CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 30, 2003 - (PRIMEZONE) -- You've tried skiing and snow boarding, and are looking for something new: Consider getting your winter thrills with snowmobiling, one of the more popular winter activities in New Hampshire.
Snowmobiling is an excellent way to see the remote backcountry and enjoy rare views of the vast White Mountain National Forest. Most trails traverse scenic bridges over frozen streams 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
With more than 6,800 miles of interconnecting trails statewide, linking New Hampshire to adjacent states and Canada, snowmobilers have unlimited fun. Most snowmobile trails in the state are maintained and groomed by local snowmobile clubs. More than 120 clubs provide approximately 88,000 hours of volunteer work annually.
With nearly 60,000 registered snowmobile-enthusiasts traversing the state each winter, New Hampshire is continually upgrading its trails system to give snowmobilers the safest trails in the Northeast. Last year New Hampshire snowmobile clubs and state agencies invested more than $2.1 million in maintenance and construction of snowmobile trails. While Twin Mountain in the White Mountains claims to be the snowmobile capital of the state, the Great North Woods, with its long winter and broad expanses of wilderness to explore, is a strong contender for the title.
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. Several area hotels, motels and inns are right on the trails. And, many offer package deals for 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.
Snowmobile outfitters are accustomed to helping the first-time snowmobiler. Groups from Florida are not uncommon. Whether from the Sun Belt or city terrain, visitors are provided a safe and comfortable experience along with their winter thrills and chills. All outfitter guides keep their groups small, give complete safety and handling instructions before venturing out, and make sure visiting riders are properly dressed (snowsuits and boots are available for rent). They also monitor terrain conditions for safety, and they know the best, hidden scenic vistas. Riders may travel singly or in pairs. Rental fees for a double snowmobile are slightly higher.
For more on snowmobiling in New Hampshire go to www.Visitnh.gov, or log on to State Parks Trail Bureau site at www.nhtrails.org and click on "Snowmobiling." Additional information may be found on the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association Website at www.nhsa.com, or by calling 603-224-8906. A free New Hampshire Guidebook may be ordered by calling 1-800FUN-IN-H, ext. 100. For snowmobile trail conditions from November through April, call 603-740-5050.