Conway, NH (September 11, 2017)—Leaf peeping is an age-old autumnal draw to New England, but ski areas in New Hampshire are channeling the spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest with beer-centric festivals during the peak times for viewing foliage, in addition to a myriad of other on-mountain activities and fall events.

Granite Gorge in Keene, NH, will kick things off with Localfest, which celebrates Keene’s local brewers, food, businesses and more on Saturday, September 23 from 10a.m. to 11p.m.

The 17th Annual Chili Challenge and Brews at Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley, NH, on September 30 from 2p.m.-4p.m. invites area restaurants to compete for the title of Best Chili in the Valley. Spectators can enjoy samples of chili and local beers during a free outdoor concert. This event coincides with the 6th Annual Rally in the Valley—an all vehicle show presented by the East Coast Camaro Club—as well as the White Mountain Storytelling Festival.

On Saturday, October 7, King Pine at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, NH, will host the Brew Ha Ha, a celebration of craft beer, delicious food, and live music. Admission is free, but attendees can save 20 percent on an event mug by purchasing online in advance.

Loon Mountain Resort’s White Mountain Oktoberfest is set for October 7-8 in Lincoln, NH. As the region’s largest celebration of German food, drink, and music, attendees will enjoy the sounds of an Oompah band, the stein-hoisting and keg toss competitions, kids’ activities, and deals on ski gear.

Season passholders at Ragged Mountain Resort in Danbury, NH, are invited to take part in the Appreciation Harvest Party on October 21 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. This event will feature a beer garden, lawn ga.m.es, scenic chairlift rides, a barbecue, and live music.

The 6th Annual Simmer N’ Brew Fest at Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch is scheduled for Saturday, November 4. Tickets to the event include a special sampling glass to taste beers from New England breweries, raffle prizes, live music, and a tasty selection of gourmet soups.

Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH, will host its Octoberfest and Ski/Snowboard Sale on Sunday, November 5. This free event from 11a.m. to 6p.m. features German-themed food, a beer garden, live music from King Ludwig’s Bavarian Band, and a Woodsmen Show. The Ski and Snowboard Sale will have new and used equipment at great prices from 11a.m. to 3p.m. as well.

Other events with a lesser focus on beer at New Hampshire’s ski areas this fall include the REI Outessa (September 22-24) and Fall Foliage Celebration (October 7-9) at Waterville Valley Resort, the King Pine Cyclocross Race (October 1), the Fell into October Autumnfest (September 30 - October1) at Bretton Woods, Mount Sunapee’s 9th Annual Fall Festival and Pig Roast Weekend (October 7-9), and the Ghoullog (weekends from September 23 – October 28) at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Many of the ski area’s on-mountain activities, such as mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, mountaintop yoga, zip lines, Segway tours, mountain coasters, disc golf, and more, are available on weekends through Columbus Day Weekend, and some operations will continue through the end of October as well. For more information on autumn events and activities at New Hampshire’s ski areas, visit SkiNH.com.

Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing 34 alpine and cross country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, trail conditions, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski New Hampshire resorts, visit SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, visit visitNH.gov.