Category: Q&A

A look at the upcoming ski season

Alexandra Moore, marketing director at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, talked about what to expect during this winter’s ski season and how to stay safe and enjoy your time on the slopes.

What Covid safety measures should people be practicing at the ski area?

Right now, we’re following all of the CDC guidelines. We require people to wear masks while indoors, and all of our employees are masked while indoors. We certainly recommend that people wear masks outdoors, as well. We also just ask that everybody [practice] social distancing … and try to limit their time indoors. We have a ton of outside seating, picnic tables and these beautiful fire pits that people can sit around so that they can really enjoy the outdoors. … Consider using your car as a base lodge. … When you get on the lift chair, go with the crew that you came in with, versus catching a chair with somebody you don’t know. … The biggest thing we ask is that everybody just be aware of what’s going on, and, of course, if you’re not feeling well, stay home.

Aside from Covid protocol, what else should people know about staying safe?

Dressing properly is definitely the big one. I would recommend that people check the elements and dress for the elements; a good coat, snow pants, snow boots, a hat and gloves are really key to enjoying your time outside during winter in New England.

Are you expecting a good season, snow-wise?

Yes. We just listened to weather forecasts that said it’s going to be a good winter for skiing and riding, so we’re anticipating a wonderful year of being outside, enjoying the winter in the ways that New Englanders love the most. … Plus, it’s always a good winter for skiing or riding here, because we have the ability to make our own snow, and our snowmakers are out there diligently working every chance that they can.

Where do you get your forecast info? How accurate is it, usually?

We get it through Manchester City weather forecasting. We are usually pretty spot-on. We were hoping for 8 inches during this last storm, and we got about 4, but weather, as we all know, is unpredictable in many ways.

Do you offer any special programs or lessons?

We have a lot [of learning opportunities] for people who are out [on the slopes] for the first time or want to get into the sport [of skiing]. We offer group lessons, private lessons, and semi-private lessons here … to teach people the love of skiing and riding. We have an incredible … program for the younger [kids]. We have a lot of school programs with local schools. We have a parent-and-me class. We have a women-in-winter class.

What about special events?

Yes, the events that go on here are so cool. Santa was just at the ski area today. We have a Tuesday night race league. We have a neon race coming up [on Jan. 4], and we have the Vertical Challenge coming in February.

Why should people hit the slopes this winter?

Winter in New England is long. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, and [to do so] safely, because you’re outside, in the open air. It brings generations together; we have people who are over 80 years old who are still enjoying us. It’s something I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. … If you don’t want to ski, we have snow tubing, with eight tubing lanes … and we have a wonderful cafe and bar area. There are really no limits; there’s something here for everybody.

Local ski areas

• Crotched Mountain (615 Francestown Road, Bennington, 588-3668, crotchedmtn.com) Opening date TBD.
• Gunstock Mountain Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, 293-4341, gunstock.com) Open now for day skiing, with night skiing starting on Dec. 28.
• McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Ct., Manchester, 622-6159, mcintyreskiarea.com) Open Thursday, Dec. 23, from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; day and night skiing offered daily starting on Dec. 26.
• Pats Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com) Open now for day skiing, with night skiing starting Dec. 26.

Featured photo: Alexandra Moore. Anne Skidmore Photography.

Charitable giving for the holiday season

Melinda Mosier, director of donor services at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, talked about charitable giving and how you can support New Hampshire’s nonprofits this holiday season and year-round.

What are some of the biggest needs in the state right now? 

The ongoing pandemic and its effects mean that basic needs are even more acute — food, housing, health care and child care. The pandemic has taken a huge toll on children and youth, and put many kids and families into crisis, so programs that provide mentoring, after-school care and mental health care for children really need help. Organizations that support dialogue and protect civil rights, democracy and racial justice are playing a critical role for our communities and are in need of support.

With so many different areas of need, how does someone decide on a cause to support?

Consider the areas of greatest needs in the state and think about where you most want to help, then select … based on your priorities.

Once they’ve narrowed that down, how do they find local organizations to give to? 

When you have identified priority areas for your giving, it becomes easier to identify and connect with the nonprofits doing great work on those issues in New Hampshire and likely right in your own backyard — the local food pantry, an after-school program or performing arts center, or a local conservation group. Visit their websites to learn more.

Why should someone donate to a local organization versus a national one?

Both are worthy of charitable gifts, of course, but if you give to the local chapter, your dollars will circulate locally and have more of a local impact, improving the well-being of New Hampshire residents and boosting the local economy. It’s the same principle as buying local.

How do charitable organizations typically use donations? 

If you believe in what your local food pantry is doing, or in the mission of your local art museum or homeless shelter, give to support its whole mission rather than restricting your donation for a specific project or purpose. A food pantry needs food, of course, but it also needs to keep the electricity running. … An art museum needs a building, and it also needs programming to bring art … into the community. A homeless shelter needs warm blankets, of course, but it also needs staff, and hand sanitizer and masks to keep people safe. Unrestricted donations are most valuable because they can be put to use where they are most critically needed.

How important is the holiday season for local charities?

Nationally, about a third of all charitable giving happens in December, but nonprofits all over New Hampshire rely on generosity … all year round, and now, more than ever before, nonprofits need our help. We hope people will give as generously as they can this holiday season and all year long to help New Hampshire’s nonprofits … make our communities strong.

How can people maximize their giving?

Making larger gifts to fewer organizations allows you to have a greater impact on an area of critical work. … Consider consolidating, giving a higher-impact gift to one or two organizations. … If you run a company, consider matching employees’ year-end gifts. Matching gifts not only drives increased giving; it helps build a culture of giving in your business and camaraderie among your team. You can also choose a nonprofit that is doing work you care deeply about and ask people to give to it in your name as a gift [to you]. You could also consider making a gift to a nonprofit as a meaningful holiday gift for family and friends.

What are some ways that people can give other than monetary donations? 

Giving financial resources is critically important, and so is giving of your time and passion and expertise. Volunteer opportunities abound to give by doing. … Volunteernh.org has a search engine that can be filtered by region, issue, and even by family-friendly volunteer opportunities.

Featured photo: Melinda Mosier. Photo by Cheryl Senter.