Ski areas: Wildcat, Mt. Cranmore, Attitash Bear Peak, Black Mountain, King Pine
Population: North Conway 8,500
Road and weather conditions: (603) 323-3333
Snow report: (603) 447-5252
Annual snowfall: 140" Attitash
Ski season: Thanksgiving-April
Chamber of Commerce: (800) 367-3364
Average cost 2-3-bedroom condo: $500-$600
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $29 - $59
Local newspaper: Conway Daily Sun, (603) 356-2999; Mountain Ear, (603) 447-6336

Area Profile

This resort area lies near the Maine/New Hampshire border, just a two-hour drive from Manchester, smack-dab in the middle of the White Mountain National Forest. Actually, five distinct ski areas - Wildcat, Mt. Cranmore, Attitash Bear Peak, Black Mountain, and King Pine - and three Nordic centers - Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring Association, and Great Glen Trails - make up this area.

The area itself predates the Civil War and it preserves the grand old hotels and aristocratic style of that time. Hotels are now renovated bed-and-breakfasts, and the area is complemented by a host of small country inns and condominiums. The aura is romantic; the lodges are rustic and furnished with antiques and historic memorabilia. Some of the inns are so far back in the woods, guests just ski out the back door into the powdery forest. The nearest towns are North Conway and Jackson, within miles of each other.

Winter Activities

All the mountains pride themselves on their unique qualities. Black Mountain is a good beginner slope because it is small (1,050 vertical feet of skiing) with gentle slopes. Attitash Bear Peak is the intermediate mountain and a U.S. Ski Team training site. It has a 1,750-vertical-foot drop and is great for cruisers. Experts enjoy Wildcat with its 2,100 vertical feet of wild, untamed terrain. The slopes are steep and narrow and the terrain is full of challenging moguls. All levels can go to Mt. Cranmore or King Pine for fun night-skiing. The Jackson Touring Center has one of the world's best cross-country systems. Great Glen Trails is a new touring center at the base of Mt. Washington.

For different and daring outdoor activities, try taking an ice-climbing and mountaineering class. There is also an indoor recreation center in Cranmore for taking a break from the snow. Excellent, lengthy trails run through expansive New Hampshire farm country and accommodate all levels of Nordic skiers. Great shopping bargains can be found at numerous factory outlets including Calvin Klein, Benetton, and Cole-Haan.

Summer Activities

Many people camp, hike, and climb in the area during the summer months, and there is even an indoor climbing wall to practice on before braving the outdoors. Attitash Bear Peak has an alpine slide that allows guests to go careening - safely - down the mountain.

Apr�s-ski

Restaurants range from world-class gourmet to down-home, and are tucked into the small inns and restored barns in the valley. Guests can sample dining at its finest, thanks to The Bernerhof, one of the best-known cooking schools in the nation. Visitors sometimes call it a "war of the chefs" because budding gourmets attempt to out-cook each other. Nightlife consists of many lively bars and dance clubs. There is always something different (live music, comedy, or movies) at the Red Parka and the action lasts until way past dark. Barnaby's caters to college-age customers and folk rock can be found at the Wildcat Tavern.

Transportation

Concord Trailways, the "Amtrak of New Hampshire," runs skiers from Concord into North Conway from 7pm to 9:05 pm. One-way tickets cost $25 and roundtrip fares are $47.50. It is a good idea to bring your own transportation.

Housing

Housing is available in the North Conway area, but rental prices can be expensive. Shared housing is the preferred approach for most local employees, so check the classified section of the paper or contact a local realtor for details.

Employment

Attitash Bear Peak hires 300 people for the winter season and fifty to sixty for summer. Read the following listing and contact the appropriate source for more information on ski or summer seasonal employment. The classified section also gives listings for regional employment.

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