Bretton Woods Mountain Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, previously a winner of FTF’s Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers award, gets a fresh look in 2015.
The surrounding White Mountains National Forest and its highest peak, Mt. Washington, epitomize New Hampshire’s scenic beauty. That’s one reason why Bretton Woods deserves its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking a winter wonderland. And, as the state’s largest ski area, it offers 101 alpine and 100 kilometers of cross-country ski trails as well as snowshoeing, snowtubing, ice skating, horsedrawn sleigh rides, indoor swimming and tennis courts, and an exercise center. This is truly a winter playground for the whole family.
Lodging options in the 2,600-acre complex include motel units at the Lodge at Bretton Woods; the quaint Bretton Arms Inn; townhome condos and the magnificent Mt. Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark and the jewel of the property. This recently renovated, extraordinary building oozes with Old World charm, but is not stuffy or staid. The lobby is a showplace of Tiffany stained glass and crystal chandeliers, but active toddlers and their parents can be seen gazing out of its circular windowed veranda onto the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
During the ski season, the Hobbit Ski (ages 4-12) and Snowboard School (ages 6-12) offers full and half day sessions from 8am to 3pm. Infants and toddlers (ages 2 months to 5 years) attend the Babes in the Woods Nursery from 8am-4:30pm. Here, caregivers nurture toddlers with singing, rocking, storytelling, floor play and exercise. The Ski and Snow Play Program offers a combination of indoor and outdoor playtime with an introduction to skiing for potty-trained children from 3 to 5-years-old. Located in the Family Center at the base of the alpine slope, it is a short drive or free van ride from the various accommodations. Private babysitting is also available.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there is a playground and and Kid Snowmobile Park (for kids at least 44″ tall, weighing under 110 lbs.) The Spa offers special mani-pedis for kids, and cookies to be baked, stuffed animals to be made, and lots of fun to be had.
Bretton Woods knows how hard it can be to take care of one child that’s too young to ski while the other kids are clamoring to get out on the snow, and it’s hard to have one parent stay indoors while the other is outside enjoying the fresh mountain air. With the Family Ticket, parents can now buy tickets with the same bar code so that either adult can share in the skiing, without the added cost of buying two adult lift tickets. This convenience will present couples with an easy way to share babysitting duties.
Bretton Woods continues to make its family offerings better. Voted Top 10 in the East for kid-friendly and family programs by Ski Magazine for 12 years, the Hobbit Ski School accommodates the growing demand for their popular programs.
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