Monday Spotlight: New England!

New England has something for everyone, whether you are a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or fisher! So this Monday we are doing a shout out to all of New England for offering so many amazing places to go out and explore with your friends and family. From the tip of Maine to the bottom of Connecticut, New England has endless possibilities for adventures and we want to highlight just a few of the amazing places to go and visit.

Acadia National Park ME
This national park located four and a half hours from Boston is incredible and definitely worth the long car ride. At Acadia National Park you can explore trails, roads, wildlife, ocean beaches, and the surrounding town (Bar Harbor) and take in the beauty that it has to offer. I would recommend taking this short but challenging hike up the Bee Hive trail to fuel your adrenaline and see some amazing views, however this hike is not a good idea if you are afraid of heights. Another must see at Acadia National Park is the sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the US east coast. The colors of the sunrise are amazing shades of yellow, orange, and pink and it is the first rays of light that hit the US every morning.

View of the Bee Hive Trail 

Sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain taken at 4:50am

Mount Washington NH
Located in the presidential range of the White Mountains, Mount Washington is about a three hour drive from the Boston area. Mount Washington is considered the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi and is known for its crazy weather. You have the options of hiking, driving, or train riding to the summit of the mountain where you will (depending on the weather) see an incredible 360 degree view of mountain peaks and tree covered hills for miles. Everyone should have the opportunity to see the views at the top of Mount Washington, and even if the weather is not the most desirable, you will still have an awesome experience.

Popular photo spot at the highest point on top of the summit

  
Sterling Pond Trail, Smugglers Notch VT
Located three and a half hours away from Boston, Smugglers Notch is a mountain pass in Lamoille County, Vermont. The notch separates Mount Mansfield, the highest peak of the Green Mountains, from Spruce Peak and the Sterling range. The views here are incredible especially during the fall when the leaves begin to change. The Sterling Pond Trail is one of the many trails to hike and explore at Smugglers Notch and is 2.5 miles long. The Trail loops around a pond where people come to bird watch and take in the view of the trees reflecting against the water. This trail is also dog friendly!

Sterling Pond Trail, Photo by Jessica Young

 

Bash Bish Falls MA
This waterfall is located on Bash Bish Mountain and is a two and a half hour car ride from Boston. Bash Bish falls is the highest waterfall in the state of Massachusetts at 60 feet and the water comes from the runoff of Mount Washington. After a mild hike, you can enjoy the beauty that Bash Bish has to offer and relax by the water. Many people are warned that the rocks are slippery and to be careful while exploring around the waterfall because it can be dangerous. As long as you take your time and watch your step you should be able to enjoy the views and take awesome photos of the waterfall.

Bash Bish Falls

West River, Guilford, CT
Two and a half hours from the Boston area is the West River in Guilford, Connecticut. The West River is a 13.5 mile long freshwater stream that flows through the towns of Bethany, Woodbridge, and New Haven. Within the town of New Haven, the West River flows through two parks, Edgewood Park and West River Memorial Park. Both parks are great places to walk around and explore or sit by the rivers edge. Many people come here to relax and listen to the flowing river as it passes by.

West River Memorial Park

Newport Mansions, RI
The Newport Mansions are absolutely incredible to tour and walk around. The Breakers Mansion (pictured below) is one of the many mansions in Newport and is considered a National Historic Landmark. The mansion was build for the Vanderbilt family as summer home for them to enjoy, with 70 rooms covering an area of about 125,339 square feet. I would recommend taking a tour of these mansions to see how unimaginable life must have been for the people who owned them. Tours go year round, and they are even decorated for Christmas time in early November.

If you are looking for some ideas for a fun and easy summer bucket list for New England these 6 places should definitely be on it! The views at all of these places are absolutely breath taking and worth the long car rides. I hope this shout out at the very least, inspires you to go out and discover the beauty at one of these locations! Happy travels.

Mother’s Day 2018

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, falling on Sunday, May 13th! With spring finally here, there are some lovely options around New England that mom will certainly enjoy. And many are free!

Castle in the Clouds: Lucknow Estate

Castle in the Clouds
Take advantage of free admission to the opening weekend of The Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, NH. Tour the Lucknow Estate all day and enjoy lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant from 11:30-3:30.


Conway Scenic Railroad
An old-fashioned train ride is sure to make mom smile. Moms will ride for free in Coach with the purchase of a children’s ticket, or ride free in First Class with purchase of an adult’s ticket. Complementary appetizers will be served in First Class cars.  

Woodstock Inn and Resort Brunch
Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without brunch. Woodstock Inn and Resort in Vermont will be serving up a first rate brunch created by Executive Chef Rhys Lewis.


Bethel Inn and Resort 
The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine is also hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch. Celebrate mom with a brunch buffet complete with made to order omelets. Be sure to make reservations in advance!

Mom will surely enjoy any of these options or one of the many others around New England.

Wednesday's Mountain Report

Well, I think it's safe to say that ski season is officially over. Although you could probably find some late-spring skiing somewhere in Maine or Vermont, you're best bet is to wait for next season (or look forward to hiking season, like me!). However, ski resorts still need to keep their lights on, so there are plenty of activities during the off season!

Sunday River -- Newry, ME

L.L. Bean Adventures: L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools at Sunday River will operate Monday through Thursday from June 2 to August 23, 2018. 2018 courses and registration will be available soon. 2017 courses included Archery Discovery, Kayaking Discovery, Solo Kayaking Tour, Stand-up Paddleboarding Discovery, and Stand-up Paddleboarding Yoga.

Loon -- Jackson, NH

Aerial Forest Adventure Park: Unleash your inner Tarzan (or Jane!) in the Aerial Forest Adventure Park!  Test your balance and agility by working your way from platform to platform high in the forest, crossing bridges, climbing ladders, and zooming across ziplines. The park consists of five courses of varying levels of difficulty for every member of the family. 

A Swiss design, the Aerial Forest is built to the standards of the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), consists of platforms and elements that range from 9 to over 40 feet off the ground. Once you're outfitted with a harness and gloves, a safety orientation will teach you about the park's Smart Safety Belay (SSB) system, a permanently-activated securing system where you're always hooked up to safety anchors, even when switching courses.  

Here are just some of the elements you'll find in the park:

• Ziplines
• Trapeze bridge
• Oscillating walk
• Tibetan bridge
• Chain loops
• Log tightrope walk
• Log suspension bridge
• Himalayan bridge
• Various ladders
• Hanging wooden blocks
• And more!

Mount Wachusett -- Princeton, MA

Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Weather permitting, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an outdoor BBQ, live music, deck party and costume contest. PLUS watch the Rail Jam on the last of their snow on Lower Hitchcock.

Wildcat Mountain -- Coos County, NH

Wildcat Pub Apres Ski Entertainment Series Featuring:

• Shark Martin (April 28)
• Soulation Station (May 5)

Sugarloaf -- Carrabassett Valley, ME

36th Annual Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K

05/20/18

2018 marks the 36th year for the Sugarloaf Marathon. Maine's oldest continously run marathon. Drawing in hundreds of runners from all over the United States and Canada, 2018's race is officially sold out.

Sugarbush -- Warren, VT

Golf Course Opening Day: May 5 at the Sugarbush Resort Golf Club

Mount Snow -- Windham County, VT

Peace Pipe Rail Jam: May 26, 10am-4pm

Mount Snow's annual end of season rail garden at the base of Inferno returns! They set up a rail garden and crank some tunes. You show up, hike the park and ski or ride for FREE !

It's their little "Thank you" for their park riding friends.

Visit F&B out on the Carinthia deck at the hot dog cart for weenies and refreshments to keep you well fed so you can hike all day!

Monday Mountain Spotlight: Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain is located in Jackson, NH and is about a 3 hour drive from the Boston area and about a 3 and a half hour drive from Providence. The mountain is located in the Mount Washington Valley and is just a short drive from the North Conway Area. This mountain is one of the last mountains open for the skiing and snow boarding season and plan to remain operating until May, only on the weekends though!

Photo taken from Wildcat Mountain's Instagram

Conditions: 

• 46/48 trails open
• 3/5 lifts open
• Base snow depth 10"
• Summit snow depth 20"
• Snow Conditions: Corn

Events:

• April 28th - Wildcat Pub Apres Ski Entertainment Featuring: Shark Martin
• From 2pm-5pm enjoy dancing to some great live music and drinking beer with friends!

Places to Eat: 

• Wildcat Cafeteria
• Located on the main level of the main base lodge, the cafeteria has a nice variety of food to eat while you're on the go! They have snacks, pizza, deli options, grill options, and different soups, chowders, and chili's to try daily. 
• Wildcat Pub
• Located up stairs from the cafeteria, the pub offers a sit down and bar area from when you want to take a break from the trails. They serve appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches - plus they have a wide variety of draft beers.

Summer Fun For Father's Day

Do you have plans yet for Father’s Day weekend? 

Here are a few great events to help you plan ahead for some summer fun.

Conway Scenic Railroad

Trek Across Maine June 15-17, 2018

Trek Across Maine is a fundraising event for the American Lung Association and has continued annually as the largest ALA fundraising event in America for 30+ years!

For this event you will begin at familiar Sunday River in Newry, ME and cycle 180 miles to the coast of Belfast, ME. (Or choose a shorter, one or two-day route.) 

Nearly 2000 participants of all ages and abilities come together each year for the camaraderie, to enjoy nature, and to raise money for a good cause. 

Watch a short video here for a look inside the event.

Murder Mystery Dinner Saturday June 16, 2018

All aboard! Reserve your First Class ticket on the Conway Scenic Railroad for a murder mystery dinner party. Hosted by Attitash Mountain Resort, this event has a few dates through the summer, but it would be a fun event to treat a dad with on Father’s Day weekend.

Vermont Bike and Brew June 15-17, 2018 

Another bike event, but this time with a BREW FEST attached! 

Killington is celebrating the season opening of their bike park with mountain biking fun for all ages and skill levels. Participate in the downhill biking or sit back and watch the excitement with a locally brewed beer in your hand. Sounds like something my dad would enjoy! 

Credit: Bretton Woods. Zipping across Deception Bowl

Dads Fly and Golf Free Sunday June 17, 2018

Bretton Woods and the Omni Mount Washington Resort always have great options for everyone.
But on Sunday, June 17th, dads can enjoy a round of golf or a Canopy Tour for free!
All that is needed is a paying companion and an advanced reservation.

I hope this list will help you plan ahead to treat a dad to a special weekend on Father’s Day.

He deserves it!

Camping! Camping! Camping!

          I am starting to become more and more excited about spending time in the forests and at the lake sides of New England. 

A camping trip is a great way to break away from the ordinary and experience a rewarding adventure with friends and family. There are many locations all across Maine and New Hampshire with truly spectacular camping options of every variety.

You don’t have to be a Bear Grills or a Survivor Man to get out into nature!

I’ve listed below a few camping options that have everything from cabins and wifi to tent lots and bivouacking. Keep in mind that there are countless other options for you and your family.

Northern Outdoors could be considered the Disney of the Northeast! Located northwest of Bangor, ME on the Kennebec River this resort has it all. Cabins, tent camping, white water rafting, hiking, fishing, and hunting. It is a great place for group events such as bachelor parties, family getaways, and much more. Also, Mainers get a 50% discount on rafting on Wednesdays.

Mount Desert Campground on Mount Desert island has a few exciting features: it’s on an island, saltwater fishing and swimming, there’s a boat ramp, and deep water moorings. They can accommodate trailers and RVs (up to 20ft) as well as tent campers. This is a great place to stay if you want to take advantage of the great hiking and other activities of Acadia National Park.

          I must mention the Saco River Camping Area in North Conway, NH. This is another destination that seems to have everything you might need or want: riverside camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, cabins, electric hookups for trailers and popups, and much more. And of course the town of North Conway nearby. Saco River is one of my top picks for a great family getaway.  

If you are fond of lakes then you must check out Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham, NH. most of the 195 wooded tent sites have views of the lake and all have an open fire pit, picnic table, and parking space. There are no hookups, but RVs are allowed on sites where they fit. Enjoy time on the water in rental kayaks and paddle boats or bring your own boat and use the ramp. The park is also great for hiking, bicycling, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

          As I said before, these are just a few of the great options to be found in the North East. If not one of these, you will find many other locations within easy travel distance all around New England.

Enjoy the Spring! 

Wednesday's Mountain Report

It may feel like winter, but resorts are all but shut down for the season here in New England. Luckily for us snowbirds there are still a few open for spring skiing! Check out the snow reports for these mountains, and be sure to get there before they close for the season!

Jay Peak -- Jay, VT

• 29 trails open
• 4 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Packed powder
• Weather
• Thursday: Snow showers, high of 32 degrees, low of 27 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 33 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Sunday: Partly cloudy, high of 42 degrees, low of 23 degrees

Mount Snow -- Dover, VT

• 51 trails open
• 3 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Machine groomed
• Weather
• Thursday: Snow, high of 28 degrees, low of 20 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 29 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high of 35 degrees, low of 16 degrees
• Sunday: Partly cloudy, high of 39 degrees, low of 20 degrees

Killington -- Killington, VT

• 41 trails open
• 3 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Groomed
• Weather
• Thursday: Snow showers, high of 37 degrees, low of 30 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 28 degrees
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high of 41 degrees, low of 26 degrees
• Sunday: Sunny, high of 45 degrees, low of 29 degrees

Wildcat -- Jackson, NH

• 45 trails open
• 2 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Frozen Granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Snow, high of 33 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 32 degrees, low of 22 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 33 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 20 degrees

Sugarloaf -- Carrabassett Valley, ME

• 88 trails open
• 6 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Hard packed
• Weather
• Thursday: Scattered showers, high of 29 degrees, low of 19 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 31 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high of 31 degrees, low of 15 degrees
• Sunday: Partly cloudy, high of 36 degrees, low of 17 degrees

Sugarbush -- Mad River Valley, VT

• 48 trails open
• 3 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Variable 
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain and snow, high of 39 degrees, low of 31 degrees
• Friday: Snow and rain, high of 37 degrees, low of 29 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 41 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Sunday: Sunny, high of 46 degrees, low of 26 degrees

Sunday River -- Newry, VT

• 32 trails open
• 2 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Spring
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain showers, high of 42 degrees, low of 31 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 43 degrees, low of 30 degrees
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high of 43 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Sunday: Sunny, high of 48 degrees, low of 25 degrees

Tune in next Wednesday for our next Mountain Report covering 7 new mountains to check out!

Monday's Mountain Spotlight: Killington Ski Resort

Killington Ski Resort located near Killington, Vermont is one of the few mountains that is still open for the ski and snowboarding season. From Boston, its about a 3 hour ride and about a 3 hour and 30 minute ride from Providence, RI. Although it is a bit of a drive, the views and conditions are great, plus there is not many mountains still open south of there. So if you want to get in your last runs of the season before Killington Ski Resort sends up their last chair, you better head up there soon!

Mountain Conditions:

• 47/155 Trails open
• 3 Lifts open
• Base Depth 24"
• Summit Depth 30"
• Snow Conditions: Machine Groomed
• Today's Weather: High of 45 degrees with freezing rain showers 

Events Happening this Week:

• Saturday, April 21st: Nor'Beaster - Bud Light Dazed and Defrosted 
• Enjoy live music, beer, and great food to celebrate another great season at Killington. 

Places to Eat on the Mountain:

• Killington House of Pizza
• Serving hot pizza and cold beer when you want to take a break from the action. Then, come summer enjoy the outdoor dining area, eating appetizers, salads and of course pizza too!

  

  Photo by FancyCrave

• Motor Room Bar
• Located in the original drive terminal of Killinton's first four-passenger lift is this very unique bar. Take the lift to the bar, to enjoy ice cold beer while taking in the incredible views. 
• Peak Lodge
• Offers fresh food year round, serving pasta, burgers, deli options, and vegetarian options.  

  

  Burger and Fries

• Base Lodge Food Court
• K-1 is the last lodge food court open this season. Warm up here with coffee and hot chocolate or enjoy smoothies and breakfast items. Then for lunch grab something from the grill such as burgers, chicken fingers, french fries and more. 
• Long Trail Pub
• Take in the great views while having lunch and listening to live music daily at the Long Trail Pub and sports bar. 

Check out Killington's Website for more places to eat and drink next season when the mountain is completely open! Killington's Complete list of Dining Options

Summer Activities: Cranmore Mountain

It's beginning to get warmer and the snow is starting to melt, which means that Spring and then Summer will be coming soon. To help you start planning weekend trips for this Summer, today we will be covering all the fun activities Cranmore Mountain and its surrounding town has to offer.

Cranmore Mountain has a lot of fun summer activities that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. Located in the town of North Conway, NH - Cranmore Mountain is about a 2 and a half hour drive from the Boston area and about a 3 hour and 20 minute drive from Providence, RI.

Summer Activities to do on the Mountain: 

• Mountain Coaster
• You control the speed on this twisting turning fun coaster ride. 1315 feet up and 2390 feet of downhill track can get to a speed of about 25 mph. Must be 3 years or older to ride and must be 9 years or older to drive. Under 9 must be accompanied by a guardian 16+. 
  

• Soaring Eagle  
• Sitting side-by-side experience the sensation of flying with a friend on Cranmore's zip line. Enjoy the view while accelerating 700 feet down the mountain side. 
• Giant Swing  
• Located at the base of the mountain, the Giant swing can hold up to 4 passengers and will take you to your limit as you go higher and steeper. 
• Summer Tubing
• Great fun for all ages as you ride 400 feet to the bottom. Closed toe shoes are required.

• Bouncy Houses
• Kids can climb, play, and race in the obstacle courses and bouncy houses.
• Spider Mountain
• Climb your way to the top through the netting giving you the sensation that you are in a spider web. Once you get to the top you slide back down. 
• Bungy Trampoline
• Have a blast on Cranmore's four station Bungy Trampoline where you can jump, flip and reach new heights. 
• Scenic Chair Lift Rides
• Enjoy the view while taking a chairlift ride to the top of Cranmore Mountain. You can see Mount Washington while eating lunch at the Meister Hut at the top of the mountain.Chairlift rides begin mid- June. 

• Climbing wall
• Test your skills by scaling the climbing wall. There are areas labeled from beginners to extreme experts.  
• Kids Rope Course
• Perfect for kids who love to climb and explore. The ropes course has bridges, zip lines and a lot more for kids to conquer and have fun. 

• C-More's Mining Adventure
• Search for gems and stones on the 30ft water filled sluice, and take home all your findings. 
• Summer Hiking
• Take the scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Mountain Cranmore where you can enjoy scenic trails and paths to wonder and explore. 

View from the Summit

As you can see Cranmore Mountain has a ton of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy! Then when you want to want to take a break from the fun, the town of North Conway has plenty of ice cream shops and river banks to cool off in after a long day. Or the North Conway railroad offers a great relaxing train ride that shows off the scenic beauty that New Hampshire has to offer. We would recommend stopping at the store across the street called "The Five and Dime" first to load up on snacks and candy to eat while riding on the train! We hope to see you up there this Summer! 

Check out Cranmore Mountain's website for more details and pricing. 

(Most photos are taken from Cranmore's website). 

Wednesday's Mountain Report

Here is this Wednesday's Mountain reports. Every Wednesday we will post the conditions and weather updates for 7 mountains to check out as you get ready to plan your weekend. We will also include some special events that are happening at each of these mountains this upcoming weekend.

Loon -- Lincoln, NH

• 37 trails open
• 2 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Packed powder
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain, high of 43 degrees, low of 34 degrees
• Friday: Partly cloudy, high of 46 degrees, low of 33 degrees
• Saturday: Rain, high of 40 degrees, low of 23 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 28 degrees, low of 26 degrees
• Events
• Thursday: Public park
• Saturday: Slushpool party
• Sunday: EveryLastDay

Sugarloaf -- Carrabassett Valley, ME

• 120 trails open
• 54 miles open
• Snow conditions: Loose granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 47 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 49 degrees
• Saturday: Snow, high of 35 degrees
• Events
• Thursday through Sunday: 30th Annual Bud Light Reggae Festival

Sunday River -- Newry, ME

• 84 trails open
• 7 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Variable
• Weather:
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high of 47 degrees, low of 38 degrees
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high of 50 degrees, low of 36 degrees
• Saturday: Rain, high of 41 degrees, low of 23 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 33 degrees, low of 29 degrees
• Events
• Saturday through Sunday: Passholder Weekend

Sugarbush -- Warren, VT

• 69 trails open
• 7 lifts open
• Snow Conditions: Frozen granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain, high of 46 degrees, low of 36 degrees
• Friday: Rain showers, high of 48 degrees, low of 34 degrees
• Saturday: Freezing rain, high of 37 degrees, low of 28 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 34 degrees, low of 32 degrees
• Events
• Saturday: King of the Chill, Yacht Rock Apres Party

Wildcat -- Jackson, NH

• 45 trails open
• 2lifts open
• Snow conditions: Packed powder
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain, high of 39 degrees, low of 32 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 43 degrees, low of 32 degrees
• Saturday: Rain, high of 34 degrees, low of 16 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 23 degrees, low of 20 degrees
• Events
• Friday: Apres Ski Entertainment series
• Saturday: Wildcat Pond Skim, Apres Ski Entertainment series

Cannon Mountain -- Franconia, NH

• 66 trails open
• 5 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Groomed
• Weather
• Thursday: Rain, high of 39 degrees, low of 30 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 42 degrees, low of 29 degrees
• Saturday: Snow showers, high of 36 degrees, low of 21 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 27 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Events
• Saturday: Blizzard Splash Pond

Bretton Woods -- Bretton Woods, NH

• 39 trails open
• 3 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Loose granular
• Weather:
• Thursday: Rain, high of 48 degrees, low of 37 degrees
• Friday: Cloudy, high of 50 degrees, low of 37 degrees
• Saturday: Rain, high of 40 degrees, low of 25 degrees
• Sunday: Snow, high of 31 degrees, low of 28 degrees

Tune in next Wednesday for our next Mountain Report covering 7 new mountains to check out!

Monday Mountain Spotlight: Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain is located in Jackson, New Hampshire and is about a 3 hour drive from Boston and about a 3 and half hour drive from Providence. The mountain is located in the Mount Washington Valley and is just a short drive from the North Conway area. This mountain is a great day trip destination as well as a ski week vacation. There is so much to see and do in the area of Wildcat Mountain that you will have your days packed full of family fun!

Conditions: 

• 45/48 trails open
• 3/5 lifts open
• Summit snow depth is 20"
• Base snow depth is 10"
• Snow conditions is powder
• Weather today is a high of 30 degrees 

Events this Week: 

• Friday, April 13th - Wildcat Pub Apres Ski Entertainment Featuring Rafe Matregrano
• Come to the pub from 1pm - 4pm to listen to some great music, dance, and have a beer at the Wildcat pub! 
• Saturday April 14th - Wildcat Pond Skim 
• From 12pm - 1pm get ready to have fun but get a little wet this spring in this year's pond skim. Costumes are encouraged but not required to participate. 
• Sunday, April 14th - Wildcat Pub Apres Ski Entertainment Featuring The Jonathan Sarty Band
• From 2pm - 5pm enjoy live entertainment while having a cold beer and some fun with friends!

2017 Pond Skim Event at Wildcat Mountain

Places to eat on the Mountain: 

• Wildcat Cafeteria
• Located on the main level of the main base lodge, the cafeteria has a nice variety of food to eat while you're on the go! The have snacks, pizza, deli options, grill options and different soups, chowders, and chili's to try daily. 
• Wildcat Pub
• Located up stairs from the cafeteria, the pub has a sit down and bar area when you want to take a break from the trails. They serve appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches - plus a wide variety of draft beers. 

Mountain Golf Courses of New England

It has been a great ski/snowboard season in New England, but most of us are ready for spring and summer by now.

Here at Mountain Adventures New England we love the ski resorts of the North East! Great snow, great people, and beautiful views! And now that spring is (hopefully) arriving soon, we’ll be able to take advantage of these spectacular views as the trees start to sprout their leaves and the flowers start to blossom.

What better place to enjoy this than on the beautiful country clubs and golf courses in the same mountains we love so much in the wintertime?!

Sunday River Country Club

I have gathered a few options of country clubs that you will definitely want to visit as the weather starts to warm up. You’ll notice that a few of these have familiar names: a lot of ski resorts have great summertime activities!

North Conway Country Club
http://www.northconwaycountryclub.com/
Located in the heart of  North Conway Village on White Mountain Highway, you will enjoy views of Cranmore Mountain and the snowy peak of Mount Washington as you play a round or eat at the Ledgeview Grille.

Stowe Mountain Club
https://www.destinationhotels.com/stowe-mountain-lodge/golf-courses
This is a real treat when it comes to location. Vermont is exceptionally beautiful with its many mountains and quaint valley villages. Stowe Mountain Club is situated at the base of Mount Mansfield providing jaw dropping scenery.

Country Club of Barre
https://www.ccofbarre.com/
Also in Vermont, The Country Club of Barre is a great course for players of all skill levels. Located near Montpelier, this country club is surrounded by beautiful forests and rolling hills.

Mount Washington Resort Bretton Woods
http://brettonwoods.com/Activities/Golf/Overview
A spectacular 18 hole course designed by legendary Scottish Architect Donald Ross and completed in 1915. Stay at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel for the full experience of luxury. You won’t want to leave this splendid resort!

Omni Mount Washington Hotel

Sunday River Country Club
http://www.sundayrivergolfclub.com/
Golfweek Magazine has rated this course #1 in Maine. And for good reason! It is a well designed course and it features the wide open views of Maine's western mountains.

Woodstock Inn and Resort
https://www.woodstockinn.com/golf-club
The oldest public golf course in Vermont, having been founded in 1895, the Woodstock Inn and Resort is another of Vermont's masterpieces. Touted as one of the top 100 golf courses in the country! This resort is perfectly placed in the beautiful Kedron Valley with the Kedron Brook running through it and Mt Peg nearby.

Canterbury Woods
https://www.canterburywoodscc.com/
Just north of Concord and not far off of 93N, Canterbury Woods is a lovely course to get in a round. Surrounded by hills and trees, this location is nice to visit throughout the season. Also a great venue for weddings and other special events.

Plan your next golf trip to one of these beautiful mountain courses for an unforgettable experience. 

Preparing for Next Ski Season

It is never too early to start thinking about next season! Yeah, yeah. I know! There are still some mountains open getting in a few last days, but, like I said: it’s never too early.

Your equipment now has another season of love on it, so there are some steps to be taken and some decisions to be made.

First, proper storage of your skis or board over the summer is important for longevity.

The base of your skis can start to oxidize with prolonged exposure to oxygen. Over time this will reduce their ability to absorb wax, leading to further decay. Sad story.

If you tune your own skis, follow the steps in our post on waxing ,but instead use a storage wax and leave the buildup of wax on the bases for over the summer.

If you are not one to tune your own equipment, find a reputable ski shop and have them clean, tune, and apply storage wax. They’ll know what to do.

When it comes to the actual storage location for your skis or board over the summer, you must consider temperature and humidity. Don’t store your equipment were you wouldn't want to spend the summer! Avoid the extreme climates of attics, garages, or basements. These can be too dry, hot, or have too much moisture.

This is also a good time to replace any equipment. 

Check your local ski shops for end of season deals.

The next item on the to do list is obtaining next seasons lift pass. You'll get the best rates if you buy it early! And what’s to lose? You know you’re gonna buy it eventually!

The New England Pass is a great option. It covers Sugarloaf, Loon, Sunday River.  But be sure to purchase your pass by April 30th to lock in the most savings.

The IKON Pass

Have you heard of the IKON Pass? This pass gives you access to 26 resorts around the country! And not just for winter sports. If you jump on board early enough you will be able to take advantage of the various spring and summer activities most of these resorts offer.
Again, time is ticking! Only 3 more days to get a discount on the Child IKON pass! (April 9th).

You'll be able to ski Attitash, Big Boulder, Jack Frost, Crotched, Hunter, Mount Snow, and Wildcat under the Peak Pass this next season for a very reasonable price. Explore their options and drop a down payment before April 30th to get the best deal.

These are just a few options for package deals. Let us know in the comments what other lift pass deals you know of. 

Enjoy the last days of this ski season and prepare for the next!

Wednesday's Mountain Report

Here is this Wednesday's Mountain reports. Every Wednesday we will post the conditions and weather updates for 7 mountains to check out as you get ready to plan your weekend. We will also include some special events that are happening at each of these mountains this upcoming weekend.

Attitash -- Bartlett, NE

• 0 trails open
• 0 lifts open
• Snow conditions: N/A
• Weather:
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 32 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 37 degrees, low of 29 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 41 degrees, low of 26 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 38 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Events:
• Closed this week! Open again April 7 or 8.

Sugarloaf -- Carrabassett Valley, ME

• 90 trails open
• 40 miles open
• Snow conditions: Loose granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Partly cloudy, high of 24 degrees, low of 12 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 33 degrees, low of 22 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 20 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 33 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Events
• Thursday: Snowmakers Ball
• Friday and Saturday: The Natural High Jumble
• Saturday: Clothing Drive
• Saturday and Sunday: Swimmer

Camden Snow Bowl -- Camden, ME

• 0 trails open
• 0 lifts open
• Snow conditions: N/A
• Weather
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 35 degrees, low of 21 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 36 degrees, low of 30 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 42 degrees, low of 27 degrees
• Sunday: Partly cloudy, high of 39 degrees, low of 23 degrees

Sunday River -- Newry, ME

• 109 trails open
• 10 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Wet granular
• Weather:
• Thursday: Partly cloudy, high of 30 degrees, low of 15 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 36 degrees, low of 27 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 42 degrees, low of 23 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 21 degrees
• Events:
• Friday: Main Brew Fest
• Friday and Saturday: Spring festival

Bretton Woods -- Bretton Woods, NH

• 23 trails open
• 1 lift open
• Snow conditions: Spring conditions
• Weather:
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 26 degrees, low of 14 degrees
• Friday: Snow showers, high of 34 degrees, low of 24 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 37 degrees, low of 20 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 33 degrees, low of 16 degrees

Wildcat -- Jackson, NH

• 44 trails open
• 3 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Loose granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 19 degrees, low of 8 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 25 degrees, low of 18 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 29 degrees, low of 15 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 26 degrees, low of 11 degrees
• Events
• Friday: Wildcat pub apres ski entertainment ft. Ryan St Onge
• Saturday: Wildcat pub apres ski entertainment ft. Pat Foley Band
• Saturday: Cat Scratch Fever

Loon -- Lincoln, NH

• 42 trails open
• 5 lifts open
• Snow conditions: Wet granular
• Weather
• Thursday: Cloudy, high of 26 degrees, low of 10 degrees
• Friday: Snow, high of 31 degrees, low of 20 degrees
• Saturday: Cloudy, high of 35 degrees, low of 17 degrees
• Sunday: Cloudy, high of 31 degrees, low of 15 degrees
• Events
• Friday and Saturday: '80s Day

Tune in next Wednesday for our next Mountain Report covering 7 new mountains to check out!

Monday's Mountain Spotlight: Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine and is about a four hour drive from the Boston area. From providence, it is about a 5 hour drive, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts in the area to make it a great weekend getaway destination.

Today's Mountain Conditions: 

• 59/154 Trails open
• 8/13 lifts open
• Summit depth 36"
• Base depth 24"
• Snow Conditions- Machine Groomed
• Weather- Cloudy and 25 degrees

Events this week: 

• Wednesday/ Thursday April 4th/5th - Snowmakers Ball
• To celebrate another successful year at Sugarloaf mountain, come celebrate with the mountain! Live music at 8pm and a video showing the success this year will be played at 9pm. This is a 21+ event. 
• Saturday April 7th - Winter 2018 Broke and Stoked 
• World Premiere of the ten Maine-made outdoor short film finalists. See all ten of the short, high energy skiing, kayaking, and adventure films where the winner will take home the grand prize of $1,000. Tickets will be available at the door.  
• Saturday/ Sunday April 7th/ 8th - Widomaker Entertainment Presents: Swimmer
• For two nights the experimental rock-fusion Burlington, VT base band will take the stage to create a unique and powerful sound. Their first show starts at 3pm for an all age apres show. Then at 9pm they will take the stage again for a 21+ show.

The Band: Swimmer

Places to Eat on the Mountain:

• 45 North
• Serves breakfast and dinner daily with a custom crafted cocktails and local beers
• The Shipyard Brewhaus
• Located inside the Sugarloaf Inn, this pub offers various types of seafood options. Come by to watch a game on Tv or play a game of pool with friends. 
• The Widowmaker
• Located at the top of the base lodge, they offer a full bar with 16 different beers on tap and have live entertainment on Saturday nights.

• Base Lodge - Narrow Gauge Food Court / Cant Dog Express / Urban Sugar Cafe
• Convenient food options to help you fuel up before hitting the slopes or while taking a break during the day. 
• Hunker Down 
• The Newest addition to the mountain and is now open for lunch and dinner!
• Bullwinkle's
• Sugarloaf's on mountain restaurant located at the top of Windrow Trail has amazing views and a fireplace to warm up next to on chilly days. They offer hot cocoa, snacks and various lunch items to enjoy. 
• Waffle Cabin
• Located between Double Runner and the SuperQuad this delicious waffle making cabin serves hot waffles drizzled in chocolate or plain.

• Bull Moose Bakery & Cafe
• Located in the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center this cafe serves hot meals including soups, stews, and other hot entrees. They also offer yummy treats for the entire family in their bakery. 
• Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness cafe
• Located in the Sport & Fitness Center, this cafe offers breakfast sandwiches, coffee, pizza, salads, snacks and more! They also have a great selection of beer and wine. 
• Food Truck Alley
• Located on the Beach, the Food Truck Alley serves hot fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

Snow is Melting: Plan a Fishing Trip!

It is certainly beginning to feel like spring all around New England! The Spring Equinox was on March 20th, but Easter weekend always feels like the actual start of spring to me.

Some areas of New Hampshire and Maine will be displaying true, New England weather this morning with chances of rain and cooler temperatures.
Don’t let that stop you from taking a drive and enjoying the afternoon in the mountains!

With a lot of ski resorts winding down for the season, it’s time to start planning other forms of Mountain Adventures.

Saco River, NH

Have you ever been fishing in the White Mountains?

Here are some beautiful locations to visit if you are in search of Rainbow, Brown, or Brook trout:

Swift River along the Kancamagus Highway
East and West Branches of the Pemigewasset
The Saco River
The Ellis River
Wildcat Rivers
The Ammonoosuc River
Be sure to check here for licensing to fish in New Hampshire.

Take some time to explore the hiking trails around these waterways.

But be careful! 

The serene beauty might swallow you up and never let you leave!

Saco River, NH