The North Face 1st Annual Park and Pipe Open Ski Series Drops In to Northstar Resort and Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley, NH - The North Face and Mountain Sports International have announced The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series, a two-stop tour featuring ski slopestyle and halfpipe competitions. The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series kicks off January 6-9, 2011 at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in California and February 17-20, 2011 at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire.
"The North Face is excited to bring its big mountain heritage to the park and pipe competition scene with a series that will inspire up and coming athletes and drive pro level competition," said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing for The North Face.

The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series will dedicate one competition day to halfpipe and two days to slopestyle. Judging will be overall impression based on creativity, degree of difficulty, combinations, variations, style, and amplitude.

Waterville Valley Ski Resort Announces Over $500,000 in Improvements for 2010-11 Season

Waterville Valley, NH - Twenty five more energy efficient snowmaking tower guns and a new grooming cat top the list of immediate investments announced by the new owners at Waterville Valley for the coming season.

"We completed the purchase of Waterville Valley on October 13 and are now going as fast as we can to make improvements before the start of the ski season", said Bob Fries, General Manager of Waterville Valley Ski Resort Ltd, "The increased snowmaking capacity will help Waterville Valley leverage its 4,000' elevation, allowing us to open a greater variety of terrain for Thanksgiving and early December." Opening date for Waterville Valley is set for Saturday, November 20.

Base Lodge Upgrade
Major upgrades to the resort's main base lodge will include new ground floor bathrooms, additional family bathrooms and refreshed Alpine Grille food service area and menu.

Expanded Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Waterville Valley will be adding to their ski and snowboard rental inventory featuring the new mini Burton snowboards for kids. "Each season, parents seem to want their kids to start skiing and snowboarding at younger ages", explains Peter Weber, Snowsports Director, "In response, we're always looking for innovations in kids equipment that will let them start young but still have a blast. This season, we'll be introducing the new super mini snowboard from Burton into our Explorers Kamps for ages 4-6. The new design makes it easier for kids to roll from edge to edge and actually build skills on their very first days on snow. Waterville Valley already has mini skis so now parents and kids will have a choice."

Sununu Family Returns Waterville Valley Back Into Local Hands

Waterville Valley, NH - Today it was announced that the Sununu family is leading a group of local investors and has completed the purchase of Waterville Valley Ski Area from Booth Creek Resorts, a California based resort group. For the first time in almost 15 years the assets including the Waterville Valley Ski Area, Waterville Valley Nordic Center, Waterville Valley Conference Center and Town Square are now back under local control.

Waterville Valley, one of New Hampshire's most popular family ski areas since 1966, is well known for its ski racing heritage, WVBBTS ski club (Gold Freestyle Ski Medalist Hannah Kearney is an alumnus) and the self-contained village designed as a four season resort by Olympian Skier Tom Corcoran. The ski area has one of the state's highest elevations at 4,000 feet with 52 trails on 255 acres, 12 lifts and 100% snowmaking.

Chris Sununu is heading up the efforts and will serve as Waterville Valley Ski Resort's new Chief Executive Officer. Bob Fries, formally VP and General Manager of Waterville Valley during the Tom Corcoran ownership years will return as the new president. Since leaving Waterville Valley in 1992, Fries has managed resorts from Breckenridge, Colorado to Stratton, Vermont including a stint at The Olympic Authority in Lake Placid.

Waterville Valley 2010-11 Ski & Stay Deals Target Families

Waterville Valley, NH - Waterville Valley always has the most complete line-up of ski and stay deals to compliment its family friendly resort and this coming season is no different. Popular kids ski free deals are back with new additions like wicked long ski weekends, new school break offers and middle of the week escapes. All include access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, ice skating at the indoor arena, use of the resort shuttle and Waterville's signature extra late Sunday check-out (as late as 3 pm). With a click to waterville.com, you can see photos of all the lodges, check availability and see what special events you might want to plan around.

Waterville Valley, Forum Snowboards and Dekal Join Portsmouth Museum of Art for SugiPOP!

Waterville Valley, NH - Forum Snowboards, Waterville Valley and Dekal, Inc. have joined the Portsmouth Museum of Art in a special presentation of its upcoming show SugiPOP!: Anime, Manga, Comics and Their Influence on Contemporary Art. It's happening Saturday, October 23 when Forum premieres its latest team video at the Music Hall and the Portsmouth Museum of Art hosts a premiere party from 11:00-5:00 with all three sponsors.

As part of the show, the museum has engaged eight regional artists to create original work for a series of snowboards donated by Forum. Artists include Raul Gonzalez, Natacha Sochat, Kathy Halamka, Lara Halamka, Elaine Bay, Rascal Smith, Anna Koon, and Boriana Kantcheva. The finished pieces will hang in the SugiPOP! Show at the Portsmouth Museum of Art from October 13, 2010-January 16, 2011 and will be auctioned off during the course of the show to raise funds for the museum. The pieces will also be featured in a pop-up gallery on display at Waterville Valley in January. In addition, the art will be reproduced as topsheet designs for sale at Dekal's online store, and customized to fit snowboards, skis and laptops, with a portion of the proceeds from those sales going to support the Portsmouth Museum of Art.

Hot Start to Fall with Waterville Valley 's Annual Chili Challenge

Waterville Valley, NH - In addition to spectacular fall leaf peeping and hiking in the surrounding White Mountains, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire serves up two action packed special event weekends this fall.

12th Annual Chili Challenge
Chili lovers are invited to taste test the best chili around on Saturday, October 2 at the 12th Annual Chili Challenge. Chili tasting starts at 12:00 pm and runs until 2:00 when the winning restaurant wins the coveted "King of Chili" title. The cost is $6.50 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 12 & under. Old-fashioned cars on display, Curious George story time and an outdoor concert add to the family fun.

Fall Foliage Festival over Columbus Day Weekend
The long weekend kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 9 with outdoor concerts and kids events at the Curious George Center. On Sunday, Oct. 10, events start at 9:00 am with a 1.6k Family Fun Run and a 5k Foot Race sponsored by the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department followed by pumpkin painting and mini pie eating competition. Two weekend tent sales, Sport Thoma's "kick off the season sale" and the WVBBTS Ski and Snowboard Swap, will help skiers and snowboarders get a jump start on the season.

Waterville Valley Rolls Out "Outrageous Online $35 Learn to Ski and Ride Offer"

Waterville Valley, NH - This winter, you can try something new at a seriously outrageous price at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Friends and family can spend an entire day on Waterville's slopes learning to ski or ride for just $35 each. The online $35 learn to ski and ride offer includes a 2 hour beginner lesson, skis or snowboard equipment and a lower mountain lift ticket for the day.

The season-long $35 learn to ski and ride deal is available for ages 7 and up and requires a purchase made 24 hours in advance at the resort's web site, waterville.com. It's good Sunday-Friday, non-holidays and that's all the fine print. Holiday dates are: 12/26/10 through 1/2/11, 1/15 through 1/17/2011, 2/19 through 2/26/2011.

"It's important for new skiers and riders to learn the right way, the fun way", explains Pete Weber, Snowsports Director. "At Waterville, everyone will have the chance to excel by getting the best possible start with one of our pros. We've created the $35 deal to be so outrageous that everyone will get off the couch this winter and out on the slopes."

To keep the outrageous fun going, new skiers and riders can upgrade to the WV Take 3 Plan. It includes a lower mountain lift ticket, a group lesson and rental equipment for any 3 days (including weekends and holidays) for $150. The lower mountain lift ticket provides access to all of Waterville Valley's beginner and novice terrain.

Waterville Valley Launches Wicked Long Ski and Stay Weekends for 2010-11

Waterville Valley, NH - Waterville Valley has come up with a winning formula to turn the usual ski weekend into a real mini vacation thanks to a wicked early 12:30 pm Friday check in and extra late 3 pm Sunday check out. The extra time on and off the slopes comes at no extra charge making this the deal of the coming season.

"We started offering extra late Sunday check-outs last winter. Our guests were thrilled that they could enjoy Sunday morning on the slopes instead of taking prime ski time to pack the car", explains Jim Wefers, Director of the Waterville Valley Resort Association. "This season we're focusing on starting the weekend off right by giving guests more Friday time. The ski season is too short as it is so we're going to make sure everyone gets the most out of their weekend".

Wicked Long Ski Weekends are offered on 2 Night Ski & Stay Packages, over 12 non-holiday weekends. Prices start at $89 per person/night, double occupancy in December and $158 per person/night, double occupancy in Jan, Feb, and March. For an even longer weekend, the resort offers a Sunday Stayover for 50% off the lodging. Skiers can then take advantage of Waterville Valley's popular 2 for 1 Mondays.

New Rock This Country Music Fest at Waterville Valley in July

Waterville Valley, NH - The new Waterville Valley Rock This Country Music Fest is coming up on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1. The five band line up is a who's who of the region's top country performers plus the Don Campbell Band, straight from Nashville, Tennessee. Just 11 miles from New Hampshire's Interstate 93, the resort's location surrounded by 4,000' mountain peaks will provide a natural amphitheater and spectacular background for two days of country rock music. Advanced ticket sales for both days of the festival will be $25 for adults and $18 for ages 6-18.

Bringing new country music to the Waterville Festival are the 5 member Eric Grant Band on mandolin, banjo, fiddle, keyboard, bass, drums and the accomplished instrumentalists and vocalists of the 5 piece progressive Tammy Jackson Band. New England based Tom Dixon Band will perform their unique combination of smooth country vocals and the beat of southern country rock. Folk and bluegrass musicians, the Crunchy Western Boys are set to deliver a foot stomping performance with mandolin, bass, fiddle, guitar, dobro, banjo and vocals. Saturday night's 6:00 pm headliner, The Don Campbell Band , a national winner of the True Value/Colgate Country Showdown at the Grand Ole Opry, will deliver a blend of original adult contemporary, country and rock music. Don has opened for Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis and many other country, folk and rock greats. Singer-songwriter Don Campbell, a national winner of the Jim Beam Back Room Band Search in Nashville, TN, recently recorded a new song, "Won't Wash Away" in response to the historic flooding that recently hit Tennessee.

Held rain or shine in Waterville Valley's Town Square, bands are scheduled Saturday from 11:30-9 and Sunday 10:30 - 4 pm.

Black Fly Triathlon, Kids Tri & Festival at Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley, NH - Claimed as one of the most scenic races in the country, The Black Fly International Triathlon is back at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire from July 9-11, 2010. On Saturday, July 10, Black Fly Tri competitors will be swimming .25 miles in Corcoran's Pond in the Valley, biking 21 miles along the Mad River to the towns of Thornton and Campton, and running 5 miles on Tripoli Road as it winds through the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. A 4 mile Black Fly Bike Time Trial finishing with a tough 1.5 mile climb to the base of the Waterville Valley Ski Area will be held Friday night. The Short Course Black Fly Tri, a fundraiser for the National MS Society, is on Sunday and includes a .25 mile swim, 15 mile bike and 3.4 mile run. Competitors can do one event, or join in the race for the title "Lord of the Flies" by competing in all three.

The Little Buggers Kids Triathlon goes off on Saturday at 3:00 pm. A fun event for ages 6-12, kids will compete in a 25 yard swim, a 1.5 mile bike followed by .5 mile run. Proceeds from the Kids Tri will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.

BuzzFest, two days of family fun created around the Triathlon, will feature bonfires on the beach, BBQ's, Black Fly Biergarten, live music, pie eating contest, Kids Zone and fireworks. Waterville Valley Resort also offers plenty of entertainment for before and after the race, with miles of hiking and biking trails, golf, tennis, ice skating, chairlift rides and The Rey Center and Curious George Cottage. Summer Unlimited lodging reservations for the weekend can be made through Central Reservations at 1-800-GO VALLEY.

Awards for competitors, Lord of the Flies and the Bust a MOOOOOOVE best finish line celebration will be presented at Sunday's ceremony. The Black Fly Tri is put on by EndorFUN Sports, the creation of multi-sport athlete Keith Jordan. In its 9th year, the goal of EndorFUN is to bring world class races to New England, by offering top quality organization and amenities in beautiful locations. It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.

Waterville Valley Summer of 2010 Events Feature Music, Brewfest, Fireworks and Curious George

Waterville Valley, NH - New Hampshire's Waterville Valley Resort has scheduled another full summer of special event weekends for 2010. Just eleven miles off Interstate-93, the self-contained mountain resort also serves up a full roster of summer recreation like golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, boating, skateboarding and kids day camp. Get the full scoop about summer in Waterville Valley and summer lodging packages at Waterville.com or call 866 417-4734.

21st Annual Chowder and Brewfest - Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 30
Regional restaurants compete for the "Golden Clam Award " from 12-2 pm in Town Square, For a small admission fee, guests can sample each chowder and vote for their favorite. Local brewers serve summer ales in Town Square from Noon-5:00 pm, accompanied by Rock and Reggae outdoor concerts.

Independence Day Family Carnival, Parade & Fireworks - Saturday & Sunday, July 3 & 4
Saturday's 4th of July fun is put on by the Town of WV Recreation Department from 11:00 am - 3:30 pm. T-shirt tie-dying, 100' obstacle course, Fireman's BBQ, bounce house, live music, and more. The cost is $10 per child; 3 and under free. The 4th of July Hometown Parade & Fireworks is on Sunday July 4. The Waterville Valley Community gathers for a traditional parade and all are welcome to participate. The evening's outdoor concert and fireworks are happening in Town Square.

12th Annual Chili Challenge - Saturday, October 2, Noon
Waterville Valley area restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of the best chili around. Attendees pay a sampling fee to taste all contenders' chilis and then vote for their favorite. There's also a chili bean toss and chili pepper eating challenge and outdoor concert.

Fall Foliage Festival - Columbus Day Weekend Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10
To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Town Square has scheduled a weekend of family activities, outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, ski swap, 5k road race and 1.6k fun run, brewfest, pumpkin painting, kids games and a pie eating challenge.

Waterville Valley Closes Out the Season with 2 for 1 Lift Tickets

Waterville Valley, NH - Waterville Valley has come up with a winning combination of fun spring skiing, BBQ's on the Schwendi Deck and unbeatable lift ticket deals to wrap up the 2009-10 Ski Season. Starting Monday, April 5 through Sunday, April 11, all tickets will be 2 for 1 off adult lift ticket prices (or 50% off single lift tickets). The always popular Waterville Wheel of Deals will also be making a special spring appearance and will be spinning Monday through Friday.

Waterville Valley Holds Prices on 2010-11 Nordic Season Passes

Waterville Valley, NH - The Waterville Valley Nordic Center has announced it will hold rates on 2010-11 season passes if purchased by the May 31 early price deadline. From anytime to midweek to a family pass, there is a full line up of Nordic passes to choose from. The Anytime Pass starts at $129 with Junior (ages 6-13) and Senior (65+) Passes at $79. Families, up to five members, can purchase a Family Nordic Pass, good anytime, for $399. As a bonus, all 2010-11 Anytime Nordic Passes include 20% off retail purchases made at the Nordic Center.

A Midweek Nordic Pass is good any Monday-Friday, non-holidays, plus weekends prior to Dec. 24 and after March 20 for $99. More details and information on all options can be found at waterville.com. Call 1-800-GO VALLEY to receive a Nordic Season Pass brochure/application. The resort also offers Nordic club, team and coaches passes for training. Groups should contact the Nordic Center directly about these programs.

Waterville Valley, Bretton Woods and Cranmore Hold Prices on 2010-11 Threedom Passes

Waterville Valley, NH - Three of New Hampshire's most popular resorts have announced they will hold the price on next season's Threedom Passes if purchased by the May 31 deadline. With a combined trail count of 195, 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts, the Threedom Pass delivers the most skiing and riding in New Hampshire on one pass. If purchased at the resorts now, new passholders also get a bonus of skiing the rest of this season too. Passes can be purchased on site at the resorts; online sales begin Wednesday, March 17.

A 2010-11 Threedom Pass valid any day at Waterville Valley and Cranmore with blackout dates at Bretton Woods will cost $679 for 18+, $399 for teens (ages 13-18) and $339 for juniors (ages 6-12). An anytime option with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $779 for adults, $469 for teens and $409 for juniors. Blackout dates include 12/26/10-1/2/11, 1/15-16/11, 2/19-26/11.

2010-11 Threedom benefits feature $15 off on weekends and holidays for friends and family, night skiing and riding at Cranmore and Bretton Woods, Nordic skiing and resort lodging discounts. Threedom Passholders can also bring a friend for 50% off midweek, non-holiday periods to Waterville Valley and Cranmore.

Double-Up Wednesdays Means $20 Savings on Online Tickets

Waterville Valley, NH - There's more big Waterville Valley ski savings to be had online at waterville.com for 2010. On Wednesdays, Waterville Valley is doubling up their $10 savings on lift tickets purchased online 48 hours in advance. The end result? A $20 savings on Wednesday lift tickets, non-holiday, purchased online 48 hours in advance at Waterville.com.
Here's a quick look at all online savings at Waterville Valley:
- $10 Savings on Daily Lift Tickets.
Purchase a Waterville Valley lift ticket online 48 hours in advance, and save $10. This online lift ticket savings is valid seven days a week with no blackout dates.
- $20 Savings on Double Up Wednesdays
With Waterville's new double-up Wednesdays, skiers and riders can purchase a non-holiday Wednesday lift ticket online 48 hours in advance, and save $20. Starts January 6, 2010 and is good all season except 2/17/10.
Waterville Valley Info

January Snow Escapes, Kids Ski & Ride Free Weekends and Nordic Getaways at Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley, NH - Waterville Valley kicks off 2010 with a variety of January ski and stay deals including three Ring in 2010 with Kids Ski Free Weekends, January Midweek Snow Escapes, and Nordic Ski Getaways. Packages include access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, skating at the indoor Waterville Valley ice arena and use of the resort shuttle bus. Best of all, to maximize Sunday ski time, book any of these 09/10 Ski & Stay Deals at a participating lodge and check out as late as 3 pm on Sundays.
Waterville Valley Info