It’s Thanksgiving and we already have snow on the ground. I suppose that should come as no surprise considering we live in Wisconsin. Still, I was kind of hoping that Mother Nature would wait until at least December 1st before pelting us with the white stuff. Of course, the thousands of snow lovers who eagerly await the first flake of the season do not share my opinion.
They are the ones the Appalachian Mountain Club is welcoming with open arms this season. In fact, this year the club is extending its new family weekend series through the winter with programs that range from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to animal tracking and learning how to build a snow shelter.
My personal favorite (because of its partial indoor location) is the club’s holiday-oriented “Gingerbread Weekend” where families learn to build a gingerbread house in between winter walks and hikes with AMC guides.
In addition to hosting the new family programs, AMC is also running its traditional cold-weather activities like guided lodge-to-hut trips for clans, and a five-night winter family adventure camp. All of the activities and programs are based at AMC lodges in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in the Moosehead Lake region of Maine. Rates vary according to dates and length of stay, but for an average weekend, the price starts at $155 per person for adults and $85 per child with lodging and most meals included.
If you are planning to make your winter trip a multi-generational one, consider AMC’s new health and wellness weekend series that combines snowshoeing with activities such as yoga or Pilates. It’s specially designed for grandparents (or anyone 50 and over).
Another standout program being offered by AMC is a five-night self-guided lodge-to-lodge cross-country ski tour in the Maine woods. Families are given the opportunity to explore dozens of local trails around AMC lodges and they also get to try their hand at snowshoeing. Snowshoes are available for guests to borrow at AMC’s New Hampshire lodges, and there is free use of L.L. Bean gear at Highland Lodge in the White Mountains.
Related Articles:
Holiday Geography Fun for the Whole Family
More Ideas for Holiday Family Fun-Christmas Light Displays
All Aboard for Winter Family Fun
Fun Family Events for Animal Lovers
More Ideas for a Fun Family Weekend in Nature
Ideas for a Fun Family Weekend in Nature