Savoring the bright sunshine on these short days is what makes winter in Southwestern New Hampshire such an exciting season. The slopes and hard-to-reach vistas accessible by snowmobile, ski lift or good, old-fashioned sweat provide ample reward for the intrepid outdoor lover. Speed and thrill seekers will find no lack of excitement here!
With over 13,300 acres of forested landscape, Pisgah State Park in Winchester, is New Hampshire’s largest State Park and a local treasure. The park is open year-round at no charge, allows leashed pets, and is the perfect place to snowmobile or ski all day long. For a winter trail map, visit their website, study up and plan your next adventure
Snowmobiling Our Wild Country
Residents of the 603 (New Hampshire’s iconic area code) love to ride and everyone around here knows it! In concert with the vast network of trails, local businesses support snowmobile enthusiasts with hotels, restaurants, gas stations, sled dealers and services, and rest stops all along the various routes.
Plan your adventure using the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association’s Interactive Trail Map and Mobile Trail App. With 7,000 miles of snowmobiling trails in the Granite State, there is no shortage of intriguing routes to sled from sun up to twilight.
For instance, you can easily fill a day at Annette State Forest and Contoocook Lake Area on the border between Jaffrey and Rindge, NH. As you work up an appetite, take comfort and a rest at Emma’s 321 Pub and Kitchen (in Rindge). Off Route 202, with a trail directly next to the restaurant, you can park your sled and warm up. This popular eatery has a relaxed atmosphere. So treat yourself and your sledding buddies to a festive round of your favorite beverage and some filling, homemade pub fare.
Join the Club
Snowmobile clubs are essential to a successful snowmobiling adventure. They maintain trails year-round, groom the winter snow, and build relationships with private landowners to develop key trail connections. In addition to making Southern New Hampshire a snowmobiler’s dream, this extensive work also facilitates recreation for many other sports, like trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding, just to name a few.
Photo Credit: Asa Boisvert
The Monadnock Snomoles is one active club in the Monadnock Region and a great resource for everything snowmobiling. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association operates on a larger, statewide scale and provides tons of terrific information for interested sledders, as well. Be sure to bundle up and consider any recommended safety and COVID protocols before setting out.
*NOTE: There are over 200 locations statewide to acquire your state registration via NH Fish and Game and snowmobile club members receive a discount. The website recommends calling prior to visiting due to limited hours and other restrictions secondary to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Skiing in Style
A sunny day on the slopes blows away the winter blues. For up-to-date information about conditions, deals, lodges, resorts, COVID protocols, and shopping, Ski NH is a one-stop shop. Also be sure to read our blog from last February to find our best-kept alpine ski secrets local to the Monadnock Region. From summits to hit to the best places to stay for your ski weekend getaway, there are plenty of ideas in there to get you started.
Photo Credit: Sonja Bolton
Looking to tap into your mindfulness practice this new year? Crystalline snowdrifts and total stillness—the winter woods are like no other part of nature. That’s what makes cross-country skiing in New Hampshire such a peaceful experience, though it also offers a good challenge.
The Monadnock Region is just laced with flat rail trails, making it terrific for fast, smooth cross-country skiing. The Cheshire Rail Trail covers an amazing 42 miles from North Walpole to Fitzwilliam including a scenic arch bridge crossing the Ashuelot River. And the Monadnock Recreational Rail Trail spans from the Mass-line north through Jaffrey, NH.
With deep snow needed for the rocky back trails, rail trails are a great bet for easy gliding. But lakes and groomed local destinations are also perfect places to fly. Get the details here in our post from last January about the best, local Nordic ski trails. Ski, shop, play, stay! So many ways to enjoy!
Photo Credit: Sonja Bolton
Make Some Memories
This new year, leave your worries behind and enjoy time with friends and family or simply revel in some solo time. Take a break from the daily grind to renew during the lull of snowy days. It’s what Mother Nature intended.
Find the perfect place to fuel up with local eats so you can chase the snowpack and embrace the local trails. And take advantage of the Monadnock Region’s true hospitality with a stay at one of our local inns, hotels, or B&Bs. Ready, set, book! The snow won’t last forever!
The post Snowmobiling and Skiing the Snowdrifts of Southwestern New Hampshire first appeared on Monadnock Travel Council.