There is still time to get in a few more runs before the ski season ends in April. Thanks to prodigious snow making efforts over the season and several big storms over the past few weeks, the base on most of the mountains will last for a couple more weeks. Storms expected Tuesday will add to what is there now and make it even better.
Three in the White Mountains
Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, New Hampshire, is planning to stay open until March 31, and, if this week’s storm is productive, perhaps a week beyond that. The theme now at Cranmore is “Tanmore at Cranmore”. The slopes at Cranmore get a lot of bright sunshine and we can expect to see more skin now than we did in January. Plan to ski on Saturday, March 23, and you can get an e-ticket for only $35 for adults and $25 for juniors. Also on that date enjoy watching, or even trying out, the Annual Spring Splash, a mad chance to water ski on those boards. Cranmore also offers mountain coaster and zip line experiences.
For a true family outing experience, consider King Pine in Madison, New Hampshire, a smaller ski area associated with the Purity Spring Resort. Although the runs at King Pine are shorter than some areas, they are also some of the best. King Pine has reduced rates during the week for the rest of the season and on March 23 and 24, full day tickets will be $35 for adults and $25 for juniors. Lodging packages at the Resort, including meal plans for dinners and breakfasts also include free skiing during the week, use of the big indoor pool and skating and other activities. Check it out.
Another smaller area on the top of the family-friendly ski area lists is Black Mountain in Jackson. They plan to remain open until March 31. Black Mountain will hold their Junior Regatta on March 23. The event is a big day at the mountain and is filled with programs for kids. The mountain’s Pond Skimming event, open to all ages, is being held at the same time and will last all day. Whitney’s Inn is right at the base of the mountain, the perfect place for a ski-in weekend, they have packages with Black Mountain.
One in Southern New Hampshire
Closer to Boston, Manchester and Nashua, Crotched Mountain is also expecting to be open through the end of the month and on March 23 will be offering free skiing to teachers with ID that shows they are currently employed as teachers. Adult family members get to ski for $39 and junior family members for $33 but for any teacher the day on the mountain is free.
One in the Lakes region
Gunstock Mountain resort, in Gilford, close to Laconia, expects to be open until at least April 7, when it will hold its annual B.Y.O.D.C. Pond Crossing. You will get wet, that’s why BYODryClothes. But before that, next weekend, on March 23, Gunstock is conducting another signature event, the Snowshoe Ridge Night Tour, a night snowshoe hike along the ridge of Rowe Mountain using headlamps. The fee is only $35 and if you don’t have your own snowshoes they will rent them to you for $10. Reservations are required (603 737-4393). With the warmer weather upon us, the fantastic zip line at Gunstock is another experience to enjoy.
More lodging suggestions
B&Bs and small inns are some of the best places to stay in the White Mountain area. One of the best deals going for the rest of the month is at Snowvillage Inn in Eaton Center, only 5 miles from King Pine and 10 miles from Cranmore. For the rest of the month all rooms in the Snowvillage Inn are only $100 per night, including the rooms with the best views and fireplace rooms. They also have a superb dining room. Another good option is just across the border in Fryeburg Maine at the Admiral Peary Inn. The Admiral Peary is about 12 miles from Cranmore and King Pine and has beautifully newly renovated rooms, each uniquely decorated. If you stay here, reserve dinner at the Oxford House Inn, less than a mile away, for an outstanding dining experience.
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