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Usher in the New Year with Tubing, Skiing, Holiday Train Rides & Fireworks in Mt. Washington Valley

North Conway, NH – While many are celebrating ushering out 2020, those visiting Mt. Washington Valley can revel in ushering in the new year with fireworks in Schouler Park and holiday train rides on the Conway Scenic Railroad. In addition, with some help from recent snowfall and cold temps, Mt. Washington Valley ski resorts and many XC Centers will be open for skiers and riders.  Tubing Parks will also be open at Cranmore, King Pine, and Great Glen Trails. If Santa didn’t deliver the right gifts this holiday season, plan to do some shopping in tax-free New Hampshire and visit the outlets at Settlers Green, or North Conway’s boutiques and White Mountain Independents to get in on the after-Christmas sails too.  Perhaps simply relaxing fireside at any of the Valley’s lodging properties or a quiet dinner at restaurants throughout the Valley is your idea of the way to usher in a quieter and more peaceful new year.  There are plenty of lodging choices – from resorts and condos to inns, B&Bs, and motels. 

Best of all, take in some of these events to highlight the Christmas Vacation Week in Mt Washington Valley.

Daily, Dec 26-31: Christmas Vacation Train Rides: The Conway Scenic Railroad will be operating train rides from their vintage train station in the heart of North Conway with departures at 11:00 and 1:30pm. Reserve tickets and get more information at www.ConwayScenic.com.

Dec 31: Fireworks in Schouler Park: If ever there was a time to celebrate a new year beginning, it’s this year! Come celebrate the spirit of unity the valley is known for with fireworks on New Year’s Eve. At approximately 9:00pm, fireworks will be shot from the North Conway Golf Course and can be seen as far as West Side Road to Cranmore Mountain to Depot Street.  Enjoy them from your car or follow social distancing mandates and wear masks if you choose to stand in Schouler Park and watch.

TUBING IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY DURING CHRISTMAS WEEK

Non-skiers have no fear.  There’s still plenty of uphill and downhill fun to be had at Mt Washington Valley’s ski resorts. Feel the thrill of spinning down the mountain in an inflatable snowtube! There are multiple tubing parks offering hours of socially distanced on-snow fun. Please note: Tubing is weather dependent. All tubing parks require advance ticket purchases.

The Cranmore Tubing Park will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 9am – 5pm offering ten lanes of lift serviced sliding. The park will offer extended hours starting Saturday, December 26th through Saturday, January 2nd, from 8am – 6pm.  Tubing is sold in 2-hour time blocks.  Tickets are $35 for all guests over 42” tall.  Under 42” are $5 and MUST ride with a paying adult.  All tickets must be purchased online, and quantities for the weekend are extremely limited.  Book tickets here. 

In addition, King Pine’s Pine Meadows Tubing Park is scheduled to open Saturday, December 26. New snowtubing hours for the 2020/21 season are Fridays (Non-Holiday) 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday and holiday periods 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Tickets are sold in 1-hour sessions for $15. There is no have a minimum age/height requirement, but all riders must be able to ride on a tube alone. Buy Snowtubing Tickets Online here.

Great Glen Trails Snowtubing Park will be open throughout Christmas Week.  This walk-up snowtubing park offers old fashioned tubing fun for the whole family.  Passes are sold in three-hour blocks, either 9:00am – noon or 1:00 – 4:00pm. For information and to book online, click here.

For more information on vacations and for complete online planning resources, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org.  To learn more about planning a trip to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov. And don’t forget to practice social distancing and mask-up throughout your stay.  For more important tips on traveling safely to New Hampshire, go to https://granitestatesafe.com/.

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Feel Good Story of the Week: Waitress Gets $5,000 Tip

An 18-year-old waitress who was given a $5,000 tip by a wealthy customer has vowed to share her fortune with her local community. Student Gianna DiAngelo was “stunned” when a mystery diner left her the sensational tip after spending only $204.94. DiAngelo was working her shift at Anthony’s At Paxon in Broomall, Pennsylvania, when the man, who was part of a table of four, surprised her with the “once in a lifetime” moment at the end of the night. While Gianna has pledged to share her $5,000 with her co-workers who may be without work for some time, she will put any left over money towards her college fees.

To read the full story click here.

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9 Cool Socially Distanced Ideas for Winter Adventure in the Mt. Washington Valley

North Conway, NH – Winter is gearing up in Mt Washington Valley as ski resorts and XC Centers open, ice forms, and backcountry hiking and skiing plans get underway.  The recent snowfall really put the icing on the cake with up to 7” of new snow.  The White Mountains surrounding the Valley offer seemingly endless recreational opportunities within an easy drive for much of the East Coast.  This winter will be unlike others, however, as the pandemic is still in place.  It’ll be more important than ever to “know before you go” to the Valley as Covid restrictions include mandatory reservations at some ski resorts, social distancing and mask wearing by all, plus limited access in some cases.  Be sure to have a plan and complete gear for your winter adventure before you come, and that starts with checking the place you plan to play.  The Granite State Safe campaign helps educate those visiting New Hampshire this year with the basic tenants of travel to the region, yet all visitors should take their planning a step further by contacting the business(es) they plan to visit and checking their safety protocols so each person coming to the Valley will be fully prepared.

With so much to do in and around Mt. Washington Valley this winter, social distancing is entirely possible.  Here’s a list of ways to enjoy the outdoors and still maintain your distance from others.

Snowshoeing – The best thing about snowshoeing is that it’s easily accessible and if you can walk, you can snowshoe.  Choose to head to the trails at any of the six XC centers, or head out into the woods to create your own trail.  Snowshoe rentals and sales are available at most of the XC Centers. 

Fat biking – Your days of biking no longer must be confined to spring, summer and fall. Both Great Glen Trails and Mt. Washington Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation have opened their trail networks for fatbikes. Need gear? Stan and Dan Sports plus the Great Glen Trails rental shop offer fat bike rentals and equipment to purchase, and both have geared up their fleets for the 2021 winter, expecting strong interest this season.

Skiing – There’s a good reason that North Conway – at the center of Mt. Washington Valley – has been named the #1 ski town in North America. With 13 ski resorts and XC Centers, there is more skiing terrain here than anywhere else in New England. From steeps and deeps, glades to groomers and easy peasy for first-timers, you’ll find the kind of terrain you seek in the Valley.  Plan to enjoy winter with plenty of room for social distancing at the seven ski resorts and six XC Centers.  Need lessons?  They’re available for all levels. Would you like to rent or purchase ski equipment or apparel?  You’ll have multiple options at Mt. Washington Valley’s tax-free ski shops on and off the mountains.  Be sure to check with the ski resort or XC Center where you plan to go.  Reservations may be needed and limits on ticket sales may be in place to insure adequate space for safe social distancing.

Tubing – Another reason that Mt. Washington Valley makes the ideal winter destination with plenty of opportunities for social distancing is the alternative activities for non-skiers at the ski resorts.  Look for lighted tubing hills at King Pine Ski Area, Cranmore Mountain Resort and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.  While Mom and Dad are skiing, the non-skiers in the family can enjoy going up and down the hill on inner tubes made for snow sliding.  Masks are required and tickets may be limited to allow for distancing to ensure that this will be a safe and fun activity for the whole family this winter.

Winter hiking – With 700,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest surrounding Mt. Washington Valley, the options for winter hiking are seemingly endless.  It’s best to join a guided tour or go with an experienced winter hiker and bring all the necessary gear.  The AMC Highland Center and many of the winter hiking tour guides offer guidance, gear rental, and ideas for the best places to go.  This is one winter activity where it’s important to know before you go, and be prepared before hitting the trails.

Snowmobiling – From Pelham to Pittsburg and right through Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire offers 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails and not one leads to your office! Corridor 19 trails surround and wind through Mt. Washington Valley. These snowmobile trails are made possible through the partnerships with thousands of landowners who generously open up their land for the recreation of snowmobiling along with State Parks throughout New Hampshire. Countless club volunteers work tirelessly to construct and maintain this vast trail system, including the Mountain Meadow Riders, who groom and maintain the Corridor 19 trails surrounding Mt. Washington Valley.

Trail running – Trail running has increasingly become a popular sport in the Valley, as the Mt. Washington Valley Trails Association is dedicated to the creation of a sustainable off-road non-motorized trail network in the Valley. Focused on trails designed for mountain bike, trail running and backcountry (non-groomed) cross-country ski use, the MWV Trails Association and the White Mountain Milers – the region’s dedicated running club – offer both events and terrain perfect for those dedicated to outdoor trail running.  This is an ideal way to enjoy nature while staying distanced from others too, even in the winter.

Guided winter tours – Hoping to get out into the mountains this winter, but not sure of your ability or gear for winter adventures?  Choose from a number of guided programs and instructional workshops. With programs adapted to meet all Covid protocols, learn everything from basic winter hiking and backcountry skiing skills to frozen waterfall rapelling, ice kiting and other mountaineering adventures. 

Ice climbing – Mt. Washington Valley is considered one of the best ice climbing destinations in the East Coast.  The abundance of terrain coupled with the number of ice climbing schools and outfitters in the Valley make it the perfect place for ice climbers from beginners to expert. Outfitters like Ragged Mountain Equipment are ideal places to shop for gear and get great advice. Also, many other winter guiding companies offer day-long or multi-day programs to introduce those interested to the world of ice climbing in the Valley. 

For more information on planning a safe and socially distanced trip to Mt. Washington Valley, be sure to check the chamber’s website at www.mtwashingtonvalley.org. Full contacts and resources for trip planning are found there.  In addition, to learn more about your visit to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Memorial Hospital Administers First COVID-19 Vaccine

Mary Jane Elwell (sitting), became the first Memorial Hospital staff member to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Emergency Department Clinical Manager Erika Roy, RN (standing) administered the vaccine.

 

NORTH CONWAY – COVID-19 vaccinations have begun in Carroll County. Mary Jane Elwell, a licensed nursing assistant at Memorial Hospital, became the first Memorial staff member to receive a COVID-19 vaccine this morning. Emergency Department Clinical Manager Erika Roy, RN administered the vaccine. The CDC and the New Hampshire Department of Health have prioritized health care workers, first responders, and the elderly as those getting the first doses.. Until a vaccine is available to everyone, it is important to continue masking, stay socially distant, and practice basic hand hygiene. Memorial Hospital continues to test individuals for COVID-19.

Visit http://mh.care/Q69K50COpor for testing options.

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Cancellations & Delays – Thursday, December 17th, 2020

This is SUBJECT TO CHANGE
(Updated Thursday, 12/17 @ 9:45am)

 

Businesses:

 

Gibson Center – CLOSED

Vaughan Food Pantry – CLOSED

MWV Supports  Recovery – CLOSED

Ossipee Concerned Citizens – CLOSED

North Conway Public Library – CLOSED

Jackson Public Library – CLOSED

 

To Report a Cancellation or Delay, please contact our offices Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm at 603-356-8870

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Nordic Meisters is a GO! for 2021 at Great Glen Trails!

Great Glen Trails‘ Lisa McCoy called in to the Magic Morning Show yesterday to talk with Gino all about Nordic Meisters 2021 and how it’s a “GO!” for the season. She also mentioned snowshoeing and fat biking this upcoming year. Click below to listen to the interview and check out all the information below from GREATGLENTRAILS.COM

 

 

26TH ANNUAL NORDIC MEISTERS

Tuesdays January 5th – March 9th, 2021
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
No Meisters on Feb 16th and Mar 2ndGreat Glen trails has a proven track record of offering community-based weekly series, which is perfectly suited for social distancing, COVID19 guidelines, all while racing. 

 
Meisters consists of eight weeks of timed runs with participants’ (6) best age-graded times selected for series-end standings.  We have Nordic racing (classic and skate), snowshoe racing, and fatbike racing. 
 
But if you aren’t into racing, and you just want to use the series as a motivator to get out on snow, you can join the untimed categories of each division. 
 
You choose either the long course (~5k) or the short course (~3km), or race both in all divisions!

Timers are onsite starting at 9:00am until 5:30pm each Tuesday. Snowshoers start at 1:00pm and fatbikers can start at 3:00pm. All participants must leave the starting line by 5:30pm.Individuals may register for single day participation on-site only.

COVID19 MODIFICATIONS:

  • $50 Check or Cash deposit for Meister Bibs ~ you will be responsible for bringing your bib each week to race. Bring your deposit to bib pick-up on the first day you race. One-day racers will use paper bibs.
  • Masks required while inside Base Lodge
  • We will award prizes each week in lieu of a potluck party
  • Mandatory staggered start; at least 1 min apart
  • Do not congregate at the starting line 
  • No online registration fees

NORDIC MEISTER BENEFITS:

  • (8) weeks of timed age-graded results, posted online weekly
  • FREE all day skiing every Tuesday
  • FREE use of rental gear every Tuesday for any new Nordic Meister! excluding snowshoes and fatbikes.
  • Eligibility for over $5,000 in weekly prizes (given for both performance and participation)
  • Friendly competition and camaraderie, while enjoying some of the most scenic Nordic ski terrain in New England
  • All Nordic Meisters welcome to Fatbike or Snowshoe race from 1:00-5:30pm!
 

Cost between $109 (adult non passholder) and $44 (junior passholder)

For more information go to GREATGLENTRAILS.COM

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Feel Good Story of the Week: Man’s 60 Year Old Varsity Jacket Returned

More than 60 years after Mal Osborn earned a varsity letter jacket from the University of Maine as a track runner, he still wore it. That is, until the 92-year-old lost it in October.

 

Mal Osborn was still rocking a varsity letter jacket he earned more than 60 years ago from the University of Maine. That is, until the 92-year-old former track star lost it in October. Osborn’s daughter, Beverly Amick, took up the search for the treasured jacket. After retracing her father’s steps and taking to Facebook, Amick received an email from a woman who’d found the coat in her yard, covered with leaves. Amick had to have it dry-cleaned, but Osborn has been sporting the jacket ever since.

Read the full story here.