy to use for White Mountain skiers and riders. Added benefits include $10 off for friends and family on weekends and holidays, night skiing and riding at Cranmore and Bretton Woods and special offers from Waterville's sister resorts Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe in California. A full list can be found at http://www.threedompass.com.

A 4-NH College Anytime Pass is offered to full time students and also includes nearby Cannon Mountain at a cost of $289 if purchased before November 30. WV Value, WV Senior, WV Military Edition Passes and Nordic Passes are also offered by Waterville Valley for the season and can be purchased online at http://www.waterville.com. Prices on all Threedom, WV Edition and Nordic Passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit http://www.waterville.com or call 1-800-468-2553.

WV Value, WV Senior, WV Military Edition Passes and Nordic Passes are also offered by Waterville Valley for the season and can be purchased online at http://www.waterville.com. Prices on all Threedom, WV Edition and Nordic Passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit http://www.waterville.com or call 1-800-468-2553.

Cranmore Mountain Adds 80 Tower Snow Guns for the 2009-10 Ski Season

AskLisa — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:16:00 GMT

New Tower Guns Help Cranmore Open More Early Season Terrain

Cranmore Mountain, located in the heart of North Conway Village, New Hampshire, today announced it would be making significant investments in its snowmaking equipment with the addition of 80 new energy-efficient tower snow guns.

The new equipment represents an almost 80% increase in the resort's inventory of snow tower guns. Not only will the new guns produce more snow more quickly, they'll also require far less electricity to operate.

"Snowmaking represents the majority of our energy use," stated Cranmore General Manager Ben Wilcox. "These new guns will allow us to make up to three times more snow than traditional snow guns. The guns also use less air which means lower energy consumption and therefore we will be reducing our carbon footprint as well." Cranmore has been known as an environmental leader in the ski industry since 2003 when the mountain was the first to convert its grooming fleet to biodiesel fuel.

Another benefit of the new equipment is its ability to make snow at higher temperatures. "We can make snow at temperatures 4 degrees higher than older model tower guns," continued Wilcox. "It's easy to see how this will allow us to make more snow in those critical early season periods and open more terrain more quickly."

The new tower guns will be set up on its popular Easy Street beginner trail off the summit, extending to the Gibson Trail, down to Beginner's Luck. Guns will also be positioned on high traffic trails including Upper Hurricane to Middle, allowing the mountain to provide the best in snow conditions on the busiest day.

New tower guns will also be added to the blue cruiser favorite Skimeister, lining the trail from top to bottom. This in addition to the installation of tower guns on Artist Falls trail 2 years ago will give Cranmore superior snow making on virtually every major route down the mountain.

Cranmore has invested close to half a million dollars for this coming winter including the snowmaking improvements and facility upgrades and repairs, the largest investment in several years at the 73 year old resort.

Cranmore was recognized as the 2009 Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year by Business NH Magazine. The prestigious award was given to Cranmore based on its successful business growth over the last two years, its community support, and its commitment to employees and the environment.

Cranmore was also rated #5 in the east for best resort in 2009 by readers of Snoweast Magazine. Its terrain parks were ranked #3 in the east by the same publication. New Hampshire magazine also ranked Cranmore's wine dinners as best in the state for mountain top dining in 2008.

For more information about Cranmore, visit their website at http://www.cranmore.com or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

Loon Mountain Rated Number One for Access From SKI Magazine Readers

AskLisa — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:14:00 GMT

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain has been rated the # 7 resort in the East, and again # 1 for Access in the East as well as Top Ten for Access in North America by readers of SKI Magazine. In addition to being ranked tops for Access, the resort also received Top-Ten distinctions for: Grooming, Lifts, Weather, Food, Lodging, Après-ski, Off-hill Activities, Family Programs, Scenery and Terrain Parks.

For the past two seasons, skiers and snowboarders have been exploring and enjoying Loon's $16 million South Peak Expansion. Opened in 2007, South Peak currently boasts 5 new trails, 2 lifts, and a total of 65 additional acres of terrain. Additional terrain is planned on South Peak for the future.

Complementing Loon's 2,100 vertical feet, 55 trails, 5 award-winning terrain parks, and activities for the non-skier, is the local Lincoln-Woodstock community. The area offers a variety of lodging, from quaint Bed & Breakfasts to slopeside condominiums and spa, plus a whole host of dining experiences. Ski and stay packages are easy to find, compare and book on http://www.loonmtn.com.

Loon offers New Hampshire's only slopeside spa--The Viaggio. Conveniently located in The Mountain Club on Loon. The Viaggio has all the amenities to make a visit relaxing and rejuvenating after a day on the slopes. Complimentary use of the Health Club is included with any spa treatment or service. The Health Club features an indoor lap pool, outdoor pool (seasonal), indoor and outdoor hot tubs, whirlpools, sauna, steam rooms, tanning beds, and weight and cardio rooms.

The slopes are white, but the environment is green at Loon. Loon Mountain has expanded its base area recycling programs which reduced the waste stream by nearly 40% last season. The 20 proprietary Boyne high-output, energy-efficient fan guns and 50 HKD tower guns purchased last season will be back in action starting November 1, as weather permits.

Loon's terrain parks continue to set the standard of park excellence--once again earning a Top-3 status from readers of Transworld Snowboarding and SKI Magazine. OntheSnow.com honored Loon with its "Best Park in the Northeast" for the second year in a row.

Fun! Days in the Park debuts at Loon December 13, when the park staff will introduce a brand-new feature to one of Loon's five parks. The park crew will be on-hand in the afternoon to ride the feature, chill with riders, answer questions about the design, and listen to ideas for future Fun! elements.

Loon plans to open for the winter season on November 21, weather permitting, and the popular New England Pass, which gives guests access to Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf and Sunday River, is on sale now. Quantities are limited and prices increase after October 12.

For more information and up-to-date events and snow conditions, go to http://www.loonmtn.com or call 1-800-229-LOON (5666).

Expanded snowmaking and grooming lead list of mountain investments at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:39:00 GMT

Waterville Valley has spent over $600,000 this summer on key snowmaking and grooming projects to bring our guest's on-mountain winter experience to an even higher level for 09-10. Here's a quick look:

1. Forty new low energy tower guns have been installed on White Caps and the Chute to ensure earlier and more expansive snowmaking in the early season.

2. A new Prinoth 350 Snow Cat has been added to the resort's extensive fleet for nightly grooming and for park maintenance.

3. Snowboarders will find a new line up of rails and boxes in Exhibition Park created by Luke Mathison. The resort will continue its popular signature features program including the Oakley Hubba and new Fuel-TV Skateledge.

4. Waterville's investment in online technology continues with the addition of online rentals. To get out on the slopes faster, ski and snowboard equipment can now be reserved at waterville.com if purchased 48 hours in advance. Skiers and riders can also continue to buy lift tickets for $10 off if purchased 48 hours in advance at waterville.com.

5. A new Sport Thoma Retail Accessories Shop will open on the main floor of the base lodge, next to "Everything Waterville". It will be stocked with handwarmers, goggles, gloves and hats.

6. The Waterville Valley Snowboard Rental Shop has been fixed up with updated snowboard set-up stations to get riders out on their Burton boards even faster.

Thanks to the mountain's high elevation, Waterville Valley is always one of the first to start up the snowguns and plans to open Sat., November 21. The 09-10 Events Calendar kicks off opening day with the Rome Pre-jib snowboard rail event followed by the Northern Lights Celebration over Thanksgiving Weekend in Town Square. Go to http://www.waterville.com for a full events schedule.

Easter Skiing Festivities, Sunrise Service at the Summit and Kids Egg Hunt

AskLisa — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:38:00 GMT

Waterville Valley, NH, March 30, 2009 .... Waterville Valley wraps up the 2008-09 Season with an Easter Weekend full of activities on and off the slopes. On Saturday at 4:00 pm, kids can compete in the annual Egg Drop Challenge put on by the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department. The challenge is to create a structure no larger than a standard shoe box to withstand a drop from the Clock Tower in the resort's Town Square. Kids then have to dismantle their device to prove their egg survived the landing and show that it was indeed a raw egg! All ages are welcome.

Easter Sunday starts off with Waterville's annual sunrise Easter Service at the 4,000' summit. Open to all skiers and non-skiers, guests can either ride the lift back down or take advantage of complimentary skiing and riding until 8 am. A full Easter Sunday breakfast will be served at the Alpine Grill in the resort's base lodge immediately following the service. Over at the J-bar from 8-9am, the resort will host an Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 12 & under.

A special Easter Weekend Ski & Stay Package for April 10-12 includes two night's lodging in a 1 or 3 bedroom Town Square condominiuim, one day lift tickets, admission to the White Mountain Athletic Club and ice skating passes. Total cost for an Easter weekend package for 2 adults and 2 kids in a 3 bedroom condominium starts at $349. Call 1-800-468-2553 to book an Easter Weekend package or find more details online at waterville.com.

Here's a quick timeline for Easter morning at Waterville Valley:

5:30am: The White Peaks Quad starts loading guests to the summit.

6-6:30am: The non-denominational Easter Sunrise Service begins and will be hosted by Chaplains Dave and Shirley Marcroft of the New Life Church of the White Mountains.

6:30am: Sunrise ! Easter breakfast is served at the Alpine Grill in the base lodge.

6:30-8am: Free Skiing and Riding on White Peaks Quad, dependant on weather conditions.

8-9am: Kids Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under. Meet by Smokey the Bear at the bottom of the J-Bar for an 8:00 am start. Sponsored by Snapple.

A full list of Easter Activities offered by the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department can also be found right here. More details can be found at Waterville Valley or by calling 1-800- GO VALLEY.

Loon Mountain Offers Instructor Training Course on April 4

AskLisa — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:19:00 GMT

New Hampshire's Loon Mountain will offer a one-day sneak peek at what it takes to be part of Loon's prestigious Snowsports School. To be held on Saturday, April 4, the goals of the Instructor Training Course are to learn about the basics of skiing and riding, learn the rewards and benefits of teaching, as well as improve one's own skiing and riding skills.

A complimentary lift ticket will be given to those who participate in the event, and participants must be at least 18 years of age. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Governor's Lodge, and the event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The day's session will include skill discussion and development by certified PSIA/AASI trainers in topics such as personal improvement, teaching progressions and methodology, mechanics and equipment.

"This is a great way for us to spot some upcoming talent for next season," said Booie Alward, Loon's Director of Snowsports. "With the Instructor Training Course, we are able to cultivate new relationships through the summer and fall, so the staff is ready to go when winter rolls back around next season."

For more information on the Instructor Training Course and all Loon events, visit the Loon Events Page or call 1-800-229-LOON.

Loon plans to be open for skiing and riding through April 19. For updated snow conditions and New England Pass information, visit http://www.loonmtn.com, or call 1-800-229-LOON.

Easter at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:45:00 GMT

This Easter Weekend, hop on up to Waterville Valley Resort. The Waterville Valley Resort ski area will close for the season after the Easter Weekend. Weekend Easter activities at the Resort include an Easter Sunrise Service & Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th. Take the lift to Waterville's annual sunrise Easter Service at the summit. At 5:30 a.m. the white peaks will start loading skiers and foot passengers. The Base lodge will open as well. At 6:00 a.m. The Sunrise Service will start and last 30 minutes. Open to skiers and non-skiers, you can either ride the lift back down or take advantage of complimentary skiing and riding until 8:00 a.m. A full Easter Sunday breakfast is served at the Alpine Grill in the Resort's base lodge immediately following the service.

From 8 to 9 a.m. the kids can enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt on the J-bar for ages 12 and under. Then at 9:30 the Waterville Valley Recreation Department will host its Egg Hunt Frenzy with prizes on Packard Field.

On Saturday, the Waterville Valley Recreation Department will offer Easter basket decorating from 11 a.m. to noon, Egg Coloring from 1 to 3 p.m., and the annual Egg Drop Challenge at 4 p.m. in the Town Square (free).

New Hampshire has many towns that naturally grew around the state's travel and tourism industry--particularly around its many ski mountains. But only one, Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. In addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, 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 http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

IZSTYLE Winter Tour Set to Rock Waterville Valley on April 4 & 5

AskLisa — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:10:00 GMT

Eve 6, Pete Kilpatrick Band, Rustic Overtones in Concert

The IZSTYLE Winter Tour travels nationally during the ski season featuring concerts and activities aimed at raising awareness of alternative and renewable energy sources. The tour stops at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire the first weekend in April with the Reverb Eco Village and Saturday night concert featuring Eve 6, Pete Kilpatrick Band, and the Rustic Overtones, part of the Bud Light Concert Series.

Reverb Eco Village
The Reverb Eco Village brings together local, regional, and national environmental non-profit groups to educate skiers and snowboarders on steps they can take to reduce their environmental footprints. The Village presents all-natural & organic food sampling from Stonyfield Farm, Bear Naked Granola, Honest Tea, and Clif Bar as well as ski & snowboard demos. The Reverb Eco-Village is happening both Saturday and Sunday with prizes and giveaways awarded throughout both days. Reverb is a non-profit organization founded by environmentalist Lauren Sullivan and her musician husband, Guster guitarist/vocalist Adam Gardner.

Eve 6, Pete Kilpatrick Band, and the Rustic Overtones in Concert
Eve 6, the Southern California trio (guitar/bass/drums) famous for the hits "Inside Out" and "Here's to the Night," is one of three bands slated for Saturday night, part of the Bud Light Concert Series. The two opening acts include the Pete Kilpatrick Band with their amazing vocals and Rustic Overtones, a seven piece, horn-powered rock band who recently released "Light at the End". All three bands will perform under the tent at the base of the Waterville Valley ski area. This is a 18+ show and doors open at 7:00 pm with Pete Kilpatrick on stage at 7:30 pm followed by the Rustic Overtones at 8:30 pm and Eve 6 at 9:45 pm. Tickets in advance are $20 general admission/$15 for college students and $25 day of the show general admission/$20 for college students and can be purchased online at www.waterville.com, at the Waterville Valley Ticket Office or by calling 1-800-468-2553.

Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods 2009-2010 Threedom Pass Includes Skiing for Rest of this Season

AskLisa — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:55:00 GMT

All Three Plus Cannon Also Offer 4-NH College Pass

When you add up the numbers that Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Bretton Woods bring to the Threedom Pass, it's easy to see how this 3-resort season pass delivers the most skiing and riding in New Hampshire. The combined trail count is 195 with 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts. All three mountains are within an hour's drive of each other making the pass an easy choice for skiers heading up I-93 or I-95 to the White Mountains. If purchased right now, 2009-2010 Threedom Passes come with free skiing and riding for the remainder of this winter.

A 2009-2010 Threedom Pass Anytime option with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $779 for ages 19 and over skiers and riders; $469 for teens (ages 13-18) and $409 for juniors (ages 6-12). A Limited Edition Pass will also be sold for $679 for ages 19 and over, $399 for teens and $339 for juniors. The Limited Edition pass is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley and at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods has blackout dates of 12/26/2009-1/2/2010, 1/16-1/17/2010, and 2/13-2/20/2010.

A 4-NH College Anytime Pass is offered to full time students and also includes nearby Cannon Mountain. With a 4-NH College pass, students can ski and ride on over 1,060 acres of terrain with 255 trails, 13 terrain parks and 37 lifts, all less then 2 ½ hours from Boston. Good anyday, the cost is $259. All four resorts also allow buyers of the 2009-2010 4-NH College Pass to ski the rest of this season.

WV Value, WV Senior, WV Military Edition Passes and Nordic Passes are also offered by Waterville Valley for the season and can be purchased online at www.waterville.com.

Prices on all Threedom, WV Edition and Nordic Passes will go up on May 31. For more information visit www.waterville.com, www.threedompass.com or call 1-800-468-2553.

Ski for a $1....

AskLisa — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:35:00 GMT

"Spring It On" March/April Packages Offer Savings on Skiing at Waterville Valley Resort

This spring, skiers can head to the biggest ski mountain south of New Hampshire's Notch and save.

Savings are to found in the new fallen snow in Waterville Valley Resort, NH. The "Spring It On" package includes lodging in a one-bedroom condo or lodge room and lift tickets. Offered midweek in March plus the weekends of March 27 to 29 and April 3 to 5, 2009. Packages start at $181 for one night two adults including skiing.

Spring skiing in Waterville Valley can mean excellent snow conditions under sunny skies. The Spring It On package includes access to the White Mountain Athletic Club with indoor pool, Jacuzzis & steam rooms, and use of Waterville Valley Resort's shuttle bus.

Optional add-ons include a group ski lesson for $29; a 1-hour private lesson for $40; ski or snowboard rentals for $20; or dinner for 2 for $40 at the Wild Coyote grill, valid Sunday through Thursday nights only.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Waterville Valley Resort on March 17 with $17 lift ticket. And, relax and stay for $17 per person/per night quad occupancy at the Golden Eagle Lodge and other inns.

Then on April 1 come back to Waterville Valley for an April Fool's $1 lift tickets for everyone. No kidding! Lodging from $56 per person/per night quad occupancy.
Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire's White Mountains is well known for its ski mountain, which has trails and activities for all skill-levels and ages. Boarders and hot-doggers, alpine and Nordic enthusiasts, kids and senior citizens can each find a niche on the slopes and trails.

Waterville Valley Resort offers 250 skiable acres with snowmaking ability on every trail. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 52 trails and 12 lifts.

For those who like their skiing with a little less altitude, Waterville Valley's Nordic Center features 75 km of wide-groomed trails with terrain for every ability level, groomed daily for both skate and classic skiing styles. Skiers take off from the Nordic Center in the Valley's quaint Town Square, or just step out the door of their vacation rental--the trails are only steps away from most of the resort's accommodations.

Every trail offers incredible views of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Warming huts along the trails make it easy to stop for a rest and a snack, and the Nordic Center offers a welcoming fireplace at the end of the run.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. In addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, 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.

Manchester Central Key Club hosts Ski-A-Thon at Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride

AskLisa — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:34:00 GMT

The Manchester Central High School Key Club will host a Ski-A-Thon at Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, to raise money for Crotched Mountain Adaptive Ride and Ski (CMARS), a non-profit organization that helps physically and mentally handicapped participants learn to ski and snowboard. The event will begin Saturday night at 5pm, and continue into Sunday, with the lifts closing at 3am. Pledges will be collected by all of the participants, with 100% of the money raised going directly to CMARS. While the Key Club will be hosting the event, other Central High School students are welcome to attend, provided they collect the minimum of $50 in pledges.

One of CMARS major sponsors is Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride, who willprovide participants with complementary lift tickets for the night. The usual cost of a lift ticket is being donated to the cause by each participant. Transportation will be provided by the Key Club who arranged for three buses from the Manchester Transit Authority to transport students
from Central High School to Crotched Mountain. Furthermore, Ken Jones Ski Mart has agreed to donate gifts worth an excess of 300 dollars to the event to award participants who raise the most pledge money. Other donations have been made by Indian Head Athletics and Olympia Sports to the event.

Sponsors of the ski-a-thon include the Manchester Central High School Key Club, Scott and Mallory Sandler, Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride, Ken Jones Ski Mart, Indian Head Athletics, and Olympia Sports. Nearly 90 students, faculty members, and parents have registered to attend. In addition to skiing, there will be a bonfire and food during the
night.

February Fun at Crotched Mountain

AskLisa — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:29:00 GMT

As we all look at the second half of the 08-09 season, we start to think of spring conditions and warmer temps. Well, we are not there yet and there is still a lot of skiing and riding to do at Crotched. The Mountain was hit with some thawing temps this past weekend but we are so dedicated to keeping the slopes white that the snowmaking crew was out laying down new snow the last two nights!! The next couple of weeks are looking to bring great snow, awesome events and super sweet deals to Crotched… you don’t want to miss out.

**THE MOUNTAIN IS GEARING UP FOR ONE CRAZY HOLIDAY WEEKEND **
Friday the 13th - Midnight Madness Fright Night

Calling all you ghoulies, freaks & weirdos!! Crotched will be hosting Midnight Madness Fright Night. Show up wearing your craziest, spookiest costume to be entered in a raffle for some awesome swag and a chance to win an end-of-season pass. Monster Energy will be here sampling product and Snow Board Jones in Manchester will be in the terrain park hosting an event. You really do not want to miss this one. It is Freedom Friday as well so all college students will receive a $29 5p-3a ticket with a valid ID.

Saturday the 14th – Crotched Mountain Lovefest
Come enjoy the Hi-Fi funky soul music of Hipology with special guest singer Sarah Aborn. These guys will have you grooving all night long. Bar specials in Onset Pub for all you lovebirds. Crotched Mountain will also be hosting a Ski-a-thon that same night to benefit the CMARS program. This event has been coordinated by the Manchester Central High School Key Club and is sponsored by Scott and Mallory Sandler, Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride, Ken Jones Ski Mart, Indian Head Athletics, and Olympia Sports.

Monday the 16th – The Rat Race “Dead Prez” Edition

Back for the second time, the Crotched Mountain Rat Race is an open slalom race for all abilities as well as disciplines. You do not have to be the fastest racer just the closest to the pace time and you could win $500.00 cash money. Registration will be from 8:30 to 10:30 in the main lobby.

For more info on any of the above events please visit our website at http://www.crotchedmountain.com

Fun Filled Week for the Kids Winter Day Camp at Waterville Valley Resort

AskLisa — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:49:00 GMT

It's kids' time at Waterville Valley Resort's Winter Day Camp, new for 2009. The Recreation Department is hosting a full week of outdoor fun for ages 6 and up. Day campers can build snow sculptures and forts, go sledding, ice-skating, play active gym games, work on crafts, and spend time in the kitchen.

Winter Day Camp will be held during New Hampshire's February School Break, Monday February 23 through Friday, February 27, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Parents can register kids for one day or the entire week. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Cost is per-day; $18 for property owners or $20 for guests. An afternoon snack is included.

For more information contact the Recreation Department at (603) 236-4695, http://www.watervillevalley.org.

While the kids are having fun, parents can enjoy Waterville Valley Resort's 250 skiable acres. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 52 trails and 12 lifts. For those who like their skiing with a little less altitude, Waterville Valley's Nordic Center features 75 km of wide-groomed trails with terrain for every ability level, groomed daily for both skate and classic skiing styles.

Waterville Valley is just a 2-hour drive from Boston. Visitors to the valley can park the car once and relax for their stay. The valley is very walkable, plus everything is connected by a free shuttle that circulates constantly.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four-season resort. In addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, 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 http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Waterville Valley Launches Video Playbook Vol. 2

AskLisa — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:14:00 GMT

New Series of Online Video Tips Features Skiing in the Powder, Bumps and Glades

With all the snowstorms hitting Waterville Valley lately, the Snowsports Department took advantage of powder conditions to add new ski tips to Waterville Valley's Video Playbook. In Online Video Tips Vol. 2 , Snowsports Director Pete Weber gives a "Powder Tip" in which he shares how to tip and turn both skis at the same time, cutting through the powder instead of skidding the turn. With powder comes natural bumps, so Pete also introduces "Beginner Bumps", illustrating how to find the easiest way around the bumps and using the body as a shock absorber. Want to enjoy a powder day right up to last chair? Mike Furgal shows skiers how to work through loose snow so the ski legs last the whole day. In Vol. 2 Tip #4, Clarence Brown heads to Waterville Valley's glades to help novice skiers have fun skiing powder in the trees.

Vol. 1 tips are still online at waterville.com offering tips on how to snowboard through the trees, getting started in the terrain park, even what to do with those ski poles. Both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 offer detailed descriptions and diagrams so you can instantly apply the tips to your snow game. Waterville will be adding more tips to Vol. 2 as the season goes along and new conditions come into play.

Waterville Valley also produces daily video snow reports and Monday and Thursday park reports by Terrain Park Manager, Luke Mathison and mountain updates by General Manager, Tom Day. If you want to get psyched to go ski or ride, check out Waterville Valley's videos on the home page of www.waterville.com.