TRY SOMETHING NEW AT NEW HAMPSHIRE MOUNTAIN RESORTS THIS SUMMER
Times change, and that goes for New Hampshire's mountain resorts as well. Once the snow melts many people don't visit a ski area again until the fall, but in New Hampshire, ski areas do all they can to keep guests coming. In addition to traditional mountain recreation like mountain biking and hiking, summer visitors can experience some new and different mountain activities.
Zip-Line Rides and Canopy Tour
Wildcat Mountain: The ZipRider at Wildcat is a half-mile zip-line cable that guests descend. Riders reach speeds of more than 45 miles per hour while enjoying the scenic views of the ski area and Pinkham Notch. A total of four cables has doubled capacity since last summer.
Bretton Woods: Bretton Woods is home to the Williwaw Racing Zip. Located near the base of the ski area, participants can race against each other through the sky. The racing zip is also the final section of the longest Canopy Tour in New England that leads guests through the woods via a sequence of sky bridges, rappels, and zip-lines.
Loon Mountain: New this summer, Loon Mountain will be opening its zip-line ride, which spans the Pemigewasset River.
Franconia Notch Tour
Loon Mountain: Many people enjoy riding their bicycles on the Franconia Notch Bike Path, and Loon makes it even easier for guests to enjoy the ride. Loon will take vacationers and their bikes to the top of the bike path for an easy ride back to Loon Mountain and their parked cars. It is primarily downhill the whole way, making it a great way for the whole family to take in the scenic views of the White Mountains via bicycle.
Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster
Attitash: New this summer is the Mountain Coaste,r which brings riders down the mountain through a series of banked turns, dips, and straight-aways at rider-controlled speeds of up to 25 mph. The Alpine Slide at Attitash also offers an exhilarating experience for adventurous guests. Riders are transported to the top of the course via a high-speed quad chairlift and then grab a plastic sled for the ride down a banked dual-run track. The slides are the longest in North America and provide a different way to come down a ski hill.
Trampolines
Attitash and Loon Mountain: For guests who like to challenge gravity, a bungy trampoline offers that opportunity. Trampoliners are strapped into a harness attached to a bungee cord, with the trampoline below. This allows them to flip and spin, all while flying high above the trampoline.
Carriage Rides
Bretton Woods: The Mount Washington Hotel is sure to trigger thoughts of yesteryear. One way to relive those times is to enjoy a leisurely carriage ride across the hotel grounds. Situated in a scenic valley with panoramic views, it is the perfect setting for a romantic ride or a relaxing tour while letting the horses do all the work.
Disc Golf
Wildcat Mountain: Enjoy nine holes of lift-serviced disc golf in a beautiful setting with Mt. Washington as your backdrop.
Bretton Woods: Guests can choose from an 18-hole mountain course beginning at the top of the ski area or a 9-hole course that is located at the base of the ski area.
Horseback Riding
Attitash, The Balsams Grand Resort, the Mount Washington Resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Loon Mountain and Black Mountain: Horseback riding is offered at several Ski NH areas during the summer; pony rides are available at some areas as well.
In addition to guided trail riding, Black Mountain offers an Overnight Ride: depart on horseback around 6pm and enjoy a scenic 45 minute trail ride to rustic log cabins, equipped with electricity and running water. Staff will prepare a delicious BBQ, and s'mores around the campfire; the next morning staff provides breakfast before departing toward home. Another option is Black Mountain's Sunrise/Sunset Ride: depart one hour before sunrise/sunset times, ride up to the viewing point, and enjoy coffee & muffins at sunrise, or sparkling cider with cheese and crackers at sunset.
Guided Hikes
Bretton Woods: Starting from the Mount Washington Hotel, guests are brought by vehicle to trailheads for hikes guided by Appalachian Mountain Club guides in the White Mountains.