Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 @ 09:50 AM
Tuckerman's Ravine is a skier's paradise for those craving adventure. It is often referred to as Tucks and is a large glacial cirque located on the east side of Mount Washington. The preferred time for skiing the headwall is spring, although snow stays on parts of Tuckerman's until mid summer. Everyone is encouraged to check for avalanche warnings prior to setting out for the hike, so do take care.
How to get to the top? Skiers must hike in via the Tuckerman Ravine trail, and carry along their skis and boots. The trail leaves from Pinkham Notch and is about a 3.1 mile hike to Lunch Rocks, which is at the base of the Ravine. From there, the trail gets a little steeper until you reach the top of Tuckerman's. By the time you have reached the top of the ravine, it only leaves time for about one run per day.
Just below the ravine is Lunch Rocks. This is where on-lookers gather to watch the ski runs and cheer for all involved. It has been told, that the cheers get even louder for the great wipeouts of the day. Lunch Rocks seems to become the place for an all day party and certainly there is reason to party after making the run down the ravine.
Skiing Tuckerman's Ravine takes skill, experience, and the desire for the rush of adreline. Certainly not for the faint at heart, but a worthy experience!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Wed, Mar 03, 2010 @ 09:41 AM
Spring skiing in the North Conway is my favorite time of the year. It is just perfect. The skies are sunny, the snow if soft, and the air has just the hint of spring! It is normally even warm enough that by the time you take the first ski run down the mountain that the warm layers start to come off and it truly feels warm! I have to say that this is usually the first sign for me that spring in on its way!
After a morning or refreshing skiing on the mountain, we usually grab an outside area for lunch. It feels like we are skiing in the West and I can feel the sun warming up my skin as I get my first suntan of the season. By the end of lunch, I am so relaxed that I don't know if I can put my boots back on and go up the mountain. However, knowing the great conditions and that the ski season is getting shorter each day I pry myself off the bench and back to the trails.
Spring skiing in North Conway, just perfect!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Mon, Feb 22, 2010 @ 10:14 AM
Dog Sled Races in North Conway are fairly new to the area and are a great spectator sport for all ages. The King Pine Ski Area will host the 3rd Annual
Purity Spring Sled Dog Race Classic on Saturday and Sunday, March 6th and 7th. The course for the dog sled races will be along the groomed Nordic trails of King Pine, with most of the races being held around Purity Lake. Mushers and dog teams will be competing for two days, starting at 9 A.M. each day and continuing until about 3 P.M. in the afternoon. There will be a variety of
races from 3-Dog Juniors up to 8-Dog Pros and there will also be a 12-Mile Open Division.
Admission to the Purity Sled Dog Races is free for spectators and can be viewed from various areas along the course. Spectators should plan to bring cross-country skis or snowshoes, or rent equipment from King Pine if you choose to view the race along the course. If spectators view the dog sled races from the start or finish line, equipment will not be needed.
Another great outdoor winter activity in the North Conway area!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Mon, Feb 15, 2010 @ 02:59 PM
Snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially went visiting the North Conway area. However, it has gotten even easier to enjoy going for a snowmobile ride as they can be rented and come complete with all of the gear and clothing necessary to be warm and safe.
A Better Life Snowmobile Tours have a completely new fleet of snowmobiles and their tours can accommodate those that want to race to the finish line or enjoy the ride at a slower pace. Their experienced staff will make sure that everyone is safe along the way and have fun in the great outdoors, regardless of your experience level.
They offer three tours including a one, two, and a three hour ride. The two hour ride is the most popular tour and it takes you through Bear Notch. Along the way riders will enjoy the scenic vistas as they wind through the White Mountain National Forest Trails on Meadowbrook Trail. The views are gorgeous and the wildlife is in abundance, so make sure to bring your camera. Some of the more experienced riders may also reach the Swift River area. This covers about 40 miles of trails during the three hour tour.
Family friendly yet challenging enough for the most experienced riders, their snowmobile trail system and guides will provide you with an informative and thrilling experience you will not soon forget! Guest of the Old Field House Inn also will receive a 10% discount off their rental. Get out and enjoy the snow!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 10:44 AM
Planning a family vacation to North Conway for President's Day vacation? Cranmore Mountain is a small family mountain nestled in the center of North Conway. To celebrate Valentine's Day and Presidents Weekend, they have put together an event called
Cranapalooza! Actually, Cranapalooza runs every Saturday night in the winter season through March 13th. However, since it is Valentine's Day and Presidents Weekend, they plan to have some special
events for this week including fireworks on February 13th and 20th! They have a whole calendar of events to keep the family happy and enjoying the special holidays, and yes...school vacation!
Cranapalooza will feature night skiing, snow tubing, smores, family entertainment, live music, and more! Or, how about a little snowboarding and skiing competition? Cranapalooza lift tickets are $29 and are valid for night skiing on 11 trails from 2-8 P.M. Also, don't forget the snow tubing at the Tubing Park!
The week will be full of events and make this a family vacation to remember!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Wed, Feb 03, 2010 @ 03:37 PM
So, what is there to do at the Old Field House in New Hampshire in the winter? You should really be asking, what you can't do in North Conway because activities are endless! We stopped for a moment and thought about some of our favorite activities, whether it is for a romantic getaway in one of our Jacuzzi suites or time for family fun and a stay in the main building of the Old Field House.
Some of our favorite activities for the winter include the Chocolate Festival which is always held the last Sunday of February. Definitely must be on the list if you enjoy chocolate. When it comes to fun in the great outdoors, we start with a little snowshoeing and add in some cross-country skiing which both can be enjoyed right from the Inn! Then of course there is skiing and a great family mountain is Black Mountain. However, snow tubing is always fun for any age, especially the younger folks. What is next? How about going on a snowmobile tour? Snowmobile tours can be for one, two, or three hours and can include all of the gear that you need. Or for fun or a little romance on a winter's day, check out the dog sled rides.
So if you need a little break from the great outdoors, then there is always plenty of shopping or just hang out in your Jacuzzi suite and enjoy each others company and reunite. We think that one thing is for sure, there is always something to do at the Old Field House!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Wed, Feb 03, 2010 @ 02:32 PM
Have you ever experienced a dog sled ride? If you are considering the ultimate romantic getaway or just want to break out of the mold and try a new outdoor expereince, than consider taking a dog sled ride. Imagine snuggling under a blanket with your loved one as the dogs mush through the snow and along the trails. Whether it is a sparkeling winter's day or an evening ride, it will not be your last. We did this a few years ago and it was not only romantic, but it was a blast! Bundle up and hold on as this is a unique experience. Muddy Paw Sled Dog makes it all happen and of course, guests of the Old Field House Inn are welcomed!
Two different types of rides are offered Thursday through Sunday at their location at the Mount Washington Resort. They offer a 20 minute ride in the morning and the afternoon and also a 50 minute ride in the evening, when romance is at its peak. A 20 minute ride for two people is $110 and the 50 minute ride for two people is $190. If you have a little one along for the ride, they can accommodate a maximum of three people with an additional charge of $35 for the third person. Now here's the catch...a maximum weight limit of 325 pounds is the entire weight that the sled and dogs can accommodate.
Call for your reservations at 603-278-8989
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Thu, Jan 28, 2010 @ 07:43 AM
Cross-country skiing and indulging in chocolate is just what happens at the annual Chocolate Festival in Intervale on February 28th. This is known by many as the "Sweetest Day on the Trails"! Participate in the Chocolate Festival and enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate fountains and fondue, brownies, and chocolate cookies of all kinds. Chocolate delights, scenery, and warm hospitality are waiting to be enjoyed by all!
From 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. participating Inns will be offering chocolate treats as you enjoy a break along the 65KM of trails. It isn't just about cross-country skiing as you can also snowshoe or drive from inn-to-inn. I think that chocoholics will do just about anything to enjoy the chocolate! In addition to the Old Field House, other participating inns include 1785 Inn, Adventure Suites, Eastern Inns, Mountain View Estates, Riverside Inn B&B, Stonehurst Manor, and the Touring Center at Ragged Mountain Equipment.
Festival maps will be available the day of the event and each business will validate your map to confirm your stop. When you have completed the tour, even more chocolate treats will be yours to enjoy. Chocolate Festival passes will be $20 when purchased in advance or $25 if purchased the day of the Festival.
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Thu, Jan 21, 2010 @ 02:25 PM
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and now is the time to plan for your
romantic getaway in the North Conway Area! Grab your sweetie and visit the
Old Field House in Intervale, New Hampshire and romance is sure to blossom! Just imagine, a luxurious suite, complete with fireplace and Jacuzzi for two. Let the romance begin!
The Old Field House will make sure to cater to all of your needs and have a variety of special getaway packages for you to choose from. A soothing massage, a romantic dinner for two, roses, chocolates, or enjoy bath and body treats. Just thinking about it gets my heart pumping in anticipation of a wonderful romantic getaway for Valentine's Day.
In addition to being swept off your feet with romance this Valentine's Day, take advantage of cross-country skiing right from the Inn. Or perhaps you would enjoy a little snowshoeing or a walk in the winter wonderland? If outdoor activities are not on your mind, perhaps a little shopping at the outlet stores in North Conway. Rod or Linea would be happy to provide some shopping tips and coupons for a little extra savings.
Romance at it's finest at the Old Field House! Happy Valentine's Day!!
Posted by Rebecca Levitan on Thu, Jan 14, 2010 @ 09:47 AM
Snowshoeing in New Hampshire is a great activity for couples or families! The best part about snowshoeing in New Hampshire is that it is not only cost effective, but snowshoeing is easy to learn and you can essentially go anywhere that you normally hike in the summer! You can just putter around in a field, on a golf course, or snowshoe on trails through the woods. Try a shorter hike to get use to the snowshoes and how they feel on the snow. Once you have your "groove on", go for a little longer jaunts. Just do not get lost!
Snowshoeing has been described a walking with big feet. There are techniques which are effective for climbing hills, breaking trails, and going downhill. Also, many people suggest poles to assist you with your balance. The Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoeing Foundation has great tips for picking out your snowshoe equipment, but you can also just stop at any LL Bean location and they will be happy to help you make decisions on snowshoes.
As with any sport there are always a few dos and don'ts. With regards to snowshoeing they say never to step on your own snowshoe because the results will sort of make you horizontal with the snow! Go forward not backwards as you will dig your snowshoe into the snow and of course, become horizontal again! Lastly, never go straight up or down a hill and always cut across at angles. We do not want your snowshoes to become skiis!
Dress warm and have fun!