OT: North Conway NH or Sunday River, ME

[JenLanDisney]

We're thinking about a Sun - Thursday vacation but I wanted input on which location would be better.

DH 38 and skis
DS almost 4 and will take 1st ski lesson
me 37 and never ski

Dh is thinking about 2 half days skiing with DS. I want an activity indoors in another day.

Which area, No Conway, or Sunday River, is a better fit for us?

Thanks!

 

[MickQuinn]

I would go with North Conway. Mt. Cranmore is right there and I believe it has snow-tubing as well as skiing. Bartlett ski area is only 15 miles or so to the west. There are several places in the Jackson area that offer family sleigh rides.

The shopping in N. Conway is way better than Bethel, two huge outlet malls, plus tons of other shops. NH is tax-free on retail items, too.

I cannot recall the name, but one of the hotels on the main drag in N. Conway has an indoor pool with a waterslide that sounds like fun.

Hope this helps.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I don't ski, but agree with PP that if you want to do anything besides just-be-on-the-mountain, Conway is a better fit. Newry (where Sunday River is) doesn't offer a whole lot beside skiing (and my grandma's house . Bethel isn't much bigger. Total small town feel. (Maybe that's what you're looking for, don't know?)

Conway has outlet and regular shopping, lots of restaurants, generally more to do. Both Red Jacket Resort and Hampton Inn have indoor waterparks.

 

[miprender]

I pick North Conway, but instead of going to Mt Cramore I would go to Shawnee Peak in Bridgeton. It is about 20min from North Conway and they have a great children's program and night skiing too.

 

[miprender]

I would go with North Conway. Mt. Cranmore is right there and I believe it has snow-tubing as well as skiing. Bartlett ski area is only 15 miles or so to the west. There are several places in the Jackson area that offer family sleigh rides.

The shopping in N. Conway is way better than Bethel, two huge outlet malls, plus tons of other shops. NH is tax-free on retail items, too.

I cannot recall the name, but one of the hotels on the main drag in N. Conway has an indoor pool with a waterslide that sounds like fun.

Hope this helps.

The RED JACKET INN is the name. I have never stayed there since we have a house on the Maine/NH border, but someday I would like to spend one night there.

 

[Grendalynn]

And will be for 2 more days!! visit www.mountwashingtonvalley.org for accomodations...

there is so much to do here for skiers and non skiers alike - outlets, spas, tubing, skatings, indoor water parks... you name it. Cranmore is a great mountain an centrally located. Attitash is a few town over, bigger mountain, less close by. Black mountain in Jackson Nh is just a town away, smaller ski area, sleigh rides, cheaper rates and small town appeal. King pine is a comparabel mountain in the opposite direction. All mountains have great ski schools and beginner programs. no matter which mounatin you choose, North Conway offers lots of things to do - on your own, as a family or while you wait for everyone else to get off the mountain!! Cold temps here recently, snow guns have been on full speed and a big storm on its way as we type... PM me with any questions!

 

[Grendalynn]

The RED JACKET INN is the name. I have never stayed there since we have a house on the Maine/NH border, but someday I would like to spend one night there.

The Kahuna Laguna at the Red Jacket (A best western hotel). Hampton inn also has a waterslide, but nothing comparable, but be ready to pay.

PS Local news just said 16-20" of snow tomorrow!! Great for skiing!!

 

[dougsmom98]

In North Conway, the Mount Washington Hotel has a nice pool and is adjacent to Settler's Green outlet shopping. It might be a nice place for you since you are not into skiing as much.

 

[MM27]

Just took my 4 year old niece snow tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort and she had a ball. It was so much fun. She has no interest in skiing yet but she loved the tubing. It was $22 for 2 hours and she was free because she was under the height limit. She had to ride with an adult though.

 

[JenLanDisney]

Thanks everyone. Looks like No Conway is the clear winner.