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winter time activities

By far, in the wintertime this is the top activity. The two most popular and local ski resorts are Loon and Cannon. There are three other resorts within a 40-min. drive for folks wanting some diversity for a multi-day trip. These are Waterville Valley, Tenney Mountain, and Bretton Woods.

Most of the above ski areas also offer Nordic/Cross-Country Skiing trails.

For a more rustic experience, try renting at one of our local shops and head out to Lincoln Woods, just 2 miles east past Loon Mountain on Rt. 112 where you can ski a nice flat groomed trail. It's about 3 miles up, return on the same path.

If snow is plentiful try the Sugar Shack in Thornton. The Sugar Shack offers dozens of miles of modest to challenging trails and they're just 15 minutes from us. They groom their trails but it's a natural area with interconnected trails.

Many of the same trails used for Nordic skiing can also be used as cross-country trails, but we like to forge out a little beyond and explore some of the more popular hiking trails, many of which are packed down by other snowshoers. Our favorites include Greeley Ponds and for a little more challenge try the Indian Head trail. Our top pick for rental equipment is OBK Adventures in North Woodstock.

Offered daytimes at Cannon and nighttimes at Loon.

There are numerous rental companies that operate out of the area. Our top pick for a guided tour on ATV or snowmobile tour is OBK Adventures. Tours are 1-3 hours in length and they are located less than a block from the Inn.

Small rinks exist for folks with skates of their own in downtown North Woodstock (at the municipal Parking lot) or at Loon Mountain. A much larger outdoor rink with rentals can be found at Rocky Ridge Ranch in Campton. For those looking for rental equipment and a fully maintained indoor rink, try Waterville Valley ski area.

Winter trail riding is offered at Loon Mountain. Rocky Ridge Ranch in Campton offers rides, sleigh rides, and ice skating. The Rocks Christmas Tree Farms in Bethlehem offers trees, wreaths and horse-drawn wagon rides (www.therocks.org).

Viaggio Spa at the Mountain Club on Loon offers a full day spa experience with massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.

For those days or evenings when you want something indoors to do, give Pemi Valley Rock Gym a try, they're just up the road at the Alpine Lodge fitness center.