WINTER WONDERLAND

For the ultimate snowy playground, look no farther than New Hampshire’s Omni Mount Washington Hotel

It was only few decades ago that the historic Mount Washington Hotel, one of New Hampshire’s last historic grand hotels, would shutter every winter. But in November 1999 it opened its doors as a year-round destination, and the Mount Washington Valley hasn’t been the same since.

Today, you could build an entire winter vacation solely around a stay at the hotel, now known as the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Located in Bretton Woods, it sits at the foot of its namesake mountain and is surrounded by 800,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest. On its staff are expert ice climbing and winter hiking guides. Snow-shoe and Nordic trails venture around the property, while its Bretton Woods ski area offers scenic downhill trails to rival any in the Northeast. It’s a veritable winter playground and it’s truly got something for everyone. —Ian Aldrich

above, from left: Snowboarding at Bretton Woods; taking an old-fashioned sleigh ride at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel; heading out for cross-country skiing on the hotel grounds. opposite: Flying high on the Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods. ALPINE SKIING

Check any ski magazine or website and you’ll often find Bretton Woods—New Hampshire’s largest ski area— near the top of its list for things like best snow, scenery, and grooming in the Northeast. There are 464 acres of terrain, with 63 trails and 35 glades, all of which are easily accessed thanks to a Skyway Gondola that gets visitors to the top in less than five minutes.

NORDIC SKIING

Nordic fans consider the eastern White Mountains to have some of the best skiing in the country. Come see why on the 100-kilometer network on the grounds of the Omni Mount Washington Resort. State-of-the-art groomers keep the trails in pristine condition, allowing both classic and skate-style skiers to go until they can go no more. Lessons and equipment are available at the hotel’s Nordic Center.

CANOPY TOURS

There are ziplines and then there’s the Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods, a through-the-woods experience that features nine different lines and descends more

than 1,000 vertical feet. Enjoy stunning views of the Presidential Range even while moving at a speed that makes your heart pick up the pace.

SLEIGH RIDES

Amiable draft horses lead the way along century-old bridle paths for this family-friendly adventure. Choose between a single-horse sleigh ride or an Austrian-style one (two horses), but know that if you fail to chat up it with driver Luke Thorne, whose family has managed the resort’s horse barn for decades, you’re experiencing only half the fun.

GUIDED ADVENTURES

Serious adventure in the Mount Washington Valley requires experience and know-how—both of which Steve Nichipor, director of the resort’s climbing and guided programs, has in spades. With more than two decades of Valley winters under his belt, he leads programs for novices and experts, including ascending Mount Washington, skiing in Tuckerman Ravine, and ice climbing on Frankenstein Cliff.

FAT-TIRE BIKING

After ripping it up along the resort’s 14 kilometers of snow-covered trails, you might just discover that cycling is indeed a year-round activity for you. Bring your own bike, or rent one from the Nordic Center.

KIDS’ SNOWMOBILE PARK

It’s not just about the skiing at Bretton Woods. At this designated snow machine area, youngsters get a taste for some high-revving fun as they navigate banked turns and straight stretches. Expert guides supervise the adventure, and each rider is provided with a full-face helmet.

TUNE IN FOR MORE

Get an up-close look at New Hampshire’s Omni Mount Washington Resort on Weekends with Yankee season five.