THE MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY WELCOMES WINTER WITH EVENTS ON AND OFF THE SLOPES

NORTH CONWAY, NH – Winter is off to a snowy start in the Mt. Washington Valley, with ski resorts and XC centers receiving over a foot of snow in the first weeks of the new year. Excellent conditions, combined with a packed events calendar for 2020, means there is no shortage of activities for visitors, whenever their getaway may be this season.

RECURRING EVENTS, WINTER 2020

Tuesdays through March, Toddlers and Tots, Jackson Ski Touring: Free skiing and use of children’s and adult rental equipment and pulks (available on a first-come, first-served basis). The goal of the program is to inspire and encourage parents with little children to XC ski and enjoy the outdoors in winter. Info: Click here.

Wednesdays through March: Jerry’s Free Ride Wednesdays at Red Parka Pub: Every Wednesday through March 25 Jerry gives away lift tickets to all of the Valley’s great ski areas from 6-8. Jon Sarty entertains from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Info: www.redparkapub.com.

Fridays and Saturdays through March, Après at the Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain: Stop by the Lostbo Pub for après entertainment, live music, beer promotions, plus food and drinks, on Friday and Saturday evenings this winter. Info: blackmt.com/events.

Fridays through March, Friday Night Lights with Ski the Whites, Black Mountain: This weekly up and down ski series is for all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to challenge yourself or just get outside and enjoy the night skiing experience. There are new courses set every week. Headlamps are required, and rental gear is available. Info: Click here.

Saturdays through March, Kids Après Parties, Bretton Woods: Kids ages 4 to 12 are welcome to join in their own special après ski fun! This supervised party is offered most Saturdays and during vacation and holiday periods. Each party includes themed activities and refreshments for kids. Info: Click here.

Saturdays and holiday periods through mid-March, Cranapalooza, Cranmore: Cranmore’s signature event, Cranapalooza, features a DJ dance party, appearances by mascot C-more the Penguin, outdoor games and s’mores, starting at 2:30 p.m. Guests can stick around for fireworks on February 22. Info: Click here.

Saturdays through the end of March, Guided Snowshoe Tours, King Pine: Guided snowshoe tours are available on Saturdays leaving at 2 p.m. sharp and are $15 per person (rental equipment not included). Interested participants are asked to sign-up and meet at the Mill Main Office at least 5 minutes before the start of the tour. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

Saturdays through March 7, Family Pasta Night, Cranmore: A three course dinner and ski movies from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays in Zip’s Pub. Info: cranmore.com.

Saturdays, January 18 through April 6, Live Shows at Theater in the Wood: Live entertainment at the Theater in the Wood. Concerts will feature a few familiar artists to the Theater in the Wood like the extremely well-known New England comedian Juston McKinney, and the always incredible folk-rock band, Adam Ezra Group.

Sundays through March 8, Bill Koch Club, Great Glen Trails: The Great Glen Bill Koch League is a regional youth ski program, named after Bill Koch, the first U.S. Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing. The club is a weekly program that emphasizes the fun of skiing, making new friends, and learning and improving skiing skills. Open to kids in 1st through 8th grade. Info: greatglentrails.com/bkl.

Select Saturdays, Snowshoe with a Naturalist, Great Glen Trails: In conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club, Great Glen Trails offers you the chance to really get to know Pinkham Notch, with a free tour (trail pass is required). When you snowshoe with a naturalist, you will learn about the flora and fauna that make our corner of the world so special. Info: greatglentrails.com/snowshoenaturalist.

Select Saturdays, Evening Snowshoe Tour, Great Glen Trails: Experience the wonder of a nighttime winter walk in the woods. Join a Naturalist from the Appalachian Mountain Club on a guided snowshoe tour. Use your senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails while listening for owls calling. Reservations required and tours fill fast. Info: https://greatglentrails.com/pmshoe.

Select Dates, January through March, Mt. Washington Observatory Summit Overnight Trips: Overnight EduTrips allows you to fully experience the summit of Mount Washington by spending a night in the weather station at 6,288 feet above sea level. You’ll get to enjoy a full day of sightseeing and alpine adventure, then join staff scientists for a hearty dinner in the comfort of our heated weather station. Info: Click here.

January 20 & 24, February: 3, 14 & 24, March 2 & 6, Mount Washington Observatory Summit Day Trips: Enjoy a thrilling snowcat ride to the top of the tallest peak in the Northeast and spend a day reveling in the mountain’s legendary weather and scenery. A highlight of your visit will be a guided tour of the Mount Washington Observatory’s famous mountaintop weather station and the opportunity to meet the scientists living and working in this remote outpost. Then, after a hearty, homemade lunch, you’ll head back down the mountain before nightfall. Info: Click here.

January 11, February 8, March 5, Racing to the Moon Uphill Series with Ski the Whites at Shawnee Peak: Join in an uphill race for the second season of Racing to the Moon at Shawnee Peak! This series is open to all ages and abilities, and rental equipment is available. Info: Click here.

January 20, February 17 & 24, Sunrise Snowcoach Tours: Experience an unforgettable winter sunrise at treeline from the comfort of the Mt. Washington SnowCoach.

Experienced SnowCoach drivers will take you to treeline (weather permitting) at 4,200 feet on the Mt. Washington Auto Road for a chance to watch the sun rise. Tours leave promptly at 6:30 am in January and 5:45 am in February from the base lodge. Info: Click here.

January 24, February 14 & 21, Evening Dog Sledding, Great Glen Trails: In conjunction with Outlaw Ridge Sled Dogs, Great Glen Trails offers you the chance to experience the exhilaration of dog sledding on our trail system. Participants get to meet and greet the dog team, then take an intimate 4 mile tour on the trails. Info: greatglentrails.com/dogsledding.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – January, 2020

January 17-20, Winter Carnival Weekend, Bretton Woods: Enjoy a long weekend at Bretton Woods on the slopes or enjoy the warmth of the indoors with family-friendly activities that will keep you smiling. There is lots of fun to be had in this winter wonderland! Info: Click here.

January 17, 24 & 31, Skoga, a Ski and Yoga Experience, Shawnee Peak: This season-long Friday series kicks off with yoga in the morning. After that, boot up and hit the slopes. Shawnee Peak will offer group lessons, then you are free to ski at your leisure afterwards. Price is $55 per person and includes a lift ticket and one-hour lesson. Info: Click here.

January 18, Attitash After Dark Music and Fireworks: Back by popular demand, Ptarmigan’s Pub après Ski transforms into Ptarmigan’s After Dark sponsored by Bud Light. Enjoy a dinner menu, fireworks display, and Foreigners Journey, a tribute to Foreigner and Journey. Info: Click here.

January 18, Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble, MWV Ski Touring: This Snowshoe Scramble race will be held in Whitaker Woods, the intown trail network. This 4-mile racecourse consists of groomed trails and twisty single-track and is a qualifier race for the USSSA Nationals. Info: Click here.

January 18, Roomful of Blues, Stone Mountain Arts Center: Though this band is the pride of New England they are known as one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. In 2010, singer Phil Pemberton took over the vocal duties, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals and adding another bright new dimension to the jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Info: Click here.

January 18, Mallett Brothers Band, Theater in the Wood:Kick off the new Winter Entertainment Series at the Theater in the Wood! The Mallett Brothers Band is an independent rock and roll, Americana, country band from Maine. Their busy tour schedule since forming in 2009 has helped them to build a dedicated fanbase across the U.S. and beyond while still calling the state of Maine their home. Info: Click here.

January 18, Lil Monsters Jib Contest, Cranmore: A freestyle competition for ages 14 and under. All abilities are welcome to compete for prizes. Registration is free with a valid lift ticket or season pass. Info: Click here.

January 19 & 20, Women’s Winter Escape, Great Glen Trails: Women’s Winter Escape at Great Glen is a unique chance to get personalized attention from expert instructors and participate in other fun activities with friends. Activities include a variety of ski clinics, shoeshowing, yoga, tubing, yoga, an après ski wine and cheese gathering with discounted shopping in the Great Glen Outfitter Shop and more. Women’s Winter Escape is limited to 20 participants. Info: greatglentrails.com.

January 25, Veteran’s Appreciation Day, Bretton Woods: To honor and show our appreciation for those who have served, all veterans will receive complimentary tickets for Alpine or Nordic when they present a current or past military ID at any ticket window. Info: Click here.

January 25 & 26, Military Salute Weekend, Attitash and Wildcat: $5 lift tickets for active and veteran service men and women (donated to the Wounded Warrior Project) as well as discounted lift tickets 50% for active duty family members with a valid form of ID. Info: Click here.

January 25 & 26, Youth Pond Hockey Tournament, Purity Spring Resort: Fresh air, fresh ice and fresh powder await! The 4th Annual Youth Pond Hockey Festival benefits The Laura Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy. Info: Click here.

January 25 & 26, Snow Sculpting Competition, Black Mountain: Come watch as more than 12 teams take cylinders of snow and carve them into beautiful pieces of art frozen in time for all to enjoy. There will also be scavenger hunts for the kids and raffles for the adults. Info: Click here.

January 30, Country Line Dancing, Cranmore: Learn to line dance and raise money for Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation. Entry is $10 and includes dancing, plus appetizers. Info: Click here.

January 31, MCCP Moonlight Challenge, Shawnee Peak: Join Shawnee Peak for an evening of friendly competition and fun under the lights, all in support of children fighting cancer in Maine and New Hampshire. Register a team for the 6th annual MCCP Moonlight Challenge – the cost is $250 per team of four. Registration includes a half-day lift ticket, entrance to the race, an event-branded item, and an après-Ski Party ticket for all four participants. Info: Click here.

February, 2020

February 7, 14, 21 & 28, February Fitness Fridays, Jackson Ski Touring: Take your skiing and fitness to the next level with intervals and race training. Cost is $100 for series. Ticket/pass and equipment not included Info: Click here.

February 8, Touch-A-Truck, King Pine: Get up and close to a King Pine snow grooming machine and learn more about what it takes to keep the trails maintained during the ski season. Kids can also sit in the groomer for pictures. Info: Click here.

February 13-March 1, The Odd Couple at M&D at the Historic Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse:Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat freak news writer, is thrown out by his wife, and moves in with his friend Oscar Madison, a slovenly sportswriter. Despite Oscar’s problems – careless spending, excessive gambling, a poorly kept house filled with spoiled food – he seems to enjoy life. Felix, however, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people’s mistakes and foibles. Tickets are $25. Info: mdplayhouse.com.

February 15, Attitash After Dark Music and Fireworks: Ptarmigan’s Pub Apres Ski transforms into Ptarmigan’s After Dark sponsored by Bud Light. Enjoy a dinner menu, fireworks display, and Crush, a tribute to Dave Matthews Band. Info: Click here.

February 15, Torchlight Parade, Wildcat: Ski Patrol and Ski School will journey down the hill at Wildcat just after dusk to form the Torchlight Parade. This is a great event that brings families and friends together on the mountain. Info: Click here.

February 15-22, Family Fun Week, King Pine: Celebrate February Vacation Week with a schedule of festive, family-friendly activities each day, including snowshoe tours, campfires, s’mores and more. Info: kingpine.com/events/family-fun-week

February 16 & 28, Ghost of Paul Revere at Stone Mountain Arts Center: The Ghost of Paul Revere is a folk and bluegrass trio from Portland. American folk trio from Portland, Maine. They debuted nationally in 2018, with an appearance on late-night show, Conan. They have been compared to Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show and the Avett Brothers. Info: Click here.

February 21, Vertical Challenge, Black Mountain: A fun and free race for skiers and riders of all ages to compete for gold, silver and bronze metals, with plenty of giveaways and games on-site. Info: www.blackmt.com/events.

February 22, Terrain Park Showdown: Show off your freestyle skills during this terrain park competition for all ages and abilities. Registration is free with a valid lift ticket or season pass. Info: Click here.

February 23, Annual Chocolate Festival, MWV Ski Touring: Join in on the sweetest day on the trails! Enjoy a number of trailside chocolate stops that will be offering treats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as you ski along. Info: Click here.

February 23, Mascot Day, Shawnee Peak: Join many local mascots for high-fives and fun at Shawnee Peak over February Vacation Week. Info: Click here.

February 29, Blast from the Past 80’s Apres Party, Bretton Woods: Leap back in time when disco wasn’t dead and cell phones were the size of your head, while enjoying beverages and music. There will be a Schofferhofer Grapefruit & Pomegranate tasting event and great Schofferhofer giveaways including a snowboard, hats and tons of cool swag. Info: Click here.

March, 2020

March 7, AbilityPLUS Springfest Ski-A-Thon, Attitash: A day of family fun, including a raffle, après entertainment, silent auction to benefit AbilityPLUS of Mount Washington Valley. Info: Click here.

March 7, Cardboard Box Race, Shawnee Peak: Keep those big cardboard boxes on hand, you’re going to need them for the 7th annual Shawnee Peak cardboard box race. Guests can compete to win in two categories, fastest and best dressed, to win cool prizes. Info: Click here.

March 7, Los Lobos at Stone Mountain Arts Center: One of the most acclaimed American bands of the ‘80s and ’90s, Los Lobos were seasoned musical veterans with nearly 15 years of experience under their belts when they scored their first hit in 1987 with a cover of Richie Valens’ "La Bamba." Info: Click here.

March 8, 20th Annual Marky B Boardfest, King Pine: This annual snowboard race in memory of Mark Bierweiler is the most unique snowboard-only event in the region, including a slalom race through a course with hits, rolls and jumps. Funds generated from the race support the snowboard programs at King Pine. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

March 9, 17th Annual 100,000 Vertical Foot Challenge, Wildcat: This is a non-race event offering participants the opportunity to ski or ride 100,000 vertical feet in a single day. Total funds raised from the previous 16 years of the event have reached OVER $1 million directly benefiting Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire and their endeavors. Info: Click here.

March 13-15, Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival: Whether you’re an alpine skier looking to make the transition into the backcountry or a seasoned ski mountaineer, the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival has a variety of options throughout the weekend. Have an adventure in the White Mountains while you learn new skills during full-day courses. Info: Click here.

March 13-15, Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Weekend, Cranmore: Celebrate the history of skiing at the Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race Weekend. Racing is open to all ages. The event kicks off on Friday night with a buffet dinner and torchlight parade. Spectators are welcome to enjoy racing, oompa music and a silent auction on Saturday. The event proceeds support the New England Ski Museum. Info: Click here.

March 13 & 14, Cynthia’s Challenge 24 Hour Ski-A-Thon, King Pine: Gather pledges and donations for this year’s benefactor, 15 year old Evelynn Bunnell, and ski your heart out. Evelynn suffers from quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, secondary and extreme Prematurity, epilepsy, vision abnormalities, cognitive impairments, ADHD and anxiety. This year’s goal is to purchase Evenlynn’s family a wheelchair accessible van. Since 2014, Cynthia’s Challenge 24-Hour Ski-A-Thon has raised over $311,000 to help children with special medical needs and their families. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

March 14, Long Hall Loppet Freestyle, Jackson Ski Touring: Harkening back to the early days of cross country racing this is a one-loop (conditions permitting) race over a favorite distance route for Jackson XC skiers, making use of the Ellis River, Hall and Kellogg Trails. There is a rolling start to alleviate bunching and permit skiers to self-group or ski on their own. Info: Click here.

March 14, Mattress Race, 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 mattress and race it down the course and you will be eligible for a great prize Info: Click here.

March 14, Winter Charity Day at Great Glen Trails: Make a donation to the charity of your choice, and then join Great Glen Trails for a full day of fun – come ski and snowshoe on the scenic trail system, take some runs on their tubing hill, enjoy a catered lunch, and take an exciting ride on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach. Info: greatglentrails.com/wcd.

March 14, 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. Tons of great prizes, giveaways and free samples! Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. in Evergreen Room. Race starts at 11:00 a.m. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day at MWV 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: Discounted tickets at Bretton Woods at the ticket window, and an online deal at Attitash and Wildcat.

March 20, Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup, Attitash: The 46th Annual Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup is the longest-running, pro-style dual giant slalom ski race in the United States. All proceeds from the race benefit the Eastern Slope Ski Club, a local organization that funds youth skiing in the Mt. Washington Valley. Info: Click here.

March 21, Spring Fling and Splush Cup, Shawnee Peak: Celebrate spring with lots of soft snow, live entertainment and lounging on Blizzards’ party deck, catching rays. The Slush Cup pits skiers and snowboarders against a 100-foot-long man-made pond of ice-cold water. Info: Click here.

March 21, Attitash After Dark Music and Fireworks: Ptarmigan’s Pub Apres Ski transforms into Ptarmigan’s After Dark sponsored by Bud Light. Enjoy a dinner menu, fireworks display, and a tribute to U2 by U2 Decades. Info: Click here.

March 22, Cardboard Box Derby, King Pine: Build a cardboard box vessel, with your own theme and theme music, and head down our special race course. Cardboard box entrees must be built entirely out of cardboard (no wood or metal allowed). Boxes may be held together with tape, glue or stitched. Contestants are encouraged to wear helmets. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

March 26-April 11, Matilda the Musical, at M&D at the Historic Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse: Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda the Musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Info:mdplayhouse.com.

March 28, Spring Splash Bash, Cranmore: 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: Click here.

March 28, Grandstand Mogul Jam, Attitash: A family event open to all levels of mogul skiing expertise. Competitors will be judged on turns, line and air. Info: Click here.

March 28, Easter Egg Hunt, Shawnee Peak: Celebrate Easter with an Easter Egg Hunt for families at Shawnee Peak! There will be egg hunt areas arranged for each age group. Info:Click here.

March 28, Annual Beach Party, Bretton Woods: There’s no better time than the end of March to get in the last runs of the year while soaking up those sweet springtime rays. Spring skiing, live music, good food and great friends will complete this perfect day. Bretton Woods will have a number of beach themed activities going on throughout the day, too. Info: Click here.

March 29, Pond Skimming, King Pine: End the ski season with a splash. Skiers and riders attempt to cross the man-made pond at the base of King Pine on the final day of the season. Skim or swim, Hawaiian shirts, vintage one-piece ski suits, shorts, and fun costumes recommended and applauded. Info: kingpine.com/event-calendar.

April, 2020

April 4, Attitash Pond Skim: This is the last call for Attitash events for the 2020 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.

Info: Click here.

April 11, Cat Scratch Fever, Wildcat: Show off your wild style and shred this fun, freeride spring event. It’s not a freestyle event but wow the judges with your best tricks and speed to be crowned with the top prize ‘Cat’s Meow’. Competitors and spectators are invited to cheer for their favorite tricks. Registration is $10. Info: Click here.

April 18, Wildcat Pond Skim: Get ready to have some fun in the springtime. This event is just as good for the spectators as it is for the competitors doing their best to make it across the pond. Costumes are suggested, not required. Info: Click here.

April 20, Easter on the Mountain, Bretton Woods: The Easter Bunny loves to leave colorful eggs in the Base Lodge of Bretton Woods on Easter morning. Join in the non-competitive fun of this springtime adventure by searching the “Woods” high and low. After the thrill of the hunt, redeem your eggs for a super sweet bag filled with goodies. Info: Click here.

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