INN AT THORN HILL WINS NH MAGAZINE'S CHOCOLATE CHALLENGE

The Inn at Thorn Hill was recently chosen the winner in New Hampshire Magazine's 6th annual Chocolate Challenge. The inn vied with four other top NH inns to create the ultimate chocolate (with a touch of coffee) dessert to celebrate Valentine's Day. Chef John Russ, Pastry Chef Ashley Summers and Assistant Chef Steven McKerral of the Inn at Thorn Hill created an updated take on a Mississippi mud pie that was made into a tower with layers of crystallized espresso ice cream and coffee bean-infused chocolate pudding, and dusted with crumbled Oreo-style cookie. The award winning dessert was served throughout February and will be served at the Inn at Thorn Hill, along with its popular menu of fine dining, throughout the year. For more information, visit Inn at Thorn Hill.

ATTITASH HONORS THE NATION'S DEFENDERS

Attitash Ski Resort will honor our nation's defenders and their families on Saturday, March 8, 2008 with discount tickets for service personnel and guests, a special flag parade culminating with the National Anthem, a pictorial display of New England warriors and American pride music being played by local DJ, Matt Spofford. The pictorial display will be a reflection of patriotism and courage of New England representatives who are serving or have served our nation in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Twenty warriors' stories will be exhibited across the resort's lodges for guests to view. Guest will also be invited to write in individual journals that will be available for each soldier represented in the pictorial display and then sent to the respective soldiers. On March 8, 2008 all active duty, National Guard and reserve soldiers, and retired military personnel as well as any U.S. military veterans can receive a free lift ticket to be used on that day when they present a valid military I.D. or DD form 214 at the ticket window. On that day military personnel's guests can receive $10 off the price of their lift ticket and an American flag lapel pin when they bring any three items (from a qualifying list): that will be sent to the soldiers currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Guests will also be encouraged to participate in a flag parade that will begin at the summit of the mountain and traverse Northwest Passage trail finishing in the main base area where the National Anthem will sound out. For more information, visit Attitash.

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE FOR SKI TO THE CLOUDS: NORTH AMERICA'S TOUGHEST 10K

On Sunday March 9, 2008, Great Glen Trails will host Ski to the Clouds: North America's Toughest 10K. The race features a climb of more than 2200 vertical feet over nearly 4 miles up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. The race is drawing Olympians and other top athletes. Even if you don't race, this is a great spectator event for XC racing enthusiasts. Even though it was first held in 1996 and is part of a history of racing up Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, Ski to the Clouds has an entirely new twist for this version of the Nordic ski race. The new race will utilize the Great Glen Trails Nordic system for 4 kilometers before beginning the steep ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. In the past, the race used only terrain on the Auto Road, limiting the distance. The race will finish at the site of the historic Halfway House on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, just below 4000 feet above sea level.

Ski to the Clouds is a true freestyle event: skiers can use either skating or classic technique in this mass start race. There will not be separate categories for each discipline. Also, competitors may only use one pair of skis. Even though skating is faster than classic technique, the steep climb up the Auto Road may be an equalizer, and race organizers envision classic technique may be an advantage as it is great for climbing. Either way, strategy will play an important role. A number of top-level athletes have already committed to racing Ski to the Clouds, including two Olympians: Leslie Krichko and Justin Freeman. For more information or to register for Ski to the Clouds, visit Ski to the Clouds or call 603.466.2333.

34th ANNUAL RED PARKA CHALLENGE CUP RACE- MARCH 14

The 34th Annual Red Parka Challenge Cup Race will be held on Friday March 14th at Attitash in Bartlett, NH. Arguably the longest running pro-style race for amateur racers in the country, this race brings the best competitors from all over New England. With the pro-style jump, this race also provides some truly exciting racing for spectators. The qualifying runs begin at 9:30am. At 1:00pm, the top 32 racers go head to head in dual slalom in two divisions to determine the winners. There is also a Women's and Veteran's division for the top 8 qualifiers in each. In addition a Team Division competes for the William D. Paine Trophy.

This race donates all proceeds to the Eastern Slope Ski Club's Junior Ski Program and the Red Parka Junior High Challenge Race which was held on Feb. 14th at Attitash. Applications are available online at Red Parka Pub.

TWO DAY GUIDED BACKPACKING TOUR, MARCH 8-9

Grab your camera, winter camping gear, and come see the views and maybe a moose. This tour will focus on what's wild in New Hampshire. Nature lovers will get to know local wildlife, geology, and history of the particular area chosen by your guide, in the White Mountains or Great North Woods. You can find animal tracks and signs, identify plants, see waterfalls, hear or spot birds and other wildlife, and experience all kinds of weather. This package includes a pack list, directions to meet guide, four meals, talks and tips, snowshoes/ice grippers if needed, camping gear, possible wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. The tour starts at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday and ends around 4:00 P.M. on Sunday. The price for two days of guided hiking with a focus on local nature and history and one night remote camping is $200 per person. Please call 603-528-0136 for availability, location, and reservations. Click here for more information. on shorter hikes and other guided outdoor tours.

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY GETS SAPPY ABOUT MAPLE SYRUP

Mark the calendar and plan a getaway to Mt Washington Valley, March 3-7 or March 10-14 for Maple Sugaring Workshops at Remick Country Doctor Museum, in Tamworth, NH. Morning and afternoon workshops for up to 20 participants will be offered where participants will learn about Native American, Colonial, and modern backyard boiler maple sugaring methods, then visit the new Remick Museum Sugar House to see an indoor evaporator system. Participants can learn about tapping maple trees, collecting sap and boiling it down to syrup. At the end, participants will taste a variety of maple products such as maple cream, maple jelly, maple candy, and of course, sugar-on-snow! Cost is $3 per person, and this opportunity is open to school groups. Call to register (603) 323-7591 or (800) 686-6117; spaces fill quickly, For more information, click here.

STARGAZING XC SKI TOUR FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, MARCH 7

On March 7, depart from the 1785 Inn for a two-hour cross country ski tour over the gentle terrain of the Intervale fields guided by an amateur astronomer from Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Learn about the stars and constellations of the wintry sky. Return to the award-winning inn for one of their homemade desserts included with the event. The tour is presented by the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation located at Ragged Mountain Equipment on Route 16-302 in Intervale. Reservations and a $15 Event Pass are required. A headlamp or flashlight is suggested. Call the Touring Center to make reservations at 603-356-9920.

HYBRID DRIVERS SKI FREE AT CRANMORE ON MARCH 22

To continue their commitment to sustainable tourism, Cranmore will host its second bio-diesel day on March 22. All drivers of hybrid vehicles will be treated to a free lift ticket along with VIP parking. Simply show a valid registration for a hybrid vehicle in your name at the ticket booth to collect. For more information, visit Cranmore

5TH ANNUAL MARCH MAPLE MADNESS: A WEEKEND OF MAPLE SUGARING, TREAT TASTING AND SCAVENGER HUNTING FOR PRIZES

Bed & Breakfasts Inn Mount Washington Valley invite guests and residents alike to join in a scavenger hunt, and an inn to inn tour featuring maple tastings March 29-30. The weekend includes a self-guided inn-to-inn tour where ticket holders will sample tasty delights both savory and sweet. Their recipes can be found in a keepsake booklet included in the ticket price. Ticket holders can also choose to take the challenge of "A Hare Raising Quiz" and "The Maddening Scavenger Hunt", competing for hundreds of dollars in prizes. Along the way there will be opportunities to visit several "Sugaring" locations to experience the maple syrup process first hand, as well as, 'Maple Country Partners' happy to share clues and information. A valuable prize package is at stake for the winner who scores the most points. Tickets are$15 per person, and valid for both days from 11AM to 4PM, and are included in the packages offered by members of the Bed & Breakfasts Inn Mount Washington Valley. All proceeds benefit the scholarship awarded each year to a Kennett or Fryeburg graduate pursuing a further education in the field of hospitality. To learn more about this event, click here.

Covered Bridge House, Farm by the River B&B, Buttonwood Inn, Mt Washington B&B & Cranmore Inn are just a few of the B&Bs from the inns from Bed and Breakfasts Inn Mt Washington Valley offering lodging packages during the 5th Annual March Maple Madness Weekend, celebrated March 29-30. All packages include accommodations, daily breakfasts featuring maple products and tickets to a self guided tour of the inns where maple sugar sampling is encouraged and a fun scavenger hunt may result in prizes. Everyone takes home a nice collection of maple recipes too. Some inns include dinners, others add sleigh rides. Click here for a complete list of Maple Sugaring packages offered throughout March.