Just in time for mid-Winter vacation, our drowsy winter has finally perked up and delivered two decent snows and the promise of more to come. Our big mountains to the North have not been blessed with white abundance like our backyards on the coast, but Gunstock Mountain to our west had two doses of six inches and will welcome the hordes of February vacation students forgoing homework for 10 days and celebrating winter on the hill.

Gunstock is a fun mountain for kids. Skiing is available day and night throughout the vacation period along with a terrific snow tubing hill. The mountain becomes a festive atmosphere during the twilight hours.

When the lights come up there is a wonderful youthful energy in the air and it’s contagious. Night skiing is available on 21 of the mountain’s trails with most of the day lifts running. Night tubing is slick bumpy adventure on the well designed tube run. It’s full of giggles and a blast of winter fun. Suggested height is 42 inches.

A convenient feature at Gunstock is The Hut at the base of the lifts. When you get thirsty or you need to warm your toes by the fireside, you can store your skis, poles, and board, free of charge, at The Hut and make your way down to the lodge. Snacks and ski fuel are available at the main lodge along with brews at the Pistol Pub. During weekend and vacation periods the traffic is heavy in its casual Lodge so be prepared. Hate to leave your dog at home? Skijoring is part of the Gunstock Nordic Cross Country program that allows you to ski with your dog. For a $10 fee you can rent a double harness that connects you to your dog via bungy cords. The cross country ski course area covers 52 kilometers. Traditional cross-country skis or skate skis are available for rental. A full package of boots, skis, poles, and a trail pass is an affordable $40. Snowshoes for the winter hiker are also a part of the comprehensive program of winter fun at the Nordic Center.

The view from the top of the mountain is an expansive vista of Lake Winnipesaukee which stretches out in front of you like in a great frozen wonder. Its’ 300 islands pepper the snow and ice This is Gunstock’s grand scenic glory.

After an invigorating exploration of the Mountain’s 54 trails and you have revved up a hearty appetite, Patrick’s Pub is just a four-mile drive from the lifts. The queen of the kitchen, Stephanie Kirk, recommends the Rotisserie Sirloin, the seven time award winning Seafood Chowder and one of the Pub’s many drafts. She will be drinking Blue Moon, but other tap favorites include: Tuckerman’s, Frosty Googles from the Woodstock Brewery and the traditional Irish grog, Guiness.

For complete information on the mountain visit, go to www.gunstock.com or call the reservation line at 1-800-gunstock. Gunstock is a 75 minute drive from our region. From Rochester, NH, follow Route 11 West past Alton Bay, then up the moutain on 11A. Gunstock will come into view on your left. You can catch up on your sleep, depart in the late morning, ski for a half day and then enjoy the night skiing and the tubing until your energy is sapped.

Snow spectator sport – Big Air at Fenway Park

Take note Red Sox fans, Snowsport is coming to Fenway in a very big way. Fenway’s Big Air event (February 11-12) is a two-day extravaganza of sky scraping humans propelling themselves on skis and snowboards into the lower stratosphere in death defying jumps on skis and snowboards.

Deep in the middle of the Red Sox centerfield a 14-story tower of scaffolding now stands at a staggering height. Three times the height of the Green Monster, this matrix of pipes is so high that it would make those afflicted with just a mild case of acrophobia very queasy just to look at it.

It is the awesome launch tower for dare devil snowboarders and skiers to somehow swallow their fear and leave sanity behind. Ticket Prices range from $52 to $125.

— Greg Morell is an avid ski, snowboard and cross country enthusiast. You can reach him at [email protected].