Looking to add a little adventure into your winter? Look no further than New Hampshire. Beyond the snow-capped mountains you’ll find the Granite State is a winter play land offering non-skiers (and skiers alike), an abundance of ways to embrace the great outdoors during the colder months of the year.
Let’s get things started with mountain coasters! During the winter, you ask? Yes, indeed! We headed to Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford to give it a whirl. For those not familiar with mountain Coasters, they’re basically a roller coaster set up on the side of a mountain. I’ve ridden the one at Gunstock before during the fall foliage, which was fantastic. But I knew this would be a completely different experience and it was! What a feeling cruising down the mountain in the crisp winter air. It was awesome and exhilarating!
The ride up is pretty cool too, winding your way up through the trees then as soon as you get to the top, down you go! Coasters can go up to 25 miles an hour and riders control the speed so you can go as fast or slow as you want. Three resorts in New Hampshire offer mountain coasters, Gunstock, and also Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway and Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett. If you’re up for a rush, strap yourself in and prepare for a thrill of a ride!
Snow tubing is another great way to get outside and enjoy New Hampshire during the wintertime. It’s family friendly and there are no special skills or equipment (besides a tube) required! Basically all you have to do is sit down on the tube, and hang on! Gunstock’s Thrill Hill Tubing Park has the longest runs in New Hampshire at 1,068 feet. Speaking from my experience on their hill this winter, it is fast and fun!
Another cool thing about tubing, there’s a lift that takes you and your tube to the top of the run. So you get all the thrills of going down without having to hike back up! Most of the New Hampshire resorts that offer tubing, also offer the lift service. You’ll find tubing parks at ten resorts around New Hampshire, including: Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Granite Gorge, Great Glen Trails, Gunstock, King Pine, Loon Mountain, McIntyre Ski Area, Pats Peak, and Waterville Valley.
Some have double person tubes, and some have tubing at night under the lights. If you’re thinking about giving it a go, you’re encouraged to reserve in advance as it is a popular winter activity. Now all you need to do is get family and friends together and head for the hill! This is a great way to make memories that will last long after this season’s snow melts away.
Beyond mountain coasters and tubing, some other winter adventures you may want to try: crosscountry skiing, dogsledding, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.
Just a reminder to follow along on Facebook and Instagram throughout the winter season!
