Take that Jackson Hole. Better luck next time, Banff.
North Conway, N.H., was named the best ski town by the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, topping Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and fellow New England winter mecca, Stowe, Vt.
“A ski town in its own right — the slopes of Cranmore Mountain Resort are just a few blocks off of the White Mountain Highway, the town’s main street — North Conway is also a convenient base for day-tripping to other classic New England ski areas like Black Mountain, King Pine, and Attitash,” USA Today wrote said. “Formidable Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England, can be explored by snow coach or the venerable Cog Railway, and the town’s cozy hotels and B&Bs promise a warm welcome after a winter day outdoors.”
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A father and son enjoy skiing at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway. NHDTTD
Other award categories included best ski restaurants, best ski hotels, best ski shops, best ski schools, and best ski resorts (Cannon Mountain in Franconia, N.H., ranked seventh among the resorts).
It is worth noting that each top 10 list includes this disclaimer: “When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.”
Nominees were “submitted by a panel of experts” and narrowed down by editors to a final slate. When the nominees are announced, the public can cast votes for their favorites (readers are allowed to vote for one nominee per category, per calendar day) over a period of four weeks, according to USA Today.
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Skiers in North Conway in 1946.
The rankings described Stowe as a “quintessential New England village and an ideal ski town rolled into one.”
“Laid out along the course of the Little River, the town is home to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum as well as resorts like the Trapp Family Lodge, the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, and the elegant Topnotch Resort, but also plenty of more modest options. Dining choices likewise run the gamut from elegant to casual; the von Trapp Brewery and Beerhall is the go-to for German brews and food. The main street morphs into the access road leading to Mount Mansfield and the Stowe Mountain Resort.”
Also in Stowe, the Pinnacle Ski and Sports was named the best ski shop, the Cliff House Restaurant was rated the eighth-best ski restaurant, and Topnotch Resort ranked sixth among the best ski hotels.
Backcountry skier Brooks Curran unpacks his skis from his backpack in Stowe, Vt., in February 2021. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Rounding out the 10 best ski towns were destinations out west. Banff, Alberta took fourth place; Jackson Hole, Wyo., ranked fifth; Red River, N.M., came in sixth; Vail, Colo., was seventh; Steamboat Springs, Colo., ranked eighth; Taos, N.M., was ninth; and McCall, Idaho, took 10th place.
Emily Sweeney can be reached at emily.sweeney@globe.com. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
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In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Pease Air National Guard KC-46 Pegasus air refueling aircraft in June 2023.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
