Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods

With gray skies, above-freezing temps and sloshing through thawed puddles of water it was hard to get motivated for a day of skiing and riding. We loaded up the vehicle and set out for Bretton Woods hoping the day would improve. The summits were covered with low clouds on the drive to Bretton Woods. But the sky cleared as we pulled into the parking area with lots of warm sunshine!

Mount Kearsarge North on a Spring Day

I wanted to do this hike today for a couple of reasons. First, I really enjoy this hike and the views that it offers. Second, this is a hike that I did two years ago on March 22, 2012. That day was warm with temps in the 80's, no snow on the ground, I wore shorts and short sleeves and carried a light load in my backpack. There would be no repeat of those conditions.

Hiking Middle and South Carters

The morning was cool but not the frigid temps of this past week and it actually felt quite comfortable. Clouds were moving in but there was ample sunshine as I drove toward Pinkham Notch. This would be a loop hike and my route today would take me up the south branch of the Imp Trail to North Carter Trail then south on the Carter-Moriah Trail to Zeta Pass and down the Carter Dome and Nineteen Mile Brook Trails.

Prime Winter Conditions at Bretton Woods

March 2nd and it was the first time this season that I have skied at Bretton Woods. This has been my ski area of choice in past seasons because of the Sunday afternoon discount for local residents. Early in the season I purchased a Vertical Value Card. This is good for discount skiing at Wildcat and Attitash. Bretton Woods increased the local resident discount to $25 but it's still a good deal.

Hiking the Sugarloafs

After one too many terrain park jumps with my skis this past week I was left with a bruised heel and sore ankle. So I was looking for a short hike with good views today. My hiking plan was the Sugarloaf Trail to Middle and North Sugarloafs off the Zealand Road.