On and off the ski trails, wild & fun events mark Mt Washington Valley, NH calendar, March – April
MARCH & APRIL BRING CHILLY CHILI & CHALLENGE CUPS TO MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH
North Conway, NH – Mt Washington Valley,NH ski resorts and XC Centers are reporting as much as 181” of snowfall throughout the winter so far, and we’re looking forward plenty more weeks of outdoor fun . This is the year for spring skiing and snowmobiling in Mt Washington Valley as the season sets up to be one of the best ever. Add in a packed events calendar and you have just what you need for the perfect March-April getaway. We’ve done an exhaustive review of events in and around Mt Washington Valley’s ski slopes and trails, and here it is.
March, 2017
Saturdays throughout March: Guided Snowshoe Tours at King Pine: Guided snowshoe tours are offered on Saturdays at 2:00pm. (weather permitting) each Saturday in March, and are $12 per person ($20 with snowshoe rentals). Interested participants are asked to sign-up and meet at The Mill Indoor Pool & Fitness Center across from the Purity Spring Main Office before the start of the tour.
Saturday – Sunday throughout March: 100 Acre Woods Sugar Shack Open: Guided tours through the Sugar Bush offered weekend afternoons. Enjoy a wagon ride through the woods, learn about the history of sugaring, how to identify maple trees, tap for sap, collection and sample tasting. Tour is approx. 1 hour. Dress according to weather. Suggested donation: $5/per person. Self-Guided tours can be done on our Maple Storybook Trail which begins right near the Sugar Shack. This tour can be done anytime, however an inside peek at our Sugar Shack can only be done when we it’s open. If there is steam rolling out of the Sugar Shack, you are welcome to step inside for a firsthand look of the historic and innovative process of turning sap into maple syrup. Info: www.believeinbooks.org.
Tuesdays throughout March: Two-for-Tuesdays Bretton Woods Canopy Tour: Two can book the same Bretton Woods Canopy Tour on Tuesdays for just $110! Soar through the tree tops on 9 Zip lines ranging from 120 to 830 feet long, 2 sky bridges, 3 rappels and 16 tree platforms. Breathtaking views and thrilling excitement await! Reserve by calling (603) 278-4ZIP [4947].
Wednesdays through March 26: Jerry’s Free Ride Wednesdays at Red Parka Pub: Every Wednesday through March 22nd, Jerry gives away lift tickets to all of the Valley’s great ski areas from 6-8. Jon Sarty entertains from 5-8 and there is a Tuckerman Beer promo, too. Add in 72 Cent Wings and you have a winner of a Wednesday! Info: www.redparkapub.com .
Fridays, through March 30: Friday Gliders and Easy Sliders at Jackson XC: Join instructors for an afternoon tour of classic skiing for experienced beginner/intermediates on the trails in Jackson. Hours of fun, gliding smoothly through neatly groomed trails, enjoying the company of new and old friends, along with getting some tips & technique pointers as you go. The Easy Sliders program is for those who prefer an easier ski. $15 per session. Info: http://jacksonxc.org/events/events-calendar/.
March 1-3: King Pine Winter Carnival Continues: Get in on the last days of fun during the King Pine Winter Carnival, when sleigh rides, family races and snowshoe tours reign. It culminates with a Kids Light Parade on March 3.
March 3,4,10,11: Powder and Pasta Night Skiing and Dinner at Bretton Woods: Enjoy a pasta dinner, featuring Penne pasta with a classic red Italian sauce or savory white alfredo, topped with your choice of meatballs or grilled chicken. There’s garlic bread included on the side and parmesan cheese on top to finish your night. $25 includes ticket for night skiing and dinner. Info: brettonwoods.com/specials/specials/offers.
March 2- 3: LL Bean Bootmobile at Attitash & Wildcat: The L.L.Bean Bootmobile will be setting foot at Wildcat Mountain with games, giveaways, and prizes. Stop by 10:00am-2:00pm for the chance to win a $300 L.L.Bean gift card on March 2, then enjoy much of the same at Attitash Bear Peak on March 3. Info: click here.
March 4: Indoor Flag Football Tournament: On the weekend of March 4th and 5th come and watch the first and only Indoor Flag Football Tournament in Conway, NH at Home Run Sports. FREE ADMISSION, ALL DAY GAMES and the games schedule will be posted on www.homerunconway.com prior to the tournament. If you would like to enter a team:
$100 per team (4 on 4), men’s division, co-ed division, women’s division. To sign up call home run at (603) 447 2000 or www.homerunconway.com.
March 4: Winter Wild Race at Black Mountain: This is a great up and downhill race on the snow, skin up or run and race back down. Info: Click here.
March 4: Cardboard Box Race at Shawnee Peak: Keep those big cardboard boxes on hand, you’re going to need them for the 4th annual cardboard box race! There will be a prize for the fastest and best theme. Theme is “A day at the races” (The winners get NASCAR tickets!! – Thanks AAA). Sign your team (up to 4 people per team) for the race before 11.30am in the main office. Race takes place at 1pm. All participants must have a lift ticket or season pass and be wearing a helmet. Info: click here.
March 4-5: 2nd Annual Cross Cat Touring Challenge at Wildcat: This race starts at the base, ascends the Polecat Trail and then descends the Upper Wildcat Ski Trail. There will be two categories ‘Touring’ and ‘Elite’. Each class will have a mass start, the ‘Elite’ class will start at 10:00am and the ‘Touring’ class will start at 10:10am. This event will test your endurance, and backcountry skiing skills. The day’s event will finish in the Wildcat Pub with dinner, and awards ceremony. Info and registration details: Click here.
March 4, 11: Cranapalooza at Cranmore: This is Cranmore Mountain’s signature event, including DJ dance parties in Schneider Square with C-more the Penguin, live music, outdoor entertainment, family activities, s’mores all starting at 2:00pm. Fireworks will top off the season on March 11th. Info: Click here.
March 4, 11: Guided Snowshoe Walk at MWV Skl Touring & Snowshoe Foundation: Ideal for all abilities including first-timers and novices interested in learning basic techniques, this tour departs every Saturday (weather permitting) from the Touring Center HQ at 1:00 pm. Join the Nature Guide for a guided snowshoe walk along the East Branch and Saco Rivers. The tour will last between 1.5 – 2 hours covering less than 2 miles at an easy pace. Learn about the trees and wildlife and search for animal tracks while learning basic snowshoeing technique and bushwacking skills. Cost is $25 per person and includes guided tour and full day trail pass. Reservations are required. Call 603-356-9920. Rentals available.Info: www.mwvskitouring.org.
March 4, 11, 18 : Apres Ski Parties for Adults & Kids at Bretton Woods: Last chair doesn’t mean your day has to end. Listen to some après ski entertainment and try a new brew and appetizers at Slopeside Pub. Slopeside Pub is located on the 3rd level of the Bretton Woods Base Lodge. Entertainment is typically offered from 2:30-5:30 pm and special bar promos are available from 3:00-5:00 pm. There’s also a kids après party too. Click on the link for more info. Info: www.brettonwoods.com/apres.
March 5: 15th Annual Break the Sound Barrier Ski Race: Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels will race a modified slalom course at Shawnee Peak. Join Olympic and World Cup champion Julie Parisien, WGME’s Gregg Lagerquist and the hear ME now community on the slopes! An après-ski barbecue and awards ceremony follows the race. Prizes and awards for Best Costume, Most Leisurely Skier, Top Fundraising Team, Fastest Team, Individual Prizes and more. Registration is $75 and includes A free full-day lift ticket for the day of the race, “Break the Sound Barrier” t-shirt, après-ski BBQ lunch. Info: Click here.
March 7, 14, 21: Kids Paint Big Flowers Workshop at Jackson Art Studio: In this three week after school class, Joelle will guide students through the process of creating a large 16×20” flower painting using acrylics. Students will learn to sketch their flowers in proper proportion to create a dynamic composition. Instruction will be given in color mixing, blending paint and how to build up a painting in layers from light to dark. The small class size will allow students to receive one on one attention. 3:45-5:15 pm $105 (all painting supplies included) Ages 7-13 yrs. Info: Click here.
March 11: AbilityPLUS Springfest at Wildcat: AbilityPLUS Adaptive Sports SPRINGFEST (Ski-A-Thon) is a day of family fun at Wildcat Mountain. Enjoy games, prizes, food, and lots and lots of spring skiing. There will be a silent auction with fantastic prizes including a chance to win our scratch ticket poster with a $100 guarantee! This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for AbilityPLUS. Info: 603-374-2688.
March 11: Carl Johnson Memorial Ski-a-Thon at Great Glen Trails: Carl Johnson, a close friend to Great Glen Trails and a lover of all things skiing, passed away in 2006 of ALS. This event is held in his honor to raise money, and in his spirit, it’s all about fun! Get your family and friends to pledge money based on how many laps of the 5-kilometer course you will ski. Entry fee: $20, includes trail pass with all proceeds donated a beneficiary TBD. Prizes awarded for the most laps completed and highest amount pledged. As always, the event will feature a prize for the loudest & wackiest tights! Info: click here.
March 11: Nordic Marathon to benefit New England Ski Museum at Bretton Woods Nordic Center: This 42-kilometer, classic format, cross country ski race showcases one of the largest Nordic systems in the northeast. In the tracks of the famed 1982 US National Championships and such legends as Bill Koch and Tim Caldwell, this race is steeped in history and Nordic skiing tradition. The course layout provides a challenge to experienced racers while making use of terrain that is accessible and enjoyable for skiers of all abilities between Omni Mt Washington Hotel and majestic Mount Washington. Youth race too. Info: Click here.
March 11: Last Tracks with Moat Mountain at Black Mountain: The last in the Last Tracks series with Moat Mountain. This is a special one as you should be skiing down by the light of the full moon! Lift ride up at 4pm, light appetizers and a Moat Mountain Brewery Tasting followed by a ski down a freshly groomed trail by moonlight (or headlamp). Reservations strongly recommended, Info/reservations: 603-383-4490 or click here.
March 12: America’s Mattress Race at Shawnee Peak: Get out your old, beat up mattress and put it to good use! Design and decorate your old twin, full, double, queen or king, race it down our course and you’ll be eligible for a brand-new queen-sized mattress from Americas Mattress & Furniture Gallery. Info: click here.
March 12: 43rd Annual Mount Washington Cup Nordic Race at Bretton Woods Nordic Center: Anannual 10k Freestyle (skate ski) Race, which is part of the ZAK Cup Series. Located on the grounds of the historic Mount Washington Hotel and the White Mountain National Forest, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center is one of the largest cross country areas in the East. Mass start begins at 10:00am. Register online for $30 at www.SkiReg.com on or before March 10th ($50 Day of Race) ($20 and $35 for U23). Info: 603-278-3322 or click here.
March 12: Full Moon Classic Ski Tour at Jackson XC: Explore the Jackson XC trail network on skis under the light of the full moon on this guided tour. Proper dress required. Headlamps are helpful if you have one. Rentals available. Tours are $15.00 and run from 6:00-8:00pm. These tours are very popular, advanced reservations are required. Reservations: 603-383-9355, info, http://jacksonxc.org/events/events-calendar/.
March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, April 1: M&D Playhouse presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Based on the original Broadway production that ran for 13 years and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. is presented Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, March 16 – April 1 at Your Theater, Willow Common, 1857 White Mountain Highway, North Conway. All performances begin at 7:30 PM. Info: To reserve seats, www.mdplayhouse.com or call (603) 733-5275.
March 17: Cynthia’s Challenge 24 Hour Ski-a-Thon at King Pine: Gather pledges and donations for this year’s benefactor, Faith Holt, an 11-year-old girl living with skeletal dysplasia, seizure disorder and Crane-Heise Syndrome. This year’s goal is to purchase Faith’s family a wheelchair accessible van. Then come ski your heart out at King Pine. Now in its fourth year, Cynthia’s Challenge 24-Hour Ski-A-Thon has raised over $131,000 to benefit children with special medical needs and their families. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/cynthiaschallenge.
March 17: St Patrick’s Day at Mt Washington Valley ski resorts: From green ski wear contests to green beer and special ticket deals, skiers and riders will find plenty of festivities at Mt Washington Valley’s ski resorts and XC Centers. For example, Buy one and get one free adult lift ticket on St. Paddy’s Day at Bretton Woods and $17 lift tickets at Wildcat and Attitash. Plenty of après ski fun too. Info: www.SkiMWV.com.
March 18: Red Parka Challenge Cup: The top New England Amateur ski racers compete at Attitash in the longest running pro-style dual slalom race in the US. Great to watch, too! All proceeds from this event go to the Eastern Slope Ski Club Jr Ski Program to keep our local school children skiing regardless of their ability to pay. Info: Click here.
March 18: Flannel Festival at Cranmore Mountain: Show your Northern New Hampshire pride on March 18th at Cranmore Mountain by wearing flannel and join in on games, fun photo opportunities, live music in Zip’s Pub and Grill, and an on-hill flannel parade, open to skiers and riders of all ability levels! Come out and join in on the fun! Info: www.cranmore.com.
March 18: King Pine Vertical Challenge: A fun and exciting ski and snowboard race where the racer who clocks the best time in each event category wins Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals. Winners from individual events are invited to return and compete in the Series Finals. The races are FREE, for all lift ticket holders. Tons of great prizes, giveaways and free samples! Registration starts at 8:00am in Evergreen Room. Race starts at 11:00am. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/event-calendar.
March 18: 33rd Annual Spring Fling at Shawnee Peak: Celebrating the beginning of Spring, the event captures the essence of the season’s skiing and riding – lots of soft snow, live entertainment and lounging on the Blizzard’s Pub party deck, catching rays and enjoying the weather! The Slush Cup (starts at 1:30pm) pits skiers and snowboarders against a 100-foot-long man-made pond of ice cold water. Register (for free) in the base lodge from 11am-11:30am. Kids under 18 MUST have a parent or guardian accompany them to sign the liability paperwork. Info: click here.
March 19: King Pine Cardboard Box Derby: Build a cardboard box racer (for two or four racers) with your own theme and bring your own theme music and race down our special racecourse. Racers must be built entirely out of cardboard (no wood or metal allowed). Boxes may be held together with tape, glue or stitched. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. in the Fireplace Room. Inspection and style judging at 12:00 p.m., Race begins at 1:00 p.m. Entrance Fee: $5 entrance fee per cardboard box.
March 24-25: Annual Jimmy Buffett weekend at Snowvillage Inn: Throughout the weekend, the Snowvillage Inn will be transformed into an island oasis, and Chef Peter Willis’s Caribbean fare will be served. Think Mangos and more. Mango Groove will be on hand Saturday night so all can groove to the sounds of steel drums and enjoy Kevin’s creative cocktails and plenty of Key West fun. Bring your best Hawaiian shirts and Buffet costumes. Info and reservations: www.Snowvillageinn.com.
March 25: 30th Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods Ski Area: Spring skiing, live island-style music, BBQ, & après ski fun! Don’t forget about the annual Slush Pool event. Bring on the sun and wear your beach attire! Wear your beach gear and ski and ride for just $30! (Special tickets available at ticket windows and online). Info: Click here.
March 25: Grandstand Mogul Jam at Attitash: A family event open to all levels of mogul skiing expertise. Competitors will be judged on turns, line and air. Registration starts at 8:00am, event starts at 11:00am. Click here for complete judging details and timing.
March 25: Pond Skim at Black Mountain: End the season at Black Mountain right with a skim across the pond. Info: click here.
March 25: Spring Splash at Cranmore Mountain: Join in on the fun and free end of the season pond skim celebration. See how far you can get across the manmade pond! Costumes are encouraged! This event is open to all skiers and riders of all abilities and ages. Info: www.Cranmore.com.
March 26: Pond Skimming and Beach Party at King Pine: End the ski season with a splash! Skiers and riders attempt to cross the man-made shark-pond at the base of King Pine on the final day of the season. Hawaiian shirts recommended! Course inspection at 12:00pm; race begins at 1:00 p.m. Registration form and waiver needed. Info: https://www.kingpine.com/events/king-pine-pond-skimming-beach-party.
March 26: Youth Pay Their Age Day at Attitash: All skiers and riders from six years old up pay their age for a lift ticket. Five and under ski free at Attitash all the time. Info: click here.
March 31-April 2: Japanese Wood Block Painting Workshop at Jackson Art Studio: This 3-day workshop is organized to offer a comprehensive introduction to the wonderful range of tools, technique, and materials involved in this process. Everyone completes a multi-color print and engages with aspects of design, carving, and printing. There is an emphasis on sharing tricks and techniques that may be adapted to other art-making (watercolor painting, western style printmaking). All experience levels are welcome. A $75 supply fee will be payable to the instructor at the first class and will include all the tools and materials needed for this workshop. 3-day workshop fee is $355 (+ supply fee). Info: (603) 387-3463. Info: Click here.
April, 2017
April 1: Attitash Pond Skim: This is last call for Attitash events in the 2016/17 season. Spring begins here with 80+ feet of water at the base of Attitash and the challenge to get across it on skis or snowboards. It’s just as much fun to watch as to compete. Registration required, 8:30-11:00pm. Info: click here.
April 1: Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot: From 9:00am – noon, kids are invited to make a festive bunny basket at Home Depot in North Conway. Info: 603-356-4130 or HOMEDEPOT.COM.
April 1: Stone Mountain April Is For Us Fools Wine Dinner: The fun starts at 5:00pm. You walk in, you’re handed your first glass of wine, and enjoy some appetizers in the Quisisana Barn. Seating for dinner in the main hall will follow. One of our lassies will guide you to your seat at one of our big festive round tables. Next it’s film clips from some favorite love stories and then musical entertainment by the Stone Mountain crew. “Self-professed” wine critic, Mario Abanadanza will guide you through the wines and hefty platters of food to pass around
It is a pile of fun, the food is amazing, the wine is great, the music is sweet, and you end with a rousing drinking song. 80.00 including concert, 5-course dinner, 5 wines, and tax. Info: click here.
April 7-8: Cat Scratch Fever at Wildcat: Cat Scratch Fever Freeride challenges skiers and riders to make it down the Chute Trail with the most style top to bottom. It’s not a freestyle event; just wow the judges with your best tricks and speed to win. “Cats Meow” awards are in the Wildcat Pub at 3:00pm. Info: Click here.
April 8: Annual Mt Washington Valley Chili Cook off & Feelin Good 5K: Sample dozens of different chilis and cornbreads at the MWV Chamber’s Annual Chili Cook-Off from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Businesses and non-professional chefs offer up many different versions of chili. Walk between the North Conway Community Center and the Gibson Senior Center for tastings. Vote on your favorite for the title of People’s Choice. Then join in on the 5K organized by the White Mountain Milers to run off all those chili calories. Info: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/2017chilicookoff.cfm.
April 8, 15, 22: DIY Workshops at Home Depot: Visit Home Depot in North Conway and on April 8th learn about Spring Lawn Prep, on April 15th, it’s all about deck and patio staining, and on April 22 learn more about installing tile flooring. All workshops are from 10:00-11:30am. Info: 603-356-4130.
April 8: John Davidson – LIVE in Concert at Theater in the Wood: He has spent most of his life on one stage or another. Broadway, television, night clubs…he’s done it all. Yet, his most captivating performances are those when it’s just John alone on stage – playing his guitar, singing his songs, spinning his yarns – in an intimate concert setting. Spend an evening with John Hamilton Davidson as he unfolds a wonderful concert of roots, roles & Rhymes. Info: 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.
April 14-16: Easter in the Mountains at Bretton Woods Ski Area: An eggs-tra special time for families. Jelly beans, colored eggs, and Easter bonnets are only a few of the bountiful activities. Young and old alike will find spring-like delight in the Easter egg hunts and Easter Brunch at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. Info: Click here.
April 8: Friends of Tuckerman Inferno Race: Run, Kayak, Bike, Hike and Ski! Test yourself on roads, on the river, on the bike, on the hiking trail and on your skis in Tuckerman Ravine during the Tuckerman Inferno! Individuals and teams compete in five different sports as they head from Mount Washington Valley up to Tuckerman Ravine in Pinkham Notch. Individual champions are crowned Tuckerman and Tuckerwoman and there are terrific prizes for all categories of competitors. It’s a fun event to watch too. Info: http://www.friendsoftuckermanravine.org/inferno .
April 15: Easter on the Green at Settlers Green: Children, accompanied by an adult, are welcome to decorate a Styrofoam Easter egg with the help of creative staff, while supplies last. Select stores will have Easter candy and treats available. Plus, visit Customer Service at Suite C13 for a free Lindt Lindor chocolate truffle and an Easter activity book with stickers and illustrations to color. Crayons included. Info: Click here.
April 16: Easter Egg Hunt at Wildcat: Kids 12 and under hunt for Easter eggs under the Snowcat Chair from noon to 1:00pm. Info: Click here.
April 17: Patriot’s Day Ski Special at Bretton Woods: Enjoy the final day of the 16-17 season at Bretton Woods with $17.76 tickets and receive a return voucher to kick off next season. Info: 603-278-3320.
April 22: Pogo Polo Tournament at Settlers Green: All nonprofits and schools compete in a 3v3, double elimination tournament to win a $500 donation. Each player will be equipped with a Hopper Ball, i.e. the bouncies with handle on it and a Pillo Stick–that game you used to play in gym class. The game ball will be a giant beach ball and two oversized nets will be at each end. Info: (603) 356-7031, www.settlersgreen.com/events.
April 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30: The Jacksonian by M&D Playhouse: This dark comedy by Beth Henley is set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1964. When his wife kicks him out, respectable dentist Bill Perch moves into the seedy Jacksonian Motel. There, his downward spiral is punctuated by encounters with his teenage daughter, a gold-digging motel employee, a treacherous bartender, and his now-estranged wife. Revolving around the night of a murder, The Jacksonian brims with suspense and dark humor and unearths the eerie tensions and madness in a town poisoned by racism. The Jacksonian is presented April 20 – 30, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM with matinees Sundays at 4:00 PM, at Your Theatre, Willow Common, 1857 White Mountain Highway, North Conway.To reserve seats: www.mdplayhouse.com or call (603) 733-5275.
April 29: Mallett Brothers Band at Stone Mountain Arts Center: April 29 (Saturday):Slightly more rock than country, the Mallett Brothers is a musical melting pot that’s influenced equally by folk and singer/songwriters as by harder rockers, punk and psychedelic sounds. It’s song-driven music that holds up under the lens of solitary listening, but that’s equally apt to crank a room full of rockers into whiskey-fueled high gear. They always bring the house when they are here. $20 per person. Info and ticket sales, click here.
It’s easy to plan your spring getaway in Mt Washington Valley using the resources for lodging, dining, events, shopping and so much more at www.MtWashingtonvalley.org. For links to each of the ski resorts’ and XC Centers’ snow reports, visit www.SkiMWV.com. To talk to a vacation planner, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH OR 800-367-3364. And to learn more about coming to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.
