Help me find a new england winter resort for the whole family

November 12, 2012 2:24 PM

Trying to find winter resorts in New England for the whole family that aren't ONLY about skiing.

My family wants to take a weekend away in New England. 8 adults and 6 kids. 4 or 5 of us ski/board. The others enjoy outdoor activities but don't ski or board. We all enjoy a good spa and some quiet time. Where can we go (even skiing isn't a requirement) with the whole family that will please everybody?

posted by Thrillhouse to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

Smuggler's notch? I was here for a wedding over the summer, and it seemed like a fun place. Didn't get to explore too much unfortunately.
posted by theRussian at 3:09 PM on November 12, 2012

Stowe, VT. In particular, this place: The Trapp Family Lodge, for a more oldschool, laid back, more european style winter vacation.

I went there as a small child and remember it being a magical family vacation. We rented a cabin as we had a few people, so cooked some meals, but we definitely did formal meals in the lodge as well. It might be very expensive I didn't check.
posted by larthegreat at 6:23 PM on November 12, 2012

Stowe was my first thought as well.

Though not New England, Lake Placid, New York might be the best winter destination in the Northeastern U.S. for non-skiers. No shortage of activities, outdoors and in.
posted by Opposite George at 6:29 PM on November 12, 2012

As I am apparently location challenged, I was going to suggest Lake Placid. My family is a family of non skiers and had a wonderful time in LP. Got to take a bobsled run which in itself made it a worthwhile weekend.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 6:53 PM on November 12, 2012

North Conway, NH, is full of shops, and probably other activities; surely there are spas. There's a lot of skiing nearby.
posted by theora55 at 7:14 PM on November 12, 2012

Anywhere in Jackson, NH would be good. You are within driving distance to Attitash, Cranmore, Wildcat. In the town itself is a huge XC ski complex (assuming they're interested in that type of skiing), snowshoeing, a huge outdoor ice skating pond, and sleigh rides (those last two are at Nestlenook farm). The town is also a short drive away from North Conway, NH, which has an indoor waterpark, outlets, and restaurants. North Conway also has the EMS School, should anyone want to try something like ice wall climbing. Snowmobile rentals are around as well.

Another option that could work is the Mount Washington Hotel/bretton Woods ski area. The AMC's Center is very close by and there are a lot of winter activities available here. There is tubing and XC ski at the hotel (you don't need to be a guest). Bretton Woods also does ziplining (i am pretty sure that still happens in winter). Not much of a nightlife/restaurant scene, but you'll definitely have a spa. For skiing, Cannon and Loon are close. (Cannon has tubing as well as a ski museum).
posted by smalls at 1:06 AM on November 14, 2012