Winter Vacation Guide
There’s something incredibly magical about the Holidays. No matter where you go or who you’re with, you can feel an almost tangible sense of joy and camaraderie. Yes, it can get a little hectic with travel and in-laws, kids’ tables, dietary restrictions, and all the other little headaches that come with social gatherings. But this is the one time of the year when it’s all about family, friends, and festivities.
Waterville Valley makes it easy for you to reconnect with family, laugh among friends, and embrace the holiday spirit. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or simply just sipping hot chocolate back at home, there are plenty of ways to spend real, quality time with friends and family here in the Valley. Take advantage of everything Waterville Valley has to offer this Holiday Season and take a peek at our Holiday Guide below....
Town Square Winter Lights
Waterville Valley is merrier and brighter than ever before! This year, we’ve expanded our enchanting twinkling light show deeper into Town Square, stretching from the ice rink to the Beach of Corcoran Pond. Bring the kids for a stroll through a Hallmark movie – ramble through a snow-covered, cozy New England village, twinkling under Christmas lights. Family members of all ages will be dazzled and amazed by the thousands of Holiday lights and projections, bringing a sense of wonder and magic to all who pass by. Don’t forget – on New Year’s Eve, fireworks will dazzle over Corcoran Pond at 7:30 pm. We schedule the firework display earlier than usual so that the little ones can share in the festivities as well!
Après Soirées
After a long day on the mountain, there’s nothing better than kicking back and relaxing by a crackling fire. Allowing your weary legs to rest, sipping a warm libation, surrounded by fellow skiers and riders. This Holiday Season, we're throwing several different après ski soirées at both the Freestyle Lounge and T-Bars, with live music starting at 3 pm every day during the Holiday period (from Dec 26 – Jan. 1.) You can choose between two après slopeside venues, each with unique features. The Freestyle Lounge is bright and airy, boasting stunning views of the slope. With both indoor fireplaces and outdoor firepits, there’s plenty of cozy to go around. Meanwhile, T-Bars has a classic, new England pub vibe with a slopeside spin. Walking through the colonial front door, you're greeted by a large timbered bar, while vintage ski gear and memorabilia line the walls. You’ll find several different brews on tap in addition to a special après menu! No matter which venue, you can enjoy live entertainment while relaxing and laughing among friends.
Big Foot Adventure Walks
Looking for an après ski activity for the kiddos? Look no further, as the Waterville Valley Rec Department has got you covered! Big Foot Adventure Walks are a fun evening activity, where children can learn in-depth about local wildlife and the natural environment of the White Mountain National Forest (all the while, of course, hunting for Big Foot!) Taking place every Saturday night in December, January, and February, the Bigfoot Adventure Walks are the perfect après ski activity for little explorers who have an appetite for adventure. With flashlights in their hands and snow boots on their feet, fearless children can scamper through the snowy, moonlit woods. Searching for tracks and traces of Big Foot, children have the opportunity to learn about their natural surroundings in an immersive learning environment, surrounded by other young adventurers. Parents are welcome to join, or you can leave the tracking to the kiddos while you go grab a drink and an appetizer from a local restaurant in Town Square. Bigfoot Adventure Walks are open to kids ages 5-12. Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for kids is $10 and adults can join the walk for free!
Church chair
Start your Holiday week with inner peace and serenity. Join the Church Chair on Sunday mornings for a slopeside non-denominational service. Reconnect with your spiritual-self and take a moment to appreciate the surrounding beauty. Starting at 7:30 am, family members of all ages can ride the Valley Run chairlift up the mountain, and ski down to the deck of Sunnyside Timberlodge, which is where the service takes place. The service beings at 8 am, all are welcome. Following the conclusion of the service, guests are encouraged to ski or ride back down. After a couple of early-morning runs, stop by the Schwendi Hutte for made-to-order breakfast sandwiches at 4,004’! Church Chair Services takes place every Sunday from December 26th-March 27th, so you can make it a one-time-thing or a weekly family tradition.
No matter what you choose to do this Holiday Season, we hope it's filled with joy - the special kind of joy you get from connecting with the people you love most.
P.S. - Think Snow!