New Hampshire’s most romantic ski town in has to be Jackson. The village gateway
is a beautiful red covered bridge, some call it the Kissing Bride, others the
Honeymoon Bridge – you get the picture. Trees sparkle with tiny white lights,
snow blankets fields where cross country skiers pass, and candlelight inns
invite you in.
The grandest of the handful of inns in Jackson Village is The Wentworth, the
elegant elder dame at a century and half old (1869). Ice sculptures lined the
veranda as we arrived for our romantic winter getaway. Inside the lobby was a
roaring fire and music from the pianist playing in the cozy lounge.
Lodging at the Wentworth ranges from romantic Inn rooms to absolutely regal
suites. Ours had a beautiful bed, a gas fireplace, and an oversized Jacuzzi tub
fit for two (trust me). Fresh candles and a match book were provided, along with
bath salts to satisfy all our senses.
Most Wentworth ski and stay package include a full country breakfast each
morning from Chef prepared eggs Benedict to gourmet French toast, served
fireside in the formal dining room. After the royal morning treatment, you can
head out the door and start gliding along Jackson Touring Center’s 158
kilometers of groomed Nordic trails, the largest trail network in New England,
or make tracks for downhill skiing at nearby Black, Cranmore, Attitash,
Wildcat
or Bretton Woods.
We found Black Mountain to be a real gem, just minutes up the hill from Jackson
Village This 1934 ski mountain (the oldest in New Hampshire) is the way skiing
used to be -unhurried, un-crowded, unbelievably scenic with views of Mount
Washington. Wildcat, and Attitash offer over 2,000’ vertical of skiing with high
speed lifts and more great White Mountain scenery. Cranmore is right in downtown
North Conway with pleasant trails skiing (day and night) and a strong racing
heritage.
Whether you spend your day schussing the slopes, outlet shopping in North Conway
or gliding on the Inn’s ice rink, you will be glad to call it quits and commence
après ski. The Wentworth serves Swiss fondue, a tradition brought by Swiss-born
innkeeper Fritz and his wife Ellie Koeppel. This delightful couple delivers many
luxurious touches to the Wentworth, their staff is exceptionally
well-orchestrated, no surprise when you see that Fritz has been hotelier at The
Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
After bubbling away your troubles in your spa tub, it’s time to dine well, and
The Wentworth Chef has that covered with four gourmet courses by candlelight.
The Wentworth has received the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence as well as
four diamonds and four stars for dining in the past. Having enjoyed the Lobster
and Vermont Goat Cheese Cannelloni- I concur.
Jackson New Hampshire is the best place in the Mount Washington Valley for
skiers in love, newlyweds, or even the most experienced romantics. And
The
Wentworth is the place to stay for an elegant winter getaway with luxury
lodging, delicious dining and five ski resorts within a snow ball’s toss.