December 3, 2008 E-MAIL PRINT

Around the Region: Season to share

by Marty Basch/

If you are looking for Santa, you'll find him (or her) at Sunday River on Dec. 7 during the ninth annual Santa Sunday. (photo: Sunday River)

If you are looking for Santa, you'll find him (or her) at Sunday River on Dec. 7 during the ninth annual Santa Sunday. (photo: Sunday River)

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Not only is this the season of snow, it’s the season to share. Skiers and riders love to score discounted lift tickets, and there are plenty of chances for that Dec. 7, but there is an underlying theme to those bargains: helping those in need.

Nowhere else in New England is that typified so obviously and joyously as on the trails of Sunday River. The River’s upcoming ninth annual Santa Sunday on Dec. 7 features scores of jolly, hip souls adorned in red and white making their way down the groomers for a good cause. Sure, the sliding Santas are rewarded with free skiing for the day (and two more early season passes), but it’s one holiday party not to be missed. The River already has its share of Saint Nicks for this one. Nonetheless, if you’re up that way, there’s nothing like sliding next to Santa.

Make a stop at the grocery store during the drive to New Hampshire or Vermont this weekend to partake of the Cares and Shares Food Drive taking place at Mount Sunapee and Okemo on Dec. 7. At Okemo in Ludlow, Vt., donate at least a trio of non-perishable food items and receive a $30 lift ticket. The drives also collect new children’s clothing or toy items. The Mount Sunapee drive has a five-can minimum food donation.

Moms and dads might have a chance for some quality time while the kids do some "killing on the hill" during Waterville Valley’s 16-and-under Little Slammer series grand openers. Saturday is for skiers and Sunday is for boarders. The Little Slammer series is also held Dec. 28 and Jan. 24. Weekly prizes include hoodies and stuff while series winners could score boards.

Other early season Saturday jam sessions include one at Connecticut’s Ski Sundown and Loon's Open Season series. The Loon jib sessions are also held Dec. 27 and Jan. 24, with the finals set for Feb. 15.

There’s nothing like sampling the local brew after a day spent on the snow. Smugglers’ Notch is holding its 14th annual Brewfest Part 1 Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Meeting House, where appetizers and entertainment are also on the menu.

Black Mountain in Jackson, N.H., isn’t opening its trails until Dec. 12, but that doesn’t stop it from opening the doors to the Lostbo Pub in the base lodge Saturday, Dec. 6, for a seasonal kick-off party. They’re saying they’ll have a couple of bands, a chili challenge, face painting, pony rides and even a traditional snow dance led by a snow goddess who lives in the Mount Washington Valley.

Cross country skiing doesn’t get much notice from those who prefer lift service. Too bad. Up at Great Glen Trails at the base of Mount Washington, Saturday’s Atomic Sprints at Great Glen feature athletic racers speeding around a 1-kilometer loop that will either be blanketed with man-made or natural snow. Colleges like the University of New Hampshire, Bates and Dartmouth tend to send members of their teams. Even if you’re not a Nordic skier, the sprints are very viewer-friendly.

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