This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Even if they are not far from Montreal, the “White Mountains”, in New Hampshire, still often pass under the radar of Quebecers. However, the region is not lacking in attractions, especially in winter.
In the 19the century, the development of the railroad made it possible to make New Hampshire a privileged holiday destination for the upper middle class and a few American presidents, including a certain Ulysses S. Grant. These prestigious vacationers used to come and take a deep breath of fresh air in the White Mountains, far from the pollution of the big congested industrial cities. To accommodate them, prestigious wooden hotels have been built at the foot of the snow-capped peaks that cover nearly a quarter of the state.
Many of these establishments were swept away by fires. Some have nevertheless managed to defy time and flames, such as the iconic Mount Washington Resort, in Bretton Woods, which hosted under its huge red roof the famous conference at the origin of the creation of the International Monetary Fund. (FMI) in July 1944. For their part, the White Mountains have lost none of their appeal over the years. The region, which has contributed to the development of modern tourism in America, sees an ever-increasing number of visitors, mainly from Boston and New York.
It is rarer, on the other hand, to cross a license plate of the Belle Province on the sublime panoramic roads which crisscross the great mountainous north of New Hampshire. Although the White Mountains are less than a four-hour drive from Montreal (and even less from Sherbrooke), not many Quebecers enjoy the fresh air of this wild corner of New England. However, there are many hidden treasures to be discovered during a getaway of a few days or more.
Once past the Stanstead border post, in the south of the Eastern Townships, it does not take long before you are struck by the breathtaking beauty of the “Whites” – as they are nicknamed – which shelter some of the mountains steepest in the Appalachian Mountains. With its great coat of powder and its beautiful forests stretching as far as the eye can see, the region is a true corner of paradise for the practice of winter sports. But the White Mountains lend themselves to many other diverse and varied pleasures, to be savored at the foot of the slopes, as on board a legendary train.
A climb like no other
When it opened in 1869, the Cog Railway pulled off the feat of climbing to the summit of Mount Washington, which dominates the White Mountain region from a height of 1,916 meters (6,288 feet). More than 150 years later, the world’s first rack railway is still in operation. Very popular in summer, the mythical train also operates in winter. The “Cog” then stops at the Waumbek cistern, at some 1160 meters (3800 feet) above sea level, where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama (weather permitting), on the Presidential chain up to at the Canadian border, while roasting marshmallows around a campfire.
A dizzying adventure
In Lincoln, the company Alpine Adventures Outdoor offers an impressive zipline course, accessible in all seasons. If you like strong sensations, this is an experience not to be missed to fill up with great chills, while admiring – from tree height – the White Mountains in all their splendour. Securely harnessed to your harness, you hold your breath long enough to cross suspension bridges and impressive ravines. The dizzying adventure also includes a ride in a six-wheeled Pinzgauer vehicle straight out of the Austrian Alps.
Good wine at the foot of the slopes
New Hampshire’s main ski center, Loon Mountain is a privileged place for the practice of winter sports, with exceptional snow conditions, about sixty slopes to descend and beautiful wooded trails to explore on snowshoes. ‘we know less is that the station also hosts a beautiful wine cellar. Housed in the RiverWalk Resort hotel, close to the slopes, the Seven Birches Winery opens its doors to you after a busy day of skiing, to taste its best products. We recommend its apple cinnamon mulled wine, as tasty as it is comforting.
Impressive ice castles
In North Woodstock, formidable icy fortresses await young and old alike who have retained their child’s soul. Originally from Utah, Brent Christensen began by assembling blocks of ice in his garden, before seeing things bigger. Installed in New Hampshire for a few winters, these castles composed of large icicles and stalactites form a gigantic playground made of tunnels, caves, fountains and slides. It is recommended to visit this enchanted kingdom in the evening, to better enjoy the play of light with magical accents, such as the illuminated path installed in the nearby forest.
Endless sweets
We come to the “Whites” as much for its vast wilderness as for its picturesque villages. Among these charming villages, Littleton is certainly worth a visit. The small town is not only known for its charming covered bridge (one of 29 in the region) or for having seen the birth of Eleanor H. Porter, made famous thanks to her novel Pollyanna and his famous game of happiness. Littleton is home to Chutters Confectionery, which boasts the world’s longest candy counter (a Guinness record), which offers over 500 jars of candy in all. gender. If you have a sweet tooth, you know where to take a gourmet break on the road to the White Mountains.
A good place to sleep
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.