New England’s larger ski mountains are no longer just for skiing. Many have become year-round resorts, turning their lifts and on-mountain sports facilities into summer and fall playgrounds. Several of these year-round resorts are close to Interstate 93 as it draws an almost straight line from Boston north through the center of New Hampshire. The following are from 2–2.5 hours from Boston, and perfect for a weekend of summer fun.
Taking advantage of their mountain terrain, trails, ski lifts and base facilities, ski areas are ideally suited for a variety of thrill rides and activities for all ages. Some activities can run year-round — mountain coasters, ziplines and other gravity-assisted thrills use the same facilities, and tubing parks use the same slopes, with artificial surfaces replacing the snow. Canopy tours and high challenge courses take advantage of the forested hillsides, while mountain bikes use existing mountain trails.
Overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire, Gunstock Mountain was an early ski area to expand its year-round presence. Its latest addition is New England’s largest aerial obstacle course, the Aerial Treetop Adventure. The course offers 91 different challenges suspended in the trees overlooking a pond, in eight courses with features including log ladders, bridges, swings, seesaws, foot bridges and lots of zip lines. The Explorer Course is just for kids.
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire © Stillman Rogers
The 4,100-foot Mountain Coaster, included in the all-day Discover Adventure pass or purchased as a single ride, is six minutes of straight drops and turns; some are 360 degrees. Carts are equipped with brakes so riders can control the speed. There are Water Wars, a Spider Climber, bungee jumping, a climbing wall, Segway trail tours and scenic chairlift rides to the summit (where you can pick wild blueberries in midsummer). Gunstock also has a small lake where you can rent paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Just a little farther north at I-93 exit 28, Route 49 leads into the White Mountain National Forest to Waterville Valley. In the summer, its popular ski resort morphs into a self-contained summer recreation village. At its center is Corcoran’s Pond, fed by mountain streams and a center for water sports. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats and canoes at the Town Square dock, along with kid-pleasing stand-up paddle boards. Pedal boats can hold up to two adults and three children, great for the whole family. There’s a sandy beach for swimming, as well.
New Hampshire, Lincoln, Loon Mountain Resort © Stillman Rogers
July 27–Aug. 27, Waterville Valley’s Ice Arena is open for public skating, with skate rentals available. Other activities include golf, tennis, mountain biking, chairlift rides and kids programs at the Curious George Cottage. Those staying at the resort get complimentary Freedom Passes that include most of the activities. This summer and fall you can cash in on your age with a special Decades Discount on midweek lodging at the Town Square Condominiums. If you were born in the 1990s you get a 10 percent discount; in the 70s and 80s it’s 20 percent; in the 50s and 60s it’s 30 percent; and if you were born in the 30s or 40s you get a 40 percent discount. Bring the kids’ grandparents to get the best deal on a spacious three-bedroom condo that sleeps up to eight people and has a fully-equipped kitchen. Everyone gets a Freedom Pass.
At Loon Mountain, just off I-93 exit 32 in Lincoln, a $38 all-day ticket includes the zipline, bungee trampoline, LogJam Maze and climbing wall, in addition to rides on the Gondola Skyride to the summit. Two-hour experiences in the Aerial Forest Adventure Park are priced separately. At the top of the gondola, kids love exploring the glacial caves, wiggling through tunnels and crevices between giant boulders dropped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Even little kids can climb the trail to the summit for King-of-the-Mountain views or climb the tower near the gondola station.
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