Welcome Spring & Summer!

Even though there are few a still snow showers happening on top of Mt. Washington, you have to come to terms with the fact that summer is almost here. Let the black flies be a temporary reminder of the fun that's about to descend on this valley.
Last weekend I took a wonderful group of gals that were staying at Purity down the Saco. We put in in Conway and took out in Fryeburg. What a glorious day! Sure we were warned of showers and high waters but we took a safe part of the river and not once did it shower! The highs were in about the 80's in the sun but the water was a cool ~50 degrees. I'm personally looking forward to swimming when it warms up and the group I was with echoed my sentiments. It's right around the corner.
It's amazing what our region has to offer if you're willing to make just a little bit of effort. There are beautiful walks right on our Audubon Sanctuary here at Purity Spring- I'm fortunate enough to know, lunches are often spent out there.
In any case, enjoy these longer days to their fullest! There's plenty of time and a myriad of places to take wonderful treks alone, with the dog, or with the entire family.
Enjoy! Life IS good.

Away for too long...

Since King Pine's last day, so much has happened. It's kept me busy, too busy I'm afraid to say to update this blog. For that I apologize.

My family and I took a little vacation and while we were gone, the Matriarch of the Hoyt family, owners of King Pine, Laura Hoyt Mahoney passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Because of her legacy at this resort and her warm and welcoming ways, there was much to do to prepare for the myriads of guests that would want to join us for her service. And we wanted to do it perfectly for her. Something of definite note, the days after Laura died were absolutely beautiful- full sunshine and abnormally warm for April in New Hampshire. The entire resort staff banded together and on May 4th our friend Laura was remembered during a beautiful service held on the land she was born to work on. We heard from her sons, remembering their mother, honoring their mother, and loving her as hard as their hearts could handle. Their words will always be in my heart from this mother's day on... I hope, that when my time on earth is done, I've accomplished as much for my own son.

Laura always had a way though of not making things about her... she was such a humble person. When she was enduring the cancer treatments, driving 2 1/2 hours each way to receive them, I asked if there was anything she and her husband Jack needed. I explained that I understood that she had lots of friends and family but that I was always willing to help if there was anything I could do to make any of this easier on them. She looked me in the eyes and said, "Shannon, you are my family now." Then she went on with her work (yes, she still worked at the resort- until she absolutely couldn't) as if that statement came as naturally as anything else. I'll never forget that moment. Not that Laura and I were inseparable best friends- but that when I joined her in her life's work of making this beautiful place called Purity Spring Resort a successful business, I became her family. And she meant it, and I loved her for it.

So now our work continues, as does Laura's life work. We continue to beautify the resort readying it for the summer guests. Suzie Hoyt is working the gorgeous gardens here already tending to the needs of the plants that are blooming and those that soon will. Our chef's are attending regional cooking competitions, others attended the MWV Business to Business Expo, and we all continue to contribute to the greatness of this business.

Soon the lilacs will be out, they're her favorite I've learned and they're used as the logo for the new foundation created in her name- The Laura Mahoney Autism and Epilepsy Foundation.

You see, Laura's first grandchild Drew developed these two conditions as the years went by after his birth. Drew is non-verbal, and his "lovey-touch" is touching someones nose. I was lucky enough to witness this touch and the love between them many times. Laura's son Andrew summed it up elegantly, and simply, "she loved him just for who he is". In my early teens and until now, I've been blessed to have special people like Drew in my life too. People and children with special needs have always held a special place in my heart and I've come to be quite fond of Drew too... Who, believe it or not, has been doing amazingly well despite the loss of his Grammy. We all believe that Laura is with him, taking care of him and making his life easier in these days.

To make a donation please send it to:

The Laura Mahoney Autism and Epilepsy Foundation

1251 Eaton Road

East Madison, NH 03860

The end of the season...

Oh my goodness, the perfect day ended our 07-08 season, just the way it should be.  

The sun was shining, the splash pond was filled, the crowd was waiting.  There were lots of thrills and spills, and everyone- absolutely everyone in the wonderful crowd we had in attendance was happy and smiling.  It was unanimously sad to see our season end on such a perfect day, with so much snow left.  

Our King Pine company party started right after the lift closures.  We celebrated employees that have been here 10, and 20 years, and we all took a moment to enjoy the goodness of our team members.  It was a very nice last hurrah complete with an absolutely delicious dinner from our talented Purity Spring staff.  Big thanks and kudos for sharing their talents with us.

Alas, yesterday we cleaned the base lodge from stem to stern.  We took out the plates and glasses for the weddings coming up this spring... we vacuumed, we washed, we polished the parquet floor that hides under a carpet in the Nursery all winter, and we said good bye to old man winter until he moves in again.  Then (I have to assume) everyone cleaning, and revamping, took a moment to embrace the upcoming spring and summer.  How apropos to have a 50 degree day today to confirm our affirmations.

Thank you to everyone who makes King Pine possible... the employees, the customers, the owners, the season pass holders, the twisted 10 participants, the volunteers, the individuals who bring awesome events here, etc.  Without you, it wouldn't be the very magical place it is.

Stay tuned this spring and summer for Purity Spring Resort updates and information...  There's still lots to be excited about.  We're just a few months from the birth of our infamous loon chicks.  :)

Events at King Pine Ski Area at Purity Spring Resort

Hi All,


This past weekend brought us a great new event. For the first time, King Pine teamed up with Gerry Morrill of the Amesbury, MA Fire Department to present the Firefighters Appreciation Day. Our fire fighting house guests at Purity Spring Resort were treated to comfy rooms, a beautiful pool and hot tub, home cooking, XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, alpine skiing and all the firefighter events that were included in this incredible resort package. A great time was had by all and a special cameo was made by Sparky the Fire Dog. The kids were thrilled that he was the grand master for the "Gold Rush" our candy scramble in the snow.

There are only two more weekends in our 07-08 season and we've saved some great events to say goodbye to winter, in style. This Saturday, kids and adults alike will vie for first place in the King Pine Cardboard Box Derby. I never realized there were official rules (you learn something new every day)! Teams with themes: bring the wild "vehicle" you plan on taking down the mountain with, your own theme music, and away you go... crazily racing for first place. Registration takes place at the bottom of the course, just behind the King Pine base lodge, beginning at noon. Inspection and judging begins at 12:30 PM, racing starts at 1:00 PM. We'll also have an outdoor BBQ with music, games and prizes beginning at 11:00 AM.

Sunday to honor Easter slope side, we'll be offering a Sunrise Service. Lifts open for the service at 6:30 (yes, bring your skis or board). The service begins at 6:40 followed by a pancake breakfast from 7:15- approximately 8 AM. The Easter Service is FREE, the breakfast is $8.

Buy an all day ticket, and your breakfast is FREE.

For our final weekend, March 29 and 30, we're sending Old Man Winter on his way with a SPLASH! On Saturday March 29, bring the kids in to meet Slugger, Mascot of the Boston Red Sox's own AA team from Portland, ME, the Sea Dogs.

SPLASH DOWN BABY!!! On Sunday the 30Th, dress up in your craziest duds and ski or ride your way down the slope and across/into our man made "shark pool" in our annual Pond Skimming contest. You can find our registration form online as well as some silly pictures from last year! ...and don't forget an extra set of dry clothes... lol.

In any case, as much as I hate to say it, time is running out, and we'd love to see you before it does. Don't miss our upcoming events... some are so funny your stomach will hurt for weeks!

See you at KP!


SH

Firefighters Appreciation Day Press Release

East Madison, New Hampshire - Saturday, March 15, 2008 marks King Pine Ski Area’s first annual Firefighter’s Appreciation Day dedicated to those who serve their neighbors unselfishly. Each year more than one million Unites States firefighters, serving over 53,000 fire departments responding to a fire every 19 seconds, heroically risk their own lives protecting others

The day will entail several events geared towards firefighter’s and their families. Dressed in their fire fighting gear and on either skis or snowshoes, adult participant will work independently or together during the “silly” slalom race or hose carrying events to bring home a gold medal. Children of firefighters will dig and scramble for candy during the “Gold Rush” event. The day’s festivities at King Pine also include an outdoor BBQ and awards ceremony.

“It’s always great to be a part of something that gives back to the community” says Dan Houde, Marketing Director. “We all need to take the time to think about the sacrifices these people make every day, and now, working together, we’re creating a wonderful day for firefighters to enjoy with their entire family.” Host Jerry Morrill of the Amesbury, MA Fire Department says, “I’m excited to see this appreciation event take off like it has at Danforth Bay Camping and RV Resort during the summer; now firefighter’s have something to look forward in the summer and in the winter in the White Mountains.”

Registration for the event begins Saturday morning in the King Pine base lodge at 8:30 A.M. Youth participate for $26 and Adults for $39 with photo identification or badge. Special weekend packages including a firefighter’s family tubing party are available at Purity Spring Resort and Danforth Bay Camping Resort. Please see kingpine.com/events--- for more information or call 603-367-8896.

King Pine and Purity Spring Resort, located in East Madison, NH, are owned and operated by the Hoyt family and have welcomed guests since the early 1900s.

There's a buzz in the air!

The crews are setting up the staging for the Dog Sled Race, banners are going up, people are arriving for the weekend and the weather looks like it very well may be all right tomorrow. The temperatures are forcasted to be at about freezing which will hopefully mean snow instead of rain or any of that freezing-rain hooey.

I'm hearing crazy rumors that people aren't sure if there's enough snow here... well let me assure you- there's more than enough! You can actually take a truck load or 2 home with you after your visit! Yesterday, my son and I had do dig down into the snow a ways to find an old snowman we had built a month ago to poach his hat and scarf for the new one we need to build on top of all this new snow- it's incredible. You really need to see this to believe it...

So come on over tomorrow or Sunday, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family!

SH

The weekend to be at King Pine~

This weekend, March 8Th and 9Th is without a doubt shaping up to be one of the funnest this season.

King Pine and The New England Sled Dog Club are happy to announce their first annual Sled Dog Race Classic happening this weekend on and around Lake Purity. In conjunction with this new tradition, is a very special, very sentimental celebration called the Marky B Boardfest now in its eighth year.

On Saturday and Sunday Dog teams will be competing in 6 different categories starting at 9:00 A.M. each day and ending at 4:00 P.M. Viewing will be possible from many different vantage points including some that require snowshoes or cross country skis to access (a $5 trail pass would be required, and rentals are available). The nice thing about this event, is that people of any ability, of any age, can come outside, breathe fresh air and enjoy old fashioned, family fun. Refreshments, lunches, snacks and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Admission however, is free. Volunteers are needed for this event- please contact us by calling 800-373-3754 x215 or by emailing.

Saturday afternoon and evening the Trails End Tavern in the base lodge of King Pine offers live entertainment for your socializing pleasure. Justin Jaymes' acoustic jams are lined up from about 2:00-4:00 followed by our own acoustic open mike night- ending, well... when it ends!

Don't forget, daylight savings time is Saturday night!!! Spring ahead one hour- so don't have TOO much fun Saturday night, you'll need to be up bright and early Sunday for the Marky B 7:30 A.M. registration!

The Marky B Boardfest is a memorial race for Mark Bierweiler son of Chip and Barb, long time employees of King Pine. Proceeds from this annual event enrich current snowboarding programs at King Pine and make the sport available to children in the community who may otherwise not be able to participate.

Race day registration begins at the King Pine base lodge at 7:30 A.M. and racing begins at 9:30 A.M. Included in the $40 registration fee is a lunch voucher, one raffle ticket and race fees. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for chances to win generously donated restaurant gift certificates, goggles, helmets, snowboards and much more.

The race format is the best 2 out of 3 runs combined times through a unique slalom with rolls, hits and jumps. There are male and female categories: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-20, 21-27, 28-34, 35-49 and 50+. Awards are given to the top 3 finishers in all categories.



For more information or conditions, please call 800-373-3754 or visit us online.