Waterville Valley | A Perfect Family Vacation with a Curious George Cameo

New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort is like a vortex that pulls you in and keeps you there—mostly because there’s no reason to leave. Unlike the 2014 Polar Vortex, however, this is a place where you will want to stay. A loop of activities, lodging, dining, and shopping circles around this self-contained resort—and this homey quality is just one of the reasons Waterville appeals to families. Case in point: The Sununu family purchased Waterville in 2010 after more than 30 years of calling it their home mountain. Your family may not be as politically well known in New Hampshire—John Henry Sununu served as the 75th governor of New Hampshire from ’83 to ’89, and later as White House chief of staff under President George H. W. Bush—but you’ll certainly appreciate the bipartisan skiing and riding. And since we are just beginning to transition from ski season to spring, now is the time for one last trip. Get your family together and head to Waterville this weekend for Last Run Luau Pond Skimming on April 05, 2014 to celebrate a pretty awesome winter. Before you know it, Waterville Valley’s outdoor adventures will go from being on snow to being on bikes, hiking trails, tennis courts, boats, and more! But skiing is not over just yet, so before you stow your skis and board, take a few more turns this season.

WORLD-CLASS SKIING It’s always nice to see a trail before you actually ski it to know what you’re in for. It’s even more important when the trail is a double black that has tested the prowess of the best ski racers in many a top-level competition. Before you commit to True Grit, take the Sunnyside Triple to the top, and along the way decide whether you’re ready to tackle the #11 trail on the Ski Channel’s “Gnarly 99” list. It starts out steep and just keeps going, with half of the trail groomed and the other half bumped up. Tired? Need to refuel? Keep reading. AUSTRIAN FLAIR Ride the high-speed White Peaks express quad and use the time saved for a quick “take in” at the Schwendi Hütte. First take in the majestic views from the outside deck. Then take in some scrumptiousness: made-to order breakfast sandwiches, homemade fruit strudels, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls with cream-cheese frosting, homemade soups and stews, fondue, hot cocoa. Then from Oblivion, take in the sunny 270-degree view of three-peaked Mount Tri pyramid while you schuss down this bluesquare trail on Waterville’s aptly named Sunnyside area. GLADES FOR EVERYONE Just past  Sunnyside Timberlodge on skier’s left, tuck into the Family Adventure Glades, a woodsy paradise.  Perhaps moms and dads aren’t brave enough to bounce off the all natural jumps or bumps, but my guess is the young guns will show them how it’s done.

And why would I end this with a picture of Curious George? Because Waterville Valley is home to the Marget and H.A. Rey Center. (You didn’t have to wait too long for the answer, did you?) The non profit organization is dedicated to honoring the authors of the Curious George children’s book series who were also former residents of Waterville, New Hampshire. The Center celebrates their spirit of curiosity and discovery by increasing understanding and participation in art, science, and nature through programs for youth, adults and families. It’s safe to guess that Waterville Valley is Curious George’s favorite ski area. And that is why this blog is ending with a picture of Curious George. Plus, doesn’t this picture of Curious George on skis make you smile?