Winter Thrills and Chills – Snowmobiling in Lincoln-Woodstock

Okay, so you're not a skier, but all your friends and family members are. Consider getting your winter thrills with snowmobiling, one of the more popular winter activities in New Hampshire.

The Lincoln-Woodstock region of the White Mountains stands at the crossroads of New Hampshire's vast trail system, and attracts novices and experts alike because of its excellent groomed trails and scenery that's as thrilling as the ride. Within the Lincoln-Woodstock town boundaries are 75 miles of groomed trails, plus two excellent downhill ski resorts, a wide variety of accommodation and dining options, and miles of cross country and snowshoeing trails. It's an easy place to customize a winter adventure getaway.

Snowmobiling is an excellent way to see the remote backcountry and enjoy rare views of the vast White Mountain National Forest. Most trails in the Lincoln-Woodstock area traverse scenic bridges over frozen streams, skirt along flat railroad beds bordered by picturesque ponds, and some even lead up a mountain or two. One of the most popular rides is on the Franconia Notch bike trail, which leads past the state's famed "Old Man in the Mountain" granite face to the Cannon Mountain Ski Area-an excellent place for a hot chocolate stop. Mount Sully and Russell Peak are popular area rides for experienced snowmobilers.

Three rental outfitters in Lincoln-Woodstock offer visitors the chance to try snowmobiling with expert guides who can handle the machines and terrain. Alpine Adventures offers half-day, full-day and overnight tours, including a "Sunset Tour" that features a ride home in the moonlight. Outback Kayak rents hourly for $49, and the machines at Pemi Valley Excursions feature double seats, plus hand and thumb warmers. Helmets are provided and required by all outfitters, and all the snowmobiles are top of the line.

The towns of Lincoln and Woodstock straddle the I-93 north-south thoroughfare, putting them within easy reach for a weekend getaway. Paralleling I-93 is New Hampshire's famed "Corridor 11" snowmobile trail which runs all the way to Canada. Many experienced snowmobilers make this trek. Corridor 11 intersects Route 3 in Lincoln-Woodstock, with an east-west trail that leads directly to the many restaurants, inns, and shops of the towns' downtown areas.

Several Lincoln-Woodstock hotels, motels and inns are right on the trails. Some offer package deals for snowmobilers. The area also features numerous condominium and townhouse rental opportunities with lodgings to house small or large groups in a comfortable home-away-from home setting.

The Lincoln-Woodstock area, just inside the White Mountain National Forest and an easy reach from points south, offers some of the most spectacular winter scenery in the East. For more information please call the Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce at 603-745-6621 or visit www.lincolnwoodstock.com.

LINCOLN-WOODSTOCK AREA RESOURCES

White Mountain Snowmobile Club
Lincoln 603-745-2884
WhiteMtSnowMobileClub@hotmail.com
www.i93.com/wmsc
Trails in the area are maintained by the White Mountain Snowmobile Club of volunteers, who have been around for more than 30 years. Riding through the Lincoln-Woodstock area you'll encounter trails up mountains, over frozen ponds, or along flat and scenic railroad beds and open fields.

Trail conditions
Call 603-224-8906 between November and April for continuously updated trail conditions or visit www.nhparks.state.nh.us/Trails/Trails/Trailspages/SnomoPages/snomoTrlCond.html

New Hampshire Snowmobile Association
603-224-8906
info@nhsa.com
www.nhsa.com
A permit is required to operate a snowmobile in the state of New Hampshire. Independent operators should get one by contacting the snowmobile association.

Snowmobile Parking
Local attractions offer free parking for your truck and trailer if you're heading out for a day on the trails. Look for parking at the Whale's Tale Waterpark and at the Flume within Franconia Notch State Park.

SNOWMOBILE RENTAL COMPANIES

Alpine Adventures
Lincoln
1-888-745-1919
info@AlpineSnowmobiling.com
www.alpinesnowmobiling.com
Tours ranging from $125 for a single-seat snowmobile for one half day, to $225 for a full day on a double-seated snowmobile.

Out Back Kayak
North Woodstock
603-745-2002 or 1-800-529-2577
Outbackkayak.com
info@outbackkayak.com
Rental rates are $49 per hour.

Pemi Valley Excursions
Main Street
Lincoln
603-745-2744
lhah@getglobal.net
Double seating, hand and thumb warmers, high windshields and all you'll need to make your ride comfortable and fun.

LODGING AND SLEDDING PACKAGES SAMPLER

The Wilderness Inn B & B
North Woodstock
603-745-3890.
603-745-3890 or 888-777-7813
info@thewildernessinn.com
www.thewildernessinn.com
Prices start at $128 for a double room, breakfast, and a sunset snowmobile tour for 2 persons.

Woodward's Resort
Lincoln
603-745-8141 or 800-635-8968
woodwardsinfo@adelphia.net
www.woodwardsresort.com
Enjoy a 2-hour tour and a weekend stay at Woodward's for $281 for 2 people. Add $25 per person for a breakfast and dinner package.

Parker's Motel
Lincoln
603-745-8341 or 800-766-6835
parkersmotel@linwoodnet.com
www.parkersmotel.com
Two people can stay for the weekend, take a one-hour tour for $181, or take a 2-hour tour through Franconia Notch for $286.

Mountain Club on Loon
Lincoln
603-745-2244 or 800-229-7829
info@mtnclubonloon.com
www.mtnclubonloon.com
Snowmobile packages available at great values midweek. Club Rooms to Suites. Slopeside lodging with all the amenities.

Comfort Inn & Suites-Loon
Lincoln
603-745-6700 or 1-888-589-8112
info@comfortinnloon.com
www.comfortinnloon.com
Comfort Inn is right on Corridor 11. Special midweek packages are available.

Drummer Boy Motor Inn
Lincoln
603-745-3661 or 800-762-7275
info@drummerboymotorinn.com
www.drummerboymotorinn.com
Tours arranged through North Country Adventures. All packages must be reserved by calling NCA at 603-745-8600.

Indian Head Resort
Lincoln
603-745-8000 or 1-800-343-8000
info@indianheadresort.com
www.indianheadresort.com
Ride your own snowmobile right up to your room off the Corridor 11 Trail. Snowmobiler's Fantastic Meal Packages include breakfast and dinner for 2, midweek at $108.

Sunset Hill House-A Grand Inn
Sugar Hill
603-823-5522 or 1-800-786-4455
innkeeper@sunsethillhouse.com
www.sunsethillhouse.com
Take a one-hour guided snowmobile tour for two in Franconia Notch State Park, with one night lodging, full breakfast, afternoon cookies, for $88 per person, or upgrade to a grand room with 4-course dinner for $169 per person on weekends.

Kancamagus Motor Lodge
Kancamagus Highway - Route 112
Lincoln
603-745-3365 or 1-800-346-4205
email@kancmotorlodge.com
www.kancmotorlodge.com

Beacon Motel & Resort
Lincoln
603-745-8118 or 1-800-258-8934
beacon@linwoodnet.com
www.beaconresort.com
The largest family run resort in the White Mountains, it welcomes snowmobilers and feeds them at Dad's Restaurant on-site.

Water Wheel Lodge
North Woodstock
603-745-8009 or 1-866-928-3794
www.waterwheellodge.com
Access to snowmobile trails at the front door, and a skating pond on site for off-trail hours.

Woodward's Resort
Lincoln
603-745-8141 or 1-800-635-8968
woodwardsinfo@adelphia.net
www.woodwardsresort.com

RENTAL CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES

Loon Reservation Service Inc.
Lincoln
603-745-5666 or 800-745-5666
info@loonres.com
www.loonres.com

Alpine Village Properties
N. Woodstock
603-745-5600 or 800-746-5650
info@alpinevillageresort.com
www.alpinevillageresort.com

RESTUARANTS

Chalet Restaurant
North Woodstock
603-754-2256
www.musar.com/ChaletRestaurant
Specializing in lobster.

CJ's Penalty Box & Brittany's Café
Lincoln
603-745-4899 or 1-800-346-4205
www.kancmotorlodge.com
A favorite with sports fans.

Woodstock Inn Brewery
North Woodstock
603-745-3951 or 800-321-3985
www.woodstockinnn.com
This restaurant and inn has an on-site brewery with take out jugs or "growlers" available. Entertainment nightly.

Truant's Taverne
North Woodstock
603-745-2239
Casual dining with nightly entertainment.

Gordi's Fish & Steak House
Lincoln
603-745-6635
muffy@ncia.net
Maine lobster, fresh seafood, prime rib, pasta, salad bar, kid's menu. Free aprés ski eats in Olympic Pub.

Sunny Day Diner LLC
Lincoln
603-745-4833
www.geocities.com/sunnydaydiner
True Americana serving real home cooking of old fashioned favorites.