By PAULA TRACY, Out and About
Finally!
There are about eight inches of dusty dry powder snow on the ground here in Center Harbor atop the crust and it appears the whole state is getting in on this storm to some degree.
Ski areas in New Hampshire reported receiving 6-10 inches of snow in this storm with Waterville Valley reporting 10 inches in the afternoon.
It is perfect timing for New Hampshire winter vacation week next week, whether you like to ski, skate, fish, snow tube, ice climb, snowmobile, or dog walk, it is nice to hear that traditional winter conditions await and there is plenty of base on the trails, at least north of Lake Winnipesaukee.
This snow in the Lakes Region is something new, after a winter with not much of anything great. I have been too timid to get on the lake to skate much, frustrated with the imperfect ice on the trails and post-holing making even snowshoeing a drag.
But times have changed. It’s time to dust off the gear and enjoy winter in your own backyard, in New Hampshire.
XC
I found a walnut with two little chew bites inside my left cross-country ski boot in the barn. I worried about what I would find in the right one but it was clear of debris and rodents. The boots have been resting since December, I think, along a woodpile that has not been touched in the barn due to a lack of need for fires in the fireplace.
“Winter, old friend, where have you been?” I whispered as I clipped into my edged skis and headed down the ramp and into the fields and woods surrounding the house. It was pure bliss, breaking through an untouched blanket of powder beneath my skis. My dog, Maisy had a hard time keeping up, leaping through the powder but then deciding to follow my path just to keep up.
We were outside for almost two hours, doing laps and throwing sticks, without leaving the driveway. I love when I can just ski right out of the barn, but I also love a good day at a groomed Nordic Center. Here is a link to conditions at NH’s Cross Country ski areas https://www.skinh.com/conditions
DOWNHILL
Despite the ups and downs of this winter, there is a solid base of machine-made snow that is going to hold up pretty well for the next few weeks, with most ski areas reporting 60 percent to 100 percent of their terrain open, before the new snow.
Snowmaking at most resorts usually wraps up around now. It will be interesting to see if they take advantage of this cold snap at night to lay down more, or if they are calling it quits and hoping the strength of their base can stand it another month or so.
Here’s a link to the condition reports for most of New Hampshire https://www.skinh.com/conditions
SKATING/ICE FISHING
On ponds and other water bodies, this winter has been an up or mostly down thing for those who enjoy skating, pond hockey or ice fishing.
While they were able to hold some events, others were pulled inside or canceled.
Smaller water bodies have fared better and some groups and municipalities plow out areas nearby. Be careful if you go and follow these recommendations from New Hampshire Fish and Game. https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/outdoor-recreation/ice-safety.html
SNOWMOBILING
The riding gets better the further north you go, and there is a solid base in the top third of the state which is likely improving with this storm.
Every Thursday the state issues a trail report with upcoming events and conditions by region. You can find it here https://www.nhstateparks.org/activities/snowmobiling/trail-conditions
SNOW TUBING
There are night tubing parks and ones open in the daytime across the state.
For a list of them and times, find it here https://www.skinh.com/activities/tubing
