NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH - With the fast approach of summer in New Hampshire's White Mountains, the region's attractions are opening for the season and visitors will find some new reasons to return to their favorite parks.
From new rides, new ways to ride and even new ways to "hang around," vacationers heading north to the mountains will find new adventures awaiting them.
"The White Mountains have been a destination for generations of families and our many attractions realize this," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions. "This year's investment represents hundreds of thousands of dollars to add new experiences at our theme parks that can be enjoyed for new generations."
Among the new rides this year include:
- Splash Battle Pharaoh's Reign at Story Land in Glen, the first new ride at the park since 2006. Set to open in June, this river adventure features a 4-person watercraft, each equipped with a water cannon that can be aimed at other boats and toward spectators on shore. Those land-lubbers will also have a chance to blast water back.
- On the heels of last year's opening of the Ho-Ho-H2O watermark, Santa's Village in Jefferson opens a new ride this season, Santa's Chimney Drop.
- Loon Mountain in Lincoln will offer 3-hour guided Segway tours. Following an orientation, riders will glider along the bike path and River Walk, all while learning about the rich history and logging heritage of Lincoln, before returning to Loon.
- For the visitor who likes to "hang around," Alpine Adventures in Lincoln has just the ticket. The third and largest Zipline course, the Super SkyRider, will combine newer, faster and higher lines. Thrillsville, the aerial adventure park on Main Street in Lincoln, is undergoing an expansion that will triple its size and a 4-person bungee-trampoline has also been added.
- Cannon Mountain, in Franconia Notch State Park, now has bike rentals available at the base of the Tramway, giving cyclists direct access to the 8.8-mile recreation path winding through the notch. A shuttle service will be available so that guests can ride from the tram to the Flume Gorge and return via shuttle.
- Just a few months after opening it's mountain coaster last winter, Cranmore Mountain is kicking off the summer season with the opening of its Adventure Park. Ropes courses, zip lines and air bridges are waiting for visitors to conquer.
- Attitash Mountain Resort's Nor'Easter Mountain Coaster, opened late last year, and with its banked turns, dips and straightaways, it offers a thrilling and scenic ride for all ages.
- Aboard Conway Scenic Railroad's Notch Train, a new first class package, featuring seating in first class, a 3 course luncheon on the Hattie Evans car, beverage service and complimentary snacks are offered this summer.
- For hikers, the Appalachian Mountain Club will offer hiker shuttles connecting with Concord Coach Lines in Lincoln and North Conway. The AMC's historic Madison Spring hut opens June 2, following a rebuilding project and the organization is offering a variety of children and family friendly amenities and activities at its lodges and mountain huts.
- The Whale's Tale in Lincoln opens eight new cabanas around the park, featuring lounge chairs, cocktail table and lunch table, and privacy.
- The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem opens the New Hampshire Maple Experience for guests to learn about the art of maple sugaring, featuring a virtual sugarhouse and interactive maple museum.
- Canterbury Shaker Village offers a cooking series every fourth Thursday of month, featuring lessons by well-known culinary experts.
- The first new trail opens at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, giving visitors a look at a vernal pool, old growth trees and a remarkable pothole that shows just how high the water once was in Kinsman Notch.
White Mountains Attractions Association, founded in 1958, is the official marketing association for the region and its 16 attractions, including Attitash, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Mount Washington Cog Railroad, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale and Wildcat Mountain.
For information about the White Mountains, the visitors’ center is located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock; visit http://www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND-MTS.
