The NH Legislature will be taking up debate of a bill that would impose a 9% tax on ski lift tickets next month. The proposed tax would go towards creating a scholarship program for New Hampshire students to attend in-state colleges and universities. Supporters of the bill say students are leaving the state to go to college because of in-state tuition costs. Opponents say it’s likely to kill ski tourism in the state. If the bill passes New Hampshire would have the highest ski tax in the northeast. Valley resident and skiing enthusiast, Kevin Hamlin says he’s not a fan of the idea. “I don’t like it. I don’t know how that will affect people coming up. I mean, ski passes are already getting expensive as it is and to tax people to come up just to ski and enjoy the mountains and do something they love is- that’s getting a little out of control, I think.” New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu says he would veto any such bill as soon as it landed on his desk. He says it’s “another example of extremism of this legislature.”

It’s Mountain Meister Information Night at Cranmore. Kevin Hamlin says the night will highlight the details of the annual skiing series. Kevin Hamlin says, “We’ll go over all the changes that we’re doing this year. More for the captains and then any newbies coming in. You know, learn about Mountain Meisters. And then we’re going to show a ski film, ‘the collective.’” Organizers say Zip’s pub will also be open during the presentation. The meeting is at 6:30 tonight.

Conway’s Christmas tree will be unceremoniously lit for the first time tonight as this year’s tree lighting ceremony will not be taking place. The Conway Daily Sun reports the lack of an official tree lighting is largely due to changes being made to the Eastern Slope Inn Resort’s personnel as well as a lack of sponsorship and volunteers to coordinate the past annual event. While the annual, ‘Old Fashion Christmas’ event may not be happening tonight, the town will still be lighting the Christmas tree for the season starting tonight. Other Christmas activities will include the Festival of Trees at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort throughout this weekend; a Grinchmas on Ice show at the Ham Arena on December 7^th; seasonal music concerts at the Little White Church on December 6th, 7th, and 8th; and a Christmas at the Castle event at Castle in the Clouds this weekend.