Granite State Stuff : Winter Fun

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.

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.

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.

Ring in the New Year at Waterville Valley Resort

AskLisa — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:33:00 GMT

Kids ski and stay free!

Ring in 2009 with a $237 per person celebration weekend package. The package includes a lot of extras, and kids ski and stay for free. The Ring in 2009 package includes two nights lodging in Waterville Valley Resort and a 50 percent discount off rentals, group lessons, all day Kids Venture Kamps and child care. A quad-occupancy, based on four adults, starts at $237 per person for the weekend for a three-bedroom condominium. Rate includes two adults minimum per room, two adult lift tickets for two days, complimentary lift tickets for ages 12 and under, free shuttle to ski area, and complimentary valet parking on Sunday. The package also includes access to the White Mountain Athletic Club with an indoor pool, Jacuzzis and steam rooms, and use of Waterville Valley Resort's shuttle bus.

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. But 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. They can also just step out the door of their vacation rental--the trails are only steps away from most of the resort's accommodations in the Resort. Once on the trail, skiers will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Stop for a rest and a snack at the warming hut along the trail, or return to the Nordic Center and sit by the fire.

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.

Family Holiday Tree & Ski package lets kids ski free at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:54:00 GMT

The holiday spirit comes early this season at Waterville Valley Resort, located in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The Family Holiday Tree & Ski package offers visitors a chance to cut their own Christmas tree and gives the kids free access to the Resort's skiing. The package includes two nights lodging, a Saturday or Sunday lift ticket, and a horse-drawn wagon ride to pick out a tree at a White Mountains Christmas Tree Farm. Each hotel will offer visitors a holiday gift as well.

Kids 12 and under ski free, with one free child lift ticket for each adult paid ticket. From $84 pp/weekend, quad-occupancy. Valid weekends of November 28 to 30, December 5 to 7, and December 12 to 14, 2008. Includes access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, which has an indoor pool, Jacuzzis and steam rooms, and use of Waterville Valley Resort's shuttle bus.

Waterville Valley resort is well known for its ski mountain, which features trails and activities for all ages and abilities. From Kids Venture Kamps to the Silver Streaks over-50 ski club, from alpine to Nordic, boarders and hot-doggers, there is something for every level of skier. And, with these new ski packages – the cost to ski is affordable, and just a 2-hour drive from Boston. Once you arrive in Waterville Valley, park the car and relax. Stay 3-nights and receive a $30 gas voucher – then enjoy the walkable resort or take the free shuttle bus.

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. But 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 accommodations in the resort. Once on the trail, you'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Stop for a rest and a snack at the warming hut along the trail, or return to the Nordic Center and sit by the fire.

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.

“The Event Formerly Known As..." kicks off Loon's 08-09 Season on November 28 & 29

AskLisa — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:17:00 GMT

Loon to Premiere “FUN” A ParkUmentary November 29

Loon Mountain is calling all skiers and riders to break out their gear and show some early season skills. “The Event Formerly Known As…” is an under-the-lights rail jam open to male and female skiers and riders of all ages and ability levels, with a $200 cash prize awarded to the top male and female in each competition. Skiers will compete on the 28th and riders on the 29th. Registration will run from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Octagon Lodge both days, with a $15 entry fee per competitor. All competitors must sign a release form; anyone under 18 must have parent’s signature.

Immediately following the contests, awards will be given out in the Bunyan Room. Loon’s park and event crew will host the awards with free pizza and a raffle featuring prizes from Oakley, Four Square, White Flag, and Sweet Time Clothing.

Saturday, November 29, after the awards, Loon will premiere its brand new video, “FUN”, A ParkUmentary. “FUN” was shot during the 07-08 season, and features local riders such as Rob Connors, Kevin Bicknell, Andre Beriau, Tanner McCarty and Chris Carr.

Last month, the readers of Transworld Snowboarding named Loon Number One in the East for Parks, Pipe and Overall Resort Atmosphere. Snowboard Magazine named Loon's parks one of the "Top-Ten Most Progressive Parks in North America" and Freeskier Magazine named Loon a Top Ten Resort in the East.

Loon’s events calendar includes Open Season events taking place December 6, December 27, January 24, and February 15; Salomon Jib Academy, February 14; Fluorescent Nights, February 19-21; Main Event Finals, February 28; Shop Showdown, March 14-15; Last Call with Eastern Boarder, March 25; The Weekend with 382, March 28 -29; and 80’s Day, April 11. For latest on Opening Day scheduled for November 22, check out Loon Mountain.

White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park to Open Thanksgiving Weekend at Branch Brook Campground

AskLisa — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:07:00 GMT

For the fourth year, the Holiday Magic Light Park, along with local non-profit organizations, will welcome guests and turn winter's darkest days into a lighted winter wonderland. Ride through the Branch Brook Campground for nearly a mile of animated light displays and a dazzling cascade of holiday lights. The thousands of white lights on the trees would enchant even Scrooge himself. Simple traditions like a visit with Santa, a family portrait, a wagon ride, holiday shopping, or just a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat near the fire will make the White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park a "must do" on your holiday list.

The park will open to the public on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27, and will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. through December 28. The park will also be open Wednesday, December 31 for New Years Eve. Tickets are $15 for a carload, $30 for vans (11+ passengers) and $60 for a bus. Bulk tickets are available by contacting Branch Brook Campground at (603) 726-7001. More information on the light park can be found online at http://www.holidaymagiclightpark.com.

The Holiday Magic Light Park is a part of the Yuletide Magic New Hampshire Holiday Celebration designed to encourage vacation travel to the Lakes and Mountains Regions during the holiday season. Yuletide Magic New Hampshire showcases holiday events during the months of November and December, with easy to access information on accommodations, attractions, shopping and dining opportunities, sample itineraries, photos and more. Visit Yuletide Magic at http://wwwyuletidemagicnh.com. Yuletide Magic NH is an initiative of the Lakes Region Association (http://www.lakesregion.org) and the Waterville Valley Region Chamber of Commerce (http://www.watervillevalleyregion.com) in partnership with the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism (http://www.visitnh.gov).

Branch Brook Campground is a family-owned, full-service campground with 200 sites on 155 picturesque acres in Campton, New Hampshire at Exit 28 off I-93 With over a mile of waterfront on the Pemigewassett River, the campground offers family activities such as a recreation hall, arcade, acres of open fields, nature trails, planned activities, rentals and amenities available. See http://www.campnh.com for more information or call (603) 726-7001 for a full-color brochure.

Cranmore Mountain Extends Season Into April

AskLisa — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:09:00 GMT

New Season Pass Prices Announced for 08-09 and Valid for Rest of This Season

NORTH CONWAY, NH – Cranmore Mountain today announced it will extend its winter operating season into April, with skiing and riding offered through Sunday, April 6, and its tubing park open weekends through Sunday, April 27.

With over 135" inches of snow so far this winter and more in the forecast, Cranmore’s sunny south facing slopes will be the place for fun, sunshine and skiing with their latest closing date in over 10 years.

"We reviewed our snow reports for the last 10 years and cannot find a closing date later than April 1st, so this is truly a remarkable winter for us. We have been enjoying above average snow conditions and above average skier interest this March," stated Cranmore General Manager Ben Wilcox. "With the support of our staff and the encouragement of our guests, we made the decision to stay open later than usual and add the extra week of operations to our original plans."

Currently operating with 100% of its 42 trails, 6 glades and 3 terrain parks, the resort plans to keep the bullwheels turning for skiers and riders through the end of the first weekend of April.

But spring fun in the snow won’t be reserved only for those on boards and skis. New Hampshire’s most popular tubing park, the Arctic Blast Tubing Park at Cranmore , plans on operating weekends through the end of the month. The Park will keep its regular hours of operation through Sunday, March 30 (Thurs. 3-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 9am- 9pm, and Sun. 9am – 4pm). After the 30th, the park will operate weekends only, Sat. 11am – 7pm and Sundays 11am – 4pm through April 27. Prices for the tubing park are $18 for a 2 hour ticket and $24 for an unlimited ticket.

To celebrate its extended season, Cranmore will offer 2 for 1 midweek ski lift tickets from Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4. This means 2 people ages 19+ can ski for only $49, or $24.50 each.

Cranmore also announced that its Happy Trails Season Pass for 08-09 is for sale at the resort. As a special bonus, the pass will be valid for the remainder of this winter, plus all of next season, at no extra cost. Happy Trails Passes, valid only at Cranmore Mountain, are available at the following price through the May 31st deadline at which time prices will increase:

19+ Anytime Pass (ages 19+) $399
Teen/Senior Anytime Pass (ages 13-18) $249
Youth Anytime Pass (ages 6-12) $149
19+ Limited Pass (ages 19+) * $259

* 19+ Limited passes are valid any day of the Winter Season except: 12/27-31/08, 1/17-18/09, 2/14-21/09.

The Happy Trails Pass is offered in addition to the new Threedom Pass, valid at Cranmore, Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley ski areas, which also is good for the remainder of this winter at all 3 resorts when a pass for next winter is purchased. For information on the Threedom Pass, visit www.threedompass.com.

Cranmore is taking advantage of its deep snow base and long sunny days with a full array of activities. Upcoming special events include:

Saturday, March 22
Biodiesel Day
Complimentary lift ticket and VIP parking for drivers of hybrid vehicles plus learn more about this eco-friendly fuel and how it’s being used at Cranmore.

Apres ski entertainment
The Bodacious Babes will perform their award winning cabaret act in the Eating House.

Saturday, March 29
Mountain Dew Spring Splash
Everyone's favorite spring event! Ski down the slope into a Mountain Dew slush pool and see how far you can go!

Sunday, March 30
Cranarchy
Enjoy the last terrain park competition of the season with this freestyle jam in the park.

Cranmore is located in the heart of North Conway Village, NH and offers skiing and riding on 42 trails and 6 glades with over 200 acres of skiable terrain. For hotel, lift ticket, lesson and daycare reservations, visit Cranmore.com or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

Loon Announces Season Extension to Apr. 21

AskLisa — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:38:00 GMT

Loon Mountain has received over 17 feet of snowfall so far this season. Here are the details:

http://www.loonmtn.com/winter/conditions.asp?j=4154991&e=lisa@newhampshire.com&l=209305_HTML&u=28764575&mid=60887&jb=0

March has come in like a lion, dumping over a foot of new snow so far this month on New Hampshire's Loon Mountain. With over seven feet falling since February 1st, Loon announced it will stay open through Monday, April 21.

Loon Mountain kicked off its King of Spring event series on March 1, with the resort's annual TJX Briefcase Race, hosted by WCVB-TV's Mike Lynch. The event, which supports the Breast Cancer Research Fund at Boston's Faulkner Hospital Breast Centre, raised over $70,000 in one day. The Briefcase Race has raised over $1 million for breast cancer research over the past 16 years.

Loon is also on track to post record snow totals this season. Over 17 feet of snowfall so far mean incredible March and late-season conditions, giving skiers and riders even more reason to make their way to Loon Mountain.

Cranmore featured on NBC's Today Show

AskLisa — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:44:00 GMT

Travel Channel's Samantha Brown recommends North Conway Resort for Families

NBC's popular morning news show, The Today Show, featured Cranmore Mountain Resort as its top pick for New Hampshire for families looking for fun and inexpensive skiing.

Travel Channel host Samantha Brown hosted the segment which aired the morning of Thursday, February 21, 2008. Brown described Cranmore as a great value as she encouraged families to ski at mid-sized mountains like Cranmore for smaller crowds and lower prices, especially midweek.

Brown specifically recommended Cranmore's Cranapalooza event as being ideal for families, with night skiing, snow tubing, face painting and other family activities. Today Show weatherman Al Roker joked with Brown about the event's name, riffing on the word "Cranapalooza" while video footage of Cranmore's slopes ran in the background.

Brown, a New Hampshire native, has skied at Cranmore in the past and is very familiar with the North Conway, NH area where the resort is located.

Cranapalooza takes place every Saturday from 2-9pm and features live music, s'mores with the resort mascot, C-more the Penguin, children's entertainment including jugglers, puppets, fire-dancers and magicians, snow tubing and night skiing. Night skiing tickets are a special value costing only $22 per person all ages for a ticket valid from 2-9pm. Lift tickets may be purchased online at http://www.cranmore.com.

For more information on Cranmore, Cranapalooza and the information presented on the Today Show, visit http://www.cranmore.com or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

Purity Sled Dog Race Classic

AskLisa — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:55:00 GMT

Winter 2008 will mark the beginning of another new tradition at Purity Spring Resort/King Pine Ski Area when it plays host to the first annual "Purity Spring Sled Dog Race Classic" on the weekend of March 8 and 9.

This ISDRA sanctioned event is presented by the New England Sled Dog Club, Inc., which introduced the sport of sled dog racing to New Hampshire in 1924. The Purity Spring Classic is one of six events the NESDC will hold this season.

The public is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite teams as they compete in seven different races, ranging from 4 to 12 miles, including both adult and junior divisions. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to view the race from various vantage points, ranging from easy access points near King Pine, to scenic areas around Purity Lake that can only be reached by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Maps will be available during the event showing the various viewing locations. These maps will also be available to download online at http://www.purityspring.com/raceclassic.

Purity Spring's groomed Nordic ski trail system will set the race course for the dogs and mushers, who will start and finish near Purity Lake, across from the King Pine Ski Area. Classes held at Purity will be Ski-jor, 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog and a 12-mile "Open" division. Most of the races will be held around Purity Lake however, the 8-dog class and the "Open" class will go as far as Purity's Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort in Freedom, NH.

"King Pine and Purity Spring Resort are perfect venues for an event such as this," says marketing director Dan Houde. "The combination of Purity's classic Nordic trail system, plus the many lodging options available, will make this a favorite for mushers and spectators alike."

The 2-day event will run between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M. each day depending on the amount of teams registered. Food and souvenirs will be available near the start/finish line across from King Pine Ski Area. Admission to the event is free; although those wishing to view the races from along Purity's trail system will need a $5 trail pass. Cross-country and snowshoe rentals will be available at King Pine. For more information, visit http://www.purityspring.com/raceclassic or http://www.nesdc.org.

King Pine and Purity Spring Resort, located in East Madison, NH, are owned and operated by the Hoyt family and have welcomed guests since the early 1900s.

March Maple Madness: Enjoy Maple Syrup Season with a Choice of Five Sunapee Area Inns

AskLisa — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:50:00 GMT

Enjoy the sweetest bounty of spring as five Sunapee area inns partner with local maple sugar houses to make March 28 to 30 a full weekend event.

A sure cure for end-of-winter doldrums, this unique package includes two nights accommodations, hearty breakfasts, a local guide and map of area sugarhouses, and a sleigh ride.

Take a self-guided tour of neighboring sugarhouses where you can watch maple syrup being made the old-fashioned way, and learn the history of this New England tradition. An accompanying map includes suggestions for antiquing, tax-free shopping, and local places to snowshoe or cross-country ski.

After a day of touring, slip away for a romantic sleigh ride through the fields of Ragged View Farm. (Spring rides depend on snow cover.) Or soothe tired muscles with a maple sugar body scrub at the Garden Spa.

Each inn serves up its own hearty breakfast specialty where maple syrup is an honored guest, among them Belgian waffles with a maple walnut sauce, maple hot chocolate, or Dutch Apple Babies.

Sunapee Region participating inns: Candlelite Inn, Bradford, NH, Rosewood Country Inn, Bradford, NH, Henniker House, Henniker, NH, Highland Lake Inn, Andover, NH and the Inn at Pleasant Lake, New London, NH. Travel time north is just 90 minutes from Boston.

Rates start at $120 pp/do and vary by inn. See complete package
details at: http://www.nhvacations.org.

Free Ice Fishing Clinic at the Derby

AskLisa — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:18:00 GMT

The Meredith Rotary Club and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department have announced the second annual free beginner's ice fishing clinic designed for youngsters 12 and under, but free to all attendees who wish to participate.

The program has been designed by Karina Jolles, coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's "Let's Go Fishing" program, and the conductor of the clinic in 2007. The presentation will focus on a variety of fundamental elements, including why people fish; how to do it; how to drill a hole in the ice using an auger; how to rig and bait a tip-up; what type of bait to use; how to land and clean your fish; how to stay warm; and how to register to win big prizes! The clinic will be held at 10:00am and 2:00pm on Saturday, February 10 on the ice in Meredith Bay, near the Derby Headquarters trailer. A designated roped-off area will be clearly marked for the event and goodie backs will be available for participants.

The Ice Fishing Derby is one of the top fund-raising events in the state, bringing visitors to New Hampshire from all over the country. Fisherman, their families and friends come to New Hampshire in hopes of snagging the heaviest Meredith Rotary-tagged Rainbow Trout claiming the grand prize.

The Meredith Rotary Club, in consultation with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, as part of an ongoing fisheries management plan, stocks tagged fish in the following New Hampshire Lakes: Bow, Moore Reservoir, Francis, Little Squam, Mascoma, Massabesic, Ossipee, Waukewan, Wentworth, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam.

The Derby has enabled The Meredith Rotary Club to donate more than $1 million back into the community for charitable projects, area improvements, scholarships and to people in need.

Tickets and more information are available by calling The Meredith Rotary Club at 603-279-7600 or visiting their website at http://www.meredithrotary.org. On-line ticket sales can be picked up at Derby Headquarters at Hesky Park by showing your on-line receipt. Telephone orders will be held at Derby Headquarters at Hesky Park in Meredith for pick-up upon arrival. Derby Headquarters will be open from 8:00am to midnight on Friday, February 8 and will open again at 5:00am on Saturday, February 9.