24 Hour Bretton Woods Getaway

 

View from Bretton Woods Vacation Rental Living Room

Winter is long in northern New England, and I HAVE to have something to look forward to.  For me, that's a trip, but with a full time job, two kids, pets, and endless house projects - it's hard to find the time.  This winter, I decided the least I could do was plan an end-of-winter 24 hour getaway in the Bretton Woods area of the White Mountains.  I brought my sister along for hiking, skiing, margaritas, good coffee, and a hot tub.  I documented it on my social media and here's a rundown of my 24 hour Bretton Woods Getaway.

Day 1 - Drinks and Hiking

12:00 - Coffee and amazing sandwiches at The Met in North Conway.  

Coffee at the Met Coffeehouse in North Conway

1:00-3:30 pm - Hike Mount Willard in Crawford Notch State Park.  Read more about this hike here.  In winter, bring extra (non cotton) layers, snowshoes, and microspikes/snow cleats, in addition to the normal 10 essentials.

Mount Willard in Crawford Notch State Park

4:00 pm - Check into our Bretton Woods Vacation house (called 1800 ML).  Tour the house, pour a margarita and make tacos in the stocked kitchen.  Enjoy the amazing sunset on the mountains and stay up late watching movies.

Day 2 - Hot Tubs and Skiing 

8:00 am - Take a morning dip in the hot tub surrounded by fresh snow!  Sip coffee and check out to hit the slopes for first lift.

Morning dip in the hot tub outside my Bretton Woods Vacation Rental with coffee

9:00 am - Drive 5 minutes to snag a front parking spot at Bretton Woods Ski Resort - the largest ski resort in New Hampshire.  Ski fresh powder with on-and-on snow fall.  With the gondola, you never get cold!

Riding the gondola up in a snowstorm at Bretton Woods

12:00 - After nonstop morning of skiing, it's time to head back home.  

Amazing morning skiing at Bretton Woods in fresh powder

This was the perfect winter "staycation" for me in my home state of New Hampshire and one that I hope to make a early March tradition!

For similar posts to this, check out:

Family Friendly Winter Hikes in the White Mountains

Cross Country Ski in Maine, NH, and VT

Planning Guide for a Maine (or NH) Vacation

Mt Avalon in Winter

With my Christmas vacation week, I was looking for a couple great White Mountain hikes to explore.  One of the ones I tried was going back to South and Middle Moat Mountain.  I've done it over and over, but it's only about an hour from my house and has amazing 360 degree views.  The other one was to revisit another awesome peak - Mt Avalon!

Choosing the Peak

I chose Mt Avalon for a few reasons.  My original plan was to do a 6-8 mile day.  I love that by taking the Avalon trail, you can easily hit up three peaks in about 7 miles: Mt Avalon, Mt Field, and Mt Tom.  This provides a lot of bang for your buck and hikers get gorgeous Crawford Notch views.  The last two times I've hiked this trail, I've been hit with snowstorms and haven't gotten to see it, so I was hoping this year would be different.

Sometimes you have to abandon the plan

I was wrong ... hiking up to Mt Avalon was slower than expected.  We hit two sizeable stream crossings as well as a trail that was literally a river of ice.  Halfway through our hike, high winds and wet snow made it a blustery white out on the summit.  The slow trek made us abandon our original plan to do three peaks and settled for a 3.4 mile out and back.  Even though it wasn't the hike we planned, it was pretty magical walking in the whites through a snow storm.

Dexter did a better job navigating the icy trail than I did!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mount Avalon

Getting there:

Mount Avalon is accessible from the Avalon Trail located in Crawford Notch State Park.  The trailhead is easy to find.  Park at the Crawford Depot train station which is adjacent to the AMC Highland Center.  Cross the train tracks and follow the path to the trailhead which is well signed just down the path.

Snowy Summit of Mount Avalon in the White Mountains

Trail:  

The hike to Mount Avalon is completely on the Avalon Trail.  About 0.1 miles from the train tracks, you will come to another large trail sign and the offshoot on the left to Mt Willard.  Continue straight on Avalon Trail.  The trail goes through beautiful hardwood forest and fairly soon has a water crossing.  On our hiking day, the water was high and wide, and we had to walk upstream to safely cross.  The stream was beautiful and had rolling cascades. 

After the stream crossing, the trail continues to climb and soon you will have to cross the stream again.  Due to high water, were forced to go up stream about 50 feet and cross and a narrower patch.  It was a beautiful brook - with more cascades. 

The trail reaches the junction for the A-Z trail.  Turn left to stay on the Avalon Trail.  It will start to climb and the forest transitions into more evergreen and boreal type forest. The trail got steeper (and icier) as we approached the summit. Eventually the trail levels out a bit as you approach the junction for the Mt Avalon summit.  Take the spur to the left and you'll reach Mt Avalon's summit.  There's not much room on the top - a small rock slab and a few trails to overlooks. 

Unfortunately, for the second time in a row, I got a snow storm at the summit and didn't get a view.  We turned around and returned the same way we came up.  For more hiking, you can pair this with other peaks in the Wiley Range.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: 3.4 miles out and back

Beautiful cascades along the Avalon trail

Recommendations:

- The Highland Center can be used for bathroom access and overnight accommodations. 

- For winter hiking, dress in multiple non-cotton warm layers, bring gloves, scarves, and hats.  Pack first aid, water, food, and extra clothing.

- In winter, you will need traction to do this hike.  Although there was little snow on the trail, I needed my microspikes for almost the entire hike.  Trekking poles were also really helpful for the descent over icy trail.

- This is a dog friendly trail.

- Parking at the Crawford Depot and Highland Center is charged in the high season hiking months but didn't seem to be charging when we went in December.

Skunked for a view again

Even though I didn't get to enjoy the Mt Avalon view again, I still enjoyed this hike and walking through the snow.  It just means, I'll get to revisit it again!

See more photos and adventure on my INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

Mount Avalon in Winter, White Mountains, NH

You might also enjoy these experiences:

White Ledge in Winter

Mt Pierce in Crawford Notch

Mt Osceola

White Ledge Loop in Winter: Moderate White Mountain Hike with a View

It's hard to get much better than this.  White Ledge loop trail is one of my go-to hikes.  Last weekend I finally hiked it in winter, and like every other season - it was perfect. This 4 mile hike has everything you need for a convenient and worthwhile trek: shorter drive, loop trail, moderate/dog friendly trail, and mountain views.  I've enjoyed this trail in every season.

White Ledge Loop Summit in Winter, White Mountains, NH

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: White Ledge Trail in Winter

Trail Sign at Junction for loop.

Getting there: The trail is accessed from the White Ledge Campground on Hwy 16 in Albany, New Hampshire.  It is only 5 miles south of Conway, NH.  In winter, the campground entrance is blocked and not plowed.  We parked on the side of the highway, not ideal, but there aren't many options.  We saw another hiker park in the business lot across the highway, then walk across but I'm not sure if that's technically "allowed".  I love that this trail is only one hour from my home in Rochester. In camp-season months, hikers park just inside the campground entrance on the right and there is a WMNF fee associated with parking (currently $5). 

Trail: Walk straight through the campground entrance to the clearly marked trailhead sign at the back of the campground.

The trail starts straight and flat. There is a small stream crossing in the first quarter mile.  Follow the yellow blazes for 0.3 miles until you reach the trail junction and start of the loop.  I have only ever gone counterclockwise.  This choice will lead to a longer and more gradual incline and your descent steep and shorter. 

The first third of the hike is a gradual incline through hardwood forest with the shadow of White Ledge summit on your left.  Be careful to stay on the trail.  In winter, we discovered it was easy to lose your way as there were no fresh tracks or path to follow.  The trail will take a left turn and start to increase steepness as you climb up the ledge.  In winter, footing with traction was easy as all the rocks and slab were covered in snow.  Around 2 miles, the blazes turned to cairns and for a couple minutes we had trouble finding the buried rocks.  Eventually we found the trail and continued up to the ledges.  As you climb, look behind you!  We were gifted with gorgeous clear views! 

At about 2.5 miles, you will reach the official summit - a partially clear view on your left of southern Whites.  Past the peak, you continue on the loop and get some excellent views of Mt Chocorua on your right.  There are a few steep parts on the early descent but nothing I'd label as difficult by White Mountain standards.  MicroSpikes and trekking poles helped keep our footing.

Winter proved to be another great season to hike White Ledge loop trail.  As usual, even on a gorgeous weekend, we only saw one other hiking pair here.  This is the perfect hike for someone looking for a sweet solitude hike with some great views.

Keep an eye out for Blazes.  It's easy to lose the trail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.1 mile loop plus extra walking through the campground to road.

Winter afternoon light.  Can you see the trail?  Look for blazes!

Recommendations: 

- Trail can be icy or snowy in winter.  I recommend preparing with traction.  I personally prefer using MicroSpikes and trekking poles to keep my footing but saw the other hikers with snowshoes. 

- If hiking in winter, you'll have to park on the side of the highway.  There is no access to bathrooms and no parking fee required. The campground is open late May - labor day weekend.  During these months, park inside the gate and expect to pay at the self service area.

- Dogs are allowed on the trail. 

- Careful to stay on the trail.  The yellow blazes are easy to lose and the trail is not well worn.  Use an AMC White Mountains Trail Map #3 to find location and trail information.

View of Mount Chocorua from White Ledge Loop Trail.

You might also enjoy these similar experiences:

- South Moat Mountain in Winter

- Boulder Loop Trail

- Liebeskinds Loop in Winter

South Moat Mountain In Winter

I got to take my friend Kaley on her first winter hike in the Whites this week!  Where to go?!  She's a strong hiker, but I didn't want us to bite off more than we could chew.  Plus, we were bringing her 40 pound dog so nothing too technical.  I chose South Moat Mountain - a 2,770 foot peak south of North Conway that's a great moderate climb with an awesome 360 degree view.  Kaley is hooked and ready for some more winter hiking.  As am I!  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  South Moat Mountain in Winter

Getting there: South Moat Mountain parking lot is located on Passaconaway Road, just west of Conway village.  To get there, I drive Route 16 north.  In Conway at the light, turn left onto Washington Street.  Keep left onto West Side Rd.  After 0.7 miles turn left onto Passaconoway Road.  Drive 3.2 miles and the parking lot will be on the right.  It is signed with a WMNF trail head/hiker symbol.  

Amazing Blue Bird Day on the Summit of South Moat Mountain in the White Mountains.

Trail: From the parking lot, there is only one trail to choose from.  This is a 5 mile out and back trail.  All Trails app rates it difficult but by White Mountains standards, I'd rate is as a solid "moderate".  The trail starts relatively gradual - meandering through hardwood forest with peaks of scenery through leaves.  There is a small brook crossing in the first mile or so with a bridge.  After a couple miles, the trail continues into a more aggressive incline.  In winter, packed snow and ice hide the rocks and the trek with spikes is like a ever steepening ramp.  With the last mile to go, hikers are rewarded with an opening and outlook onto southern peaks of Mt. Chocorua and others.  We had the perfect blue bird day to enjoy the view!

The summit of South Moat is stunning - 360 degree views of the White Mountains and North Conway below.  With no cover, the wind was impressive and we didn't stay long before descending for our lunch break.  Hikers can have the option to continue to North Moat, but I've never gone for it.  With warming temperatures, we struggled more on the way down as the snow was melting and we began to post hole through the deep snow.  Still, it was a perfect winter hike on a beautiful day!

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Distance: 5 miles out and back total (2.5 miles each way)

Gorgeous winter afternoon light coming down the Moat Mountain Trail.

Recommendations: 

- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

- You need traction on your boots to hike in winter.  I prefer microspikes but we saw other hikers with snowshoes.

- There was no place to pay to hike this trail, but I'm pretty sure in summer/high traffic months there is a $5 fee associated with parking on WMNF land. Come prepared with cash or check for a self service station.

- Winter hiking can be dangerous.  Plan ahead by bringing - waterproof winter boots, traction (see above), extra warm layers and dry clothes, extra socks (Kaley replaced hers twice!), first aid kit (so glad I had this for blisters!), food and water, map, and let a friend know your plan!

- Wear sunscreen - the snow reflects light and you will get burned!

Jumping for joy on the summit of South Moat Mountain in the White Mountains.

You might also enjoy these similar experiences....

- A White Mountain Snowshoe

- Liebeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge in Winter

- Family Friendly Winter hikes in the Whites

- Mt Moosilaukee - Moderate Hike for a Major View

Family Friendly Winter Hikes in the White Mountains

I am a monthly contributor to the website Seacoast Moms.  My writing for this site mainly focused on outdoor experiences for families of young children, however, my last two posts are useful for anyone thinking of starting to get into winter hiking!  

Artist Bluff in Winter, Franconia Notch

White Mountain Winter Hikes:

My recent post - Try a New Family Adventure: Winter Hiking in the White Mountains provides three great winter hike for anyone looking to see gorgeous views in a White Mountain winter. Check it out!

Me hiking Artist Bluff Trail in December 2019

Prepare with this Gear:

Also, if you haven't tried winter hiking before, check out my advice here  Although it's titled 

What You Need to Winter Hike with Baby - the footwear is critical for anyone taking that first step onto a snowy path.

Matt and son on a Crawford Notch trail - December 2019

Other Winter Hiking Posts:

Perfect Winter Hike for Toddlers

Winter Camping on Mt Pierce, White Mountains

Carter Notch Hut Trip in Winter

The Perfect Winter "Hike" with Toddlers - Great Bay Discovery Center Boardwalk Trail

Snowy Boardwalk Trail at Great Bay

I've been busy....like really busy.  Full time job, two kids (two and 10 months) and still I try to hike and explore outdoors.  As a result, I've been slacking when it comes to writing.  If I have a spare 30 minutes at the end of the day, I choose Netflix over writing, but that doesn't mean I haven't been hiking!  If you've followed me on Instagram @FreelanceAdventurer or Facebook @TheFreelanceAdventurer, you have seen that even with two under three, I've been able to get out.

One of my favorite adventures with my littles has been to the short trails at Great Bay Discovery Center.  In winter, the center is closed but the trails are open and the interactive exhibits along the short trail are perfect to keep the little legs moving.  I started exploring this area with Hike It Baby this summer and have continued going alone or with mom-friends through the winter.

Friends join us for a snowy hike.  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Boardwalk Trail at  Great Bay Discovery Center

Getting There:  The trail is located at the Great Bay Discovery Center at 89 Depot Rd in Greenland, NH. To get there, I take Hwy 16 to NH-33 and head toward Stratham.  Across from Stratham Hill Park, turn right onto Sandy Point Rd, then right onto Depot Rd.  The parking lot for the Discovery Center is just over the train tracks.  There is plenty of parking, and the lot is plowed in winter. 

Trail: In the parking lot, find the little "milk truck" and "dog house".  My kids love to play on this before the hike.  From there walk towards the main building and the tall sign with all the arrows.  From here, walk down the stairs to the trail.  

Milk Truck in Parking Lot

At this point, turn left. Up ahead is an interactive boat display.  It's the first "stop" on the hike.  Kids can climb on a gundalow, fishing boat, or row boat.  It's hard to pry them away, but I always remind them of things to see ahead.

Continue past the boats.  There will be an interpretive sign on the right that shows the trail map.  After passing a circle of stump seats, you'll start walking on the boardwalk.  At the intersection, I take my kids left to see the Wig Wam - a native American house replica.  You can definitely take the Woodland walk, but we prefer to go back to the board walk and walk the loop.  It heads out into the marsh with a bird viewing station and binoculars at a cleared area.  Even in snow, it's a fine walk!  

Playing at the boats.

We loop back and I coax my kids back to the parking lot by offering more time on the boats.  From the boats, we take the ramp trail up between the two main buildings.  A nature scape playground complete with blocks, see-saw, slide, picnic area and bridge is at the top of the trail and a great end to our visit.  In total, it is probably 0.25-0.5 miles.

Difficulty:  Easy!  My 2 year old has no problem completing this adventure.  Snow adds an extra challenge.  This week we wore snow boats and I put additional traction on my boots since I was carrying the baby. I highly recommend MicroSpikes for winter hiking.  

Wig Wam

Recommendations:

- The Discovery Center is open to the public May - September 10am - 4 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays.  The grounds are open year round but there are no bathroom facilitates during this time.  Plan ahead!

- In snow, the trail can be slippery.  See how I prepared under "Difficulty".

- If you take a right on the trail instead of a left to the boats, you actually can head down to a kayak/canoe boat launch onto Great Bay.  In the warmer months, its a great place to splash and explore.

Looking for wildlife on the snowy bay

You might also enjoy these similar experiences:

- Stonehouse Pond Loop

- Winnie the Pooh Trail

- Stratham Hill Park

Don't forget your snowpants!

Liebeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge in Winter

View from Lila's Ledge of Pinkham Notch, NH

I guess I should apologize... I've been off the blog for a few months.  For those of you who don't know, I'm in the third trimester of a pregnancy and that, combined with the poor snow season, has kept me out of the White Mountains and instead exploring hikes near home.  This weekend however, I did manage to get up north for a birthday hike.  Due to my current preggo-state, I opted for a shorter hike that still promises awesome views and a moderate challenge.  This approximately two mile loop provides great views of Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch, and Tuckerman's Ravine.  In winter, you have the additional benefit of little to no crowds and clearer views between leafless trees.

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Leibeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge

Trail through George's Gorge

Getting there:  The trailhead is located at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Rt 16.  From North Conway, take 16 North.  At the 302/16 light, turn right to continue on 16.  Drive 20 minutes and the visitor center will be on the left.  Walk past the visitor center to the main trailhead sign and continue straight onto Old Jackson Road/AT.

Trail:  From the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, take Old Jackson Road (AT) 0.3 miles to the junction with the Crew Cut trail.  This is a wide, gentle incline and popular trail.  After the small footbridge, take a right onto Crew Cut trail.  The Crew Cut is a narrow offshoot.  It winds up for 0.3 miles passing the left hand entrance of George's Gorge trail.  Continue straight and follow signs to Lila's Ledge.  It is a 0.1-2 offshoot from Crew Cut.

From Lila's Ledge, you can see Wildcat Ski area, Pinkham Notch/Rt 16, and Mount Washington via Tuckerman's Ravine.  It's a GREAT view for such a short little hike.  Return back to Crew Cut and from here, take Liebeskind's Loop Trail to start looping back.  This 0.5 mile section winds up and down along tall rocks and on narrow trail.  You will pass a viewpoint named Brad's Bluff that give more magnificent views of Mount Washington before reaching the George's Gorge Trail.  From here, you can either continue 0.3 miles uphill back to Old Jackson Road trail or take a left and return via George's Gorge (0.5 mi) to the original Crew Cut/Old Jackson Rd section.

Icy Trail

On this day, we decided to get back to Old Jackson Road quickly since many portions of the narrow loop were very icy.  Back on Old Jackson Rd, we enjoyed the leisurely, wide trail back to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.


Difficulty:  For this area of the White Mountains, this trail is Easy-Moderate.  However, on this day, there had been little snow and the trails were sheets of ice in many places which made it increasingly difficult even with proper traction.  Be sure to come prepared with proper winter gear.

Distance: 2-3 miles (depending on which offshoot/loop you do)


Recommendations: 

- This is a great little hike near the visitor center.  In the summer, it's a perfect stroll for families or someone looking for a short hike with a great view.

- Lila's Ledge is a dangerous overlook - especially in winter.  Watch your dogs, children, and yourself when navigating onto the ledge.

- In winter, weather conditions can change quickly in the notch with little warning.  Even for a short hike, plan ahead and be prepared for ice, snow, wind, and rain.  We wore multiple (non-cotton) layers, winter boots, microspikes, ski poles, and packed a winter emergency kit, AMC Presidential Map (#1), water, and snack.

- Warm up afterwards in the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center with some hot chocolate or coffee. Get advice from the AMC guides and employees on winter conditions.

This was a great way to spend my birthday and finally get up to the White Mountains for a little adventure.  Even 7 months pregnant, I was able to get great views of notch and some of my favorite peaks.

Visit to Sabbaday Falls later that day

You might enjoy these winter hikes as well...

Carter Notch Hut in Winter

Skiing the Sherbie

Cold Night on the Mountain

Please leave comments or questions below or visit our Facebook Page.

Winter Walk in Gonic Trails

Isinglass River Waterfall

What a long winter it's been!  It's almost too much to take!  In order to escape the winter blues, I've been taking advantage of the deep power and sunny, cold days to get out and enjoy it.  My favorite little walk is located only a few miles from my house on the Isinglass River in Rochester, New Hampshire.  Trails are maintained and owned by Waste Management (sounds weird - but they're great), and are a perfect after work walk.  See below to recreate this easy trail walk.





Adventure: Gonic Trails, Rochester, NH

Getting There:  From Route 125, take Rochester Neck Road in Gonic/Rochester. The trail head is located in a large parking lot on the right about 1 mile down the road after a private home.

Trail sign in parking lot includes map.

Yellow trail headed down to river.

Trail: There are three separate trails that leave from this trail head.  All are well marked by color -
Red, Yellow, and Blue.  My favorite loop is to take the Yellow at first.  This trail leaves on the right side of the parking lot.  It soon veers left, and travels at a slight grade down hill through hemlock forest.  Continue straight until you reach the river.  An overlook allows you to see the Isinglass river. From here, the trail veers left to travel along the river.  You head downhill and can see the waterfall on the right.  Take a moment to enjoy the view.  Sometimes, otters are seen playing in the water.  Continue along the Yellow trail as it parallels the river.  After a bend, you will reach the junction to the Red trail.  The Red trail is a loop trail and this is where it turns around.  Take either path and you will go up a semi-steep incline for about 5 minutes before the trail flattens out again.  The Red trail is flat and unwinding, passing through pine and hardwood forest, until reaching the parking lot where you started.

Medallion identifying Barrington Woods

Difficulty: Easy - perfect for a casual walk or a family hike.

Distance: ~ 2-3 miles

Recommendations:

- A large map/trail sign is located in the parking lot.  Take a photo with your phone before leaving to have access to a trail map.

- Dogs are common on the trail.  Be aware that some are off leash.  If hiking with your dog, be sure to remove waste.  There is a trash bin at the parking lot.

- There are no bathroom facilities along the walk.

- Parking is free.

Isinglass River.  Gonic, NH

I've enjoyed this trail all winter - it is the perfect way to escape my cabin fever and get a little exercise.  I can't wait to explore it in Spring!

Please leave comments and questions below...

Summit and Sadie love hiking the Gonic Trails!

Carter Notch Hut in Winter

Clear winter morning at Carter Notch Hut.

When my west-coast sister came out to New Hampshire for a few days,her one request was "Take me on a winter adventure!"  I decided to take her to my beloved White Mountain wilderness.  I booked us one night at the Carter Notch Hut - an Appalachian Mountain Club hut that serves as a self service accommodation in winter.  We experienced smooth, snow-packed trail, cold nights, and comforting fellowship. 

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  Carter Notch Hut overnight


Getting There: We took the 19 Mile Brook Trail out-and-back to access the Carter Notch Hut. 

19 Mile Brook Trailhead

This trail can be accessed on Rt 16 about 2-5 miles north of AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge.  To get there from Boston/Southern New Hampshire, take 1-95 North to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) North.  It is approximately a 3 hour drive from Boston/2.5 hour from Exeter, New Hampshire.  After you pass Wildcat Ski area, the trail head is 1-2 miles further on the right and marked with a small "hiker" sign.  Parking is free in the winter but requires a National Forest park pass (purchasable at map/sign) in summer.  There are no bathrooms at the trail head. 

Trail:  We took the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail 1.9 miles to the Carter Dome Trail/Nineteen Mile Brook Trail junction.  This section is a mild ascent through boreal/evergreen forest.  The snowy and flowing Nineteen Mile Brook parallels the trail and at times, the two cross.  In winter, these crossings were easy.  From the junction, we continued on Nineteen Mile Brook Trail for 1.7 miles.  The trail continued with a moderate ascent.  A thick layer of packed snow made it easy on our knees.  Impressively, there was little ice, and although we had

Packed snow on 19 Mile Brook Trail

packed crampons and microspikes, we never felt the need to strap them on!  As we approached the hut, we got views of frozen alpine ponds and peeks of the steep cliffs of Wildcat Mountain on our right.  Near the hut, we linked up with the AT/Carter Moriah Trail for the last 0.1 mile to Carter Notch Hut.   Our hike up was moderate and gentle mountain climb through snow filled forest on a cold day.
The next morning, we returned the same way.

Difficulty: Due to perfect snow pack conditions, our trail was an easy to moderate climb.  However, bitterly cold weather and unpredictable winter conditions make this an adventure that should only be attempted by hikers with winter hiking experience and proper safety gear.

Distance: 7.2 miles round trip.  It took us 2.5 hours to make it up to the hut and about an hour back.

Carter Notch Hut:   Carter Notch Hut is a hundred-year-old mountain hut located in the valley

Carter Notch Hut

between Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome.  In the summer, a team of staff members cook meals, provide bedding, and guide visitors who stay the night.  This is called the "full-service season".  In winter months, the hut changes over to a "self-service" facility.  One AMC staff member cares for the hut and helps guests who stay.  For a reasonable overnight fee ($26 for AMC members/$31 for nonmembers), guests get access to the kitchen (stove, dishes, and oven), as well as a bunk in the non-heated bunkhouse, and toilets.  After dark, the caretaker also runs a fire in the wood stove to warm guests and dry gear. 

On this 20 degree hiking day, Kelly and I greatly appreciated the access to hot water for drinks, a warm dinner and snuggle by the fire before dipping into our freezing bunkroom.  The crew member, Liz, was knowledgeable, welcoming, and helpful.  To pass the evening, Kelly and I took photos, explored the area, played cards, and chatted with Liz.  We made a hot dinner and sipped a cup of wine before heading to bed.  We had a memorable and peaceful experience at this iconic hut.

Inside of Carter Notch Hut

Recommendations: 

Gear -  This overnight trek is not for those who fear the cold.  We chose a very cold (but beautiful)

Crossing frozen pond in Carter Notch

weekday evening to make this trek.  Adventurers should bring proper winter hiking and safety equipment including: multiple warm/non-cotton layers, winter gloves, shell, warm hat, ski pants, long underwear, warm socks, winter boots, trekking poles, and boot traction (snowshoes, microspikes, or crampons).  Also, bring food for all meals, 2L of water per day (clean water available at hut), headlamp, map, compass, and first aid kit. 

It is VERY important you bring a sleeping bag that can handle the cold temperatures.  Kelly used a -30 degrees bag that kept her toasty in the frigid temps.  I brought a 20 degree bag along with a bivy - unfortunately - THIS WAS NOT WARM ENOUGH!  I was very uncomfortable and ended up cuddling up with my sister and sharing the roomy -30 bag. 

Reservations - We made our reservations weeks ahead online at outdoors.org, but since we went mid-week, it turned out that we were the only guests that night at the hut.

This was a wonderful way to experience winter hiking in the Northeast!  It was fun showing my sister the beauty of our winters.  The morning we woke up at the hut was clear and blue skies.  We marveled at the shear cliffs of Wildcat Mountain and Carter Dome that loomed above us and the twinkling white of the snow filled notch. I can't wait for the next adventure with my wonderful sister!

For another winter overnight, check out former blog posts below:
Cold Night on the Mountain

A great way to spend time with my sister.

Please leave comments and questions below. 

Cross Country Ski in Maine, NH, and VT

Trapp Family Outdoor Center, Stowe, VT

Although I grew up hitting the alpine slopes of Mt. Hood in Oregon, it wasn't until I moved to Maine as an adult that I tried cross country skiing. Since then, I have discovered that Northern New England is the perfect place to enjoy the sport.  With plenty of snow all winter long and extensive wilderness, it is America's cross country playground.

If you are new to the sport, cross country skiing is best experienced on flat or rolling hills terrain.  The leather boots are flexible compared to rigid alpine boots.  This makes turning and stopping more challenging then its downhill counterpart. 


Cross country skiing is also cheaper than downhill skiing.  In New England, it is easy to find snowy trails to explore for free. If you are new to New England, or new to cross country skiing, I recommend trying out a ski center that will provide rental gear and groomed trails at varied ability levels.

Here are my recommendations for Southern Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont cross country ski parks...

Taking a break, Maine

Southern Maine

Harris Farm
Location: Dayton, Maine
Website: http://www.harrisfarm.com/trail-fees-rentals-lessons.html
Rentals: Yes ($10-$20)
Lessons: Yes ($30-$60)
Trail Fees: ($8-$18)
Lodge: Yes
Snowshoe: Yes

There are many places to cross country ski in Maine.  I've always been partial to Harris Farm since this was where I first tried the sport.  Harris Farm is a 600 acre eco-friendly dairy and crop farm located on Buzzel Road in Dayton, Maine.  In the winter, the farm converts to a cross country park.  They offer 40 kilometers of trail ranging from beginners loops to advanced hills with views of fields and forest.  It is a great family outing and local secret.  After an adventure, skiers can purchase food/drink or bring their own to the lodge.  Dogs are welcome on the trails on weekdays.


New Hampshire

Great Glen Trails
Location: Gorham, New Hampshire
Website: https://greatglentrails.com/xcskiing
Rentals: Yes ($10-$20)
Lessons:  Yes ($35-$45)
Trail Fees:  ($10-$22)
Lodge:  Yes
Snowshoe: Yes

Views from Great Glen Trails - White Mountains, NH

Great Glen Trails is a outdoor adventure outfitter that provides lessons, gear, and 40 kilometers of groomed trail for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.  It is located on Route 16 at the start of the Mt. Washington Auto Road.  The Outdoor Center offers tubing, snowshoeing and skiing.  You can purchase lessons from experts, including the opportunity to ski with a former US Olympian.  When skiing with Great Glen, you'll also enjoy amazing views of the White Mountains and Mt. Washington. 



Vermont

Trapp Family Lodge
Location:  Stowe, Vermont
Website: https://www.trappfamily.com/activities/cross-country-skiing
Rentals:  Yes ($20-$30 with week packages)
Lessons:  Yes ($30 with week and rental packages)
Trail Fees: ($10-$20 with week packages)
Lodge: Yes

Skiing to warming hut at Trapp Family Lodge

Snowshoe: Yes

The Trapp Family Lodge offers the largest trail system of the three, with over 100 kilometers of trails.  This outdoor center is part of the Trapp Family Resort - the family made famous by the Sound of Music.  Knowledgeable staff and endless options makes it not a day destination - but a week!  I love the diverse trails through forest and fields with views of the Green Mountain range of Vermont.  This center is located on Trapp Hill Road in Stowe Vermont. 

I've discovered that cross country skiing is as much a New England tradition as lobster dinners and Red Sox games.  There are many places to explore and adventure on skis.  Once you get the hang on it on one of the resorts, try exploring into local trails, farms, and parks.  While gracefully gliding through New England on skis, I recall the first stanza of New Hampshire poet Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"...

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow

Stopping by woods on a snowy evening...

Please leave comments and questions below...