Being there is half the fun, especially if there is a cozy inn in a small New Hampshire town. Putting together a short weekend outing of skiing, boarding and tubing at Pat’s Peak Ski Area and a stay at nearby Colby Hill Inn is a great way to end the week.
Small town Henniker, "The only Henniker on Earth"
Henniker is an attractive small town located just a short distance west of New Hampshire’s capital, Concord. The not-so-placid Contoocook River provides a focal point as it winds through the center of town. Henniker is best known as the home of New England College, a four-year institution that occupies many of the historic buildings in the village center.
Skiing, Boarding and Tubing, What Pat's does best
Pat’s Peak Ski Area is located south of the center, just off Route 114. This laid-back ski and boarding area is a favorite of many from southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts because of its good facilities and ease of access. Pat’s has 22 trails and 7 glades, all served by 10 lifts and snow making services the entire mountain. Recent snows have added a cover of resh powder to the base. 68% of the trails are rated as beginner or intermediate, making it a great place to learn the sport or just to enjoy cruising. More advanced skiers will not be disappointed by the challenges of their more advanced a trails and glades. Pat’s also has an extensive tubing hill open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They operate 100% of their trails under lights at night.
Colby Hill Inn, grace and luxury for a reasonable price
Colby Hill Inn has some very attractive packages with Pat’s Peak to pave the way for an outstanding weekend. Just a half mile from the center of town, the inn occupies the main house and carriage barn of a large old farm. Every room is richly appointed with luxurious beds and many have whirlpool baths and gas fireplaces. The two suites in the carriage house are especially comfortable. The inn also has several beautifully decorated parlors for guests to enjoy and a dining room serving such specialties as chicken breast stuffed with lobster and boursin. Full breakfasts are served overlooking the back gardens, where rare birds are often seen and squirrels vie with one another for a chance to raid the birdfeeders.
Colby Hill Inn and Pat's Peak special deal packages
Colby Hill Inn has a package with Pat’s Peak that takes advantage of a special program called POP, pay one price. The POP ticket provides a lift ticket for skiing or boarding, or both, equipment rental, lesson tips and tubing starting at 3 PM until 10PM on Saturdays. The Colby Inn package provides a room Saturday night, breakfast on Sunday and POP passes for two for only $175 (plus tax), an incredible bargain. Another great thing about the inn is that, depending upon occupancy, they will upgrade the room to the best available, even to suites, at no additional cost. Two-night and two-day full skiing packages are also available. If you decide that you want to take them up on the POP program you have to reserve on or after Wednesday night of that week. Ask if they have a special rate if you want to start the weekend on Friday night. Being there Friday night allows time to have diner in their outstanding dining room.
Getting there
From Greater Boston take I-93 north to I-89 just south of Concord. Follow I-89 west as few miles to the Route 9, 202 exit (be aware that this is a left lane exit). From Route 9 there will be a right lane exit to Henniker. For the inn turn right at the intersection in the center of town, it’s on the right about a half mile. For Pat’s Peak, continue through the intersection and on for a few miles; it is sign-posted on the right.
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