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New Hampshire Ski Vacation - Gunstock
Skiing in Gunstock which is the nearest resort to Boston and offers up its 105 inches of fine Eastern powder near the shores of beautiful Lake Winnipeaukee, is a highlight to the skiing enthusiasts from all over New England and the Eastern United States who come to enjoy this resort and Mount Sunapee, Pats Peak, Whaleback and Ragged Mountain. Neophytes and kids can head directly to the Learning Center Training Area and once they've mastered some basic skills can take the Gunshy Double to some easy runs suitable to their skill level. Intermediates will be challenged by the long runs at Upper Middle Lower Gunsmoke and Middle Lower Recoil. Another long run for the mid range crowd is Flintlock to The Flats to Stonebar. The experts will have their hands full with Hotshot, Redhat, Tiger Steeps and Tiger.
One of Gunstock's best features is their nighttime program which lights up 21 trails and 5 lifts so that you can go skiing or even tubing well after dark. Gunstock's new 22 acre Terrain Park on Blundersmoke is also set up for night skiing with ample lighting throughout, so you can go out and challenge the monster halfpipe even after dinner! The Terrain Park is packed with features that will keep you entertained, but if you're thinking about taking the kids, 72% of the terrain is intermediate so it's a fairly advanced setup. The Gunstock Ski Club coaching staff is one of the best in New Hampshire, and they offer a wide ranging alpine training and racing program for children and youths aged 6 to 18. You can also sign up for a full spectrum of courses from Learn To Ski all the way to Private Lessons. The kids can also enjoy full day programs grouped into Belknap Bears or Belknap Rangers.
The climate at Gunstock is Eastern perfect, but you may want to keep an eye out on the forecast, as sudden storms can arise, as well as the very rare midwinter flow of warm Atlantic air which will turn the powder to concrete.
Nearby Gilford offers a great selection of restaurants for every taste and every budget. The kids will love the exotic Chinese and Japanese delicacies at the Jasmine Palace; the Old World ambiance and superlative Italian meals at Nadia's Trattoria; the Colonial decor at the Gunstock Inn; and what would a trip to New England be without savoring that famous and delicious crustacean at the Cherrystone Lobster House? If you've really worked up a monster appetite on the slopes, then you should take the short drive to Belmont and head for The Lodge At Belmont's all you can eat immense buffet which will fill the belly of the hungriest skier, and even those of the kids! It will certainly make for a memorable Gunstock Ski Vacation.
Off the slopes, there's lots of fun and excitement to be found in the Lake Winnipeaukee area. Check out the Canterbury Shaker Village featuring 24 original Shaker buildings on almost 700 acres of “Heaven on Earth.” Guided tours are offered where you can witness demonstrations on tinsmithing, shaker box making, broom making and printing on 18th century presses. You may also want to take a tour of the 1823 Belknap Mill or go way way way up to the historic Castle in the Clouds near Moultonborough. Of course, the kids will want to blow off some steam after all this sightseeing at Funspot at Weirs Beach where they can go crazy on a vast selection of new and classic video games, 10 pin & candlepin bowling center, and a brand new indoor golf center!
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Ragged Mtn Base - 1000 feet | Summit - 2250 feet | Vertical - 1250 feet | Lifts - 9 total ( High Speed Six Chairs: 1, Triple Chairs: 2, Double Chairs: 2, Surface Lifts: 4 ) | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 220 acres |Terrain Classification -30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% expert |
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| GUNSTOCK |
Gunstock Base - 900 feet | Summit - 2300 feet | Vertical - 1400 feet | Lifts - Quad Chairs: 1, Triple Chairs: 2, Double Chairs: 2, Surface Lifts: 3 ) | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 220 acres |Terrain Classification - 5% beginner, 70% intermediate, 25% expert |
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Mount Sunapee Slopes & Trails - 65 trails and slopes covering 230 skiable acres (22 miles of terrain) | Summit - 2743 feet | Vertical Drop - 1,510 feet (highest in southern New Hampshire) | Lifts - High Speed Quads 1, Quad Chairs 2, Triple Chairs 2, Double Chairs 1, Surface Lifts 4 | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 220 acres | Terrain Classification - 17 novice trails, 32 intermediate trails, 16 expert trails | Half Pipe & Alpine Terrain Park |
