skiing in New Hampshire

auswen

Hi All
Im a new member to money saving expert but thought it might be a great platform to get great advice.
My family and I are going to North Conway skiing between christmas and over New Year, we are in the process of tryin to book lessons etc but it seems really expensive. I wondered if anyone could advise us on cost effective ways to book. I have looked at Black mountain and Cranmore, it for 2 kids, 2 adults.
Anyone been or know about the area?
Your information would be greatly received
Wendy

wdyw

North Conway is a shoppers paradise with mile upon mile of outlet stores so every penny saved on the slopes can find a use elsewhere! North Conway has become just about the only UK ski destination to the White Mountain/Mt Washington region after most of the major players pulled out of Sunday River (40 miles away in Maine), the big hitter in the region.

Apart from the ski areas you mentioned Wildcat and Bretton Woods (scene of the 1944 financial settlement) are also decent and within easy access of you. Some of the USA ski areas that have defined partnerships with UK tour companies have an international sales office that offer tickets/lessons at 30-50 discount over the paying public. Email them and see what they can do for you.


However, a lot of the ski areas in New England have been struggling financially over the last few years and while daily ticket prices have gone through the roof, season passes for £200 -£300 are the norm, so its getting harder and harder to get cheapies.

With you definitely saying that you are staying at North Conway, I assume you have already booked with a UK ski company. If you have it makes saving dosh a bit harder but first thing I would do would be to contact the accommodation and see if they are doing any sort of subsidised pass/enticement. A lot of off mountain accommodations use these to attract custom, but if you are already booked........

The lesson price at Cranmore is OTT, compare it to Sunday River ...$35 for 90min group session or $45 for 90min am and 90min pm session. You usually find the group clinics turn out to be you, your partner and the instructor, so no need to pay for a private lesson.

If you or the kids are beginners, there are all sorts of "learn to ski/board" classes that include lift passes and equipment (though generally the passes only allow you limited access)

Even over the holiday period, don't expect European style crowds midweek - most Americans only come out to play at the weekend!

Sue_S

Hi, we skiied in NH for years when our children were younger. The best value we found was buying a ticket package from www.skinh.com and trying different mountains. However, you're probably a bit late for that now as the packages sell out fast. Another tip is to look at the websites of the individual mountains and visit on their 2-for-1 day. Enjoy the holiday, it's a fantastic area.

auswen

Thankyou so much for sharing that information, i will check out the website mentioned

franklally

Don't miss the muddy moose restaurant (american) right in the heart of North Conway - yum:beer: