RESORT INSIDER
2-week event lineup
The Resort Insider is updated weekly to keep you informed on events, programs, and all that is going on in.
The Valley The Resort Insider is a product of the Waterville Valley Resort Association.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS!
jstearns@waterville.com -- This email address will be discontinued on 1/1/26.
wvrabod@gmail.com -- This is the new email address for the Waterville Valley Business Association.
FAREWELL
This is the last business hours report and community newsletter you’ll receive from me; and next Thursday, Dec. 11, will be the last issue of the Resort Insider for 2025. I'm also stepping down from my volunteer gig as your Waterville Valley correspondent for the Salmon Press Record Enterprise newspaper. Let me know if you'd be interested in writing the Waterville Valley "Talk of the Towns" column and I'll put you in touch with the editor.
I've had the pleasure and privilege of working with some remarkable people over the past 45 years. Leaving is bittersweet. I've been reminiscing. As I was browsing through the archives of my computer, I found the following, written almost 25 years ago. Hopefully, Waterville will continue to embody these qualities for generations to come.
Waterville Valley is an intimate community at the end of a transforming drive along the lyrical Mad River. Throughout its history, Waterville has been treasured precisely for its very size and how it disappears within the undulating cradle of the mountains, hidden from the rest of the world. It is a wonderful escape. It is a perfect haven. It is a place to believe in the essential rightness of the world. Waterville Valley represents an opportunity for renewal in people’s values, their hopes and dreams. Everything they cherish, from their children to their aspirations, is safe here. It is a place to return to find the heart you leave behind every time. Waterville Valley’s exquisite sameness, its unquestioned reliability, its wonderful humanity…our visitors and residents count on it.
Winter Lights Competition
There's still time to sign-up and participate in the Winter Lights Competition. The ballot box will be at the Post Office from Wednesday, Dec. 10 through Dec. 30. Here's a list of who is on board so far! Who am I missing?!
CONDO ASSOCIATION
Boulderwood Condominium
RESIDENTIAL
6 Valley Road
18 Hillside Way, Noon Peak F-2
27 Hillside Way, Noon Peak H-3
13 Greeley Hill Road
49 Snows Mountain Road
BUSINESS
Alpine Advent
Black Bear Lodge
Golden Eagle Lodge
Post Office (inside)
Rey Center/Curious George Cottage
Recreation Department
Roper Real Estate
Silver Fox Inn
Snowy Owl Inn
Town Square
Village Condominium
Welcome Center
White Mountain Athletic Club
Ski Patrol Candidate Day
Are you interested in joining ski patrol? Waterville Valley Ski Resort is hosting an informational day on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prospective ski patrol candidates can join Waterville patrollers for a day of skiing, learn about patrol and determine whether ski patrolling is something you’d like to pursue. Meet at the mountain-top ski patrol headquarters. Learn more and register by emailing Jeff Hayes at jhayes@waterville.com.
Culinary Workshop
Sweet Holiday Creations: A Plant-Based Dessert Workshop is taking place on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Recreation Department. Join Wendy, owner of Roots & Roses, for a cozy, hands-on plant-based holiday dessert workshop. Wendy will provide step-by-step visual instruction, beautifully curated recipes and plenty of tips for plant-based baking success. All ingredients will be provided, and you’ll get to take home your desserts (bring something to package up your sweet treats!). Call 603-236-4695 to register.
Speaker Series: Tax Prep
Mike Koppel is the featured speaker at the Recreation Department on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. Mike is a highly regarded author and dynamic speaker on all tax topics. Bring your questions for Mike so you can be prepared for tax season. Admission is free and open to all. Co-hosted by the Rey Cultural Center.
Toy Drive
There’s just one week left to fill the collection box at Toad Hall Toys! Any new, unwrapped toy is gratefully accepted. If you purchase in store, you’ll receive a 20% discount. All toys stay local and are distributed with the help of the Campton/Thornton Fire Department. There have already been some amazingly generous donations. It’s great to be part of such a caring community.
Guided Hike: Bald Knob
The Recreation Department will lead a hike up Bald Knob in the Ossipee Range on Sunday, Dec. 7. Meet at the Rec. by 8:15 a.m. for transport to the trailhead. The van will return to Waterville by 4 p.m. The hike is 6 miles round trip, ascending 1325 feet. Space is limited. Call 603-236-4695 to register.
Support WVAIA
It’s the giving time of the year and I hope you’ll consider supporting WVAIA, Waterville Valley’s outdoor club. This year, WVAIA has worked harder than ever to care for the trails we all love. In 2025, WVAIA invested over $31,000 in the stewardship of 24 miles of trails, including repairing Kettles Path, clearing 100 storm-blown trees, and extending the beautiful Mad River Path. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, WVAIA’s volunteers and partners help keep the trail system safe, beautiful and open to all. If you’re able, please consider a donation to help WVAIA continue this work. Donate online at bit.ly/WVAIA-donate.
Letters to Santa
Letters to Santa are still being accepted at the North Pole mailbox located at the Recreation Department. Make sure your child’s return address is included. Mail letters by Dec. 10 to give Santa enough time to write back!
Alpine Advent Holiday Market
All are welcome to visit Alpine Advent in Waterville Valley’s Town Square. This European-inspired Christmas Market features Old World holiday traditions with twelve custom wooden chalets showcasing New Hampshire artisans, holiday food and drink, and festive experiences for all ages. Alpine Advent is open Fridays 4-8 p.m., Saturdays 12-8 p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m. (daily Christmas week). Get the details at alpineadvent.com. While you’re in Town Square, stop in Dreams & Visions gift shop, Bookmonger, Toad Hall Toys, Clever Critter Pet Base Camp, Jugtown Country Store and 1829 Outfitters/Sport Thoma. The shops of Town Square have you covered this holiday season.
Kids Night Out
Another session of Kids Night Out returns to the Recreation Department on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 6-8 p.m. This is drop-off program for kids ages 5-11 and includes gym games, crafts, and a chance to hang out without mom and dad. $35 per child; $25 per WVRD member. Space is limited so preregister now. Call 603-236-4695.
Santa Calls
There’s still time to sign up with a North Pole operator for a call from Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6-7 p.m. Complete the Santa Calls flyer (on wvrd.recdesk.com under the “forms” tab) or call/email Sondra at 603-236-4695 or sjones@watervillevalleynh.gov to request a flyer.
Candy Cottage Workshop
Create a candy cottage on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Recreation Department. $30 per person; $25 per WVRD member, including the cottage, candy and all materials to create your masterpiece.
Mr. Pickles T-Shirts
Mr. Pickles, Jugtown’s much-loved in-house cat, has his own commemorative T-shirt. Stop by Jugtown to purchase a Mr. Pickles shirt. It's sure to become a collector's item!
Thanks for following along all these years!
GOT NEWS? Shoot me an email at jstearns@waterville.com.
Information contained herein is subject to change, error or omission. Some activities may have rain locations. Check social media and/or onsite signage for notifications.