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.

SKI NH’s LEARN TO SKI & SNOWBOARD FREE WEEK – January 7-13, 2012

First-time skiers & snowboarders receive a free learn to ski or snowboard lesson, free equipment rentals & a free beginner terrain lift ticket. Participants must register with Ski NH to download a Learn to Ski & Ride Free coupon, then make a reservation with one of our participating resorts.  Registration begins on
January 2 at 10am and is first-come, first-served.

PARTICIPATING DOWNHILL SKI AREAS
Gunstock Mountain Resort (age 6+)
Loon Mountain (age 7+)
Waterville Valley (age 7+)
King Pine at Purity Spring Resort (age 8+)
Attitash Mountain Resort (age 13+)
Bretton Woods (age 13+)
Cannon Mountain (age 13+)
Cranmore Mountain Resort (age 13+)
Ragged Mountain (age 13+)
Wildcat Mountain (age 13+)
Black Mountain (age 6+, Monday-Friday only)
Pats Peak (age 6+, Monday-Thursday only)
Granite Gorge (age 5+, Sunday only)

First-time cross country skiers receive a free learn to ski lesson, free equipment rentals & a free trail pass. Participants must register with Ski NH to download a Learn to Ski & Ride Free coupon, then make a reservation with one of our participating areas.  Registration begins on January 2 at 10am and is first-come, first-served.

PARTICIPATING CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREAS
Jackson XC (age 13+)
Great Glen Trails (age 6+)
Purity Spring Resort XC (age 13+)
Waterville Valley XC (age 6+)
Bretton Woods XC (age 6+)
Granite Gorge XC (age 5+, Sunday only)

Ladies Monday – Ladies lift ticket, ski lesson, & lunch only $55 on non-holiday Mondays.

Tuesday – Adult & Junior lift ticket combo only $75 (non-holiday).

Bring-a-Friend Wednesday – Attitash & Wildcat Season Passholders & Vertical Value Card Holders “Bring-A-Friend” half-price adult ticket (non-holiday).

Senior Thursday – Age 50+ lift ticket, ski lesson, & lunch only $55 (non-holiday).

$40 Friday – Ski or ride for $40 on Fridays in March & April.

Sunday Funday – Sunday afternoon lift ticket for only $30.

February 5 – $46 full-day lift tickets for Superbowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5.

2-for-1 Valentine’s Day – Two for one lift tickets on Tuesday, February 14

$99 3-day lift ticket – Ski or ride for three days for $99 starting Friday, March 16 (St. Patrick’s Day Weekend).

Cranmore Mountain

Two Day Ticket Deals – Buy your two day ticket online in advance and save. Two day tickets are just $89 for adults, $99 for holiday periods. Both offer $12 savings.

Ticket Roll Back Day – The best value of the year will take place on Friday, January 6, 2012, when Cranmore once again celebrates Ticket Roll Back Day, offering a special lift ticket price – only $9. That’s what skiers paid back in the olden days.

Midweek Two for One Tickets – North Conway’s most popular mid-week deal! Two people get a Mon. – Thurs. “2-fer-1” ticket, offering 2 adult lift tickets for the price of a single lift ticket. Must be purchased online in advance.

Next Day Savings – Cranmore offers guests an Add-a-Day option for those purchasing a single day lift ticket. When customers present that day’s lift ticket at the Ticket Office before 4 p.m., they can save almost 30% off the next day’s lift ticket. With a $42 Add a Day ticket, adults save $17 off the single day rate.

After Two Tomorrow Too – Buy a lift ticket after 2pm and for only $10 extra, ski rest of the day plus all of the next day!

Mountain Adventure Combo Tickets – Cranmore’s newly named “Mountain Adventure Park” will offer special combo deals when you purchase multi-ride tickets. Buy a 2-hour tubing ticket plus 3 single-ride tickets for only $39. Three-ride and 6-ride ticket packs are also available for $25 and $49 respectively.   Rides include the Giant Swing, Indoor Adventure Zone, Mountain Coaster, and Snow Tubing.

Christmas Day 12/25/2011 – $25 all ages lift ticket

Go to http://www.cranmore.com/news/230/150/Christmas-Day-12-25-2011—25-all-ages-lift-ticket/d,E-Coupon and complete the information in order to receive your e-coupon

For More Deals at Area Ski Slopes go to http://www.skinh.com

December 3 Holiday Skating Show begins 6:45 p.m. at the Ham Ice Arena at the intersection of West Main St. and Mill St. in Conway.  Come enjoy  skaters, young and old, skating to holiday music.  603-986-1650 or 207-925-1090  Click for more info: www.mwvsc.org

15th Annual Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village

December 3 Live caroling music, festive trees decorated by locals competing for cash awards, free hot chocolate & candy canes, free horse drawn wagon rides with Santa, Cranmore miniature snow-tubing park and much more!  603-356-7031 ext. 10   Click for more info: www.settlersgreen.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Doris Baizley

December 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18 M&D Productions is announcing its holiday production of “A Christmas Carol” by Doris Baizley. But wait, before you loose interest and say “oh my god another version on the same old show,” this one is different. While the underlying theme of even the hardest of souls can change is the same, the characters start out as traveling actors and slowly become the iconic people we have grown to love.

“This is one of those shows that is timeless and heart-warming to get us all in the holiday spirits.” says Ken Martin, the director. “I am glad to be ending our 2011 season with such a wonderful piece.” Call today at 603-662-7591 for reservations.

All performance are at 7:00 pm 
Sunday performances matinee @ 2:00 pm 

Inn to Inn Cookie Tour

December 10, 11 Please join us for the 15th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie tour. This is a special year and you don’t want to miss it. View planned decorations at each participating Inn and taste their baked delights of cookie and candy the innkeepers have prepared for you. We’ll ask you to vote on our tree decorating contest at each Inn as well. 
A special VIP package for a two night stay has been put together that includes a free Best of 15 years cook book from the tour, full country breakfast each morning, recipe packet of all the recipes you sample, dinner voucher from the Valley Original Restaurants, Brass Collectors ornament after visiting the 12 Inns, coupon packet from local businesses and a chance to win a Grand Prize worth of $1000. Visit our web site for more information:
http://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com 603-356-2642

Location: Nestlenook Estate Jackson NH
Date: November 26th, 27th, December 3rd, 4th, 10th and 17th. $20 PP – Children sitting on mom or dad’s lap not taking chocolate treasures are free.

Great Glen Craft Fair

Presented by: Great Glen Trails
Location: Great Glen Trails
Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011
Time: 9:00am — 3:00 pm

Over 30 crafters under one roof. Raffle and bake sale to benefit Androscoggin Valley BKL Jr. Skiers. Join the Fun! Please call Mary Power at 603-466-2333 if interested in displaying.

Santa’s Holiday Express at Conway Scenic Railroad

November 25, 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

Celebrate the holiday and join Santa on board the train with a small surprise in his bag for each child.  Joining him will be Puck & Elvy, two mischievous elves who will be sharing their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone on the train.  They’ll take your picture, too, if you ask nicely.
So be sure to bring along your camera!
November Departures:  Friday, Saturday & Sunday with an 11:30am to Bartlett; 1:30opm,  3:00pm to Conway (Saturday only).
December Departures:  Saturday/Sunday 
                   Bartlett 11:30am, Conway 1:30pm. 
Fares from $14.50 & up based on seating choices.  Infants under 4 are FREE in Coach when not occupying a seat.
Reservations suggested – telephone or visit the web.

1-800-232-5251

Morning Madness at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village

November 25

Come early to Settlers’ Green and take advantage of the amazing after-Thanksgiving sales! All stores open at 5am and some at midnight! Special sales & promotions! Enter raffle to win prizes!

603-356-7031 ext. 10

Click for more info: www.settlersgreen.com

The Fryeburg Fair, Route 5 Fryeburg Maine.  Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic October 2-9, 2011.  General admission $10 every day, includes night shows.  Children under 12 always free.  65 & over senior citizen Tuesday – no charge.  Gates open at 7am, buldingins open 9-9.  Harness Racing 1:30 Tuesday-Sunday.  Night shows at 8pm Oct 3-8 Monday thru Saturday.  Pay One Price Mechanical Rides $20 2-9pm on Tue 10/4, Wed 10/5, Thu 10/6 & Sun 10/9.  Kiddie Land $15 Sun 10/2 10am – 6pm & $12 Mon 10/2 11am – 5pm.  http://www.fryeburgfair.com/index.html

The Sandwich Fair,  7 Wentworth Hill Road – Rt. 109 North Center Sandwich, New Hampshire Always on Columbus Day Weekend 2011 dates – October 8,9,10.  A Great Family Fair with something
for Everyone!  http://www.thesandwichfair.com