New England Outdoor Adventure Blog from YankeeMagazine.com

New Hampshire Dream Vacation

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0100

You might think I am just a sucker for a marketing campaign, but I love the State of New Hampshire's photo scavenger hunt. It looks so fun. Basically, you print out an "I Love It Here" contest sign, then go to three locations on their scavenger list and take a picture of you, the sign, and location. You need to submit three pictures and an entry form to be eligible to win a New Hampshire Dream Vacation. To get all the details go to: www.nhdreamvacation.com..

They even have some celebrities who have joined in on the fun!

Kayak to a Lighthouse in New England

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Yankee Magazine's July/August issue features the ultimate lighthouse guide. In keeping with the spirit of everything lighthouse I thought I would share with you my own lighthouse adventure in the hope that my excursion will inspire one of your own.

On a recent (beautiful!!) Sunday afternoon, I found myself in the seacoast area of New Hampshire, with a couple kayaks, some other necessary equipment, and one eager fellow paddler. I've paddled on lots of lakes and many flat rivers, but this was my first experience on open ocean water.

Thankfully, and despite our lack of planning, we actually paddled to a destination, the Whaleback Light off the coast of New Castle, and explored the nearby abandoned Coast Guard Station.

With the Isles of Shoals in sight, we pondered where to go next. We began chatting with a couple local men who were also exploring the island as they took a break from their paddle. Apparently, what looked relatively close (the Isles of Shoals) was in fact six miles in the distance. The duo also told us the story of an unlucky man who recently went missing (and was later found dead) as he paddled from where we were to the Isles of Shoals. Those tidbits (and our grumbling stomachs) helped us to decide that our next destination would be lunch. (Lobster with steamers, if you are wondering.)

If you want to kayak in this area, AMC offers an itinerary for New Castle.

And if you would feel more comfortable navigating the open waters with a guide or you need equipment, check out Portsmouth Kayak Adventures.

One more and: And if you are hungry for lunch, find a restaurant right on the the coast and eat some fresh lobster washed down with a Shoals Pale Ale from Smuttynose Brewery.

My Favorite Things

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

I am not sure if you knew this about me, but besides blogging about outdoor fun in New England for YankeeMagazine.com, I am also the communications manager for Yankee. Yes, I have a day job. I am mentioning this because I am about to plug an online survey and I thought full disclosure was in order.

So, that is out of the way.

By now you must have read (from cover to cover!) Yankee's May/June Travel Guide to New England. It's packed with great ideas for travel, some fun and interesting reads and an entire section with our editors' picks, also known as "Best of New England - Editors' Choice."

Through your travels we know that you've probably found some favorites of your own. And that is the very reason Yankee is running their first ever Best of New England Readers' Choice survey online now. The results will be featured in the January/February issue. I can access all of the votes and I've really enjoyed getting a sneak peak to what you all love. I hope you will chime in and share your favorite things in New England.

Go here to tell us your favorites (please): Best of New England - Readers' Choice Survey

Travel by Train in Vermont

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

I love a good deal. I love Vermont. And I love traveling by train. And now, thanks to a brand new program with Amtrak, I can enjoy all three. Here is the deal: for 12 bucks, you can travel between two towns in Vermont. They've also arranged some special lodging packages. Personally, my favorite cities on the route are Brattleboro, Montpelier and Burlington with Montpelier ranking numero uno. There are great little outdoor excursions that you could include on these jaunts, plus some tasty meals, fun shopping, maybe even a museum visit here and there. Stay over a few nights in each city and do even more. What a fun adventure. For more information, click on the link at the very bottom.

Amtrak Offers Reduced Fare to Passengers Traveling to Vermont's Downtowns

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Passengers on the Amtrak Vermonter can take advantage of a reduced ticket price and a variety of lodging specials when traveling between any two Vermont stops on the train's daily route.

Amtrak and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing are offering "Downtowns by Rail," which includes a special passenger rate of $12 on the Amtrak Vermonter. In addition, 15 lodging properties in communities along the route have put together special packages to encourage overnight and multi-day stays in Vermont's historic downtowns.

"The 'Downtowns by Rail' program combines green travel with sustainable communities," said Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde. "Vermont's downtowns are home to unique local businesses, historic architecture, as well as rich cultural and social activities. Promoting Amtrak with our revitalized downtowns is a natural fit."

The Amtrak Vermonter route runs from Brattleboro to St. Albans with stops in nine communities. Getting to Vermont is easy using Amtrak's Vermonter service, which serves 20 cities in the Northeast outside of the state. When booking a "Downtowns by Rail" trip between Vermont stops, request the discount code V189 for the $12 fare. Travelers from outside Vermont can obtain an additional discount for travel to Brattleboro (request Visit Vermont discount code V446) when making their reservation with Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL).

Lodging packages offered through this promotion, which include everything from mountain bike rentals to cooking classes to horse-drawn carriage rides, range from $125 to $599. Shuttle or taxi service from the train station is included in some packages. The "Downtowns by Rail" promotion will be offered through 2009.

For more information, visit VermontVacation.com/VTbyRail.

The Deadline Season Begins

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

I am really glad my blog is about the outdoors and that the only sport I do where you have to pay-to-play is alpine skiing. Otherwise I would feel like a used car salesman year-round giving you tips on deals. Buy this now. These prices won't last. In my case, I am only telling you about deals intermittently during the winter and now and then in the fall, so I only feel like a part-time used car salesman.

That is my way of saying that I might remind you again later, but this is my first official reminder about 2009-10 season passes. The earliest deadlines that I've noticed are April, 30. That means if you have your ski/ride plan figured out for next year, you can save by purchasing your pass now. But remember, these prices won't last and neither will the offer for free oil changes for the life of your car. (Perhaps, I was a used car salesman in another life.)

A couple links that will help get you started:

I skied in Colorado last week and this deal made me drool: Rocky Mountain Super Pass - $399 for unlimited skiing at Winter Park and Copper, plus 6 days at Steamboat and Friday afternoons at Steamboat.

Yowzer!

Free Skiing at Okemo on April 1

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

What could be better than skiing for free at Okemo? How about skiing for free and donating some non-perishable food items to a good cause? I think that is better than just skiing for free.

FREE SKIING AT OKEMO FOR APRIL FOOLS -- NO FOOLING!

LUDLOW, Vt. - When skiers and snowboarders visit Okemo Mountain Resort on Wednesday, April 1, they can ski and ride all day for free when they donate a minimum of three non-perishable food items to Okemo's April Fool's Food Drive.

Teams of Okemo Mountain Resort staff members will be posted at Okemo's Clock Tower base area and at the Jackson Gore base area, where they will collect food items in exchange for a complimentary lift ticket voucher to be presented at the ticket window. All food collected on April 1 will be distributed to local food pantries that service the Okemo Valley community.

As winter wanes, the final weeks of the season offer great spring skiing conditions and April showers of savings on lift tickets.

April 2 - Okemo Skier & Rider Appreciation Day - Ski or ride all day for just $29!

April 8 - VT/NH Wonderful $29 Wednesdays!

Vermont and New Hampshire residents can ski/ride the entire day for just $29. Proof of residency in the form of a valid VT/NH driver's license, hunting/fishing license, or voter registration card must be presented at the time of purchase.

April 9 - Okemo Skier & Rider Appreciation Day - Ski or ride all day for just $29!

April 15 - VT/NH Wonderful $29 Wednesdays!

April 16 - Okemo Skier & Rider Appreciation Day - Ski or ride all day for just $29!

Okemo's target closing date is April 19. More information may be obtained by calling (802) 228-1600, by visiting www.okemo.com

Video Skiing and Riding Tips from Waterville Valley

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Go to Waterville Valley's website, and go fast, especially if you are planning on skiing or riding this weekend and need skiing or riding tips. (And no offense, but you probably do. We all do!)

Waterville Valley's Snowsports School offers a variety of tips from their top ski and snowboard instructors covering tactics to ski ice, bumps and glades better. Their Video Playbook Tips also includes advice on improving pole swing and speed control to name a few. The information is top-notch. I am really impressed.

The reason I was on Waterville.com in the first place is because this weekend they are hosting the 25th annual Jack Williams Ski Race for Wednesday's Child. Last year the race raised $390,000 of which 100% goes to support special needs adoption. Yankee Magazine has supported this event for many years. So, I'll be heading to Waterville this Saturday and I hope you will too.

What do you think of those videos?

Favorite Ski Songs

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

There are two types of people in this world. There are people who always have a song playing in their head and there are those who never have a song playing in their head. I always have a song in my head.

This got me to thinking about the song I was singing to myself when I was all of about 12 years old skiing moguls at the now defunct little Hickory Ski Center (tagline was "Mogul Madness" back then) when everything clicked for me. Suddenly, I figured out how to ski a perfect line. And it all was choreographed to a Cheerios commercial, the unsinkable taste of Cheerios.

I asked some ski industry folks to tell me their favorite songs that play in their head when they are skiing or riding (and I also asked them to tell me what the best ski deal going is since I thought you might like to know). I've listed their answers below.

I have a feeling that Pete Dowan -- though I don't know him that well except for a few email exchanges -- is the type of person who always has a song in his head. He is a medically disabled songwriter who lives in Canada. He shared his song "Come on Let It Snow" with me and I think you would enjoy it too. So, please, read to the end of this posting so you can sing the words to his song. I think that if we all do this, the snow gods will listen and hopefully give us some snow. You know, March is historically one of the snowiest months in the northeast. Come on let it snow!

FAVORITE SONGS AND BEST DEALS

Crotched Mountain, NH

Craig Messa, Director of Sales & Marketing

Favorite Song: "I Wanna Rock" by Twisted Sister

Best Deal: Crotched Mountain's Spring Fling pass. Ski & Ride the rest of the season for $99 Unlimited and receive a discount on a seasons pass for the 09-10 season. Here is a link a page promoting our Big Air contest where Crotched is giving away $5000 in cash & over $2000 in prizes on Saturday, March 14th... www.crotchedmountain.com

Mad River Glen, VT

Eric Friedman, Marketing Director

Favorite Song: John Hiatt - "Life Is a Highway"

Best Deal: Wear Green on St Patty's Day and ski for only $17 at MRG.

Magic Mountain

Matt Lillard, Marketing Director

Favorite Song: "Collie Man" by Slightly Stoopid

Best Deal: Car Pool Wednesdays at Magic. Gather 4 or more people in one car on non-holiday Wednesdays and everyone skis or rides for $80.

Jay Peak Resort

Steve Wright, Vice-President, Mkt, Sales and Hospitality

Favorite Song: I like no sound. Dull, white noise.

Best Deal: Best deal is paying $269 for unlimited skiing at Jay, MRG and Bolton for college kids with the Triple Major.

Killington Resort

Tom Horrocks, Communications Director

Favorite Song(s): I usually have one of two songs in my head when I ski: 1. James Bond theme song; 2. "American Bad Ass," by Kid Rock

Best Deal: The Killington Deal Grabber. Last week we sold 200, $42 tickets on the Grabber and of course they sold out in no time.

Ski Vermont

Jen Butson, Director of Programs and Public Affairs

Favorite Song: 1. "Wild Thing" by Tone Loc

Best Deal: Here are a dozen under $40.

Smugglers' Notch

Ron Carter, Operations Manager for the Entertainment Team

Favorite Song: I choose the music based on the mood I'm in, which then often determines where I'll ski. How about Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" for a bomber run down Rumrunner.

Best Deal: So many to choose from.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Ron, from Smuggs, did point out that for safety's sake, you want to be aware of what's happening on the hill, so it's best not to have the volume blasting as you listen to music while skiing or riding, or, you might consider coming down the mountain with only one earpiece in so that you can hear what's happening around you.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Jeff J. Wise, Communications Director

Favorite Song: I like hearing the sounds of the snow, the mountain and what's around me. Occasionally I talk to myself.

Best Deal: Stowe's March Ski & Stay package. Ski & Stay in Stowe - From under $100 per person. Book midweek lodging with arrival through March 31 and receive a FREE Stowe Points Card for each person in your party. The free Stowe Points Card gives you a $59 lift ticket, and unlimited points benefits valid season after season in Stowe. Packaged with various lodging options. For details visit

Stratton Mountain Resort, VT

William E. Riseley, Marketing Communications and Public Relations Coordinator

Favorite Song: Corey Hart's "I Wear My Sunglasses at Night"

Best Deal: Save 50% on Lift & Lodging packages. Available Sunday through Thursday nights, March 22 - 26, in select properties. Two night minimum stay required. Rates starting from $29.50 per person per night, plus tax and service. Available for booking through the Call Center only 1-800-STRATTON.

GOOD KARMA SNOW DANCE SONG: COME ON SNOW � By Pete Dowan (SOCAN)

CHORUS: COME ON SNOW
COME ON SNOW JUST A LITTLE OR QUITE A LOT COME ON SNOW
COME ON SNOW WANT TO SEE YOU TODAY COME ON SNOW
COME ON SNOW GIVE US EVERYTHING THAT YOU'VE GOT COME ON SNOW
COME ON SNOW YOU WON'T GET IN THE WAY......
WHEN WE GO OUT AND PLAY

1st VERSE: It's a wintery day out there
An' I wanna go have some fun Gettin' ready to play out there
I don't really need sunshine It's a wintery day out there
Tho' the weather has just begun Gettin' ready to play out there
Got a winter coat
Got a winter hat
Gonna have a good time

CHORUS:

2nd VERSE: Everybody jus' stares at me
Got a feelin' they're not too thrilled Guess I better prepare to be
Hiding under my pillow. Everybody jus' stares at me
Did ya' never slide down a hill? Guess I better prepare to be
Goin out in it
Hear me shoutin' it
Really ready to go

CHORUS:

Ending COME ON SNOW COME ON SNOW
COME ON SNOW COME ON SNOW (fade)

Peninsula Productions 2007

You can buy this song on Amazon. Just search for Pete Dowan and the song "Come on Snow."

$42 Tickets at Killington

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Hot off my email inbox...

If you ask me, $42 for a day of skiing at Killington is sweet. And, fresh snow is very sweet too. So, go get both now (or fresh snow now and a ticket deal starting Feb. 23).

KILLINGTON, Vt. (February 20, 2009) -- Vermont's Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in the East, is offering a limited number of $42 lift tickets for skiers and riders to enjoy the outstanding snow conditions for the first week of March.

"We're having a fantastic snow year!" said Patricia Ryan, Killington's director of sales, marketing and reservations. "We received 14 inches of snow in the past 48 hours and have already received more than 18 feet of snow this season."

Killington Resort will offer more than 2,000 discounted lift tickets valid Feb. 28 through March 6, 2009. In addition to a limited number of $42 tickets, Killington will offer 1,000, two-day tickets for the weekend of Feb. 28-March 1 for just $110.

Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 23 at 8 a.m. and are available for online purchase only at www.KillingtonDealGrabber.com. Purchases must be completed and prepaid with a valid credit card and may be picked up at any open ticket window by showing purchase confirmation and a photo ID. a photoP

Since launching www.KillingtonDealGrabber.com two weeks ago, Killington Resort has sold thousands of value-priced lift tickets. Killington currently has an average mid-mountain base depth of 40-54 inches and more than 135 open trails served by 22 lifts.

Waiting in the Singles Line

rss@ypi.com (Yankee Publishing Inc.) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

My parents met in a lift line at Stowe Mountain. I know they are not the only people who fell in love at a ski resort. In fact, my brother and his wife first set eyes on one another during a pre-season ski patrol meeting at Sugarbush, VT. And my boyfriend's sister met her husband while they worked at Winter Park, CO. If you believe the old adage that people who play together, stay together, and if you love to ski or ride, then it makes sense to look for love in a lift line or on a chair lift. So, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I will share some ideas for those who are single and those who are not. Just call me Dr. Ruth on snow.

If you are single, you could go to Black Mountain in Jackson, New Hampshire. They are hosting the Third Annual Black Mountain Chairlift Speed Dating. In the eight minute ride to the top, you could find your match. And if you don't find love, you can imbibe love potions from the bar and feast upon a special aphrodisiac menu which basically means you can go to the bar and drink and eat away your sorrows.

If you are single and don't make it to Black Mountain for their official chair lift speed dating, you can make your own speed dating event. Just hop in the "singles? line and call out, "Anyone single?" You never know. It has happened to others before you.

And if you have a significant other but left planning a special weekend for your honey till the last minute, you could do an online search and hope to score a romantic getaway package at ski resort. Of course, late planners probably are out of luck for nice rooms, and might instead end up at a No-tel Motel with a bottle of cheap bubbly.

Happy Valentine's Day to all and to all good skiing. PS - make sure to drink lots of water, especially if you resort to the cheap bubbly option.