Western White Mountain Chamber

Basecamp of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

Featured

Ice Castles New Hampshire: A Frozen Wonderland

For Ice Castle ticket information and purchasing please visit their website.

During the cold and snowy New England winter months, it can be tough to adventure outside. Unless you’re a skier or snowboarder, you might think winter is best spent reading a book next to the fireplace until the mercury starts to rise again in the spring. But, the famous Ice Castles in New Hampshire will make you put on all the layers and head to the mountains.

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Ice Castles became famous in 2011 when founder, Brent Christensen, crafted his first icy masterpiece in his front yard at his home in Utah. Not only was the ice castle a hit with Christensen’s six kids, but also the whole neighborhood who came to play in the ice. Since 2011, Ice Castles has grown to five locations across North America where kids and adults of all ages can enjoy the pure joy and happiness of the Ice Castles experience.

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Did you know that New Hampshire’s Ice Castles is one of the first ice castles in the country? In recent years, the Ice Castles New Hampshire moved to it’s permanent location in North Woodstock on Clark Farm Road. This location has allowed the crew to create larger, more interactive experience for all its guests, as well as the opportunity to add fun, new winter elements each year.

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Every year, Ice Castles look a little different, and that’s all due to its lead designer – Mother Nature. Each ice castle weighs about 25 million pounds and takes a team of 20 to 40 artisans to create over the course of many weeks. Every night, the artisans harvest 5,000 to 12,000 icicles, which are then individually sculpted into existing ice formations. The newly placed icicles are then drenched in water to solidify. Each ice castle is about one acre in size and is lit with colorful LED lights for a magical experience.

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Along with experiencing the wonders of Ice Castles, the New Hampshire location also offers caverns and caves, ice slides and snow tubing, sleigh rides and a mystic forest light walk through an enchanted forest lined with elaborate ice sculptures. Sleigh rides are available for an additional charge and may be purchased when you reserve your tickets online. New this year is the Polar Pub. Belly up to a frosty ice bar for a winter themed hot or cold beverage.

While it’s always hard to predict the opening date of Ice Castles due to Mother Nature, construction of Ice Castles will start as soon as the daytime temperatures begin to drop below freezing, and it takes about two months to build.

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Parking is free at the new location, but on the weekends and holidays, parking may be limited due to the number of people trying to visit. Only a limited number of tickets are sold daily, so it’s best to purchase tickets ahead of time online. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit icecastles.com/new-hampshire.

The White Mountains are home to a wide array of lodging options, dining options and fun winter activities like snowtubing, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing and more. Make a trip out of it! Just make sure to plan ahead. The best time to visit is mid-week when there are less crowds and better lodging rates.

Fall Foliage Hikes in the Western White Mountains

Looking to experience the majestic Western White Mountain’s fall foliage up close and personal?

Western White Mountains Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to the Western White Mountains Scavenger Hunt!

Discover out of this world pieces of history, unique attractions, mouth-watering dining experiences and welcome lodging hosts during your time as a Western White Mountains Scavenger Hunt player. This free activity is open to all individuals and families who wish to participate!

Playing is easy – just follow these 3 simple steps!

  1. Download the GooseChase App
  2. Once downloaded, open the GooseChase App and enter Game Code: J56WG3
  3. Complete Missions, Earn Points! Missions may be completed in any order.

Prizes will be awarded on 10/11/22 to those who received the MOST amount of points from completed missions.

Winners will be notified via the Goosechase App.

In the event of a tie, a winner will be drawn at random.

2022 PRIZE PACKAGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

🥇1ST PLACE: 1-Night Stay in 1-Bedroom Suite at RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, $25 Gift Card to Seven Birches Winery, $100 Gift Card to Burgeon Outdoor, Family 4-Pack to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 30 Minutes of Kid’s Studio Play, and McDonalds – Lincoln, NH Gift Cards!

🥈2ND PLACE: $75 Gift Card to Burgeon Outdoor, $25 Gift Card to Seven Birches Winery, Family 4-Pack to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, $10 Gift Card to The Christmas Loft, and McDonalds – Lincoln, NH Gift Cards!

🥉3RD PLACE: $50 Gift Card to Burgeon Outdoor, $25 Gift Card to Seven Birches Winery, Family 4-Pack to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, and McDonalds – Lincoln, NH Gift Cards!

🏅4TH PLACE: Family 4-Pack to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, $25 Gift Card to Seven Birches Winery, $10 Gift Card to The Christmas Loft

🏅5TH PLACE: $10 Gift Card to The Christmas Loft, New England Ski Museum Poster & Tales of the 10th Book

 

 

Terms of Service:

All photos taken during the Western White Mountains Scavenger Hunt on the Goose Chase App become property of Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce and may be used for marketing purposes including, but not limited to, print and electronic media.

All text submitted during the Western White Mountains Scavenger Hunt on the Goose Chase App become property of the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce and may be used for marketing purposes including, but not limited to, print and electronic media. 

The Legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain

 

Everywhere you look in New Hampshire, you’ll see one of the Granite State’s iconic landmarks – the Old Man of the Mountain. It’s featured on the New Hampshire license plate, road signs, and even the state quarter! But how did the Old Man of the Mountain become part of New Hampshire’s legacy and what happened to him?

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The Birth of the Old Man of the Mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain is also known as the “Great Stone Face” by the Abenaki and “the Profile.” Located in Franconia Notch, we have to go back thousands of years to the Wisconsin glaciation and the ice age. For centuries, glaciers over a mile thick covered New England. When the temperatures began to warm, the ice started a thawing and freezing cycle that created erosion in the granite bedrock that shaped the unique features of the Old Man of the Mountain. The Old Man overlooked Profile Lake from 1,200 feet above and was approximately 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

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The Life of the Old Man of the Mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain was first discovered and written by white settlers in 1805 when Francis Whitcomb and Luke Brooks were surveying the area for the notch road. While farmers frequently traveled over the notch road to the markets in Boston, no one had seen the Old Man due to the dense underbrush. Luke Brooks woke up in camp early one morning and went to Profile Lake to gather water for breakfast and saw the reflection of the granite face of the Old Man in the lake.

Of course, the legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain predates white settlers by hundreds of years. Known as Stone Face, the Abenaki believe that a human named Nis Kizos was born during an eclipse. He became a great leader and met a beautiful Iroquois woman named Tarlo at a Kchi Mahadan and fell in love. Tarlo had to return to her village to care for her sickened family and Nis Kizos promised he would live at the top of the mountain waiting for her. Tarlo waited day and night for her through the winter, but unfortunately, Tarlo dies in her birth village from the sickness. Gezosa, Nis Kizos’s brother, went to retrieve Nis Kizos in the spring but he was nowhere to be found. As Gezosa was descending the mountain, he looked back and saw that Nis Kisoz became part of the mountain as a stone face to continue looking for his love.

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The Old Man of the Mountain became famous across the country because of Daniel Webster who famously wrote: “Men hand out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch; and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men.”

Even Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about the Old Man in his 1850 “The Great Stone Face.” In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant visited the Old Man. Over the decades the stone formation began to deteriorate. Governor Rolland H. Spaulding began efforts to preserve the Old Man in 1916. In 1945, the Old Man became the official New Hampshire State Emblem and in 1965, a state highway worker named Niels Nielsen became the unofficial guardian of the Old Man of the Mountain. He became the official caretaker in 1987 followed by his son, David Nielsen, in 1991.

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The Death of the Old Man of the Mountain

Over the years, the harsh White Mountains weather started to damage the rock formation. In the 1920s, a crack in the Old Man’s forehead was repaired with chains. In 1957, more extensive “surgery” was conducted on the Old Man to save his iconic granite face. Despite many years of repairs, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed between midnight and 2:00 am on May 3, 2003, leaving the residents of the Granite State to mourn its most iconic symbol.

Despite the loss of the Old Man of the Mountain, its legacy lives on in the White Mountains. On the first anniversary of the collapse, the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund (OMMLF) installed coin-operated viewfinders near the base where you can see before and after of how the Old Man of the Mountain used to appear. OMMLF completed the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial along the Profile Lake walkway in September 2020 so the Old Man’s legacy could live on forever for future generations to enjoy.

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Museum and Historic Site

Today you can visit the Old Man of the Mountain museum and historic site in Franconia Notch State Park. Take Exit 34B off I-93, drive towards Cannon Mountain and then follow the signs. At the museum you’ll discover historic memorabilia and photos about the care, repair and promotion of the state’s official symbol. The museum is open May through late October and admission is free. At the Profiler Plaza historic site you will experience the interactive sculpture that allows you to “see” what the Old Man of the Mountain looked like. There are also several informational plaques located along the trail with history of the mountain and species that were found in the area.

Get Your Thrills On in the White Mountains

Are you an adrenaline junkie or fueled by awesome adventures? The Western White Mountains is the perfect destination to experience year-round adventurous activities. From skiing and dog sledding in the winter to downhill mountain biking and rock climbing in the summer, you’ll experience all sorts of thrills that will leave you coming back for more. Choose from a variety of day tours or weeklong adventures to fill your next vacation itinerary.

 

alpine adventures zipline nh

Ziplining (and more!)

A fixture on Main Street Lincoln, Alpine Adventures provides year-round fun for people of all ages. The Thrillsville Challenge Course is a self-guided ropes course designed with bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, a treehouse, and much more! It’s fun for all ages and a great add-on to the other adrenaline-filled activities that Alpine Adventures has to offer on their private mountain. Alpine Adventures is most known for its zipline courses and unlike other places in the White Mountains, Alpine has two different zipline tours with varying degrees of length and speed. If high flying fun isn’t quite your speed, the Off-Road Adventure Tour in the Pinzgauers is an exciting way to explore Barron Mountain. And don’t miss the new Side x Side off-road tour where you can explore Barron Mountain in your own Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000s. There are very few places in the world you can ride in a 6×6 Swiss Army Pinzgauer, Zipline across a 1500’ ravine 240’ above the ground at speeds up to 60 MPH, ride down a four-story ramp in a snow tube onto a BigAirBag Stuntzone, and challenge yourself at an aerial course.

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Downhill Mountain Biking

Loon’s Bike Park is a network of over 7.2 miles of terrain located at Loon Mountain Resort. A work in progress, the mountain plans to offer over 25 miles of downhill and cross-country biking trails once completed. Whether you’re new to the sport or an old pro, this is a bike destination for all riders to enjoy. No gear? No problem! Loon rents equipment and also offers beginner lessons to help you get started.

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Rock Climbing

Climb to new heights with North County Climbing Center, the only indoor climbing gym in the White Mountains. North County Climbing Center, also known as N3C by the locals, offers both indoor and outdoor ice and rock-climbing experiences for all ages and abilities. The indoor gym has a variety of routes ranging in difficulty, style, and terrain making it the perfect fair-weather day activity or just to try something new. Never climbed before? No problem! Try the Learn to Bely Package to gain knowledge on all the basics. For those who want to transition their skills from the indoor gym to the crags, you can book a private guide or join their crag days.

team oneil rally school nh

Rally School

Live out your Fast and the Furious dreams with Team O’Neil Rally School in Dalton. Founded in 1997, Team O’Neil is an off-road driving school offering courses in rally driving, winter driving, and off-road driving for people looking for a unique experience. The facility has 583 acres with a road course consisting of corners, blind crests, and other features that you’d only see in the movies. Each course lasts approximately one to five days depending on the course and what you hope to learn. As your lessons conclude, you’ll get to take one of the specially designed cars out on the course to test your new knowledge and experience the thrill of a lifetime!

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Skiing and Riding

Home to Olympic gold medalist, Bode Miller, Cannon Mountain is New Hampshire’s highest ski area standing at 4,080 feet. With 97 trails and glades and the longest vertical drop in the state, Cannon Mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders from around New England and beyond every winter. Cannon has three terrain parks where you can progressively work on your big air tricks to wow the crowds of onlookers or just your friends on Instagram. Make sure you hashtag Cannon Mountain! Cannon Mountain is located within Franconia Notch State Park and during the warmer months, it’s a great place to hike.

Known as one of New England’s best ski mountains, Loon Mountain is a favorite among families for its skiing and resort amenities. The mountain offers 61 trails and glades of varying difficulties and from atop the 3,050-foot summit, you have panoramic views of the White Mountains. While the resort is geared more towards beginner and immediate trails, Loon Mountain has quite a few black diamond trails that will get your heart pumping. Angel Street is one of the most notorious black diamond trails offering devilish pitches that pass underneath the Gondola. There’s great tree skiing on North Peak with Walking Boss Woods and Bucksaw. For those with goals of competing in the X Games or just like to show off their tricks, Loon has six different terrain parks and the only superpipe in New Hampshire.

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Dog Sledding

Experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of dogs through the woods and fields of the White Mountains. Muddy Paws Dog Sledding provides year-round dog sledding fun for all ages. During the winter months, Muddy Paws offers several tour options. The 1.5 Hour Tour is the most popular where you have the opportunity to meet the sled dogs and then embark on a five-mile ride. During the summer and fall months, Muddy Paws offers snowless tours where you ride in a wheeled cart, so no matter what time of year you visit the White Mountains, you can give lots of belly rubs to the hardworking sled dogs.

White Mountain Bicycle Week: Explore the Mountains on Two Wheels

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Ride into the White Mountain Bicycle Week on two wheels this Memorial Day weekend. New Hampshire is now home to not one but two awesome bike weeks to enjoy. Starting May 28th, the small mountain towns of Lincoln, Woodstock, and Franconia Notch are coming together to celebrate everything bicycle-related in the Western White Mountains while supporting regional non-profits. Whether you prefer the road or the trail, there is something for all cyclists during White Mountain Bicycle Week.

The 2022 event theme is “bike for the better.” Throughout the week, many of the activities will support local non-profit organizations like The Bridge Project and Lincoln Woodstock Friends of Recreation. The Bridge Project supports those who are vulnerable in the Lincoln-Woodstock communities by connecting them with individual and group support networks. Lincoln Woodstock Friends of Recreation promotes community involvement and support for the broadening of services and activities for all ages in the community.

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Bike Week also supports the environment and encourages people to try commuting by bicycle to either work or school throughout the week. For those that live a little too far away from work (or over the mountains!), you can park at one of the local participating “safe parking lot” locations and ride your bike from there.

White Mountain Bicycle Week runs from Saturday, May 28th through Saturday, June 4th. Each day features a special “Featured Ride” that will give you a chance to try many of the various biking trails and routes throughout the Western White Mountains. Many of the rides are led by local business owners and cycling enthusiasts. Downhill mountain biking will also be available at Loon Mountain at their state-of-the-art downhill mountain biking course. And stay tuned for over four miles of new terrain opening up later this summer!

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On May 28th and 29th there is a town-wide community yard sale supporting the Friends of Recreation. All throughout Lincoln and Woodstock, people will be hosting yard sales at their homes and businesses. If you’re shopping, it’s a great time to explore all the sales by bicycle! If you’re interested in selling, you can sign up for the yard sale with Friends of Recreation.

On Tuesday, May 31st you can ride the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail with Live a Little Fitness’s Margarita Dufresne. Other Meet Up Rides will be led by other local business owners. Wednesday, June 1st is Bike to School Day for Lin-Wood Public School. Start at the Kanc Recreation Area at 7:00 am and ride down Pollard Road to school with all your kid’s classmates. The ride is open to kids from kindergarten through high school. Later that day from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, kiddos from kindergarten through 8th grade can take part in the Kids Bike-a-thon that benefits the Lincoln Woodstock Friends of Recreation. For more information on the Bike-a-thon, visit the Bike-a-thon Flyer page.

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The White Mountain Bicycle Week is an inclusive event and on Thursday, June 2nd, children and adults who might not be able to ride a traditional two-wheeled bicycle can enjoy a bike ride using adaptive equipment with New England Disabled Sports. During the event, a NEDS facilitator will help you determine what cycle is best suited for your skill level and give you a chance to explore the trails on it. Reservations for the event are required. Afterward, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, join the Chamber Business After Hours Event at the NEDS Building to mingle with local business owners and community residents. You can even try some of the adaptive bikes, too! The event is open to all current and future Chamber members. RSVPs are recommended.

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On Saturday, June 4th, raise awareness for recovery during the Pedal it Purple to support The Bridge Project. Open to all ages and abilities, the ride begins at the Kanc Recreation Center and has three bike route options. The first is just over a mile long. The second is a 5k (3.1 miles) and the third is just over five miles in length. Each route will take you through the towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock on paved roads. There are prizes for the best-decorated bike and a BBQ lunch is included for all riders. To find out more information and to register, please visit the Pedal it Purple website.

As the White Mountain Bicycle Week gets closer, more information on the featured rides and other events will become available. May is a beautiful time to visit the Western White Mountains and exploring the region on two wheels is a great opportunity to get closer to natural beauty while getting a little exercise!

Mountain Club on Loon

The only resort hotel located slopeside on Loon Mountain, Complete services including Spa, Health Club, indoor and outdoor pools and Restaurants. Newly renovated guest rooms and suites available, some with full kitchens.

Clark’s Bears

The Clark Family invites you to enjoy a day of FAMILY FUN! Where else can you watch a famous Black Bear Show, be chased by the Infamous Wolfman while on a train, plus enjoy great rides and museums?

Loon Mountain

A four-season destination featuring NH’s longest scenic Gondola Skyride, over 18 miles of mountain biking trails, glacial caves and 370 acres of skiing across three peaks. Located in the White Mountain National Forest.

 

5 Best Fall Activities in the Western White Mountains

Ready for another beautiful fall foliage season in the Western White Mountains?! Peak foliage is just around the corner, and you’ll want to start planning all your favorite fall activities. Hop in your car and head to the mountains for some fall fun with your family.

 

Fall Scenic Drives

The White Mountains are home to some of the best fall foliage scenic drives in the world. There is a reason thousands of people flock to the region every year to view the incredible kaleidoscope of colors. For the ultimate White Mountains road trip, fill up your tank, grab a sweater, and lots of snacks, and hit the road.

The Multi-Notch Mountain Ride is approximately 142 miles long and will take you through the best of the White Mountains. Start your journey in Lincoln on I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and past the former Old Man of the Mountain. Just before Littleton, take the exit to Route 302 and drive through the quaint town of Bethlehem before driving past the majestic Mount Washington Hotel. There are plenty of scenic lookout spots to stop along the way to take your selfies or photos of trees bursting with color. Once past the infamous hotel, you’ll drive through Crawford Notch with the Presidential Range looming overhead. From here, choose to take the Bear Botch Road in Bartlett to the Kancamagus Highway or drive through North Conway and stop for lunch. From Conway, turn west on to Route 112 as known as the Kancamagus Highway, which offers 34.5 miles of breathtaking mountain scenery through the White Mountain National Forest.

The Multi-Notch Mountain Ride can be broken into a weekend or done in a day. Don’t have a full day? You can just drive the Kancamagus Highway or Route 302 through Crawford Notch. Whatever route you take, it will be beautiful. Keep in mind that parking is limited in areas, and you should avoid parking on the highways or busy roads.

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Fall Hikes

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the changing leaves or views of the White Mountain National Forest from above, you’ll want to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Hiking is a great socially-distance fall activity for the whole family. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout the Western White Mountains, there is no shortage of trails with great fall foliage views. For an easy hike for the whole family, the Lincoln Woods Trail is a flat 2.7-mile trail that meanders along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River.

For epic fall views of Franconia Notch, take the short yet steep jaunt up Artists Bluff. For centuries, tourists have climbed the well-worn trail to the open summit on Bald Mountain. It is a popular hike, so get there early, and you may want to bring a face mask just in case. For a more challenging hike, the 8.5-mile Franconia Trail Loop will take you over the peaks of Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack for panoramic views of the White Mountains. Be sure to pack all the essentials, including warm clothes and possibly crampons, since it is not uncommon for it to snow early in the White Mountains at higher elevations.

Wine and Beer Tasting

Over the recent years, tons of breweries and wineries have been popping up across the western White Mountains making it the best destination for craft beer and wine lovers. Start your day off by winetasting at Seven Birches Winery at the RiverWalk Resort. Choose from a variety of in-house made white, red, and everything in between wine. Just a short walk across the parking lot, you’ll find One Love Brewery with their tasty German-style beers and delicious menu of pub favorites.

Discover one of New Hampshire’s original craft breweries at the Woodstock Inn Brewery. With a 30-barrel production facility on-site, you can not only taste your favorite beers but see them made. With creative Western White Mountains names like Exit 32 and Pemi Pale Ale, you find something to like. Head up I-93 and find even more breweries to try. Remember to drink responsibly.

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Scenic Train Rides

Trains were once a primary mode of transportation in the White Mountains, and you can still see the remnants of old railbeds and cars throughout the region. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just someone who wants to enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains to see the fall foliage, you have several options to enjoy. The Hobo Railroad in Lincoln offers fall foliage rides along the Pemigewasset River region. Due to the coronavirus, the train will be running on a limited schedule and capacity to ensure the safety of the public. The Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Conway Scenic Railroad are also open for fall foliage scenic train rides during the autumn months.

Mountain Biking

Hit the new mountain biking trails at Loon Mountain this fall. Last fall, Loon Mountain completed phase one of their new downhill mountain biking park. Designed and built in conjunction with Highland Trails, the downhill mountain park over two miles of trails with more to come in the following years. If you prefer flatter ground, Loon Mountain has six miles of cross-country biking trails as well. Once you’re done ripping it up at Loon, head over to the nearly 9 mile Franconia Notch Recreation Path.

Visit the Western White Mountains This Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Western White Mountains of New Hampshire. With the incredible changing colors and lots of crisp fresh air, it’s the perfect place to experience the fresh mountain air.

Winter Adventures for Non-Skiers

During the winter months, the western White Mountains becomes a mecca for skiers and snowboarders looking for affordable, world-class skiing. Both Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain are family-friendly ski resorts offering exceptional skiing, but not everyone skis or snowboards, and that’s okay. There’s plenty of winter activities for non-skiers and skiers alike in the western White Mountains. Just bundle up and enjoy!

 

Speed down the Hill on Snow Tubes

Who doesn’t want to relive childhood sledding memories?  The best part – you don’t have to walk up the hill! Lift-serviced snow tubing is available at Loon Mountain. Ride to the chairlift to the top of the Little Sister trail and fly down nearly 1,000 feet of snow tube tracks day or night. For the little ones under age seven, there is a small walk-up Tot Tubing hill.

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Fly High on the Winter Zipline

Winter is a great time to go ziplining! Alpine Adventures, New England’s original zipline company, offers winter zipline tours on two of their courses – the SkyRider Tour and the Treetop Tour. Start your tour with an off-road ride up to the top of the course and finish in the custom-built treehouse offering incredible views of the White Mountains while sipping hot cocoa. After snow tubing at Loon Mountain, fly high across the frozen Pemigewasset River on the Loon Mountain Zipline.

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Break a Sweat on a Snowshoe Tour

The White Mountains are home to some of the best hiking in New England, but snow can make it challenging to access some of your favorite trails. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the trails for some exercise. The Loon Mountain Adventure Center offers a variety of snowshoe tours ranging in difficulty and length from the beginner-friendly Riverbank Tour to the adventurous Lincoln Ridge Tour. Alternatively, you can rent snowshoes and hit the snowshoe trails for your own scenic tour. Alpine Adventures also offers guided backcountry snowshoe tours on their private mountain in North Woodstock, Barron Mountain.

Enjoy the Scenic Views from the Tram

You don’t need skis or a snowboard to enjoy the epic panoramic views from the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram. The Aerial Tram is America’s first aerial tramway that takes passengers to the 4,080-foot summit in under ten minutes. From New Hampshire’s highest lift-accessed point, you can see the White Mountains, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Canada! Grab a cup of coffee or a beer and enjoy the views at the café and bar at the summit.

Go for Gold on the Skating Rink

Practice your triple axel, or just try not to fall on your bottom at the RiverWalk Resort ice skating rink. Open to the public, the RiverWalk Resort rink is as unique as during the summer months, it’s a swimming pool! Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the rink. The RiverWalk Resort hosts several skating shows throughout the winter, so make sure you check the calendar of events.

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Bundle Up and Get Frozen at the Ice Castles

Visit Ice Castles to make all of your frozen dreams come true. Whether you visit during the day or at night when the castle is lit up, its an experience you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget the camera! The New Hampshire location also offers sleigh rides and a winter walk through an enchanted forest lined with elaborate ice sculptures. For the little ones, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet real-life princesses at Ice Castles.

Kick Back and Relax at the Spa

Maybe your favorite thing about winter is being nice and warm inside, taking some time for yourself and treating yourself. Put your feet up, grab a tea or glass or wine and enjoy some pampering and relaxation at Viaggio Spa or Solstice North Day Spa. Whether you want to melt away your stress with a massage or facial or get a manicure and pedicure, these White Mountain spas have a long list of services for you to choose from.

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Hit Up Happy Hour

After a day outside enjoying the many winter activities in the western White Mountains, head to one of the many wineries and breweries in the area for a drink. Seven Birches Winery makes delicious wine inside the RiverWalk Resort. With two tasting rooms, you can sip on tasty red and white wine varieties. If you like German beer, One Love Brewery brews some authentic (and delicious!) German and European-style beer. Pair a pint with a pretzel on other yummy dishes on the pub menu. And you can never go wrong with the Woodstock Inn Brewery, which is one of New Hampshire’s oldest and largest craft breweries in the state.

You don’t need to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy all the incredible and fun winter activities in the western White Mountains.

Things To Do When You’re Here for the Ice Castles

For Ice Castle ticket information and purchasing please visit their website.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Ice Castles are back again for its sixth season in New Hampshire. Since 2014, the famous Ice Castles have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors every winter to explore over 20 million pounds of frozen features. Now located in North Woodstock with a permanent location, Ice Castles are the perfect winter attraction for families and couples. Kids of all ages will love its slides, mazes, thrones, and frozen archways and new this year – an enchanted forest!

There’s a ton of fun things to do with the whole family in the Western White Mountains, so when you visit the Ice Castles, stay for a weekend, or the entire week. The Western White Mountains are home to two of the best ski areas in the White Mountains with Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain just minutes away. We know that skiing isn’t for everyone, but don’t worry, there’s so much more to do!

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Get Creative with the Family

Too cold for an outdoor activity? Bring your kids to Chutters candy shop in Lincoln or take a drive through the notch to Littleton to their flagship store, holding the world record for the longest candy counter at 112 feet. Make a stop at the New England Ski Museum, located in Franconia Notch State Park, to learn about the history of skiing, the local “firsts” and area native Bode Miller’s ski career, all for free! Afterwards, drop them off for a kids night out at Live a Little Fitness so you can enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet, grab dinner or a drink and let the kids run off their sugar high and make some new friends!

Winter tubing

Fly Down the Mountain on Snow Tubes

You don’t need to ski or snowboard to have fun at Loon Mountain! Loon Mountain offers the only lift-serviced snow tubing hill in the White Mountains, so you can spend more time flying down the mountain than hiking back up. The tubing tracks are groomed and fast on the Little Sister Trail. For the little ones under 8, there’s a walk-up Tot Tubing area. Warm up after with hot cocoa at the Octagon Lodge. They’ve got ice skating too!

alpine adventures winter zipline

Zip Away!

Fly above the trees on one of the three zipline courses at Alpine Adventures. If that’s too much thrill and you’d prefer to keep it on four wheels, sign up for their off-road tour in a six wheeled Pinzgauer. They offer guided snowshoe tours, a Big Air Bag stuntzone and an aerial adventure park. They’ve got all kind of adventures to get your heart rate pumping.

Woodstock Inn beers

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Celebrate your next anniversary, engagement, birthday, or just schedule a romantic date night with your other half at one of the many delicious restaurants in Lincoln and the North Woodstock area. For something different, try tapas at The Depot or something worldly from the Gypsy Cafe. The Woodstock Inn Brewery has been voted the White Mountains favorite restaurant for eight years. With an extensive food and beer menu, you’ll find something delicious to eat. For a post-dinner celebratory beer, stop by One Love Brewery. or Twin Barns North Taproom.

seven birches winery tasting room

Cheers to Wine Tasting & More

Send the kids to ski school or the movies and head over to one of two Seven Birches Winery tasting rooms. The original tasting room is located within the RiverWalk Resort. Overlooking the recently planted vines, you can sip on a variety of red, white, and everything in between wine varieties. The new Atrium Wine Bar is located in the Lincoln Village Shops. The Atrium is open for wine by the glass, wine flights, and New Hampshire-made snacks. And right next door is a newer addition to the area for a fun tasting experience: Rhythm Handcrafted Beverages. Try their locally sourced and produced cider, seltzer and so much more. Once you’re done sipping, make sure you do a little shopping at the Lincoln Village Shops.

riverwalk ice skating

Lace Up Your Skates

Lace up your skates and hit the ice to practice your triple axels. RiverWalk Resort has one of the best ice skating rinks in the mountains. While it may look like any other ice rink on top, underneath, you’ll find miles of specialized tubing turning RiverWalk Resort’s outdoor lagoon swimming pool into a state-of-the-art ice skating rink. The ice skating rink is open to the public, and rentals are available if you don’t have your own skates. Throughout the winter months, RiverWalk hosts several shows, including the popular Skate with the Bruins fundraising event.

This winter, come for the Ice Castles but stay for the dozens of family-friendly fun attractions, restaurants, and activities in the western White Mountains.

North Country Climbing Center

Appx. 6,000 square feet of exciting and varied terrain for all ability levels and ages on walls up to nearly four stories tall, including extensive bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing.

NHSCOT

The NH Highland Games & Festival (NHHG&F), brought to NH from NHSCOT, is one of the largest and most diverse Highland Games held in North America. This celebration of Scottish heritage is held the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of September each year at Loon Mountain Resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Highland Games are as symbolically Scottish as bagpipes, kilts and whisky.

NHSCOT has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a Clan Picnic in 1975. Inspiration from that success, lead to the initial Highland Games in 1976, from there, to an annual event and formal organization known as The New Hampshire Gathering of the Scottish Clans, Inc., d.b.a. NHSCOT.

Today NHSCOT® is a Federally Registered Trademark hosting not only the NH Highland Games & Festival, but an annual Heritage Lecture Series, a lively music event known as Beltane and a family friendly Scottish New Year celebration called Hogmanay. Additionally, competitions, guided trips to Scotland, Try It classes and workshops are scheduled throughout the year to further NHSCOT’s mission, vision and values.

Dedicated to the furtherance of Scottish culture and traditions, the NHSCOT Fund awards grants and scholarships to deserving individuals and organizations with aligned purpose. The NHSCOT FUND’s merger with the Scottish Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire in 2017 now allows more funds to be distributed on a quarterly basis.

In 2018, NHSCOT realized a dream when it founded the Pipes & Drums of NHSCOT. Incredible band leadership has already double the size of the band. Free weekly lessons are offered to newcomers wishing to learn how to play the bagpipes, snare, bass or tenor drums. An afterschool program in the Kearsarge school district will help grow the next generation of band members.

As of 2020, we are excited to offer the New Hampshire Tartan. It was originally developed for the 20th anniversary of the NH Highland Games & Festival and now sales of yardage and products though NHSCOT will contribute to our NHSCOT FUND as well as the sustainability of NHSCOT.

NHSCOT looks forward to what the future holds as the organization continues to grow while building a strong Scottish community to celebrate and preserve our culture.

Hobo Railroad

The Hobo Railroad is located at the southern entrance to New Hampshire’s White Mountain region in Lincoln, NH. Join us for an old-fashioned, 80-minute round-trip train ride in our restored vintage coaches as we travel through a picturesque woodsy setting along the banks of the Pemigewasset River. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the train! We operate from late May through October, and weekends from Thanksgiving through mid-December for our Santa Express Trains!

Clark’s Bears

The Clark Family invites you to enjoy a day of FAMILY FUN! Where else can you watch a famous Black Bear Show, be chased by the Infamous Wolfman while on a train, plus enjoy great rides and museums?

Guests like to cool off on the Water Blaster Boats, scale the walls of the Old Man Climbing Tower and learn to glide on a Segway. The Anaconda Escape water raft ride will speed you through 300 feet of twists and turns. Merlin will turn your world upside-down and will keep you wondering, “What just happened?” From late June through Labor Day the Yandong Chinese Acrobats will amaze you with their contortion, balancing, and agility!

There are five museums to enjoy on the Victorian Main Street and four Specialty Shops to browse where you are sure to find a treasure or two.  Don’t forget to buy a popgun before your train ride.

Explore our website and see all the excitement that awaits your next visit.

Remember to wash your paws and cover your muzzle!

Cannon Mountain Resort

Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. Explore all attractions and activities to enjoy in the Notch this summer/fall!

Deer Park Resort

Set on 65 manicured acres, including a private 5 acre lake, Deer Park offers year round enjoyment. Located only minutes from many fabulous area attractions – Clark’s Trading Post, The Whale’s Tale, The Flume, Lost River, The Old Man of the Mountain, and many more – the resort provides a wonderful peaceful retreat. We have an on site, state-of-the-art Recreation Center which includes a 1500 sq. ft. indoor pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, fitness room, racquetball courts, video arcade, game room and a beautiful great room. Also on site are tennis courts, jogging trails, a basketball court, and volleyball facilities.

Quality Inn & Suites

Spectacular mountain location and superb amenities make the Quality Inn & Suites of Lincoln, NH,  the very best choice for your lodging in the White Mountains Region. We are
centrally located among all major White Mountain attractions. We are a AAA approved and TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice property conveniently located just off I-93 at Exit 33!

Black Diamond Pub

Enjoy classic New England cuisine at the Mountain Club’s Black Diamond Pub. Combining a warm, comfortable décor with an oh-so lively atmosphere, the Black Diamond Pub is where slopeside fun begins! The Mountain Club’s award-winning culinary experts offer unique and favorite fare for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In addition to serving popular appetizer and drink specials, we also provide a wide variety of popular craft beers and specialty cocktails, as well as an ongoing series of wine and whiskey tastings.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

81 newly renovated rooms and suites. Complimentary deluxe hot breakfast daily Free high speed internet & Wi-Fi. Indoor swimming pool & Jacuzzi, 24 hour fitness center. Keurig coffee makers, microwave & refrigerator in all rooms. One & two room suites available.

Indian Head Resort

A full-service, family-friendly resort located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Enjoy four-season lodging, unparalleled views, two pools and hot tubs, fishing and pedal boating on private Shadow Lake, and much more. Located at the southern entrance of the Franconia Notch, we are minutes away from local attractions and outdoor recreation of all kinds. With our variety of thoughtful amenities and features, there is something for everyone, every season to enjoy.

InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook

Located within walking distance of downtown Lincoln on the famous Kancamagus Highway (Rte.112) across from Loon Mountain, Pollard Brook offers luxurious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condominiums, many with views of Loon and the White Mountains from balconies or patios. Accommodations feature living rooms with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and many master bedrooms have whirlpool tubs. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and game rooms, tennis courts and playground.

Woodstock Inn Brewery

Housed in an original train depot, The Woodstock Station serves an informal lunch and dinner menu jam-packed with a mouth-watering assortment of tasty appetizers, homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers and delectable entrees. Distinctive variety, hearty portions and live entertainment combine to make the Station an enduring favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Mittersill Alpine Resort

A four-season inn and resort in scenic Franconia Notch. Minutes from all area attractions. Accommodations include selected hotel rooms, or spacious one and two-bedroom units with full kitchens. Indoor/outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzi sauna, tennis, fitness room, game room, and Barron’s Pub with wifi. Sorry- no pets; no a/c.

South Mountain Resort

Deluxe hotel rooms, luxury suites with kitchens, whirlpools. In/outdoor pools. Exciting theatre, skiing, adventure packages available. Connected to the Village Shops with distinctive shopping & dining.

Woodstock Inn NH

Located in the heart of the majestic White Mountains, the Woodstock Inn Brewery is one of New Hampshire most visited country inns. The Inn’s gracious and relaxed setting centers around 39 guestrooms, plus a house that sleeps seven. Rooms are each individually appointed with all the comforts of home including cable TV, air-conditioning, in-room telephones and wireless internet. Grand rooms offer Whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. Some rooms are dog friendly with advance notice.

New England Ski Museum

Fascinating collection of historic ski memorabilia, museum gift shop located at the base of Cannon Mountain. Free admission.

Ice Castles

Ice artists transform more than 12,000 tons of ice into full-fledged castles. With multiple large towers and ice walls, visitors are totally surrounded by the organic shapes of shimmering ice.

Jean’s Playhouse

Award winning professional theatre in Lincoln. Shows run from July through August. Plus many other special shows throughout the year.