Fishin4Snow

"This Fish" swims through the frozen life of the ski industry with my trusty side kicks of Mary, Ronan, & TBD little one in Fal 16! 

[fishin4snow]

A List of Lists

Everyone has a list.  A friend of mine is making a coffee table book of lists. Recently I noticed in our area there were a ton of top ___  lists being shared so I thought it would be good to compile them here for easy sharing.  The Mount Washington Valley and the surrounding White Mountains offer up so much to do these lists are great if you can accomplish one off of the list!    

I've compiled some of my favorites that are centrally located to Attitash.  

Top Ten Things to Do at Attitash - Erika Bragdon - Living Well Mom

Living Well Mom - Erkia Bragdon brought her family to Attitash this summer and had a blast.  She wrote a wonderful review of our summer attractions.  Here were her favorite take-a-ways.  

"Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, New Hampshire is one of those amazing places where you will come home with unforgettable family memories. From the Alpine Slide to the zipline tour, the Buddy Bear Play Pool and water slides, there’s a full day of fun and adventure waiting for you." - Erika Bragdon - livingwellmom.com

The Ultimate New Hampshire Waterfall Road Trip Is Here - onlyinyourstate.com

"You know that the White Mountains are packed with natural beauty including stunning waterfalls. But to find New Hampshire’s best gems, and most beautiful waterfalls, you have to know where to look. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you, compiling New Hampshire’s Ultimate Road Trip. This journey can be done quickly in a day, or spread over a week’s vacation. It is under 4 hours of driving, but many of the waterfalls involve a short trek through the woods, so you’ll need some extra time."

Top Ten Restaurants in North Conway - YELP.com

You'll find a wide array of options to dine around both Attitash and Wildcat but a high density of good eats are located in the town of North Conway.  Here is a list of places to grab some good grub from breakfast to dessert!

Top 25 Hikes in the White Mountains - NewEnglandWaterfalls.com

Top 25 outstandingly scenic hikes in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire! A mix of experience of hiking nearly all of the major trails in the White Mountains, plus a thorough review of dozens of websites and just about every hiking guidebook that has been published on this area over the last 15 years.

Twenty Things to Do in the NH White Mountain Region - UnionLeader.com

"Thinking about spending some time in the White Mountain Region? This area of the state is immensely popular for summer tourists and winter sports enthusiasts. The White Mountain Region offers an endless list of attractions and we can't possibly cover them all here. But, we'll take the back roads, and discover some of the "other" great things that this region has to offer while we also point out the things you just have to do while you are here." - unionleader.com

I hope you'll find these resources useful.  The best source of where to go in our region though I find are the locals.  They know some of the secrets of our area!  

I'll see you out on the trails!  

Greg

[fishin4snow]

Diana’s Bath

Roamin with Ronan - Vol. 2

Located on the town boarders of Bartlett & North Conway along West Side Road is a popular hike and swimming spot known as Diana’s Bath.  If you’ve ever driven along West Side Road during a hot summer day it’s the spot where there are endless cars parked along the roadside.  

While this spot is widely popular it is a great spot for families with young children.  Diana’s Bath is actually along Lucy Brook which is fed by big Attitash Mountain (not the ski resort the actual mountain which is located behind the Attitash Ski Resort).  The hike to Diana’s Bath is relatively flat, is perfect for hide and seek, and is well maintained with sure-pack (no roots to worry about here). 

It is only about 1/2 a mile to the cascading waterfalls and pools of water.  You’ll know you are close as you’ll hear the noise of the waterfalls.   Those looking for a little more of a hike can continue on as this trail continue’s along the Moat Ridge and you can hike to Big Attitash Peak.  

[fishin4snow]

HIKES & HILLS TO TEST A TODDLER IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS

Roamin with Ronan - Vol. 1

This isn’t the first blog I’ve ever written but it is the first I’ve written here in NH and nearly 3 years since my last one within Peak Resorts.  

HI (by the way), I’m Greg Fisher – Director of Marketing for Peak Resorts here in the Northeast.  My family calls North Conway home for the moment and we are blessed to live a stone’s throw away from Schouler Park, the Train Station (horns blow faithfully at 11:30am and 1:30pm daily) and the beautiful White Mountains! I have a wonderful and growing family with my 6-month pregnant wife, Mary, and our adventurous son Ronan, soon to be 3. These days he’s the driving force behind planning our family days as we know in a few months the harsh reality that he will no longer be an only child will surprise him one morning and mommy & daddy will be tasked with the reallocation of parental resources. That being said he’s at the age where it’s really important for us to have him out exploring this beautiful area.  Hence the title of this Blog.

The Mount Washington Valley has so much to offer for a family like ours! Museums, summer markets, playgrounds, arts and of course the natural amusement parks that are our mountains, streams, and lakes.  The town playground is fun but nature is way cooler.  Hiking has become our favorite activity and surprisingly there are tons of hikes that our little man can handle with huge rewards.  I wouldn’t call my wife and I avid hikers just yet, but we are starting to get pretty into it (Mary rated us a 4 out of 10 in terms of experience – our single “real” attempt at a 14-er in Breckenridge ended with us blaming the dog for why we didn’t make it to the top).  Given her pregnant state and our third wheel, we’re starting slow with loops and round trip hikes in the 2–3 mile range.  

We’ve tackled Redstone – a relatively flat area of trails maintained by a group of volunteers and NEMBA – (New England Mountain Bike Association).  Access this area at the trail head off the rotary on North South Road near Walmart.   I know it seems weird that a trail head is next to Walmart but that is what is so cool about our area.  You can go hike then go food shopping and park in the same spot.  Where else can you do that?  When you get into Redstone a little way you’ll see “Pillar” a giant marble pillar column.  And I mean giant.  I don’t know the story why it’s there but after you see it you’ll also wonder why and how it got there. 

Thompson Falls is another good one and located at Wildcat Mountain!  Very easy and rewarding at the end with a spectacular set of waterfalls.  Relatively flat with gradual incline.  At the end you’ll have some climbing but only if you want to check out some of the higher falls.  A great hike for all ages and at the end you can have a picnic at a waterfall!   

A local intermediate favorite seems to be at the top Hurricane Mountain Road – Black Cap.  Access off 302 just outside North Conway in Intervale.  On the corner is a Craft Beer store I highly recommend for those who enjoy a solid variety.  A blog for another time!  Anyways head up Hurricane Mountain Road ( a windy very cool narrow road) up and up.  The Black Cap trail head is 7 miles from 302 and it’s where Hurricane Mtn Road is level for a little bit – aka the top!

This past weekend we ventured a little farther away to what we felt was the most rewarding hike yet for our family – Mount Willard.  Depending on your starting point, this trip requires a bit of a drive as it starts at the historic Crawford Notch Train Depot, roughly 35 minutes from town.  The trail is primarily an old carriage road and is a a very well maintained trail with gradual climbs.  Along the path you’ll pass a number of small waterway overlooks that will enthrall most children before starting to head east.  Evergreens, maples, birch trees surround and when you see the light at the end of the tunnel you’ll have ascended 1.6 miles (1000 ft. vertical climb) and the view of the Crawford Notch State Park from the top is your reward.  A wonderful spot to just sit and enjoy lunch or a snack with your family.  

We really enjoyed this hike even on a less than stellar day (actually a little drizzle descended on us as we came down.)  It’s a popular trail due to its location and relatively easy for most amateurs.  We ran into hikers of all ages and a few four legged friends too! 

A few disclaimers for those with children our son’s age – he turns three August 30. My wife and I do have a pretty gnarly Kelty Hiking Backpack which was absolutely necessary.  Ronan hiked up almost the entire trail with a few “snack” breaks in the back pack.  On the way down though because it was raining we (I) did carry him in the pack pretty much the whole descent.  The 1.6 mile ascent took us about an hour and 45 minutes with only one 10 minute meltdown (plan on at least one for those under three!)  The way down only took about 40 minutes with Ronan in our pack, stepping carefully to navigate slick rocks and mud pits.  

The family was pooped and Ronan was snoring contently before we were halfway home.My advice?  Snacks (lots of them for encouragement), water, and breaks are a must.  Ronan enjoyed learning about birch trees, what makes pine trees different from other trees (needles) and getting to walk in the mud.  Enjoy hiking the Whites with the family.  Ever upward!  

Greg

Other recommendations – Echo Lake Park Loop, Cathedral Ledge, Diana’s Bath (all along West Side Road in North Conway).

[fishin4snow]

Olympic Heat

It's August in the OH-10 and that mean's one thing.  HEAT.  It's my second summer here and I have to say I don't think I've ever experienced consistent humidity like this ever.  July was the 5th hottest on record I saw on the news yesterday with an AVERAGE temperature of 81 degrees.  That's nuts.  Thank goodness for AC but my office doesn't have it and I have a leather chair.  Not good. Can you say Swamp Ass?  I'm surviving and enjoying everything the summer has to offer here in Ohio.  Biking, boating, festivals, and our new found love ---  volleyball..   

My wife and I play in a beach volleyball league (no not at Flannigan's although if you ever want to play pick up let us know) in Dublin.  It's sweet every Thursday we have a match then we usually will have a few adult beverages afterwards.  Competitive but nothing like my girl Misty May Trainer.  That girl is good and it's awesome to watch her and Kerry Walsh go at it.  Barely beats out swimming as far as my favorite summer sport to watch. 

On another note Michael Phelps is the man.  Everyone gave this guy grief for wanting to take a break and saying he didn't train hard enough etc...  Dude is the most decorated Olympic athlete ever period.  Even after getting caught smoking out of a water pipe.  Only in America.

Next weekend is the Aspen Ski & Board Sale in Polaris.  We'll be there and you should be too because you'll be able to score your 12/13 Season Pass to Mad River Mountain at the Spring Rates with all the Perks.  Be sure to get your butts down to Aspen on Saturday and Sunday August 11 & 12th, between 10am and 5pm.  We'll be outside selling the Platinum passes at $399, the Mad River Mountain Anytime Adult Pass at $289 and the MRM Anytime Jr/Sr Pass at $189.  The MRM passes include two free tubing tickets and two free lift tickets automatically loaded onto your pass.  After August 12th the price goes up and the perks go away so don't miss out on this one time only deal!

Our Ops guys are sweating it out in the heat this summer making some changes around the entire resort.  Our new trail signs have gone up already and the new locker room is just about completed.  A couple coats of paint and some numbers the room will be ready for your gear by Labor Day.  Yesterday we also had this cool machine here called a Tree Terminator.  I know it sounds horrible but really we just took out some small brush alongside some of our trails that was starting to close in. I'm not a tree killer.  I'm a tree hugger come on I'm from Vermont remember.  But some of the little things that might get in the way of good skiing can be sacrificed right?  Right. 

I've been in meetings with local legend Lou Vito.  Well Lou Vito Sr.  He is a legend here in Bellefontaine, OH.  He operates WPKO the only real radio station around these parts.  Lou and I have been working on the Louie Vito Rail Jam (December 29th), a new WALL of FAME for Louie, and also the L.V.L.P.  The Louie Vito Learning Park.  This newbie will be just for newbies.  It's going to be located in an area known as "Old Tubing" or to skiers left of the Flight Deck lift.  This park will have small features perfect for those looking to learn to slide but not get hurt doing so.  We're very excited to work with both Lou Sr. and Louie on these great projects.

August also brings about "Trailer Season" in the ski industry.  Aka Ski & Snowboard movie trailers.  So far I've seen Level 1, Teton Gravity Research, and the east coast company Meathead Films releases.  Here's our boys from Level 1.  We're working on a release party in November with some athletes so stay tuned.

There are so many it's hard to keep up.  If you see some post em up on our Facebook page or Twitter accounts so all can see. 

Time to get this day underway.  I'll see you at the Aspen Polaris store - August 11 & 12th. 

Greg

[fishin4snow]

The trail signs up at the summit. More to come.

[fishin4snow]

The Journey

July 12, 2012 Ok so why the new Tumblr site??  Well right now we are undergoing a website transformation update so rather than have to worry about transferring over etc we are going to give Tumblr a whirl for some updates.  LMK what you think?  Last I wrote it was June 18 and that seemed like yesterday.  Since then I've travelled more than 4,000 miles and have visited three ski resorts, two rivers, ten states, and seven breweries!   My wife and I did a little XC trip that included two stops at our sister resorts Hidden Valley & Snow Creek in Missouri for business meetings.  (If you can't tell we are outdoors people who own a raft and really enjoy good craft beers!) It's pretty cool to visit other resorts to see their layouts, programs, and in my case shoot the sh*t with two gentlemen who have been in the business for over 40 years.  David Grenier - GM at Snow Creek and Tim Boyd our CEO of Peak Resorts. Hidden Valley outside of St. Louis is a hidden gem and where Peak Resorts started.  It is Tim's baby and where Peak Resorts Hq is located.   My wife Mary and I were really surprised at the size of the resort.  It's quite large and growing.  It sits  about 25 minutes outside of St. Louis and people from 5 - 6 different states trek there to ski and ride.  Snow Creek on the other hand, outside of Kansas City clear across the state is our smallest property.   Yet it has a ton of character and is the pretty much the last hill you see as you cross the line into Kansas. 

(Driving through Kansas...  ugggh.... don't get me started.  Two words - corn and cows.  That's it.)  After our two day stop in Missouri it was off for the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado.  First stop Santa Fe where my sister lives.  After bopping around the cool artistic downtown we headed north towards Taos for a day of rafting on the Rio Grande followed by sailing (yes sailing) at 8000'.   We followed that up with another rafting expedition on the class III/IV Arkansas River in Canon City, CO before our final western destination - Breckenridge.  For those who have never been to Colorado to ski/ride - Breckenridge is one of the best places to hit because it has everything.  It has an unbelievable town full of shops, restaurants and of course bars, but the terrain there is vast with 4 peaks 10, 9, 8 & 7.  If you're into the extreme they have a lift that goes up over 13,000' (one of the only one's in the country) and if you're not don't worry the lower portions of the mountains (still much bigger than our mountain here) are great for beginners.  Summer rocks there too.  Mountain bikers, cyclists and hikers converge on the city for weekly festivals and events.  We attempted to hike one of the twenty 14,000' peaks - Mount Quandry.  Believe it or not our dog - Dory couldn't hack it.  Once we got above tree level 12,500' the altitude affected her and every few minutes she was looking for shade and resting.  We were tired as well so we headed back down. Here is Mary and Dory taking in the view from 12k. 

After checking out Breck's 4th of July parade and Airshow we headed out and spend the 4th in the middle of Nebraska - I don't even remember where but in Nebraska fireworks are legal and EVERYONE had them.  From our campsite we had a 360 degree show.  We could see fireworks for what seemed like 100s of miles.

We had one sprinkle of rain.  That was it.  July 4th in the morning at the parade it was 71.  By the time we reached our stopping point in Nebraska at about 10pm it was 91. Since we've been gone our crew has been continuing work on our mountain to improve some customer service pieces we've been talking about all summer. (They also cleaned up from the huge storm everyone endured back on July 1st.)   

The locker room move from the lower Den to the Ridgewood room is just about done.  We need to do some paint but the lumber and the structures are there.  This is going to open up 120 more seats and 15 more tables!  The new locker area will also give more room, a changing room, and more light in all the lockers for sure.  You can purchase lockers by calling Suzie at 800-231-7669.  Our new snowboard trail signs are starting to be put up on the mountain. (see above)  I think you'll like these new additions.  They look cool and give the hill a little character.  Our base lodge is getting new coats of paint including our bathrooms and the main eating area.  The Etc. Retail shop has grown and over at the Avalanche Tubing park we put in a retail area and also moved our storage cage to allow for easier access to grab tubes and return them. I'm starting to fill in the calendar for our events and music this year and here are a couple I already know that I can share with you: Saturday, December 29th - The Louie Vito Rail Jam Monday, January 21st (MLK) - *New* Family Festival #1 Saturday, January 26th - Bud Light Winterfest featuring the Reaganomics Sunday, February 10th - Pretty in Pink Charity Event Monday, Februray 18th - *New* Family Festival #2 Saturday, March 2nd - Yuengling Spring Fling with the Ark Band The new "Family Festivals" on our two holiday dates are a work in progress and more to come on those in the next few weeks. Come August - Season Passes will go back on sale.  There will be two opportunities to get them at the early season spring rate along with the perks that go along with those.  - August 11 & 12th we'll be at the Aspen Ski & Board opening day weekend sale and the following weekend August 18th and 19th we'll be at the 10TV Health and Fitness Expo.  ONLY THOSE TWO WEEKENDS will passes be available at the early season rate.  Anytime other than those two prices will be at the fall rates.  Last but not least many people have on our FB page about "summer" events.  it's on the radar.  We have been talking to a number of mud run event companies and we are close to signing on to host two races in the next calendar year.  Mountain biking has also been brought up constantly and while we are not going to offer anything this summer I think you'll see some sort of events next year.  We need to work on some trails and talk to the companies that have event series to land one here in 2013.. Today's my one year anniversary since starting at Mad River and I've enjoyed every last second of it.  (Ok I could have used a little more snow and colder weather last year) but I know that's an anomaly.  WE ARE LESS THAN 150 DAYS FROM OPENING DAY.  Think cold thoughts.  Until next time.  Peace.  P.S. Breweries we hit along the way for you beer drinkers out there - Schlafley - St. Louis, Santa Fe Brewing & Marble Brewing in Santa Fe; Blue Heron Brewing in Chama, NM; San Luis Valley Brewing Co, Alamosa, CO; Royal Gorge Brewing Co, Canon City, CO;  & Breckenridge Brewing Co in Breckenridge; CO. Best Beer on the trip - Greg - the Double White Belgian at Marble Brewing Co in Santa Fe.  Mary - the Rasberry Hefeweizen from Schlafley Brewing Co in Saint Louis. 

[fishin4snow]

The Goat!!!

Excited to for the Goat!  Yeah not your typical first line but tonight is Volleyball night.  Sand volleyball that is and it's in the upper 80s!!  Last week it was a wee bit chilly and we were all playing in socks.  This week we'll be sweating our ass off at 9pm and I love it.  Can't wait to throw down in the sand!  

[fishin4snow]

"Don't have a role model. Look up to know one because all you'll be is in second place."

Who knows?  

[demo]

[fishin4snow]

The home away from home.  This is where I work and I play (in the winter at least).  It's a small resort outside the great metropolis of Columbus where all things are super fun.  A Buckeye through marriage I've learned to love the OH-10!  Mad River is a sweet place to learn, tube, party, and play.  Swing by sometime.  

[fishin4snow]

Ski. Raft. Golf. Photo. Document. Live. Love. Life.