Relax and enjoy one of our new spring specials at the Viaggio Spa. Come spend the day in the Wellness Center using our steam room, sauna, whirlpools, indoor pool or workout centers all complimentary when you book one of our services. Call 603-745-2244 ex 4201 to book. Open 7am to 9pm everyday.
Loon Mountain
New Hampshire Ski Clubs: Then and Now
With Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain, and Bretton Woods all close by, New Hampshire has become well-known as a ski destination. However, not all of its visitors know about the ski clubs that have become mainstays in the state as well as in nearby Vermont.
Ski clubs have many benefits. For example, they are top choices for people who want to take the next step in their athletic journey without the restrictions of lofty costs and they are also perfect for those who want to belong to a ski and outdoor-focused community.
To learn more, we interviewed Jeffrey Partington to get the inside scoop about the hyper-local and long standing Old Colony Ski Club as well as the details about the place ski clubs have carved out in our state’s rich ski history.
Where It All Began
New Hampshire’s first ski clubs began popping up after ski trails were first cut on Mount Mansfield in Vermont and then Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire. The first in our area was Old Colony. “There are four ski clubs in Lincoln/Woodstock, Old Colony (1938), Lexington (1964), Penguin (1968), and Snow Chasers (1970s),” said Partington.
The Rise of a New Hampshire Sport
The popularity of skiing in New Hampshire grew despite World War II and after its end.
“At least three of the Old Colony founders lost their lives in World War II. Skiing made a resurgence due to the many European emigres who settled in Vermont and New Hampshire during and after the war. In addition, members of the famed 10th Mountain Division began to open ski areas in the western United States. The 10th Mountain Division was assisted by the National Ski Patrol who recruited skiers to be soldiers because they already possessed the skill rather than the army trying to train soldiers to ski,” said Partington.
Partington continued, “After the war, like many other activities, skiing flourished. There were ‘Ski Trains’ that brought skiers to the New Hampshire Mountains (mostly in Conway) from Boston on weekends. This fed the local hotel industry in Conway and helped the creation of many ski clubs in the area. About 15 ski clubs are operating today in North Conway, one in Twin Mountain, and four in Lincoln/Woodstock.”
A Brief History of Old Colony
Though skiing started in the late 1920s and early 1930s it wasn’t at all the formal sport it is today. “Farmers put up tow ropes on their land to make extra money in the off-season. Cannon Mountain had the Taft Slalom Trail cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 and that was a major expansion of more difficult terrain and a racing course. In February 1933, the Ski Bulletin described this as a ‘ski run equaled by nothing in the East.’ The Civilian Conservation Corps returned in 1938 to cut new trails and create a parking lot on the property. This mountain expansion gave rise to the sport of skiing in New Hampshire. As this was in the Great Depression, ski clubs began to form to make skiing more affordable and provide social activities based around the sport,” said Partington. Enter Old Colony!
While The Old Colony Ski Club is a New Hampshire-based ski club, it was actually formed in Quincy, Massachusetts. “The name ‘Old Colony’ and our logo comes from the Plymouth Colony formed in 1620, south of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which was referred to as the Old Colony,” he said.
In the beginning, Old Colony had just 10 members. Together, they incorporated the nonprofit club on December 23, 1940. The first club purchase was also a group effort but with a larger group of members. “Our club originally saved up and borrowed money from the membership to purchase a clubhouse in New Hampton, New Hampshire in the late 1940s. At the time they had 100 members in a three bedroom, two bath house and needed a larger clubhouse, preferably closer to ‘the big hill’, Cannon Mountain,” said Partington.
And Old Colony continued to grow! In just under 20 years they would reinvest in a different property to support the goals and membership size. “In 1957 they searched and found our current location which was previously the Daniel Webster Inn and Cottages. The funding again came from member loans or assessments on the membership, and the sale of the New Hampton property. New Hampton was 43 miles from Cannon, our current location is 10 miles from Cannon and has 14 bunk rooms that easily accommodate the membership,” he said.
Nowadays their members can enjoy Cannon and nearby Loon Mountain, which is even closer.
For those who would like further details on the original members and other aspects of the Old Colony Ski Club history, a full account can be accessed here.
The Original Members Versus Today’s Members
When it was founded, Old Colony’s members were generally in their teens and 20s. This has gotten later over the years. “Our demographic is usually recreational skiers, snowboarders, and hikers who enjoy our unbeatable location in the White Mountains year-round.” said Partington. “In addition we try to do our part to support the community with affordable accommodations for someone who works part-time at Loon or Cannon Mountain.”
We asked Partington who the ideal ski club member is today and he explained that it came down to those who wanted to invest significantly in skiing.
The Ideal Member
He said, “A typical person ideal for a ski club is someone who has entered the sport and has taken the leap to try to ski more than 10 times per year. The sport can be prohibitively expensive if the skier is trying to stay in a hotel and does not have a season pass. The passes generally do not pay for themselves unless you go more than 10 times per year. After equipment is purchased the next expense is lodging. That is where ski clubs shine, they provide affordable accommodations and a social atmosphere for fellow enthusiasts to share information and insight.”
A Club for All Seasons
Even with “ski” in the title, members can come to a ski club during all seasons.
Partington said, “In winter there are Ice Castles, snowmobile rentals, snowshoeing, ice skating at RiverWalk outdoors, and wine and cider tastings indoors.”
He continued, “In summer, Loon Mountain has ziplining, gondola rides, caves on top, and other activities. Special events include the New England Brewfest in June, the Highland Games in September, and the White Mountain Octoberfest in October. Last fall saw a fantastic display of Sand Castles on the Ice Castles location, hopefully, they will return. Cannon always offers a great tram ride, and Franconia Notch is second to none for hiking including the Basin and the famous Flume Gorge. Another favorite is the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, and on those lazy hot summer afternoons you can rent a kayak or a tube and head down the Pemigewasset River.”
In general, Partington noted that if you’re a hiking enthusiast, Old Colony’s location is unbeatable. He said, “We have access to most of the 48 4,000-footers within a short drive and we are in the middle of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire.”
A True Community
Ski clubs, Old Colony included, are generally 21+ outfits due to their nature, so there are a lot of fun adult activities to take part in. Some are travel-based and others are simply for socializing and entertainment.
“The club generally does one local trip per year to Burke Mountain. Individual members will also do trips to other local mountains, generally Sunday River and Sugarloaf. We try to do one big organized trip per year. Lately, we have been alternating between West and East for our trips. Since 2016 we have traveled to Jackson Hole, Big Sky Montana, Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, Utah Canyons, Chamonix, France, and next year we are off to Kitzbuhel, Austria,” said Partington.
Beyond travel, Old Colony offers many social events and has live bands monthly during the winter.
Happy 86th!
Old Colony is celebrating its 86th season. Would you like it to be your first year as a member? Take a look at their website to learn all about their membership options to get started.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov.
Copyright (C) 2024 Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
Loon Mountain Resort: Family-Friendly Fun Without the Snow
Loon Mountain Resort: Family-Friendly Fun Without the Snow
Frequently named as one of the best ski resorts in the East, Loon Mountain Resort is home to over 370 skiable acres in the Western White Mountains. During the snowy winter months, thousands of people visit the family-friendly ski resort to learn to ski, to nail a backflip in the terrain park, or earn first tracks on a fresh powder day. But, did you know that Loon Mountain is a four-season resort?
When the last snow pile melts, Loon transforms into a whole different world. The perfectly groomed snow-covered trails turn into grassy and rocky mountain bike trails. Families from all over the world come to enjoy Ninja Wild, world class mountain biking, the Gondola Skyride, the high-flying fun on the Aerial Forest Adventure Park and ziplining across the Pemigewasset River! A day (or more!) at Loon is sure to please everyone in the family.
Mountain Biking
Loon Mountain Resort has committed to becoming New England’s premier all-season mountain destination with its Flight Path: 2030 plan.
Catch a ride on the Northeast’s most technological advanced lift, the Kancamagus 8, and get ready to hit the trails at Loon! Opened in 2019, the new purpose-built downhill mountain biking trails at Loon Mountain are epic! Designed and built by the people who built Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, New Hampshire, the Loon Mountain Bike Park offers a huge variety of freeride, technical, and cross country trails over 9 miles for every level of riders.
Have you never tried downhill before? No worries! Loon offers lessons for beginners and has plenty of rental bikes. Lessons with professional instructors will walk you through the anatomy of a downhill mountain bike, body position, and how to ride the trails and brake effectively. If downhill mountain biking is not your style, Loon is also home to six miles of cross-country mountain bike trails. The trail network of various difficulties follows along the scenic Pemigewasset River and wind through the forest along the shoulder of Black Mountain.
Loon has a full-service bike rental shop with an extensive fleet of bikes for the whole family. The shop has a variety of Giant and Rocky Mountain downhill mountain bikes along with cross-country (hardtail) mountain bikes in various sizes, including women-specific bikes. Hybrid and kids’ bikes are also available for rental to ride around town and the Franconia Notch Recreation Path. All rentals include a helmet and body pads.
Summit Dinner Series
Featuring a rotating three course meal at 2,733 feet, the Summer Dinner Series offers a true “dinner with a view”. Board the White Mountain Express Gondola Skyride and start your evening off with a welcome toast as you arrive at the Summit Café at the summit of Loon peak. After a day of hiking, exploring, and playing at Loon, there’s no better way to wrap up your evening.
Ninja Wild
Looking to be the next Ninja Warrior?! Make sure to check out Ninja Wild, an outdoor ninja course packed with wilderness-themed obstacles that puts kids (and adults) to the test.
White Mountain Express Gondola
Looking for views without the effort of hiking uphill? Make sure to take the 1.3-mile scenic ride to the summit of Loon Peak in their four-person Gondola Skyride. Take in the incredible mountain views, visit the glacial caves, and make sure to take some selfies as this activity is surely one to remember.
Loon Peak Disc Golf
Located in the White Mountain National Forest, Loon’s alpine-style Loon Peak Disc Golf Course offers incredible views of the mountains with a mountainside course. Take a scenic ride up the Gondola Skyride to the first hole at the top of the mountain. Open to both beginner and advanced players, the 18-hole disc golf course continues downhill to the base lodge. Enjoy the panoramic views of Loon Peak summit while playing a fun family-friendly game of disc golf!
Hiking for the Best Views
Experience the natural beauty of Loon Mountain from the summit! Loon Mountain is home to three miles of well-marked hiking trails. The scenic Brookway Trail is the perfect hiking trail for less experienced hikers. Enjoy the lovely views of Boyle Brook has you hike your way to the Bear Claw Trail junction where you can continue your journey on to the summit. And just as the name implies, the Sunset Loop Trail that leads to the summit of North Peak is a great place to catch the sunset over the western White Mountains.
Four Seasons of Fun at Loon
Loon Mountain Resort is committed to becoming one of Northern New England’s Premier four-season resorts. This summer, spend a weekend or week in the Western White Mountains and enjoy the many activities at Loon for the whole family. Make sure to check out their adventure packages if you’re looking to do more than one activity!
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Get Your Thrills On in the Western White Mountains – Summer
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 off-roading 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.
Loon Mountain Resort
Loon Mountain is a popular place during the winter months, but did you know it’s open during the summer months as well? Enjoy a 1.3-mile scenic ride to the summit of Loon Peak in their four-person Gondola Skyride. At the end of the ascent, enter a high alpine world of refreshing breezes and stunning mountain views encompassing adventure and an array of summit activities. Test your agility, strength and speed in the Wild. Ninja Wild is an outdoor ninja course packed with wilderness-themed obstacles that puts kids (and adults) to the test. Loon also has an impressive downhill mountain biking trail network and bike park!
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, and challenge yourself at an aerial course.
Mt. Washington Cog Railway
The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world and takes riders to the 6,288′ summit of Mt. Washington. With an average grade of 25% (some sections approach nearly 38%), it’s also the second steepest! Motive power is primarily provided by a fleet of seven powerful biodiesel locomotives, each custom designed, built and maintained on site. And with a nod to its steam heritage, the railway also continues to operate a pair of coal-fired steam engines in the warmer months, both well over a century old. The round trip to the summit and back is just under 3 hours!
DirtVentures
DirtVentures offer guests exciting ATV adventures and fresh air – which they say, will make you want to move here immediately! Like their snowmobile tours, there are options for both beginners and experienced riders. Get ready to get dirty!
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.
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!
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 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!
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Get Out & Get Active: Winter Getaways in the White Mountains
December and January have come to a close, but there’s still quite a long stretch of winter ahead of us here in New Hampshire. While lots of people will choose to hibernate under a mound of covers or fly off to warmer climates, the White Mountains offer an affordable, fun, nearby weekend escape for couples, friends, and families. More specifically though, it’s a snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing (and more) paradise!
In fact, the only difficult part of planning an active winter vacation in the Whites is choosing from the wide array of places to stay and play. Don’t worry though, we’ve outlined some of the best options along with some of the benefits of each to make your getaway both easy to plan and memorable.
Loon Mountain Resort
If you’re a skier, snowboarder, or any other kind of winter warrior, you’ve likely heard of Loon Mountain Resort. However, if this is your first attempt at a more active winter, you might not be aware that they offer a comprehensive group of rental equipment that will help you make the most of the snow.
Ski and snowboard rentals are offered starting at the low cost of just $59 and are suitable for all levels of experience.
Loon Mountain Resort boasts the most terrain in New Hampshire, offers both private and group lessons, and has opportunities for different types of snow-based fun like snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sno-go, and even gondola skyrides. There really is something for everyone at this destination.
More to Do: Loon Mountain is certainly a top winter fun destination, but did you know that you can take specialized snowshoeing tours? We highly recommend them.
Adair Country Inn and Restaurant
The Adair Inn is as pretty as a picture. Even their website features a charming watercolor of this quaint spot.
While staying at the Adair anytime can be lovely (there’s birdwatching, walking trails, and many other options), winter is an especially advantageous time as they run a pre-Valentine’s Day special. Stay with them any night before the 16th of February and you could save 30%!
And if your goal is a more outdoor-focused winter break, consider their snowshoe getaway option (offered in January, February, and March). What could be more romantic than the option to snowshoe on the Inn’s 200 acres with your sweetheart?
More to Do: If by chance 200 acres isn’t enough for you, just slightly past the Inn and Restaurant’s own land is the Rocks Estate, a 1,400-acre forest reservation.
Franconia Inn
Franconia Inn has everything a winter enthusiast could wish for. They even have their own cross-country ski center! Pick this inn if you love ice skating, tubing, and snowshoeing – they have 25 miles of groomed trails!
Not convinced? Check out this review about a winter stay…
“I have been going to the Franconia Inn since I was a young child. Absolutely love this gem of an inn. Very historical inside and lovely views outside. Just stayed for the weekend again this past weekend. Excited to stay at The Inn again this winter and go cross-country skiing on the property. Loved it!” –Lizzy A
More to Do: There are lots of great snowshoeing and hiking trails in Franconia including the Skookumchuck Trail. It’s rated as “hard” on AllTrails, it also scores 4.5 stars. If you’re looking for a winter challenge, take it on for yourself!
Owls Nest
Golfers and other athletic enthusiasts already know Owl’s Nest Resort is a top pick for a stay in the White Mountains area, but did you know that you can also enjoy snowsports there?
One unique factor for this destination is that some of your winter play can take place on their golf course itself! Whether you’re into cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, this is the place to experience 18 holes in a whole new way.
Believe it or not, these are just a few of the top overnight spots to take advantage of in the White Mountains region. There’s no end to the winter possibilities, so try them all!
More to Do: While you can certainly snowshoe at Owl’s Nest itself, you can also take a ride over to Alpine Adventures where you can take a guided tour across their 300 acres.
The Notch Hostel
If you’d like to take getting active to a whole new level, consider The Notch Hostel, which markets itself as “your White Mountains Base Camp.” It’s a 30-person capacity space where you can stay in both shared or private rooms.
Simply put, this is the place for you if you want to network with fellow hikers, bikers, and other like-minded souls.
More to Do: Some other inns boast major trails, but this one is next to…all of them! Situated just minutes from New Hampshire’s peaks, you won’t find a better location for winter hiking.
RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Guests of RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain can sign out a pair of snowshoes from the Adventure Concierge free of charge! And as the resort name suggests, the RiverWalk trail is a great place to explore.
Venture out to their backyard and find the stone pathway that leads directly to the Pemigewasset River behind the resort. Follow the trail along the river where several benches are placed along the way. If you brought your four-legged friend along (they offer pet friendly suites), this is the perfect spot to get them out and about.
More to Do: Extend your adventure by venturing over to the J.E. Henry Trail which also follows alongside the river. Enjoy the quiet and calming 1 mile walk through the forest. Or take a quick drive to Lincoln Woods Trail and explore this 2.9-mile out-and-back trail that is wide and flat with incredible views.
Nearby Must-Visits
If you’re looking to thaw out for a few hours in between snow-centric activities, but still keep to that winter theme, here are some nearby musts:
- The New England Ski Museum | 2628 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860
- The Museum of the White Mountains | 34 Highland St, Plymouth, NH 03264
- The Frost Place | 158 Ridge Rd, Franconia, NH 03580
- The New Hampshire Ice Castles | 24 Clark Farm Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262
There are so many incredible ways to get active during the winter in the White Mountains. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, and other fantastic options are just a short drive away…
We hope to see you in our neck of the woods soon! And remember, the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce is always here to provide additional information and ideas.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Get Your Thrills On in the White Mountains – Winter
Are you an adrenaline junkie or fueled by awesome adventures? The White Mountains is the perfect destination to experience adventurous activities. From skiing and dog sledding to a professional car rally school and taking a train up the snowy slopes of Mt. Washington, 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.
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. 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.
Mt. Washington Cog Railway
With multiple daily departures to their recently expanded Waumbek Station throughout the winter, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is now a YEAR-ROUND attraction! Clear-weather panoramic views from the southern Presidentials to the Canadian border are simply spectacular. Comfortable warming huts on elevated decks, a blazing firepit, and hot refreshments round out a truly unique opportunity to experience Mount Washington (and the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway) in the winter. Schedule, details and much more at www.thecog.com
SledVentures
SledVentures offers guided snowmobile tours suited for every ability from the beginner to the expert. When conditions are appropriate, their tours run every day. They supply you with the newest top of the line Ski-Doo 600cc snowmobiles and protective, new winter gear (please check with SledVentures to ensure they have your specific needs). Their newest tours are Franconia Notch Over The Top Tour and the Mega Midweek Mountain Adventure tour, and their most popular tour is the Bog Pond/ Franconia Notch tour. They also offer private tours and Sled & Stay packages with some of the local hotels and resorts.
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!
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.
Dog Sledding
Experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of dogs through the snowy woods and fields of the White Mountains. Muddy Paws Dog Sledding provides year-round dog sledding fun for all ages. The 1.5 Hour Tour is the most popular – where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the sled dogs and then embark on a five-mile ride. Make sure to give all the good pups lots of belly rubs!
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
History of Lincoln and North Woodstock
A lot of tourists and a few locals commonly think that Lincoln, New Hampshire is named after President Abraham Lincoln, but the town dates back almost 100 years before he became the 16th President of the United States. The town dates back to 1764 when Benning Wentworth, the Royal Governor of The Province of New Hampshire, granted 32,456 acres to a group of 70 investors from Connecticut on behalf of King George III. The town was named after Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, the 2nd Duke of Newcastle, 9th Earl of Lincoln, who was Wentworth’s cousin.
The Beginning
In 1782, Lincoln finally became a town when Nathan Kinsman and a few other people moved to the area to establish the town. It’s important to note that New Hampshire was home to indigenous people long before European settlers even landed on Plymouth Rock. The Abenaki populated much of New Hampshire, including the White Mountains.
During the 19th century, Lincoln was primarily a tourist destination for the wealthy city-dwellers who wanted to escape the hot city summers for some fresh mountain air. Stephen Russell opened the first hotel just below the Flume in 1808. The new railroad built in 1882 brought thousands of tourists and several hotels to the area, but it wasn’t until James E. Henry came to Lincoln in 1892 that the town would see real growth.
The Logging Empire of JE Henry
In 1892, JE Henry, who built the town of Zealand, purchase several thousand acres of virgin timber and moved his logging operations to Lincoln. At the beginning of the 20th century, Henry built and owned almost the whole town – the mill, school, company store, hospital, jail, boarding house, hotel, and most of the houses. He also built the East Branch and Lincoln Railroad, which became the largest logging railroad in New England spanning 72 miles. Construction of the railroad began in 1894 and was built over several years. The last train to run on the rails was in 1948, outliving all the other logging railroads in the region.
For several decades, JE Henry grew his small logging operation into a massive empire of lumbar and paper attracting more and more workers and their families every year and putting Lincoln on the map. JE Henry died in 1912 and his three sons who worked alongside him sold the company and most of the town in 1917 to the Parker Young Company for $3 million (or approximately $64 million in 2021 money).
The Rise of Modern Tourism
The paper mill ran until it was shut down in 1981. Today, much of the local economy is focused on tourism and outdoor recreation. Sharman Adams, who was born and raised in Lincoln, served as a Congressman, two-time New Hampshire governor, and chief of staff to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s. Upon his return to his hometown in 1958, he realized the town was struggling and needed a new industry besides the ailing papermill.
A profile outdoorsman, Adams decided to snowshoe up Loon Mountain one day and discovered the mountain would make the perfect ski resort. Construction of Loon Mountain began in the spring of 1966 and opened for the first skiers on December 27, 1966. Five hundred people showed up on opening day to enjoy the 12 trails, two lifts, and one toilet. Over the decades, Loon Mountain has grown into the modern-day ski resort that you know and love. The popularity of Loon Mountain and the White Mountain National Forest has since attracted lots of hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and shops.
The Growth of Neighboring Woodstock
The small neighboring town of Woodstock, New Hampshire has a similar story to Lincoln. Royal Governor Benning Wentworth established the town in 1763 with the name of Fairfield. In the 1790s a group of people from Southern New Hampshire purchased the land rights from the original grantees and divided the land in 231 100-acre lots. The town became known as Peeling.
Farming was not super successful in the town due to its granite mountainous terrain. Logging and tannery became the primary industries in the town, along with maple syrup production. Similar to much of the region, tourism was also popular in the mid-19th century. The town officially became Woodstock in 1840.
At the time of the name change, there were four sawmills and logging began to grow fast. Logs cut in the region were floated down the Pemigewasset River into the Merrimack and finally to the sawmills in Lowell, Massachusetts. Hardwoods logged in the region were used to make bobbins for the textile mills in Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The government began purchasing large land tracts to form the White Mountain National Forest in 1911. Logging stopped in 1915 when the Woodstock Lumber Company went defunct after a huge mill fire in 1913.
For more information and an abundance of old photos about Lincoln and the surrounding area, visit the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society website.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Biking in the Western White Mountains
The Western White Mountains is an incredible hub for cycling with miles of mountain biking trails weaving throughout the forest, a paved recreational path with stunning views of the mountains, and brag-worthy road cycling routes. Plus, each year we host White Mountain Bicycle Week! Celebrate New Hampshire’s other bike week with the communities of Lincoln, Woodstock and Franconia Notch as we pedal through the great outdoors to support regional non-profits. So, what are you waiting for? Pump up your tires, fill up your water bottle, and hit the trails or road for some two-wheeled fun!
Mountain Biking
Catch a ride on the Northeast’s most technological advanced lift, the Kancamagus 8, and get ready to hit the trails at Loon! Opened in 2019, the new purpose-built downhill mountain biking trails at Loon Mountain are epic! Designed and built by the people who built Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, New Hampshire, the Loon Mountain Bike Park offers a huge variety of freeride, technical, and cross country trails over 9 miles for every level of riders. Learn more about Mountain Biking at Loon.
For the more experienced rider, day passes are available online. If you’ve never been downhill mountain biking then the Your Turn lesson, rental, and ticket package might be just for you. The Whistle Stop Bike Center at Loon Mountain offers downhill, cross-country mountain bike, and e-bike rentals for whatever trails you choose.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in the White Mountains, hit the six miles of cross-country trails through the forest of lower Black Mountain along the banks of the Pemigewasset River. The East Ridge Trails are open to the public and can be accessed near the Whistle Stop Bike Center. Drive north on I-93 and check out Franconia Area Nemba and Profile Trails. where the terrain is more rocky and technical. Stay at the Franconia Inn and you have direct access to the trails for fat biking and mountain biking year round. Just a bit further north in Littleton is PRKR MTN Trails offering 22 miles of hand-built mountain biking trails for all abilities. And just a little bit further over the border in Vermont is Kingdom Trails. If you’re looking for a mountain biking mecca then you have come to the right place!
Road Cycling
While the mountain biking trails in the Western White Mountains are incredible, we can’t forget about road cycling. If you love to climb, then we have you covered! Cyclists from all over New England come to Lincoln every year to compete to earn bragging rights by riding all 34 miles of the Kancamagus Highway. If you have ever driven the “Kanc” then you know it’s one tough ride, but at least it’s beautiful! From the Conway side, the first 16 miles are relatively easy with a slight grade, but after that, you’ll start climbing towards the sky. The last stretch to the top of the Kancamagus Pass is about a 7% grade and then it’s downhill all the way to Lincoln.
For the overachievers or just the cycling fanatic, the Tour de Notches is one of the legendary New England rides for road cyclists. Start from Main Street in Lincoln and climb north through Franconia Notch on Route 3. In Twin Peaks, take a right on to Route 302 where you’ll ride past the beautiful Mount Washington Hotel and Bretton Woods through Crawford Notch. In Bartlett, take another right on to Bear Notch Road where you’ll climb for five miles to the Kancamagus Highways. By the time you’re done, you rode 77.3 miles and climbed over 5,300 feet in elevation. Make sure you rehydrate with a cool beverage at one of the many breweries or wineries in the Western White Mountains!
Paved Bike Paths
If you have young kids or just prefer a more leisurely ride on a paved path, the Lincoln/Woodstock area is home to a few paths. The Franconia Notch Recreation Path runs 8.7 miles through Franconia Notch State Park and passes some of the park’s most famous attractions. While there is a little bit of climbing on the path, it is relatively easy for any age and riding ability. The Lincoln Loop from Loon Mountain to downtown Lincoln is another great paved, family-friendly loop for all ages. The two-mile path follows along the Pemigewasset River.
Fat Biking
When the snow starts to fly, you don’t have to put your bike away or ride the dreaded trainer in your basement! Fat biking has become very popular in the White Mountains in recent years thanks to groomed trails and local bike shops carrying these bikes that are outfitted with super-wide tires. Both Profile Trails in Franconia and PRKR MTN in Littleton groom miles of trails and many of the local trails. Just like the Lincoln Woods Trail which are great for fat biking.
Hit the Trails or Road This Year
Life is better on two wheels with the wind in your hair (under your helmet of course!). Whether you are a complete newbie or an experienced cyclist, the Western White Mountains offers something for everyone when it comes to biking. We hope to see you on the trails or roads soon!
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
The Western White Mountains Winter Resource Guide
Winter is right around the corner in the Western White Mountains. The temperatures have dropped, and the local ski resorts have started to make snow. The New Year will be here before you know it, and this winter will be like no other.
Plan Ahead
The keys to having a great travel experience (regardless of whether it’s taking place during a pandemic or not), are to find out what you need to know before you go, be respectful of local communities, businesses, and environments, and be prepared to follow guidance that is designed to keep you and the local residents safe. Planning ahead and pre-booking your accommodations, activities, and restaurant reservations are even more important now while many businesses’ capacity is limited due to the pandemic.
Both Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain have implemented special mountain operations to help keep everyone safe this ski season. If you have an Ikon Pass for Loon Mountain, you must make a reservation online at IkonPass.com. You must purchase your ticket online for daily lift tickets and pick up at a contactless pickup box at the mountain. Lift tickets will be limited, so plan ahead for your desired dates! Cannon Mountain does not plan to require season pass holders to make reservations at this time, but that could change in the future. Limited daily lift tickets will be sold online only.
Other popular winter attractions such as the Ice Castle and Alpine Adventures are open for business with advance reservations. Pick your date and time, book your tickets online, and have tons of fun. Many hotels and resorts have limited capacity due to current state guidelines, so it’s important to book ahead of time, especially during peak weeks, such as the Christmas holidays and school vacation weeks. Hotels have heavily invested in sanitation and cleaning procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.
While You’re Here
Local businesses have worked hard to make your visit as easy, safe, and fun as in previous years. All businesses in the Western White Mountains, including the ski resorts, require face coverings to be worn at all times. Both Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain will offer limited access to their lodges. You’ll be required to boot up at your vehicles. Lift lines will likely be longer due to social distancing, but with a little patience, you’ll get to the top in no time. Ski school is still in session this winter! With limited capacity and smaller classes, though, you’ll want to book in advance to ensure your spot.
All your favorite restaurants are open and ready to serve up your favorite dishes. Indoor seating is limited, so it is best to call ahead, and many restaurants are now offering take-out menus, so you grab and go.
If you’ve been coming to the Western White Mountains for a while now, then you know what the weather can be like during the winter months. It is important to dress in layers and be prepared for the worst. For winter layers and winter accessories, like hats, gloves, and face coverings, stop by Rodger’s Ski & Sport, Village Ski & Snowboard, and Burgeon Outdoor.
If you’re looking to escape for socially distanced winter fun, then you have come to the right place! The Western White Mountains offers an abundance of opportunities to escape the crowds. With hundreds of miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails, you could spend all day without seeing another person. Granite Backcountry Alliance has tons of great information about the best backcountry ski areas in the White Mountains. For winter hiking trails and tips, visit the Appalachian Mountain Club or AllTrails. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll have fun in the Western White Mountains!
Book Your Next Winter Visit to the Western White Mountains
The Western White Mountains are ready to host all your winter fun. Just plan ahead and you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Loon Mountain Ministry: Bringing God Outdoors
Marcus Corey grew up on the small ski slopes of Titcomb Mountain in Farmington, Maine. As the son of a part-time pastor, he found God through his love of the outdoors. Fast forward a few years, Marcus and his new wife moved to Jackman, Maine where he was the retreat director at Moose River Outpost, a Christian summer camp on Heald Pond. During the winter months, Marcus and his family enjoyed skiing at nearby Sugarloaf Mountain where he became good friends with the Chaplain.
Winter is Coming!
The leaves have all fallen off the trees after a beautiful showing from Mother Nature and the temperatures are starting to fall. This is a sure sign Winter is Coming!
Cannon Mountain and Loon Mountain both fired up the snow guns to start creating winter with goals to open in the next couple weeks. It’s time to get your skis and board out of storage! Stay tuned for opening dates!
Now is the time to purchase your passes and lift tickets for the ski season if you haven’t already secured your passes! Cannon Mountain has multiple passes for you and your budget, including 10 packs and special value days throughout the season. Loon Mountain offers a variety of passes and options to purchase lift tickets in advanced on their website. Are you in Boston area or heading to Boston for the long weekend? Check out the Boston.com Ski & Snowboard Expo at the World Trade Center Thursday, November 9th through Sunday, November 12th! You’ll find great deals on gear & lift tickets, and many different contests throughout the show. Ski area representatives from Cannon Mountain and Loon Mountain will be on site to answer questions you have about the upcoming season and give you the latest on projected opening dates. Need another incentive to visit the show? Click here for $3 off your admission!
This time of year is also the time to make some family memories with Christmas Tree Weekend Packages. These packages are offered a wide variety of lodging members in the Western White Mountains Region and usually include an overnight stay for your family and a visit to The Rock’s Estate to select and cut down your own Christmas Tree! Some packages also include dining and special gifts, please contact the lodging property with questions and to book your package. These packages are wildly popular, be sure to book early!
Woodstock Inn– North Woodstock, NH
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Woodwards Resort & Inn– Lincoln, NH
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The Kancamagus Lodge– Lincoln, NH
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The Lodge at Lincoln Station– Lincoln, NH
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Riverbank Motel & Cabins– Lincoln, NH
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The Indian Head Resort– Lincoln, NH
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Parker’s Motel– Lincoln, NH
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Rivergreen Resort– Lincoln, NH
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EconoLodge Inn & Suites– Lincoln, NH
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Bear Mountain Lodge– Bethlehem, NH
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Inn at Sunset Hill– Sugar Hill, NH
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We’ll be updating this list as we hear from more lodging properties!