The Insider's Guide to Mt Washington Valley Anything is possible!

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1 1 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM The Insider's Guide to Mt Washington Valley Anything is possible! Photo courtesy of 1785 Inn It's December and you know what that means? Countdown to the holidays. December is packed as we celebrate the beginning of winter with skiing, shopping and ushering in a new year. While it's tough to be all things to all people, our little corner of New Hampshire comes pretty darned close with outdoor adventure, tax-free shopping, romantic lodging and eclectic dining all rolled into one easy-to-access location. Add in cultural experiences, live music, entertainment and incredible scenic beauty and we're pretty sure that you will find something for everyone in the family to smile about in Mt Washington Valley. Drive safely on your way up to a holiday or ski getaway this month. Event of the Month Ring in the holidays at the Conway Village Tree Lighting, Dec 7: Mark your calendars for the Community Celebrations Conway Village Tree Lighting and family friendly activities on December 7th, 2013, from 1:00-6:30pm in Conway Village. Festivities begin with family photos with Santa Claus at

2 2 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM the Conway branch of Northway Bank from 1:30-3:30pm. Creative Sole Dance Studio will also host a complimentary 35 minute dance show at Conway Elementary at 1:00pm, coinciding with photos with Santa. Santa will arrive by sleigh at 4:15pm for the tree lighting and live music at the Conway Village Information Booth. Children are invited to join Santa afterward in a sleigh ride to the Ham Arena where hot cocoa and cookies will be provided. Following the tree lighting, families are invited to the Ham Ice Arena for the MWV Skating Club's annual "Holiday on Ice" show, at 5:00pm with FREE admission, courtesy of Community Celebrations and Mount Washington Skating Club. The Ham Ice Arena will also be sponsoring free skate rentals for families to "skate with the stars" of the ice show at the conclusion of the show. Info: Lodging Package of the Month Santa'sVillage Holiday Package from Royalty Inn. It's always Christmas at Santa's Village and the Royalty Inn in Gorham, NH wants to share it with you. Located just 20 minutes away, your family can enjoy the magical experience of Santa's Village and then come back and enjoy an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, racquetball, basketball, weight room and game room. All guest rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves and free WIFI. The Two Night Package includes two nights deluxe accommodations, one day of fun for the entire family at Santa's Village, and a gift bag for each child. Two night packages start at $208; one night packages start at $144. Advance reservations required. Call or or visit Ask about ski packages too! News from the Valley Have you signed up for About the Snow newsletter? Launched last year, this weekly newsletter offers up-to-date information about ski and snow conditions, upcoming events, ski & stay packages, where to find the deals, weather forecasts and informational articles. Each week we randomly choose a name of one lucky reader to win lift tickets or XC ski passes too. Simply click here and indicate an interest in skiing. Ski resorts are open!

3 3 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM More MWV... Events Blog Contests Vacation Specials Online Reservations LIVE FREE and play WELCOME CENTER Don't hesitate to call our concierge at Stop at any one of our Information Booths when Tremendous investments in snowmaking equipment from Mt Washington Valley's ski resorts and a little bit of help from Mother Nature have allowed Mt Washington Valley's ski resorts to get a jump start on the ski season. Bretton Woods opened first in October, then again in mid-november once the temps dropped to allow snowmaking. Wildcat and Cranmore followed suit and opened on November 23, offering top to bottom skiing too. The rest of Mt Washington Valley's ski resorts are pushing for an early December opening. Stay tuned to (where you'll find links to all of the Valley's snow reports in one place) the About the Snow newsletter or each of the ski resorts' Snow Reports for further updates. The XC Centers are crossing their fingers for a season-start in early December too. Let themagic Begin Mountain Garden Club's Holiday Boutique, December 14, 9:30am until...gone: Better get there a little early because as the doors of the North Conway Community Center open at 9:30 AM, savvy holiday shoppers will rush in, knowing they will find unique floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and other creations perfect for the holiday season. This is a shopping event savvy shoppers wait for, as many of the items are one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations, hand-crafted locally by members of the Mountain Garden Club. Proceeds from this very popular event support Mountain Garden Club Valley beautification projects throughout the year. Info: Start gathering sponsors and donations for Race to Beat Cancer The American Cancer Society's Hope on the Slopes Race to Beat Cancer is scheduled forsunday, February 9, 2014 at Cranmore Mountain Resort. It's not too early to put this event on your calendar and start gathering pledges. Race to Beat Cancer is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a day on the slopes while raising funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. A minimum contribution of $75.00 per participant ($50.00 for those 17 and under) includes a full day lift or 2 hour tubing pass. Participants are encouraged to raise even more than the minimum donation pledge. To register and for more information please go to or call Kathy Metz, American Cancer Society, Community Executive at or Kathy.metz@cancer.org. Red Parka Ornaments translate to gifts for needy families. Give the gift of support to the Valley's non-profits

4 4 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM arriving in the Mt Washington Valley. Our Valley Hosts will be happy to answer your questions and provide maps and brochures for your visit. * Conway Info Booth 250 Main Street, Conway, * Settlers' Crossing Information Booth 1498 White Mt Highway, North Conway, * North Conway Village Information Booth White Mt Highway, North Conway Village, TRANSLATE THIS WEB PAGE Here's a neat gift idea that packs a big punch for those in need during the holiday season. The Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub holiday ornaments are on sale for $15 with ten dollars of that price going directly to benefit Angels & Elves. This program has helped countless children in the Mt Washington Valley have a wonderful Christmas through donations of gifts and support. Order your Red Parka ornaments online, by phone or in person at the restaurant. Visit or call In fact,'tis the season for giving. Please consider all of the wonderful events and services our Valley non-profit organizations provide for visitors and residents alike. From animal rescue to support for youth, needy families, seniors and more, Mt Washington Valley's non-profit organizations are always there to help. Your support of your favorite non-profit is greatly appreciated during the season of giving. Get Out and Play in Mt Washington Valley Tune into Visitor Information Radio 95.3 FM Download the Chamber's free app for the most comprehensive list of Mt Washington Valley businesses and events. Celebrate the new Waffle House at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation: On December 26 th, come ski off those Christmas feast calories at Jackson Ski Touring, then fuel up again with waffles at the grand opening for the New Waffle House located by the Ellis River Cabin. The Waffle House will be open 10 am to 2pm on weekends and holidays throughout the season serving hot waffles and more. Ski out to the Ellis River Cabin, just 3 km from the lodge, and enjoy the opening day festivities. Day skiers and snowshoers will find a $0.50-off coupon at the bottom of their ticket and season pass holders get $0.50-off by showing their pass. For more information info@jacksonxc.org or call or visit Kick off the Tash Rail Jam Series on Dec 28: The Attitash Freeride Series starts on December 28 with Rail Jam 1. This jib contest features sets of rails and boxes set up at the base of Bear Peak, with sponsored prizes for best overall skier and rider. Registration will be held inside the Bear Peak Base Lodge from 8:00am - 9:45am. The event starts at 11am. Entry fee: $10 per person. Info: click here. December 31: Ring in the New Year with fireworks: Be sure to reserve early for your New Year's Eve getaway to Mt Washington Valley. This is one of the busiest weekends of the year, so advance reservations are helpful. Plan to enjoy dinner at your choice of more than 75 fabulous restaurants, microbreweries or pubs then head to Schouler Park or

5 5 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM Karen Stancik photo Cranmore's Cranapalooza Celebration to ring in the new year with the annual fireworks display sponsored by Pain Care at 9:30pm or so. Visit and click on events for a full listing of New Year's Eve celebrations. Click here for a full line up of New Year's Eve celebrations (note: events are being added all month so keep checking). Family Fun in Mt Washington Valley Christmastime at Santa's Village, Weekends through December 22: This is the time of year when Santa greets every child and listens ever so attentively to all the wishes and wants of the season. Mrs. Claus joins in on the hospitality and offers some warm wassail for all their guests. Stay until after dark when the beautiful lighting throughout the park displays lights up the night. Dress warmly as it gets snuggly cold on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel. Fourteen rides are operating (weather permitting) and the festivities are all geared to Christmas. Admission is $28 per person, 3 and under are free. Info: Click here. Traditionally Yours in Jackson Village, December 1, 7,8,14,21: The villages of Jackson, Intervale, Glen, Bartlett and Hart's Location invite you to come celebrate the Christmas and the holiday season with them. Their holiday celebration continues over four weekends where you'll be invited to a Jackson Village traditional Tree Lighting, Craft Fairs, Wine and Holiday Drink Tastings, Cookie Decorating, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tours, Breakfast Buffets, and more. Visit for a full schedule of events. Santa Express on Conway Scenic RR, weekends through

6 6 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM December 22: Santa is on board the Conway Scenic Railroad for a special holiday train ride with his mischievous elves who will be sharing their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They'll take your picture, too, if you ask nicely, so be sure to bring your camera! Info: Christmas Week adventure in Mt Washington Valley Ski with Santa, try out some new XC or snowshoe equipment at Jackson Ski Touring, get faces painted at Cranmore's Cranapaloza event or help raise money to assist cancer patients in the U-Go-Girl Race Series at Attitash. You can bet that the snowmakers will be working hard to provide perfect conditions and with any luck, Mother Nature will offer a gift of snow for the holidays too. There are plenty of fun events packed into Christmas week at Mt Washington Valley's seven ski/snowboard resorts and six XC Centers. Looking for some off-the-slopes fun? Try your hand at mushing a dogsled team or take a horsedrawn sleigh ride or winter horseback ride with the whole family. It's a great time to kick off the winter season for you and your family. Plan to rent a snowmobile and enjoy guided or self-guided snowmobile tours. Those with a real sense of adventure might even try some winter ziplining, ice climbing (weather dependent) or mountain coasters. Couples Capers A cozy cookie couples caper: Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, Dec "C" may be for Christmas but it's and also for cookies, candy, cozy inns collectors' ornaments, and cards with recipes this holiday season in Mt. Washington Valley. Each year, when innkeepers from the Country Inns in the White Mountains wish their guests sweet dreams on the second weekend in December (Dec 14-15, 11am-4pm) they can guarantee that visions of sugar plums, holiday cookies and beautifully decorated trees will dance in their heads. The 17 th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour, known as the oldest cookie tour in New England, will not only offer tour inns decked in all their holiday finery offering signature decorations, holiday cookies and candies, but also beautifully decorated trees created by local businesses in honor of their favorite nonprofit organization. Take the tour and you'll go

7 7 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM home with a collection of recipe cards featuring photos of the cookies from each inn and a collector's brass ornament, along with some great holiday decorating ideas and a full stomach of cookies and candy! The tour stretches from Harts Location, to Chocorua and over to Fryeburg, Maine with thirteen inns opening their doors to those in search of fabulous holiday treats, recipes and decorating ideas. No inn is more than fifteen minutes from the next, with many much closer. Each participating inn will offer a Cookie Tour package including romantic inn accommodations, breakfast each morning and two tickets to the cookie tour. Some inns have added dinners, extra nights, van rides and gifts to their packages. Two night packages start at $178 per couple, and vary depending upon the inn chosen. For a complete list of cookie tour packages, click here. Tour tickets are available in advance by reserving a lodging package from participating inns and this is the best way to secure a ticket for a weekend of cookie, candy and holiday tree fun. Those not wishing to reserve an overnight package may purchase tickets December 1-8, 2013 (only) for $27 per person by calling or There will be no ticket sales on the day of the event as tickets generally sell out, so be sure to reserve early. For more information, visit /holiday_cookie_tour.htm. Eat, Shop & Ski Events to Plan Your Trip Around December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15: It's a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play: as Arts in Motion Theater Company creates a 1940's radio station set to broadcast the show inthis Christmas classic. Seven actors portray all the characters, and handle the live foley effects. Directed by Barbara Spofford, all shows at start at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children under 12. Info: Dec 7: Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers' Green Outlet Village: Add live caroling music, festive trees, free hot chocolate and candy canes, free horse-drawn wagon rides with Santa, and a Crannmore Mountain Resort miniature snow tubing park to your shopping experience at Settlers' Green Outlet Village on December

8 8 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM 7th. Look for Santa on Saturdays and most Sundays prior to Christmas and have your photo taken with Santa to benefit Angels and Elves. There's plenty of family fun and something for everyone on your list at Settlers' Green this holiday season. Info: Dec 11: Ambassador Signing Event at Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton: Come to the store at noon to meet Master Glass Blower, Gerard Tracey, who began his career with Waterford Crystal as an apprentice glass blower in Gerard will visit the North Conway store and personally autograph any pre-sold Waterford pieces. Reserve your piece today or see an associate for details. Info: Click here. Dec 14: A White Mountain Christmas The second annual celebration, "A White Mountain Christmas" will be presented at 7 PM at First Church of Christ Congregational in North Conway. The concert will feature Ray Cornils, Municipal Organist for the city of Portland, Maine since 1990, the Parish Ringers Bell Choir from Brunswick, Maine and the White Mountain Singers, directed by Tom Davidson performing such favorites as Joy to the World, O Christmas Tree, Deck The Halls, Christmas Is Coming, The Holly and the Ivy, Angels we have Heard on High, Let it Snow, The Christmas Song and many others. Admission will be by a suggested donation of $15 for adults; children accompanied by an adult are free and encouraged to attend. Info: December 27: Benefit Breakfast Buffet: Fuel a day of skiing at the Skiers Breakfast Buffet at Matty B's located across the street from Attitash from 7:30-9:30am. All proceeds benefit AbilityPLUS providing sports and recreation opportunities to people with disabilities. December 28-29: Snowshoe Nature Tour at JSTF: Take a two hour instructional nature tour on snowshoes with an expert guide while learning about places along the trails and off the system that most people might never get to find. This is a fun and interesting tour led by JSTF snowshoeing experts who will also give technique tips along the way. Pre-registration suggested. Tour price $10. Tours start at 10am and 1pm. Rentals available. For more information or to register, raetha@jackson.org or call More info:

9 9 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM Free Fun & Delicious Deals Businesses throughout Mt Washington Valley are offering up great incentives for gift cards this holiday season. We're pretty sure that a gift card will bring a smile to at least one person on your list this holiday season. Here are some great deals for added value this holiday season. The Great Gift Card Sale at Red Parka This season, give the gift of yummy fun at Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub. The annual gift card sale at Red Parka Pub kicked off on November 29 th and continues through December 16, Purchase two $50 gift cards and pay just $75. Order online, in person, or by phone ( ). Countdown to Christmas Gift Card Sale at Horsefeathers The official 24 Day Countdown to Christmas begins at Horsefeathers on December 1st and lasts for 24 days. You're better off buying your Horsefeathers gift cards early in the month because on December 1 the discount on gift cards is 24%, on December 2 the discount is 23% and then the discount counts down by one percent every day. Those who wait until Christmas Eve will still get in on a deal, but the discount is only one percent that day. For more information and to order online, go to 20% off gift cards at Snowvillage Inn: That means a $200 gift card is $160 and a $50 gift card is $40. Gift cards are good for dining or lodging. Sale goes on through December 24, Contact Snowvillage Inn at or info@snowvillageinn.com. Gift Card Sale at the White Mountain Hotel: Give a gift card to the White Mountain Hotel this holiday - it can be used towards lodging or dining at the hotel. When you purchase a $100 gift certificate, you will receive a $20 bonus gift certificate for free! Gift certificates must be purchased between November 29 and December 6, Certificates can only be ordered via phone. Call and refer to the "Black Friday Sale." For more details, click here.

10 10 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM Two-for-one at Great Glen Trails On the first three Fridays and Mondays in December, visit Great Glen Trails and get two for the price of one on any of their tickets or activities. Buy one and get the second free with this coupon which must be printed and presented (click on the link and print the online coupon at From Trail passes, tours to treeline in the SnowCoach, snow tubing, snowshoe and ski rentals...even the Trails Total Ticket, you'll get two for the price of one. (Note: offer not valid on Dec 27, 2013). Info: Jackson Ski Touring: 10% off 10% off Learn-to-Cross Country Ski Package (Full Value $53, priced at $45) with coupon $ Includes Rentals, Lesson and Trail Pass for one day. Lesson time must be reserved and issubject to availability. Call or or visit. Jackson Ski Touring Foundation 153 Main Street Jackson, NH Rafferty's: $5 gift card with $50 purchase Get a $5 FREE Gift Card with every $50 Rafferty's gift card purchase. Expires Dec 31, Rafferty's' Restaurant & Pub 36 Kearsarge St. North Conway, NH Bob & Terry's Sports Outlet: Save on Ski Tuning and Rentals

11 11 of 11 11/27/2013 3:10 PM $5 off ski tuning and 10% off ski and snowboard rentals with this coupon. Get a free junior (ages 5-12) season pass to Bretton Woods with every junior equipment season-long rental. Bob and Terry's Sports Outlet, 2420 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, NH Like this newsletter? Click here to forward it to a friend. This was sent to webface@mtwashingtonvalley.org by visitor@mtwashingtonvalley.org Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe Privacy Policy. Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce 2617 Village Square North Conway NH