SnoNews

Summer is in full swing and that means it's time to cool off and chill out at your favorite Granite State mountain resort. Lakes, rivers, ponds and waterslides make it easy to float through fun summer days.

Fresh powder can be found across much of the Northeast. (Stowe Mountain Resort)

The Northeast and Great Lakes regions are settled in a weather pattern that allows for more snowfall and cold temperatures. The West sees some snowfall return and possibly a pattern change.

New Hampshire ski areas wrapping up a successful season. (Ski NH)

There’s still time to ski or ride at New Hampshire’s ski areas, but you should head out soon. The state’s downhill and Nordic ski areas will wrap up the season in April and are offering spring ski deals and hosting events during these final days.

Big snows at Tahoe Adventure Center. (Tahoe Donner)

Cross country ski areas are very susceptible to the weather. This winter ski areas and skiers “endured” a few huge snowstorms, days of nearly 70 degrees, meltdowns, freeze ups, rain deluges and floods, and more, with what has been dubbed the “Whiplash Winter.” The whiplash effect refers to the weather changing in short periods from unseasonably warm to freezing cold with major snowstorms followed by unseasonably warm weather, and repeat from late November through early April.

You'll find gear to put a smile on your face at the Vail Ski Swap. (Vail Ski and Snowboard Club)

As we’re preparing for ski and board season, it’s time to think about upgrading our gear or selling some of your old stuff, and fall ski swaps are a great way to make that happen.

As we celebrate the long-awaited return of winter in New Hampshire, the flakes are falling on more than just the ski slopes. For the full mountain resort experience, savor a jaunt through the woods on a traditional horse drawn sleigh ride, get your adrenaline rush on a zipline, or control your own speed on a mountain coaster.

Crisp autumn air and moderate temperatures make for the perfect time to head to your favorite resort for some al fresco dining. Here are SnoCountry’s favorites for a fall trip to take in the colors and enjoy a cocktail or meal on the deck.

“We are in the business of making people smile,” Gunstock Mountain Resort’s Bill Quigley told SnoCountry.com. Quigley says people who aren’t skiers and riders miss out on an amazing element of living in the Northeast: the ability to love being outside in the winter, whether they ski, ride, bike, snowshoe or tube on the snow.

Many eastern resorts are now offering their best prices on next year’s season passes. Buy now, and many come with free skiing for the rest of the the current season. The snowpack is deep and many ski areas could still be open for another two months.

New Hampshire thrill-seekers will find numerous opportunities to explore the mountains of the state from a bird's-eye view at its many resort zip lines, canopy tours, and aerial adventure courses.