WMWV – 93.5

Photo shows patrons enjoying the outside dining patio at the Black Cap Grille. Photo by Ben Williams.

North Conway, NH – In true Yankee fashion, Mt. Washington Valley businesses faced a decrease in travelers to the region and weather challenges with creative new protocols to promote safety while allowing outdoor recreation, dining, shopping and family fun over the Christmas and New Year’s vacation week. The reports to an informal survey distributed by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce were mixed between increases in business to “well down” over last year. Retailers and some restaurants, for example, welcomed more locals than ever before over the holiday week.  Turning to online marketing and sales for retailers and lodging, shifts to take-out and outside dining for restaurants, plus recreation by reservation for ski resorts, Mt Washington Valley businesses not only survived major weather setbacks over the Christmas/New Year’s Eve vacation week, but some reported an increase in sales.

Skiing and outdoor recreation was particularly hard hit over the holiday week by the Christmas Day rainstorm, causing some ski resorts and many of the XC Centers in the Valley to close for a day or longer.  Yet, with dropping temps shortly thereafter, and astute attention to snowmaking, all of the ski resorts bounced back quickly, and skiers and riders made the best of the chance to be outside.  On January 1, 2021, many of the Valley’s ski resorts and XC Centers received 8” or more of snow, allowing them to re-open and building bases further.

“Despite the little bit of snow, folks are making the best of it and having a great time here,” Lisa McCoy, Events Director at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center told the chamber during the holiday week.

Becca Deschenes, Director of Marketing at Cranmore Mountain Resort, explained, “The Christmas rainstorm was obviously not ideal, and we made the decision to close on Christmas Day, much like other NH ski areas to preserve snow surfaces.   Our snow surfaces team did an awesome job early the next morning recouping from the storm. We had some nice windows of snowmaking weather post-Christmas and were able to touch up some spots on open terrain, move on to new trails, and expand our available terrain.”

Becca went on to explain, “Though while operating with reduced capacity, we can’t really compare to past seasons, but we are really happy with how things are going so far, especially the vacation period, and are making our goals.” Like other ski resorts in New Hampshire, Cranmore is limiting tickets for both tubing and skiing to allow for social distancing.  However, with careful observation of spacing at lift lines and advance reservations indicating capacity, the resort is able to sell out tickets to maximize revenues, which was the case for Cranmore’s tubing park throughout the vacation week.  “There is definitely high demand for outdoor activities,” observed Becca.

According to an article in the Conway Daily Sun, attendance at the annual Schouler Park New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration was greater than in previous years. People stood in the park, stayed in parked cars and observed the traditional fireworks celebration from as far away as Cranmore and the White Mountain Hotel to gladly ring in the new year.

Lodging properties varied in their reports. Yet many lodging properties reporting to the chamber saw large losses in business over last year, when the term “pandemic” was far from our daily vocabulary.

Jennifer Kovach, co-owner of the Snowvillage Inn reported that room sales were down 45 percent over last year and restaurant sales at the inn were down by about 30 percent. Jennifer explained that the inn received many lodging cancellations for the holiday weeks due to Covid, yet that created a last-minute boon when more local couples booked rooms because large family gatherings were cancelled, and they just wanted to get away. “ At the Snowvillage Inn and Max’s Restaurant, we noticed more couples staying longer. They were trying to distract themselves from missing large family gatherings. We had more couples for dinner than families,” explained Jenn.

Restaurants in Mt. Washington Valley have been particularly hard hit due to limitations on seating to promote social distancing, restrictions on hours when they can serve and a general decrease in travelers due to the pandemic.  At the Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub, mechanical failures, plus limits on providing entertainment in the Pub added further complications.  Terry O’Brien, President of the Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub told the chamber, “Christmas vacation week was down 46 percent compared to last year.  We did lose two nights during the week – one due to a propane leak and one due to an equipment malfunction. New Year’s Eve  was down 56 percent.”  Terry observed, “We had a lot of our regular ski people back plus many first timers – mostly from Massachusetts & Rhode Island.  Check averages were about the same.  Most guests were very generous with gratuities.” The Red Parka is among many Valley businesses offering take-out, and Terry explained that that’s been popular. “ New Year’s Eve Takeout was 16 percent of our sales,” she added.

Offering outside dining has helped the Black Cap Grille, according to owner, Ben Williams. “”We were very pleased with the amount of people who took advantage of our outdoor dining on our heated patio. They all dressed for it and seemed to enjoy themselves,” Ben commented.

Retailers reported into the Chamber’s informal survey with more positive reports. “Most of our members who responded to the chamber’s survey said that their Christmas week business was excellent,” reported Susan Logan, Marketing Manager for the White Mountain Independents. Deb Jansien, owner of Fields of Ambrosia, said that the store was up 20 percent over this time last year, and up 15 percent for the year, crediting the fact she was one of the few sources for hand sanitizer in the area plus an increase in online sales. “As we had been making hand sanitizer prior to the pandemic – all materials were on hand to amp up production,” according to Jansien.

Timothy Psaledakis, Owner of Jewelry by Tim & Friends, shared that “Days of the week were not a factor in my business this season. COVID and the associated low foot traffic actually resulted in increased sales. We are operating by appointment only-  folks come to us with a purpose and we have more time to accomplish their requests.  This resulted in our being able to accept and complete more high end projects in the 4 and 5 digit range.”

Rob Nadler of Ragged Mountain Equipment was enthusiastic about the vacation week.  “Christmas week was great – 40 percent up over last year! New Year’s Eve weekend was the same as last year for sales due to less traffic on Saturday during the storm.”  When asked about the winter season, he was equally upbeat. “Both locals and visitors want to enjoy outdoor recreation: skiing and snowshoeing if we have snow, hiking if not.”

Some White Mountain Independent members reported that people were definitely spending more this year,” according to Logan, “and all reported an increase in local visitors.”

Yet other retailers had mixed reports. “We were about 20% down for the week,” reported Laura Cummings of White Birch Books, “but December was a good month, so we’ll take it on the whole.”

Lisa Spadaccini, owner of It’s My Girlfriend’s Consignment Boutique told the chamber that Christmas and New Year’s weeks were down about 20 percent over last year.  “Covid and less travelers , especially from Canada and the UK have definitely made a difference in our sales. Most of the people who visited us were from New England, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, & Rhode Island and few from Florida! People were here to get away from the city and yet many were buying, and many came back a few times to purchase from us. The snow helped with sales. It seemed that people were here to ski or take a sleigh rides,” Lisa shared.

In a newsletter to chamber members, Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, had a message filled with optimism for 2021. “We will add our voice to those who are pleased to greet a new year and leave 2020 behind. I can already feel a more upbeat energy as the phone rings with ideas that have been put on hold due to Covid and events that are planned for a comeback or a “first time ever” in 2021 are confirmed. Governor Sununu expects that New Hampshire will open by Memorial Day of 2021 which is hopeful news to all of us wanting to get back to normal as fast and as safely as possible. Many factors go into this prediction such as vaccinations and continued adherence to mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing. Don’t let up just yet!”

For information about planning winter trips to Mt Washington Valley, including guidelines for Covid safety protocols, please visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org.  To learn more about safe visits to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

North Conway, NH – Winter is gearing up in Mt Washington Valley as ski resorts and XC Centers open, ice forms, and backcountry hiking and skiing plans get underway.  The recent snowfall really put the icing on the cake with up to 7” of new snow.  The White Mountains surrounding the Valley offer seemingly endless recreational opportunities within an easy drive for much of the East Coast.  This winter will be unlike others, however, as the pandemic is still in place.  It’ll be more important than ever to “know before you go” to the Valley as Covid restrictions include mandatory reservations at some ski resorts, social distancing and mask wearing by all, plus limited access in some cases.  Be sure to have a plan and complete gear for your winter adventure before you come, and that starts with checking the place you plan to play.  The Granite State Safe campaign helps educate those visiting New Hampshire this year with the basic tenants of travel to the region, yet all visitors should take their planning a step further by contacting the business(es) they plan to visit and checking their safety protocols so each person coming to the Valley will be fully prepared.

With so much to do in and around Mt. Washington Valley this winter, social distancing is entirely possible.  Here’s a list of ways to enjoy the outdoors and still maintain your distance from others.

Snowshoeing – The best thing about snowshoeing is that it’s easily accessible and if you can walk, you can snowshoe.  Choose to head to the trails at any of the six XC centers, or head out into the woods to create your own trail.  Snowshoe rentals and sales are available at most of the XC Centers.

Fat biking – Your days of biking no longer must be confined to spring, summer and fall. Both Great Glen Trails and Mt. Washington Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation have opened their trail networks for fatbikes. Need gear? Stan and Dan Sports plus the Great Glen Trails rental shop offer fat bike rentals and equipment to purchase, and both have geared up their fleets for the 2021 winter, expecting strong interest this season.

Skiing – There’s a good reason that North Conway – at the center of Mt. Washington Valley – has been named the #1 ski town in North America. With 13 ski resorts and XC Centers, there is more skiing terrain here than anywhere else in New England. From steeps and deeps, glades to groomers and easy peasy for first-timers, you’ll find the kind of terrain you seek in the Valley.  Plan to enjoy winter with plenty of room for social distancing at the seven ski resorts and six XC Centers.  Need lessons?  They’re available for all levels. Would you like to rent or purchase ski equipment or apparel?  You’ll have multiple options at Mt. Washington Valley’s tax-free ski shops on and off the mountains.  Be sure to check with the ski resort or XC Center where you plan to go.  Reservations may be needed and limits on ticket sales may be in place to insure adequate space for safe social distancing.

Tubing – Another reason that Mt. Washington Valley makes the ideal winter destination with plenty of opportunities for social distancing is the alternative activities for non-skiers at the ski resorts.  Look for lighted tubing hills at King Pine Ski Area, Cranmore Mountain Resort and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.  While Mom and Dad are skiing, the non-skiers in the family can enjoy going up and down the hill on inner tubes made for snow sliding.  Masks are required and tickets may be limited to allow for distancing to ensure that this will be a safe and fun activity for the whole family this winter.

Winter hiking – With 700,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest surrounding Mt. Washington Valley, the options for winter hiking are seemingly endless.  It’s best to join a guided tour or go with an experienced winter hiker and bring all the necessary gear.  The AMC Highland Center and many of the winter hiking tour guides offer guidance, gear rental, and ideas for the best places to go.  This is one winter activity where it’s important to know before you go, and be prepared before hitting the trails.

Snowmobiling – From Pelham to Pittsburg and right through Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire offers 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails and not one leads to your office! Corridor 19 trails surround and wind through Mt. Washington Valley. These snowmobile trails are made possible through the partnerships with thousands of landowners who generously open up their land for the recreation of snowmobiling along with State Parks throughout New Hampshire. Countless club volunteers work tirelessly to construct and maintain this vast trail system, including the Mountain Meadow Riders, who groom and maintain the Corridor 19 trails surrounding Mt. Washington Valley.

Trail running – Trail running has increasingly become a popular sport in the Valley, as the Mt. Washington Valley Trails Association is dedicated to the creation of a sustainable off-road non-motorized trail network in the Valley. Focused on trails designed for mountain bike, trail running and backcountry (non-groomed) cross-country ski use, the MWV Trails Association and the White Mountain Milers – the region’s dedicated running club – offer both events and terrain perfect for those dedicated to outdoor trail running.  This is an ideal way to enjoy nature while staying distanced from others too, even in the winter.

Guided winter tours – Hoping to get out into the mountains this winter, but not sure of your ability or gear for winter adventures?  Choose from a number of guided programs and instructional workshops. With programs adapted to meet all Covid protocols, learn everything from basic winter hiking and backcountry skiing skills to frozen waterfall rapelling, ice kiting and other mountaineering adventures.

Ice climbing – Mt. Washington Valley is considered one of the best ice climbing destinations in the East Coast.  The abundance of terrain coupled with the number of ice climbing schools and outfitters in the Valley make it the perfect place for ice climbers from beginners to expert. Outfitters like Ragged Mountain Equipment are ideal places to shop for gear and get great advice. Also, many other winter guiding companies offer day-long or multi-day programs to introduce those interested to the world of ice climbing in the Valley.

For more information on planning a safe and socially distanced trip to Mt. Washington Valley, be sure to check the chamber’s website at www.mtwashingtonvalley.org. Full contacts and resources for trip planning are found there.  In addition, to learn more about your visit to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.