With the sun setting early and the temps dropping low, it’s easy to see why winter isn’t for everyone. However, being on the East Coast during the winter season means making peace with the unavoidable cold weather conditions and the best way to do that is to find the fun. As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them,” and with a wide variety of activities to get you through the winter months, Mount Washington Valley is the ideal destination to do just that.
While skiing is often considered the wintery lifeblood that runs through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, there are several other options to get out there and get after it if skiing isn’t your thing. From snowmobiling to ice skating, the Valley has a little something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to enjoy winter in Mount Washington Valley.
Ice Skating
Where there are cold temps, there is bound to be ice and where there is ice…break out the skates! The Valley has a number of rinks to partake in this classic winter pastime.
- Right in the heart of North Conway, you’ll find Schouler Park’s outdoor skating rink. While there are no rentals available, this rink is free for the public to enjoy and maintained by the Conway Parks & Recreation Department.
- Just down the road in Jackson you’ll find Nestlenook Farm. Like something out of a Hallmark movie, you’ll be swept away by the twinkling lights and soft music while you glide around the largest skating park in the MWV area. Rentals are available, as well as food trucks on the weekends and during vacation weeks. While you’re there, also be sure to check out the snowshoe network and horse-drawn sleigh rides around Nestlenook’s 65-acre property. This is one stop you won’t want to miss.
- Should weather keep you off the ice outdoors, the Ham Arena in Conway provides a great indoor option. This non-profit ice rink is open year-round and provides both public and private skating, as well as rentals.
If you’re looking to invest in your own pair of skates, there are a handful of great local shops that offer a variety of different styles and brands. For new, check out Sun & Ski Sports and for used, check out Center Ice to the Back 9.
Snowmobiling
With hundreds of miles of trails available in the White Mountains, snowmobiling offers an alternative mode of transportation to explore this wondrous landscape.
- In the winter, Bear Notch Road in Bartlett is transformed into 50 miles of family friendly snowmobile terrain on the beloved Bear Notch Network. This closed loop system is groomed nightly by the White Mountain Trail Club. With many scenic vistas and opportunities to see Mt. Washington, it’s no secret why snowmobilers come back time and again.
- If a ride on the wild side is more your speed, consider booking a guided tour of Mt. Washington via Jefferson Notch Road with Northern Extremes Snowmobiling. You’ll be fully immersed in the splendor of the Presidential Range from the comfort of your sled. Northern Extremes offers rentals and guided tours for excursions of varying length and abilities.
Be advised that checking trail conditions is always recommended before heading out. Current conditions can be found online via the NH State Parks and White Mountain Trail Club websites.
Hiking
Though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of winter, hiking is an activity in the White Mountains that can be enjoyed year-round.
Not only does the snow add an extra element of beauty, but it can also fill in the space between rocks on trail to help alleviate some of the notorious rock scrambles that New Hampshire hiking is known for.
Proper gear and preparation are essential to making your winter hike both safe and fun. While mountaineering boots are the ideal footwear for winter hiking, you don’t need to break the bank to chase your next peak. Microspikes and snowshoes provide affordable traction alternatives.
Local mountaineering shops like Ragged Mountain Equipment and IME can outfit you with any gear you might need. Staff at these shops are also usually outdoor enthusiasts themselves, so if you have any questions or just need recommendations, these are the folks to ask.
In addition to adequate gear, familiarizing yourself with the higher summit forecast (not the local in-town forecast) is essential. If you plan on more advanced winter hiking and consider heading into terrain where avalanches are possible, utilizing resources such as the Mount Washington Avalanche Center is paramount. The Mount Washington Observatory has also introduced a real-time texting system that allows you to receive current weather conditions by texting “weather” to 603-356-2137, “forecast” for the forecast, or “weather forecast” for both.
Snow Tubing
If you’re looking for fun that the whole family can enjoy, snow tubing is just the ticket. (A little insider tip, this activity is for adults and kiddos alike!)
- Great Glen Trails: Located in Pinkham Notch, tubing at Great Glen Trails offers Mt. Washington and the accompanying Presidentials as your backdrop. Reservations can be made three days ahead of time and passes are valid for two-hour time slots.
- Cranmore Mountain Resort: Conveniently located in North Conway, Cranmore is one-stop shopping when it comes to family fun. With ten lanes and lift service, it’s easy to see why this resort has been named the number one snow tubing park in New Hampshire. Reservations can be made in advance online and passes are good for two-hour windows.
- King Pine: Just south of North Conway in Madison, NH you can visit the tubing park at King Pine Purity Spring Resort. Reservations are available online and can be made in advance. However, unlike other resorts in the area, passes are good for one-hour time slots.
Ice Climbing
Perhaps the most adventurous of the activities mentioned in this article, ice climbing is for the thrill-seekers. A multi-faceted sport, ice climbing teaches skills that can be utilized across several other winter sports.
At first glance, ice climbing can seem intimidating, but if you’re willing to try, you’ll see that anyone can learn. However, one of the biggest obstacles individuals face when tapping into the sport is the price tag that comes with it. Thankfully, you needn’t make a huge financial investment to give ice climbing a try; guide services provide you with both the gear and the instruction. Mount Washington Valley has no shortage of knowledgeable guides to get you out there chasing those (frozen) waterfalls.
- Synnott Mountain Guides: Owned and directed by New Hampshire native and North Face Athlete Team member, Mark Synnott, Synnott Mountain Guides provides top-tier ice climbing instruction. Courses range from intro to advanced, but also include mixed climbing and custom course options.
- International Mountain Climbing School: With over ten years in the business, this locally owned and operated climbing company will teach you the fundamentals with an emphasis on safety awareness and accountability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, no amount of wishing will send the cold weather packing, so the best way to spend the winter months is embracing them. In this article, we’ve detailed five activities to help beat those winter blues. You’ll have fun, making memories along the way. And who knows, you might just end up wishing winter stuck around a little bit longer.