Families enjoyed toasting marshmallows at last year’s Holiday Festival of Lights at Nashoba Valley. Credit: YouTube
For those of you who are feeling slightly sluggish after today’s Thanksgiving feast, several of New England’s ski resorts are holding events that can get you back on track this weekend.
If you’re headed to Vermont, Mount Snow and Okemo Mountain Resort have events that are sure to burn from calories. Here’s what you need to know:
Mount Snow
- Base Elevation: 1,900 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 3,600 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 1,700 ft.
- Skiable Area: 588 acres
- Number of Lifts: 20
- Number of Trails: 80
- Longest Run: 13,200 ft
Skip Black Friday this year and head to Mount Snow on Nov. 29 for the Turkey Hangover Hill Climb. Meet by the Grand Summit Express for a run, walk or sprint up the mountain. Beginners will climb to the bottom of Yard Sale. Intermediates will climb to the top of Yard Sale using the Exhibition trail. Experts will climb to the top of Yard Sale using the Exhibition and Yard Sale trails. Free entry. There will be prizes for top finishers as well as for the best costumes. Bragging rights for all!.
Okemo Mountain Resort
- Base Elevation: 1,144 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 3,344 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 2,200 ft.
- Skiable Area: 632 acres
- Number of Lifts: 19
- Number of Trails: 119
- Longest Run: 23,760 ft.
The Okemo Trot It Off 5k is a community-oriented event that takes place Nov. 30. This running/walking race is perfect for the avid runner or the recreational walker hoping to burn off the calories from that extra slice of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Registration is $25 per person in advance and $30 the day of. Proceeds go to support the Wendy Neal Scholarship Fund and Black River Good Neighbor Services.
New Hampshire’s resorts also have lots to offer — some for those craving competition and others who want to keep the season’s spirit of giving going. There’s also an event for those who want to keep challenging their palates. Check it out:
Loon Mountain
- Base Elevation: 950 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 3,050 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 2,100 ft.
- Skiable Area: 370 acres
- Number of Lifts: 12
- Number of Trails: 60
- Longest Run: 13,200 ft
Loon will hold its Cease and Desist Rail Jam on Nov. 30. With cold hard cash up for grabs, snowboarders and freeskiers from around New England emerge for this early season, under-the-lights Saturday night rail jam. A live DJ will be spinning outdoors to keep the competitors and spectators entertained.
Waterville Valley Resort
- Base Elevation: 1,984 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 4,004 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 2,020 ft.
- Number of Lifts: 12
- Number of Trails: 52
- Longest Run: 15,840 ft.
The Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports Cold Turkey Plunge will take place on Nov. 30to raise funds to support our Athletic Programs for persons with disabilities. Organize a team of family and friends or join our team of volunteers and “Plunge Cold Turkey” into Corcoran’s Pond at 1 p.m. Stay and watch Santa arrive on a dogsled at 3 p.m., followed by fireworks at 7 p.m.
Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods
- Base Elevation: 1,600 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 3,100 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 1,500 ft.
- Skiable Area: 464 acres
- Number of Lifts: 9
- Number of Trails: 102
- Longest Run: 10,560 ft.
Bretton Woods will hold its annual Brew Tasting Nov. 30. Enjoy a large variety of brews, taste everything from distributor to local favorites from breweries such as Tuckerman’s, Moat Mountain, Woodstock Station, Peak Organic and many more!
And if you’re just ready to jump from one holiday right into the next, Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Massachusetts opens it’s Holiday Festival of Lights tomorrow, Nov. 29. Here are the details:
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
- Base Elevation: 200 ft.
- Summit Elevation: 440 ft.
- Vertical Drop: 240 ft.
- Skiable Area: 59 acres
- Number of Lifts: 9
- Number of Trails: 17
- Longest Run: 3,000 ft.
Starting Nov. 29, enjoy a winter wonderland at the Holiday Festival of Lights at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. Ride the tractor-drawn wagon through elaborate holiday light figures and fixtures, with more than 2 million lights. Also, ride the ferris wheel, North Pole Express Coaster, Santa’s Kids Train and the Magical Merry-Go-Round. Admission for adult (13+) is $18; children (4-12) is $18 and children 3 and under are free.
