Welcome to Winter in New England!

It may be cold, but a New England winter vacation is filled with stunning scenery and enough activities and events to warm up to

The cold weather will never stop a hardy New Englander from enjoying his or her outdoor surroundings and it shouldn't stop visitors either.

Scenes of fluffy, white snow gracing town commons and winding country roads, the opportunity to ski, cross country ski and snowboard, outdoor winter fests, and the myriad seasonal indoor events like art shows, music performances, etc., and Christmas and Valentine's Day festivities are enough to keep hundreds of thousands of New Englanders

living in New England rather than, say, moving to Florida.

Enjoy the New England winter. Like spring, summer and fall here, it's a great vacation and travel destination!

Almost feels like summer at Penobscot River Winterfest

BREWER, Maine - A day on the riverfront with whiffle ball games, fresh made chili and fireworks sounds like the perfect summer scene. And it all happens in the middle of February when the city of Brewer puts on the Penobscot River Winterfest. The 6th annual event happens February 15 and 16 along the river and at indoor venues. A sniffleball (whiffle ball on snow) tournament will take place at Brewer High School, and visitors can enter ice carving and snow sculpture contests. Professional ice sculptures will be on display, and local chefs will compete at the chili and chowder cook-off. Inside Brewer Auditorium, children can enjoy a bounce house, clown performers and live musical acts for all ages. A fireworks show over the river will end the first day of events, and the festival will wrap up with the Winter Snowball dance. For more information about Penobscot River Winterfest, call 207-989-7500.
 

Shawnee Peak Celebrates End of Winter with Beach Party

BRIDGTON, Maine - Western Maine's dependable snowfall means skiers and snowboarders can carve tracks into the month of April. Shawnee Peak Ski Area inBridgton celebrates the end of winter with the 23rd Annual Spring Fling Beach Party March 22. The all-day event is highlighted by the Slush Cup contest where skiers and riders attempt to skim across a 60-foot long man made pond. There will also be an informal jam session at the 400-foot halfpipe, a barbeque on the courtyard, massages in the base lodge, free equipment, clothing and accessory demos throughout the day and live reggae music in Blizzard's Pub. Lift tickets for night skiing on 19 trails will be $10 from 7-10 p.m. For more information about Shawnee Peak's Spring Fling Beach Party, call 207-647-8444 or visit www.shawneepeak.com.

Syrup and Other Sweets at Maine Maple Sunday

MAINE - A steaming sugarhouse chimney is a sure sign that sap is being turned into maple syrup. On the annual Maine Maple Sunday there's plenty of steam and sweet treats to be enjoyed as more than 80 sugarhouses around the state welcome visitors. The 2008 Maple Sunday happens March 23. See up close how 40 gallons of sap is boiled down to make one gallon of maple syrup. Sample and purchase maple candy, syrup, maple butter, maple flavored popcorn and ice cream. Many sugarhouses offer free pancake breakfasts and tours of their sugaring operations. For more information about Maine Maple Sunday, call 207-287-3491 or visit www.getrealgetmaine.com/visit/maine_maple_sunday.html.

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February 2008 - March 2008

Following is a list of exciting events coming up this winter. For a complete listing, visit the Maine Office of Tourism's Web site at www.visitmaine.com.
Present -
03/09/2008 Kosti Ruohomaa Photographs
This exhibit features the black and white photography of Kosti Ruohomaa. Published in Life, Time, National Geographic, his photographs offer a panorama of American life, including Maine town meetings, Maine fishermen and island residents, Andrew Wyeth and more. Location: Farnsworth Art Museum, 16 Museum Street, Rockland. Times: Tue - Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fees: Adults $10; seniors $8, children 17 and under free. Telephone: 207-596-6457. E-mail: Farnsworth@midcoast.com. www.farnsworthmuseum.org.

Present -
03/23/2008 Bright Common Spikes: The Sculpture of John Bisbee
This overview of Brunswick, Maine sculptor, best known for his inventive pieces made from brads, nails, and spikes which will include several of his more recent "one ton" works-large-scale installation pieces that climb walls. Fees: Adults $10; $8 seniors and students; $4 youth; free admission Fridays. Times: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun. Location: Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland. Telephone: 207-775-6148. E-mail: info@portlandmuseum.org. www.portlandmuseum.org.

Present -
06/15/2008 Journeys West: The David and Peggy Rockefeller American Indian Art Collection
This unique art and history exhibition is based on David Rockefeller's boyhood memories of family trips to Indian reservations, museums, national parks and cultural landmarks in the American West. Fees: Adult $6; children $2; Free to Native Americans. Location: Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor. Contact: Catherine Allen. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Telephone: 207-288-3519. E-mail: info@abbemuseum.org www.abbemuseum.org.

02/01/2008 - 02/29/2008 February Is For Lovers
A month-long celebration of romance and indulgence in two enchanting seaside villages. Victorian Valentine lecture, wine and chocolate tasting, gallery stroll, and special accommodation and dining packages for couples. Times: Events take place on the weekends. Fees: Vary with event. Location: Kennebunk area. Contact: Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-967-0857. Toll Free: 800-982-4421. E-mail: info@visitthekennebunks.com. www.februaryisforlovers.com.

02/01/2008 - 02/06/2008 2008 International Snowmobilers Festival
Co-hosted by the town of Madawaska and city of Edmundston, New Brunswick. Snowcross races, Canadian dinner and dance, moonlight drag, and International "Lucky Run." Four hundred miles of marked trails for pleasure riding. Fees: $25. Location: Madawaska. Contact: Dennis Paul Michaud, International Snowmobilers Festival, Inc. Telephone: 207-728-6055. E-mail: valleyvisit@pwless.net. www.greatermadawaskachamber.com.

02/02/2008 - 02/23/2008 SnoFest
Great Winter Fun! Proof that locals do not hibernate once the snow arrives. A month-long variety of events and fun for the entire family, including Family Fun Day, Sled Dog Races, Chili & Chowder Cook-Off and more. Location: Greenville. Telephone: 207-695-2702. Contact: Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. E-mail: info@mooseheadlake.org. www.mooseheadlake.org.

02/07/2008 - 02/10/2008 Caribou Winter Carnival & Snowmobile Festival
Days of fun in the snow that includes downhill canoe rides, sleigh rides, comedy nights, ice skating and roller skating, and more. Fees: Depends on event. Location: Caribou. Contact: Wendy Landes, Caribou Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Telephone: 207-498-6156. Toll Free: 800-722-7648. E-mail: info@cariboumaine.net. www.cariboumaine.net.

02/08/2008 - 02/10/2008 18th U.S. National Toboggan Championships
Teams from across the U.S. compete in two-, three-, and four-person toboggan races. Other winter activities also ongoing during the races. Fees: Team entry fees: Two-person team: $50; Three-person team: $75; Four-person team: $100; Kids: $25. Times: Events take place all day Fri, Sat, and Sun. Location: Camden Snow Bowl, Camden. Contact: Camden Snowbowl Parks & Recreation. Telephone: 207-236-3438. E-mail: info@camdensnowbowl.com. www.camdensnowbowl.com.

02/09/2008 Annual Sled Dog Race
An event of Snofest! Mushers along with their canine friends come out and participate in the annual race. Starting at the Katahdin parking lot in Brownville and back. Times: 9:00 a.m. Location: Greenville. Contact: Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-695-2702. E-mail: info@mooseheadlake.org. www.mooseheadlake.org.

02/16/2008 Heritage Day
There will be exhibit galleries, period rooms, and the Museum Shop will be open at the Robinson and Mason Houses along with craft demonstrations, historical videos, and more. Times: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Bethel Historical Society, 10-14 Broad Street, Bethel. Telephone: E-mail: info@bethelhistorical.org. www.bethelhistorical.org.

02/17/2008 Moosehead Lake Region Chocolate Festival
Choose samples from a selection of 30 delicious chocolate delights and enjoy a silent and Chinese auction with great prizes. Location: Masonic Temple, Pritham Ave, Greenville. Times: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fees: Adults $10; Children (10 & under) $5. Contact: Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-695-2702. E-mail: info@mooseheadlake.org. www.mooseheadlake.org.

02/18/2008 - 02/24/2008 Katahdin Area Winterfest
This week-long festival begins with a snowmobile parade in downtown Millinocket. Other family activities include children's games, cross country ski games, poker runs, and an antique snowmobile display. Location: Millinocket, E. Millinocket, Millinocket Lake & Medway. Contact: Jennifer Olsen, Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-723-4443. E-mail: info@katahdinmaine.com. www.katahdinmaine.com.

02/22/2008 - 02/24/2008 Maine WinterFest
Maine's richest ice fishing derby combined with winter fun for the family featuring snow and ice carving by professional and amateur snow ice carvers from around the world. The event is sponsored by the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation and is being held in conjunction with the Sebago Derby Fest. Fees: $5 adults; $1 children. Location: Point Sebago Resort, 261 Point Sebago Road, Casco. Contact: Ed Jarrett, President. Telephone: 207-749-9438. www.mainewinterfest.com.

03/01/2008 - 03/04/2008 15th Annual CanAm Crown Sled Dog Races
Top mushers from the eastern United States and Canada compete in three sled dog races. The 250-mile race is known as the most challenging sled dog event in the eastern U.S. Spectator viewing from Main Street and Lonesome Pine Ski Lodge in Fort Kent. Location: Fort Kent. Times: Race starts 10:00 a.m. Contact: Lynne Cyr, Can Am Sled Dog Committee. Telephone: 207-834-3862. E-mail: lydencyr@sjv.net. http://can-am.sjv.net.

03/01/2008 Rangeley Lakes X-C Ski Loppet
This event consists of a freestyle 25 km or 50 km timed and non-timed touring class and race events. Lots of food with an awards ceremony. Times: 9:30 a.m. Location: Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, Saddleback Mountain Road, Rangeley. Fees: Timed: $60 - $80; Tour: $35 - $45. Contact: Linda Dexter. Telephone: 207-864-4309. E-mail: rlxcski@gwi.net. www.rangeleyxcski.com.

03/05/2008 Thomas Hill Standpipe Tour
Built in 1897, the Standpipe was constructed on the highest point in Bangor. It was designed for firefighting and as the reserve water supply for the city. Magnificent view of the city and surrounding area and it is a National Historic Landmark. Fees: None. Times: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: Thomas Hill Road, Bangor. Contact: Bangor Water District. Telephone: 207-947-4516. /www.bangorwater.org.

03/05/2008 - 03/09/2008 Annual Portland Flower Show
"Urban Retreat" is this year's theme. Location: Portland Yacht Club, 58 Fore Street, Portland. Fees: At the door $10.00; seniors (65 & older) $9. Times: Wed 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Thu 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Fri 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Plant auction after closing on Sunday. Telephone: 207-775-4403. E-mail: shows@portlandcompany.com www.portlandcompany.com.

03/07/2008 - 03/09/2008 Jackman Sled Dog Sprint Race, Northeast Championships
A Down East Sled Dog Club event attracting teams from all over the eastern United States and Canada to compete in skijoring, 3-dog junior, 4, 6 & 8 dog classes and open teams. Fees: Free. Location: Jackman. Contact: Norman Theriault, Down East Sled Dog Club. Telephone: 207-668-2145. E-mail: dogsled@gwi.net. www.desdc.org.

03/09/2008 18th Annual Antique Show & Sale
In its 18th season, this show is known throughout the region as one of the best. Outstanding merchandise, friendly atmosphere, and a wide range of "old" all contribute to a pleasurable experience for the attendees. Fees: $4. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: Bath Middle School, 6 Old Brunswick Rd, Bath. Contact: Polly Thibodeau, P.T. Promotions, Inc. Telephone: 207-443-8983. E-mail: antiques@bathantiques.com. www.bathantiquesshows.com.

03/11/2008 Bach Birthday Bash
In celebration of the greatest composer of organ music, Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ presents "Bach Birthday Bash" featuring Ray Cornils accompanied by Stephanie Burk. Times: 7:30 p.m. Location: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St, Portland. Fees: Suggested donation $10. Contact: Ray Cornils. Telephone: 207-883-9525. E-mail: rcornils@suscom-maine.net. www.foko.org.

03/17/2008 - 03/30/2008 Maine Short Play Festival
The tradition of presenting the best in new one-act plays by local authors continues when Acorn offers a rotating schedule of workshop performances of plays in process. Fees: $10 - $14. Location: St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, 76 Congress St, Portland. Contact: Mike Levine, Acorn Productions. Telephone: 207-766-3386. E-mail: admin@acorn-productions.org. www.acorn-productions.org.
03/30/2008 19th Annual "Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff and Firefighter's Race"
Give your taste buds a workout sampling chili recipes from some of the top cooks in New England. Watch fire department teams in full gear race through a slalom course while carrying a fire hose. Proceeds benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing. Location: Sunday River Resort, Sunday River Access Road, Newry. Contact: Brad Githen. Telephone: 207-824-3000. E-mail: events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY AT NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI AREAS

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH, SEPTEMBER 2007 - Every summer New Hampshire's ski areas roll up their sleeves, and get to work improving their resorts for guests.  This summer was no different with many improvements underway across the state.  Following is a list of projects in the Granite State for the upcoming 2007-08 winter season.  

Loon Mountain, Lincoln - This summer Loon has spent more than $10 million on its South Peak expansion.  The expansion will link South Peak to Loon's existing trail network.  The terrain will include nearly 50 acres of new intermediate and advanced terrain.  A high-speed quad chairlift will service South Peak with a connecting quad chair also being installed to transport skiers and riders to the new terrain.  The area is expected to make its grand opening in December 2007.  These new lifts and terrain only represent 35% of the total planned expansion.

Attitash, Bartlett - More than $3 million was spent over the summer at Attitash on improvements, including $2.5 million on snowmaking upgrades.  The snowmaking improvements target several premier trails including Illusion, Moat, Spillway, Thad's Choice, Upper Highway, the Learning Center, and base area on Attitash.  The focus is on adding energy efficient fan guns.  Other improvements include an extension to the Abenaki Lift, two new grooming machines and improvements to the Adventure Center Base Lodge. 

Crotched Mountain, Bennington - Three new trails including one that links Super Nova with the Launch Pad Learning Center are planned to open this winter at Crotched.  Work is continuing on the summit of the mountain to add more terrain and expand the vertical drop to 1,000'.  A new snowmaking line is being installed on the west side of the mountain in order to increase snowmaking capacity and bring snowmaking to new terrain including the summit area.  Other improvements include a new entrance, base lodge enhancements, chairlift overhauls and new terrain park features.

Mount Sunapee, Newbury - A focus on improving snowmaking is underway at Mount Sunapee.  Thanks to the increase in snowmaking, Eastside trail will host a terrain park created completely out of snow elements (no rails, boxes, etc.).  Twelve energy efficient snow guns are being added that specialize in making premium snow at temperatures above 25 degrees, which is very common during early season snowmaking.  A $20,000 sound system is being added to the Sobe Freeride Zone Terrain Park with speakers running top to bottom on Pipeline Trail.  Guest will also find a new tubing park on South Peak that will operate on weekends and holidays.   A new warming hut will serve hot beverages and soups at the base of South Peak.

Pats Peak, Henniker - Pats Peak has invested more than $5 million in the past six years and the improvements continue for this winter.  Among them are snowmaking upgrades, increased lighting for night skiing, new rental equipment, a reconfigured beginners' area, and expanded tubing hours.  The snowmaking improvements include two additional high-capacity water pumps, additional HKD tower guns, and six new SMI snowmaking fan guns.  The rental fleet includes 300 new pairs of skis and bindings as well as 200 new snowboards.  The additional lights are on the Vortex Trail, providing night skiing and riding on 21 of 22 trails. 

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 37 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging properties in New Hampshire.  For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH mountain resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com.