Bretton Woods Flurries Bring Us Back to the Business of Winter

Are you ready to get back to winter?  A short January thaw gave us some respite from New Year's

"polar vortex," but now its time to get back to business for the Winter Carnival Weekend coming up.

According to weatherman Matt Noyes, it looks like we are in for some of the famous Bretton Woods Flurries this weekend. "It may not be a "storm," but Northern New England mountains to see nearly half a foot of snow this weekend."  

You can take advantage of some of that new snow on the Nordic trails this weekend.  From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Saturday night is the Nordic Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Tour. Snow and a full moon accentuate the breathtaking beauty of Mount Washington Resort’s Nordic and snowshoe terrain. Join the Nordic Center staff on this hour-long excursion along the moonlit cross-country trails of the Resort. If the views and experience are not hot enough, hot chocolate and a roaring fire will warm you following the adventure. Complimentary for resort guests. Reservations are required. Please contact Nordic Center at (603) 278-3322.

On Monday morning, join in or cheer on one of the oldest citizens’ Nordic races in New England, the Geschmossel Classic Ski Race, from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm.This 15 km classical style ski race takes place on the Ammonoosuc trail network at Bretton Woods Nordic Center. The Outdoor Mom family had quite a day at the Geschmossel last year!

Après Ski Parties for adults and kids are planned for Saturday and Sunday.  For the kids, there's a Angry Birds Indoor Tournament on Saturday, with a life-size indoor version of Angry Birds where kids can roll or toss the ball and watch the walls come tumbling down, setting those little green pigs free.  On Sunday, kids can decorate their own fun winter cupcake create a pretzel creature. With fun indoor games and crafts as well, this event is sure to be a sweet treat for all!  Reservations are not required for this complimentary activity. The Kids' Apres Ski Parties start at 3:30 in the Mount Washington View Room upstairs in the base lodge and are appropriate for children ages 4-12 years old.

Top 10 Reasons to Love the Stickney Cabin

I keep getting drawn back to my love affair with the Stickney Cabin at Bretton Woods.  We made it
over there for it's opening day for the season on New Year's Eve day,  and we've been back every ski day since.

1. Easy enough to get to for just about anyone.  It used to be that you had to hike into the trails to get to the Stickney Glades, but with last year's addition of the Telegraph T-bar, it's an easy ski down the Two Miles Home trail from the top of the Rosebrook Summit Express Quad.
2. New Nordic trails. I must confess, I have been having such a great time alpine skiing with my kids this season that I have yet to strap on the skinny skis.  But I know I've got to make some time to check out the new cross-country trails just cut this summer above the cabin.  Check out this report from another outdoor mom, Paula Tracy.
3. Riding the T-bar.  In an age of faster-is-better, it's a fun change of pace to use this low-tech means of transportation to get up the hill.  Just rest back and let it pull you along.
   
4. Roasting marshmallows at the outdoor fireplace.  For just a dollar or two, the kids are in seventh heaven as we grab a stick from the outdoor stash and create just enough melty goodness to keep everyone happy.
   
5. Getting away from the crowds.  Even on a busy holiday or Saturday, a trip up here is like having your own Mount Stickney private club.  I love the rustic cabin feel, nestled in the snowy woods, warming up as the kids recount our best runs of the day so far.
6. Stickney Glades laps. Although we haven't had quite enough snow this year to open up the Stickney Glades, these trails promise a spectacular romp through the woods when the snow gods do bless us.  And thanks to the new T-bar, you don't have to head all the way back down to the base for another run.  The T-bar ride will offer you just enough rest to catch your breath before another plunge down through the trees.
7. The view back to Mount Rosebrook.  If there's any question about the amount of terrain you can cover at Bretton Woods, just take a look back up at Mount Rosebrook from the cabin.  
   
8. Great food and drinks at reasonable prices.   Hot chocolate for the kids, beer for Dad, and a local cheese and sausage plate for us all to share, and everyone is happy.  They've also got some hot soups on Saturdays and nice big cookies.  Don't forget to bring some cash - the cabin is solar powered and they don't take plastic.
   
9. Friendly staff.  Kris and Kyle are the regulars at the cabin, and they do everything from hauling up water for hot drinks to stoking the indoor and outdoor fireplaces to keep everyone warm and toasty on their break.  And they do it with a genuine smile.  
10. Chatting with other skiers and riders.  In this quiet getaway, I've found that it's a perfect place to strike up a conversation with the other group that's sitting on the other side of the fireplace from me.  Being here, I know we share a passion for the outdoors and an appreciation for a few simple pleasures.  You can't help but want to share in the knowledge of such a special place.