‍Mt. Washington Valley Holiday Vacation Week Business Holds Steady

A combination of natural snowfall and aggressive snowmaking efforts made for great skiing conditions across the Mt. Washington Valley, NH. Shown here, King Pine Ski Area, shot on January 2, 2025. Photo credit: VisitMWV.com / WiseguyCreative.com

NORTH CONWAY, NH – Natural snowfall coupled with aggressive snowmaking at Mt. Washington Valley ski areas made for solid business levels for the Christmas to New Year’s Day vacation week period. Despite variable weather conditions including a bout of rain before New Year’s Day, many local businesses reported visitation on par with last year, with some dates showing record-breaking levels. The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce surveyed its members to report on their experiences for this important kick-off to the winter season.

Chris Proulx, Executive Director for the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber, stated, "The survey highlights the attractiveness of Mt Washington Valley as a winter destination for multiple demographics. It also shows that our businesses’ investment in snowmaking have made an impact and allow for a faster rebound from wet weather.”

Ski Areas Have Strong Showing

Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway reported one record-breaking day for the period - December 28. Becca Descenes, Marketing Director for Cranmore, observed, “We had a very strong week. Saturday (12/28) was a record day for us. Monday's rain threw us a curveball, but business picked back up for New Year’s Eve.” Cranmore has invested significantly in their snowmaking capabilities this season including an expansion of the mountain’s snowmaking pipe to boost and maximize pressure, and the addition of eight new high-production snowmaking guns from HKD which will also increase snowmaking efficiency.

Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, ME reported that their visits were much improved over last year, according to marketing director Rachael Wilkinson. Pleasant Mountain recently opened a new high-speed detachable quad to their summit.

Chris McNevich, Marketing Coordinator for Purity Spring Resort and King Pine Ski Area, added, “The entire PSR campus was extremely busy during Vacation Week! Fantastic early season skiing conditions, coupled with our long-standing belief of affordable pricing for everyone helped us exceed expectations. Value still matters! Overall, skier visits at King Pine were up year over year and tubing sold out daily. Food and beverage had record setting days thanks in large part to the new Evergreen Express kiosk in the main base lodge, and a brand-new seasonal dinner menu at Traditions Restaurant. Lodging was at capacity throughout the week.”

Diners Turn Out at Restaurants

Restaurants responding to the survey reported brisk business, especially for New Year’s Eve.

General Manager Bill Frittenburg at Black Cap Grille shared, “Overall we had a good week. Business was on par with last year. And New Year’s Eve was phenomenal!” He also mentioned that when it rains, visitors turn to activities like dining and it positively impacts their business.

Business Development Director Carol Sullivan at the White Mountain Hotel and Resort also reported a strong New Year’s Eve, “Our early Family New Year’s Eve dinner was a sell out. Our New Year’s Eve party saw over 120 people enjoying the evening which included a live band, gourmet dinner and champagne toast at midnight.”  

Terry O’Brien, owner of the Red Parka Pub, noted that because it’s the first time they’ve been able to open for the entire period, business was up. She said, “Guests were happy that we were open for the whole vacation week as so many restaurants are still closed 2 days.” Many restaurants moved to 5-day-a-week schedules in the aftermath of COVID and resultant staffing issues.

Hotels Not a Sell Out

Some hoteliers reported that having the vacation period span two weeks, with Christmas falling midweek, did not see guests staying for the full period. One innkeeper said, “Because of the way the holidays fell this year, families with children in schools basically had almost two full weeks off which we thought would result in more bookings, however it didn't. By all appearances (business is) shaping up to be the same as last year.” Another innkeeper, Donna Cerce at the Buttonwood Inn, saw later bookings and more bargain hunting. That trend is one that has appeared in other holiday periods including from the Chamber’s Columbus Day weekend survey.

The White Mountain Hotel sold out some nights such as December 25, but overall had capacity throughout the week.

Alex Foti, President of Bretton Woods Vacations stated that their vacation rentals were occupied by owners for much of the period, resulting in a decline in the number of rentals, but similar occupancy rates.

Visitor Demographics

Mt. Washington Valley draws primarily from the Boston area and this week was no exception. 83% reported traveling from Massachusetts. Most visitors were couples or families, as is usually the case. International travelers and visitors from NY/NJ are a minority of visitors.

What’s Next

Mt. Washington Valley ski areas are taking advantage of this week’s very cold temperatures and going full blast with their snowguns. Shawn Taylor, GM at King Pine Ski Area, stated on Thursday that they will be running non-stop for the next 4-5 days and anticipates they will be 100% open and done with snowmaking for the season by next week. His experience is likely typical of most areas, setting up Mt. Washington Valley for a strong Martin Luther King holiday weekend coming up on Jan. 17-20, 2025. Skiers and riders can visit www.SkiMWV.com for the latest ski area information.

For more information, please contact the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.VisitMWV.com.

About the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the economic vitality of the region. Through advocacy, marketing, and support, the Chamber works to enhance the quality of life for both residents and businesses in the Mt. Washington Valley.

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