Let love give you speedy lift on the slopes
Feb. 10: Chairlift Speed Dating, Black Mountain, N.H. — What better place than a cozy double chairlift painted Valentine’s red to find love? Black Mountain’s now-annual event takes singles and pairs
HILL HAPPENINGS Moira McCarthy
them up for eight-minute chairlift “speed dates,” allowing folks to keep riding until it clicks. There’s an après party for all who participate in the area’s Lostbo Pub featuring live music, drink specials and contests such as “best pick up line.” Or, if you find love fast, head back up the mountain at 4 p.m. for Moat Mountain’s Last Tracks event, featuring beer samplings, appetizers and a helmet lantern last run down. www.blackmt.com
Feb 10: Olympic Party, Bromley Mountain Resort, Vt. — Compete in the things you are a master of — cornhole, giant Jenga, pingpong and more — and treat yourself to wings and beer specials. Sign up in the Wild Boar Tavern (3:30 deadline). www.bromley.com
Feb. 10: Bud Light Mardi Gras, Mount Snow, Vt. — All the fun of New Orleans, with beads, beer gardens, music and food, but on the best base of all: pure white snow. The mountain transforms into a giant Bourbon Street for this event, with après fun starting at 11 a.m. and even a masquerade party beginning late afternoon. Tens of thousands of beads will be given out, and the Bud Light Beer Garden will be cranking all day. www.mountsnow.com
Feb. 11: Champions of the future? Ragged Mountain, N.H. — While you’ll have lots of fun cheering on world champions via your TV during the Olympics, head to Ragged Mountain to cheer on the USSA U12/U14 races. This Central Regional challenge pits the best 12- and 14-year-old skiers against one another for podium wins and bragging rights. Future world champ? Could be. Cheer them on at the Flying Yankee trail. www.raggedmountainresort.com
Feb. 9-25: Winter Games, Smugglers Notch, Vt. — Daily chances to win your own gold medal at Smugglers this month with events such as the Ski Boot Toss open to all ages and abilities. Hot chocolate is served each afternoon to fuel your gold medal efforts. www.smuggs.com
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Deals, Mount Sunapee, N.H. — Two United by Love means one ticket price. On Valentine’s Day you get two tickets for the price of one, and then are welcome to take part in an onmountain “hearts” scavenger hunt for great prizes.
www.mountsunapee.com