Before we know it winter will be at our door and we will be curling up with hot chocolate and a warm blanket to avoid the bitterness of each winter season brings. Although there is nothing like crackling fireplaces, the holiday atmosphere or the first snowfall, many people in New England tend to flock to warmer climates this time of year. But any snow enthusiast can tell you that there is no better place to spend winter than in New England. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the array of ski resorts offer everything from family fun to a romantic getaway. Whether you are a ski-bunny or prefer to relax in the spa, we did some digging and found two of the best spots to visit this winter.
Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, located in North Conway, New Hampshire caters to visitors of all ages. After completing a multimillion dollar renovation, the resort re-opened 150 newly designed guest rooms. Perched on hill-top in the heart of Mount Washington Valley, the new rooms feature overstuffed lounge chairs, antique gold wall coverings and colors that provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The resort offers festive events, live entertainment and is home to the Kahuna Laguna, a 40,000 square-foot indoor water park. Named in the “Top 10 U.S. Water Parks” by TripAdvisor, Kahuna Laguna features an 82-degree tropical oasis. Kids can enjoy the Wiki Wave Pool and can go down slides and over rope bridges on the Bamboo Bay Adventure Tower. Add in a 25-foot whirlpool, Tiki Tade Cafe and Aloha Arcade and you a complete water park experience at your fingertips.
If you want to head to the slopes then take advantage of the Ski & Stay packages that include passes to Cranmore Mountain. Located only 1.5 miles from the resort, guests can ski and snowboard at any level.
After you leave the mountain there is nothing better than treating your body to some pampering at the resort spa. Offering over 30 different services, men, women and teens have the opportunity to be pampered and melt away into a complete state of relaxation.
Red Jacket has a ton to offer, add in the breath taking views, it is no wonder why Red Jacket is a premier spot for weddings and celebrations. The staff focuses on every finite detail to make sure that guests will talk about their experience for weeks to come.
Enjoy a classical winter tradition as you and family members take a Sleigh Ride through resort property. Starting December 1st and ending December 31st guests can enjoy this experience in one of the most unique parts of New Hampshire. If you want to get into the holiday spirit, but sleigh rides are not for you, head to the Settler’s Green shopping outlets where you can splurge on a loved one, or yourself! Whether it is a family vacation or a getaway for two, there is plenty to do and see at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. From the shopping to the dining and everything in between, it will be hard not to enjoy yourself and leave smiling. For more information visit www.redjacketresorts.com/mountain-view-resort.php
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Sunday River is one of the top places for skiing when it comes to New England. Located in Newry, Maine, Sunday River will be investing four million dollars to improve their snowmaking, grooming and lifts, road maintenance, and two new real estate developments. One of these new real estate developments will offer ski-in/ski-out single home lots, a first for the resort. Sunday River also recently created a 75-acre Blind Ambition gladed trail. What better way to show off your skills than to head down the largest gladed tree-skiing area at the resort?
With all of the improvements and new developments there is more to see than ever, but don’t worry about over crowding. With the expansions, Sunday River has also renovated the South Ride Base Lodge, which now includes a Korean Food Court option: Cho Cun, more seating outside, more storage for bags and equipment and a newly combined Sunday River Sports Ski Shop and Sunday Session Board Shop.
Bring your equipment or rent it there, make sure you are prepared with everything you need for a day on the mountain. Sunday River offers numerous slope options ranging on skill level, and for those who are looking to get the most out of their day, 12-Hour Skiing and Riding is the ultimate way. If you love snow but want a slower pace then take advantageof the Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing options. Guests can venture through trails in some of the most gorgeous forests in Maine. Other activities include Dog Sledding tour, Snow Tubing and Ice Skating, just to name a few.
When taking part in all of the activities on and off the mountain it is tough not to work up an appetite. If you happen to find yourself looking for an extravagant post-skiing meal, then ride the Chonodola to the top of the mountain for ‘Dining at the Peak.” A fine dining experience that starts off with champagne of fresh blueberries, ‘Dining at the Peak’ is the perfect spot for a wonderful , unique meal accompanied by an amazing view. But if you are looking for a quick stop so you can get back on the slopes then Sunday River has over 15 options to choose from, of which will satisfy your hunger.
Take advantage of the numerous activities or relax in the lodge or spa for the day, Sunday River has something for everyone and this season is about to be the best yet. For more information visit sundayriver.com