Six Things to do on a ski vacation (besides ski)
Winter in New England brings plenty of cold, wind and snow and there’s just no escaping it. Many people take advantage of this by heading north to the White Mountains in New Hampshire for some skiing and snowboarding. But for some of us (myself included), the idea of flying down a snow-covered mountain that is packed with people of all shapes and sizes does not sound like the safest way to spend our time. Luckily for you, if you still get dragged up to the mountains with your family for the weekend, there are plenty of fun things you can do to pass the time without putting your body on the line.
1. Take a snowshoe hike
Considered by some to be skiing and snowboarding’s “ugly cousin,” snowshoeing offers all the same exercise and scenery without the risk of slamming into a tree. The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in Jackson, N.H. maintains over 40 kilometers of snowshoeing trails all across the White Mountain National Forest, with guided tours and snowshoe rentals available for over half the price of a one-day lift ticket at any mountain resort in the area.
2. The lodge isn’t just for skiers and boarders, so spend some time in there
Just because you aren’t shredding the fresh powder on the slopes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the other great things the mountain has to offer, namely the atmosphere inside the ski lodge. While it may be a bit crowded and the prices may be a little steep, you’re guaranteed to meet great people and enjoy some great food and conversation. As an added bonus, many ski lodges at mountain resorts (such as Mount Sunapee’s Goosefeathers Pub) offer live entertainment on most weekends during the winter.
3. Visit the Ice Castles
One of the more popular attractions in the White Mountains area over the past five years or so has been the Ice Castles in Lincoln, N.H. A Utah-based company that has exhibits in five locations around the country, Ice Castles offers light shows and stunning architecture all made from icicles. There isn’t too much more to say about them except that you have to go and see them for yourself.
4. Do the Cog Climb
Mount Washington is the keynote attraction for the White Mountains as the tallest mountain in the Northeast, sporting breathtaking features like Tuckerman Ravine and the famous Mount Washington Resort Hotel (now known as Omni Mount Washington Resort). But Mount Washington is also the home of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, America’s oldest mountain climbing train. Enjoy a guided three-hour ride up the side of the mountain and experience breathtaking views that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
5. Experience some of the worst weather on Earth
Sticking with Mount Washington, it might be worth your while to check out the other major aspect of the mountain: its unbelievably harsh weather. Mount Washington is known to have some of the most brutal weather in the world, rivaling even the most remote parts of the Earth, and you can experience all of that at the Mount Washington Observatory. With loads of interactive exhibits and lessons for learners of all abilities, the Mount Washington Observatory is a one-of-a-kind attraction.
6. Snag free samples at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
For those of you with a sweet tooth, a trip to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Tilton, N.H., may be in order. While it may sport the name of a different mountain range on the other side of the country, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is right at home in the White Mountains. Watch as the staff dips fresh apples in caramel and then rolls them in whatever topping you choose, learn how fudge is made and, of course, snatch some of those coveted free samples.
