Cranmore will be closed Monday (3/19) & Tuesday (3/20). then reopening Wednesday (3/21). with $10 lift tickets with limited operations. Check cranmore.com for details.

Every March as the temperatures climb above freezing during the day and then fall back below freezing at night the sap begins to flow in the many Rock and Maple Trees around the Valley.  A small hole is drilled into the tree and a metal spike is hammered in.  A bucket is hung from the spike to collect the sap as it drips out.  The fresh sap is then collected and taken to the sugarhouse where it is boiled to remove the water from the sap.  The condensed sap becomes darker and thicker until it reaches the points of syrup.

The Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm will have demonstrations of Native American, colonial and modern day sugaring-off methods. Visit a maple sugar encampment, take a look at our tapped trees, come inside the maple sugar house to see our modern day evaporator. Sample pure maple syrup and sugar-on-snow! We’ll have crafts, activities and games for the children. Explore the Museum’s many exhibits and enjoy maple goodies at the concession.

Saturday March 24^th 11a, – 3pm. No reservations are required $5 per person $2.50 for members depending on your level of membership Children ages 4 and under free.  For more information visit them online at http://www.remickmuseum.org/.

Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in March, March 25, 2012, and is the official open house for all participating sugarhouses in the State of Maine.  Weston’s Sugar House is open with tours and demonstrations as well as free samples of syrup on ice cream.

Join Weston’s Farm in Fryeburg, one of Maine’s maple producers to celebrate Maine Maple Sunday on March 25, 2012.  It’s the day when sugar makers around the state open the doors of their sugarhouses for the public to join them in their rites of spring-making maple syrup.  Weston’s farm will be offering free tasting and live demonstrations of how syrup is produced from tap to table.  As well as offering a variety of other treats and activities including syrup on ice cream, and lots more.    http://www.westonsfarm.com/

To think it’s almost March! We have great things in store as we gear up for one big party in March, with Spring Mania and plenty of ticket deals to get your spring skiing fix at Attitash Mountain Resort. I think the term “spring fever” rings true in March; watch out for our staff, we usually start wearing whacky outfits like DayGlo one-pieces, Hawaiian shirts and Afros. We like to have a good time and hope you’ll have a good time, too, as we cut loose and gear up for the dog days of the winter season.

Our $40 Fridays in March deal is back! Visit Attitash and/or Wildcat Mountain any Friday during March starting on Friday, March 2, and ski and ride all day for just $40. We’re also offering a $99 3-Day St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Lift Ticket deal on Friday, March 16. The ticket must be purchased on Friday and is valid through Sunday, March 18.
Click through for all of our daily deals>>

We have plenty of Spring Mania events in March including the Spread Eagle World Championship, Attitash Open On-Snow Golf, Pond Skim and more! Don’t forget, judges are looking for the “Best 80s Outfit” during the Spread Eagle World Championship, so even if you can’t throw down a daffy, we’ll award your killer fashion sense.
Click through for our complete on-snow event schedule>>

The Attitash Snowstage returns this season starting on Saturday, March 3, with 80 MPH, an 80s hair metal band. Get ready to dance on the snow in your ski boots and grab beers at the Cantina service window. I have a feeling the blender will be going and Joanne will be busy whipping up margaritas. The Attitash Snowstage is always weather-pending, but bands generally play outside unless it is snowing (or the “R” word) or below freezing.
Click through for our complete après schedule>>

At this time of the season, it’s all about the icing on the cake. We have snow, and the resorts are making it picture perfect for you to come out and play. You read that right: we have snow. Pay no attention to the bare ground in your backyard. It’s mid-winter in the mountains.

“Snow at higher elevations…” Hey, we have higher elevations! That’s the good news, but the forecast models for today and Friday are making our head spin. The best weather report may be to just stick your head out the window. We’ll most likely see a mixed bag, but Saturday’s forecast is for snow, snow, snow. Get ready for a powder day!

Many things to do in the coming weeks.

2/23 Winter Carnival King Pine

2/23 – 26  February Fun Break Bretton Woods

2/23  Fireworks King Pine

2/24  Friday Freezestyle Jam Series Bretton Woods

2/24  Friday Gliders Ski Tour Jackson XC

2/25  ATP Big Air Attitash

2/25  Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Snowshoe Tour Purity Spring XC

2/25  Cranapalooza Cranmore

2/25  Guided Snowshoe Tour Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring

2/26  Inn to Inn Chocolate Tour Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring

2/26  Ski to the Clouds Great Glen Trails

2/26  “U Go Girl” Dual GS Attitash

2/26  USASA GS/SL Snowboard Races King Pine

2/27  Mt. Washington Summit Day Trip Mt. Washington Observatory

2/28 – 3/2  Winter Carnival King Pine

2/28  Nordic Meisters Great Glen Trails

To find out more about the activities, click on the links or visit Mtwashingtonvalley.org

CONWAY — Ski areas and touring centers enter the first weekend of February vacation week with an amazing variety of terrain.

All local ski areas will be offering tons of activities for February vacation week. Highlights include:

• Atttitash (374-2368; 70 trails, six lifts): Attitash and Wildcat are now both owned by Peak Resorts and offer many interchangeable tickets. Events this vacation week include: ATP Freeride Series Feb. 18; U Go Girl Series Feb. 19; and ATP Freeride Series Skier/Rider X March 3, the final event in the series. A Kastle Demo Dy is set for Feb. 18 along with a Boston Patagonia Scavenger Hunt.

Attitash’s lineup of music features such great bands as Livin’ the Dream in Ptarmigan’s and Bob Rutherford at the Den Sessions at Bear Peak Feb. 18, Mo’ Blues at Ptarmigan’s and Al Shafner at the Den Sessions Feb. 19; Stas Feb. 20; DJ Kristen Corrigan Feb. 22; This Way Feb. 24; Red Gallagher at Bear Peak Feb. 25; Sauce Feb. 25; and 80 MPH March 3. The Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster runs daily during February vacation week, Feb. 18 through 27, and weekends thereafter.

For rail park terrain, Attitash has 12 rail/box elements and five jumps on Thad’s Choice, and West Slope has two jumps and two rollers. The Bear Peak Terrain Park opens Feb. 18.

• Cranmore Mountain Resort (356-5543; 44 trails and six lifts; three terrain parks): Cranapalooza vacation week events will feature fireworks at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 (featuring a Hollywood theme, a live animal demonstration from Wildlife Encounters, and live music from Jeff Conley), and Feb. 25 (Halloween theme; the event will also feature music from Josh Cramoy and entertainment from BoBo the Clown). A special vacation week Cranaplaooza is set for Wednesday, Feb. 22, featuring a Mardi Gras theme with children’s entertainer Marcus Gale, live music and fireworks at 6:30 p.m.

Cranmore will be open for skiing and riding until 6 p.m. nightly from Feb. 18 through 25. The resort’s Mountain Adventure Park will be open until 9 p.m., Feb. 17 through 25, featuring the snow tubing park, mountain coaster and giant swing. The new Indoor Adventure Zone is also open until 9 p.m. during that period. For those visiting during N.H. School Vacation Week (Feb. 27 through March 1), the park will be open for additional hours Monday through Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m.

Cranmore now offers the KidsRule Mountain Camps at the Arlberg Children’s Center.

Cranmore hosts a fireworks Cranapalooza March 3 (fiesta theme, as part of the MWV Chamber of Commerce’s Chilly Chili Fest and Chilly Stroll in downtown North Conway that day), and holds its last of the season Cranapalooza March 10 (‘80s theme).

Apres ski this week includes: Pete Kilpatrick Feb. 19; Bill Cameron Feb. 20; The Zacalys Feb. 21; Red Gallagher Feb. 23; and the Jeremy Dean Band Feb. 24.

Upcoming events in early March include: EMS Randonee Night Tour March 2, a social nighttime ski tour presented by EMS, and the New England Ski Museum’s Hannes Schneider Meister Cup March 3, a celebration of ski history with a silent auction, ice carving, a vintage attire costume parade and recreational race. It ends with a ski history program at the Eastern Slope Inn at 9:30 a.m. March 4. To register, call 823-7177.

Cranmore Mountain Apres Entertainment

February 15, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 29

Enjoy live music from various local musicians in Zip’s Pub from 3:30-6:30pm.  Visit Cranmore’s event calendar for featured musicians.
1-800-SUN-N-SKI

MWV Ski Touring Weekly Guided Snowshoe Tour

February 4

Join us any Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm at the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center for a guided snowshoe walk along the East Branch and Saco rivers. This is a great way to try this winter activity, which is gaining in popularity each season. Snowshoes are available for rent at the Touring Center. The tour will last between 1.5 – 2 hours covering a distance of less than 2 miles at an easy pace suitable for all ages and abilities.   603-356-9920

Friday Night Lights at Settlers’ Green

February 10, 17, 24

Do some hot shopping in the winter night!  Free hot chocolate, bonfire and VIP cards. 4-8pm.   603-356-7031

Cranmore Mountain Cranapalooza

February 11, 22

Nighttime is the right time at Cranmore this winter.  With festive Saturday night Cranapalooza events that include night skiing, tubing, mountain coaster and giant swing, s’mores, family entertainment and live music there is something the whole family can enjoy!

tentative schedule of events.  For more details visit www.cranmore.com

2pm Grab a hug from C-More the Penguin as he makes his rounds around the resort

3pm Face painting

3:30pm Cook S’mores with C-More next to the Ticket Office in Schneider Square

3:30pm Family entertainment on the Eating House Stage, performer TBA

4:00pm Live music in Zips Pub, TBA

4:30pm Family movie in the Eating House

1-800-SUN-N-SKI

Ian’s Endless Hockey Game

February 11, 12

Endless hockey games to benefit Ian Meserve starting at 8:20 p.m. Feb. 11 and running until 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Also endless Raffles, Food & Fun. Cookout on Sunday following final game.

Open to hockey players of all abilities, co-ed, over 40 and pond hockey. Sign up as an individual or a team. 100% of proceeds go to the Meserve family.

One of the Valley’s own, Ian Meserve, has recently been diagnosed with Melanoma. For those of you that may not know Ian, he is our community Mr. Everything. He is the Freshman Football Coach at Kennett, Pro Golfer at the North Conway Country Club, Ski Coach at Cranmore, Meister’s …helper, Bartender at Horsefeather’s and Ham Arena Hockey Player and Ref. More importantly he is a father, to Grant and a husband, to Holly. He has a long hard road ahead of him, but if you know Ian as most do, you know he is a fighter. Let’s support him!

Sign up by contacting Darrell Umlah at skatemail@hamarena.com or at 603-447-5888.

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour

February 18, March 9

Experience the wonder of a winter walk on the moonlit snow. Join an AMC Naturalist Guide on a guided full moon snowshoe walk. We will use our senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails. We will listen for owls calling and explore out senses as we explore the winter landscape by light of the full moon.
Saturdays 7:00-8:30 pm
$10 per person over 12, or $30 per family of four or more, free under 12

Great Glen Trails Rt 16 Pinkham Notch Gorham NH 03581 (603) 466-2333

Chairlift Speed Dating at Black Mountain

February 11

Looking for love? This special event gives you 10 full minutes to fall in love. The lift line of love will run from 2-4pm.  Sign up begins at 12:30pm and is free with purchase of a lift ticket (Cheap Date…1/2 day tickets available at $30 after 12:30pm). 373 Black Mountain Road.  Jackson, NH 03846  603-383-4490

Alpine Skiing

Within 15 minutes of North Conway:

Attitash

• • 1750 feet vertical drop
  • 280 acres
  • 98% snowmaking coverage
  • 70 trails
  • 12 lifts
  • Terrain parks and superpipe
  • Ski and board schools
  • Kids’ programs
  • Child care

Black Mountain

• • 1100 feet vertical drop
  • 143 acres
  • 98% snowmaking coverage
  • 40 trails
  • 4 lifts
  • Terrain parks, halfpipe
  • Ski and board schools
  • Ski and board rentals
  • Kids’ programs
  • Child care

Mt. Cranmore

• • 1200 feet vertical drop
  • 200 acres
  • 100% snowmaking coverage
  • 40 trails
  • 10 lifts
  • Night skiing
  • Terrain park
  • Tubing park
  • Kids’ programs
  • Child care
  • (Image ©Mt. Cranmore 2008)

Wildcat Mountain

• • 2112 feet vertical drop
  • 225 acres
  • 90% snowmaking coverage
  • 47 trails
  • 4 lifts
  • Ski and board schools
  • Kids’ programs
  • (Image ©Wildcat Mountain 2008)

Cross-Country Skiing

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

• • 70 km trails – 60 groomed, 60 tracked
  • Unlimited backcountry
  • 60 km snowshoe
  • School
  • Rentals

Great Glen Trails

• • 40 km trails, 20 groomed, 14 tracked
  • 20 km backcountry
  • 40 km snowshoe
  • Tubing
  • Rentals

Jackson Ski Touring Center

• • 154 km trails, 93 groomed, 93 tracked
  • 61 km backcountry
  • 45 km snowshoe
  • Lessons
  • Rentals

Ski Rental

• Heaven’s Ski Shop 383.4100
• Jack Frost Shop 383.4391
• Joe Jones Ski & Sports 356.9411
• Sports Outlet 356.3133
• Stan & Dan Sports 356.6997

On Saturday afternoons, guests will enjoy a variety of fun family events throughout the resort in addition to snow tubing, mountain coaster, giant swing and Indoor Adventure Zone operations until 9pm. Cranmore is open for skiing until 6pm on Saturdays and vacation periods. Full day lift tickets are valid on those dates for the extra two hours at no additional cost. Cranapalooza also takes place on Wed. Dec. 28 and Wed. Feb. 22.

As guests finish up a day of skiing and riding or arrive for the late day festivities, they can enjoy activities beginning at 2pm. Activities change weekly and include fireworks on select dates, games with C-More, magicians and puppets, fireworks, face painting, hypnotists, live entertainment, hot chocolate and s’mores around the fire pit and Après Ski with live music in Zip’s Pub.

January 4, 2012

Meister Kick Off Party

Live Music in Zips Bar & Grill

January 6, 2012

The Meserve Family Fundraiser

January 6, 2012

Ticket Roll Back Day

$9 lift tickets!

January 6, 2012

Apres Entertainment in Zips Pub & Grill

Live music with Paul Caraher from 3pm – 6pm

January 7, 2012

Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge

January 7, 2012

Darkside Night Series 1

Freestyle competition under the lights

January 7, 2012

Cranapalooza – Safarii Theme

Safarii Theme

January 8, 2012

Great Penguin Race

This event Benefits the Mount Washington Valley Children’s Museum

January 11, 2012

Meister Apres

Live music by Hey Yeti Zips Pub & Grill from 4-6pm

January 13, 2012

Cranmore Comedy Night

January 14, 2012

Ski with WBZ APRES SKI PARTY

Fun / Games / Prizes

January 14, 2012

Cranapalooza – Pirates Theme

Pirates Theme / FIREWORKS

January 15, 2012

Hits for Helmets

A slopestyle event promoting helmet awarenss.

January 15, 2012

Apres Entertainment in Zips Pub & Grill

Live music with Scott Baer from 3pm – 6pm

January 18, 2012

Meister Apres

Entertainment in Zips Pub & Grill from 4-6pm

January 21, 2012

Stonyfield presents Biodiesel Day

Free skiing and riding for drivers of Hybrid vehicles!

January 21, 2012

Cranapalooza – Western Theme

Western Theme

January 25, 2012

Meister Apres

live music in Zips Pub & Grill from 4-6pm

January 28, 2012

Cabot Cheese Presents: Cranapalooza – On The Farm Theme

On the Farm Theme / FIREWORKS

The ATP Freeride Series consists of four events, incluing a Rail Jam, Big Air Competition, Slopestyle Competition and a Skier/Rider Cross. Most events take place on Thad’s Choice, our largest terrain park, located on the Attitash side.

All ages, male or female, are welcome to compete in these events. Prizes from our series sponsors are awarded to top winners and/or through a bib draw at the end of the competition.

ATP Slopestyle

Saturday, February 18, 2012 – 11:00am

Test your skills in Slopestyle, an all out, top to bottom run in the park styling out tricks over 4-5 judged features.

ATP Big Air

Saturday, February 25, 2012 – 11:00am

The 3rd event of the ATP Freeride Series The Big Air

ATP Skier/Ridercross

Saturday, March 3, 2012 – 10:00am

The final event and the most action seen on snow brings us to the Skier/Ridercross

Apres Ski Entertainment at Ptarmigan’s Pub

Offering a wide assortment of food, from succulent burgers to sandwiches, wraps and more, Ptarmigan’s Pub also features the best in local microbrews as well as live entertainment every Saturday through the ski season. Weekly beer promos keep the party going with discounted prices on beer and swag giveaways during entertainment hours.

Entertainment runs from 3 to 6 p.m. in Ptarmigan’s Pub on the third floor of the Attitash Main Base Lodge. In March, we move things outside for live entertainment on the snow stage at the base of Attitash.

Adam Ezra Group

Saturday, January 7, 2012 – 3:00pm

A staple at Attitash in the winter, Boston-based, Adam Ezra Group, officially released their much anticipated album, “Ragtop Angel,” I

Livin’ The Dream

Saturday, January 14, 2012 – 3:00pm

Dover, New Hampshire based Livin’ The Dream is “infectious and irresistible.” Livin’ The Dream plays a variety of music from classic roc

Mo’ Blues

Sunday, January 15, 2012 – 3:00pm

Fryeburg, Maine based Mo’ Blues is the perfect blend of Motown, rock, swing and blues.

Happy Accident

Saturday, January 21, 2012 – 3:00pm

Haverhill, Mass.

Full Circle

Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 3:00pm

Full Circle is an energetic and fun classic rock cover band that is based out of Gloucester, Mass.