The White Mountains---Is it a good ski vacation?
 

We have reserved a condo in North Conway, NH at the Eastern Slope Inn. Will this be a nice ski vacation? I have never traveled to New England. We usually go out west to Colorado. I just want to have a great time!

Ann Marie,<BR>When are you planning to come, and for how long?

We are coming 2/23/03-3/2/03 (Sunday to Sunday). It is just my husband and myself, so we like to go where there are people and fun!

The eastern slopes inn - is in a good location in the centre of North Conway yet away from the outlets (On the outskirts of N Conway) you can walk to various individual shops, cafes and Restaurants.<BR><BR>In terms of ski resorts - There are many.<BR><BR>Within N Conway there is Cranmore - Very much a family resort (www.cranmore.com)<BR>In Jackson - There is Black mountain and if you fancy some XC fun the Jackson XC Ski centre (www.jacksonxc.com) has a first rate reputation.<BR>A little further afield is Attitash (Huge website with lots of info) Wildcat, and if you do not mind a bit of a drive Bretton woods.<BR><BR>Tips:<BR>For a unique experience ride the Snowcoach up Mt Washington - http://www.mt-washington.com/ggt/winter/sightsee.html<BR><BR>Have breakfast a Gunthers in North Conway Centre (Great Value)<BR><BR>Go ice skating at the Victorian village at Nestlenook farm (www.luxurymountaingetaways.com)<BR>or if you feel romantic book a horse drawn sleigh ride, then enjoy hot chocolate by the outdoor fires (Very cute)<BR><BR>The red fox pub in Jackson does a sunday all you can eat Jazz Buffet.<BR><BR>The Stonehurst Manor (Outskirts of N Conway towards jackson) has a fab offer on thursdays basically it is two meals for $19 - This is more than half price and the food and service is very high.<BR><BR>For local events calenders and general resort info try:<BR>www.jacksonnh.com<BR>www.4seasonresort.com <BR>

Ann Marie,<BR>Given what you want, I agree with NHfan. ESI is on the nirth side of N. Conway Village, which is the liveliest place in the White Mountains. I just skimmed NHfan's note, so if I'm redundant here, pls forgive me. For a real flavor of NE skiing, with the best view in the east, ski Wildcat, across the notch from Mt. Washington.<BR>The best snow is usually at Bretton Woods, an ego boosting mountain at the northern edge of the National Forest.<BR>Cranmore is a south facing mountain, so if it's really cold but sunny, you may want to spend a day there.<BR>The BEST breakfast in the Whites is on the other side of the forest, in Woodstock, the Sunny Day Diner on Rte 3, about 45 mins from N. Conway. If you do decide to get over to the western side, suggest you ski Canon or Loon, don't bother with Waterville (jmho).<BR>Have a ball! If you've got more questions, post away!

What is the closest airport to North Conway? Also, where is the best place to go and have drinks after a day of skiing?

I can help with the airport question-<BR>Manchester NH or Portland ME.

Make sure that you sharpen your edges before you go, so it will be easier to shave the ice on those slopes.

I loved loon last year. Farmers almanac is calling for SNOW SNOW SNOW.<BR>So just lose the nasty comments ALF. I know you are a west coast skier.

OK, I'll take the drinking question. Horsefeathers is the downtown N.Conway watering hole.

Ann Marie,<BR>One other thought. If you are staying in N. Conway, you may want to consider a day trip to Sunday River in Bethel Maine. It's about 1-1 1/2 hours away, and is the home of Les Otten's American Skiing Company.<BR>It is as big and challenging as it gets in the east.

For White Mountains I'd recommend Bretton Woods, Loon, Waterville Valley, and Sunday River. Great tax-free shopping in No Conway. Watch out for ice, and crowds. It's NH school vacation week.<BR>

Wildcat for New Hampshire skiing,you get to look at tuckermens ravine on Mt.W all day.or Cannon for the tram.

I may be a west coast skier now, but I learned how to do it by bouncing my butt down the frozen waterfalls that pass for slopes on Cannon and Mittersill. I am a better skier for doing it, but given the choice, I'd rather not scrape my way down icy windblown NH runs anymore. Ann Marie is going in late February/Early March, when temperatures will rise above freezing every day, and drop back below freezing every night. Are you suggesting that she would not be well-advised to get those edges nice and sharp?

I'm with you ALF. I grew up skating downhill on skiies, and even though I'm used to it, it's not as relaxing as skiing powder. It's also a lot more work, unless you take the old, don't bother to turn, you can't anyway so just bomb straight down approach!

I really like Bretton Woods because of the views of Mt. Washington. <BR>You can get a drink and warm up in the Mt Washington Hotel across the street.<BR><BR>I agree about Sunny Day Diner.<BR>I like the Chinook Cafe in Conway, Common Man near Loon and Truant's in North Woodstock.<BR><BR>I think out west (I've been to SLC and Colorado) people tend to choose on location and stay there, but the beauty of New England is that you can get place to place in a short ride.<BR>Enjoy! There is already some snow up at higher elevations, so it could be great year!

New England in itself will be so nice to see if you have never been here. You will have an excellent time! In reviewing the above posts I offer the following: If it is school vacation week it will be jammed; as will Disney and most anywhere else families go. Take in a little of each area if you like to ski...Visit North Woodstock and Lincoln and ski at Loon...Visit Bretton Woods and ski there...Cannon is for serious &quot;hardpack&quot; skiiers but there is no better trail than Avalanche to get you flying...Waterville will be a mini haul for you and is full of the more pretentious crowd...Wilcat is fun and dress warm! Definitely fly into Manchester, a real airport that is new, roomy and fast. Portland is a jetport and going west on 302 is a hassle. It isn't going to be Colorado but come for the fun and New England charm! You'll love it!