attractions | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

*Mount Washington, New Hampshire’s ‘Road to the Sky’*

PINKHAM NOTCH, NH — Since 1861, Mount Washington’s “Road to the Sky” has been central to tourism in New Hampshire. Originally opened for horse and carriage traffic, early tourists marveled at the amazing views from the Northeast’s highest peak, and the clean, fresh air that made the mountains such a desirable destination for early city dwellers. While the Mt. Washington Auto Road now caters to motorized vehicles, the Road maintains its original 7.6-mile course up the mountain, and offers travelers the same experience in 2020 as it has throughout its long history.

This year’s opening day in June, however, came amidst unprecedented, worldwide health and travel concerns. All businesses—retail, lodging, hospitality and attractions—are making extraordinary efforts to adapt their business models to keep their employees and customers safe. The Mt. Washington Auto Road, and its sister company, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, are no exception. In fact, every aspect of our businesses have been analyzed and adapted to provide customers with the safest possible experience, without sacrificing any of the excitement and fun. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is currently open for biking and guided kayak tours. The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens on Thursday, June 11 for “drive yourself” customers. (Guided tours on the Auto Road were on hold until protocols and procedures to keep employees and customers safe were developed).

2020 proves to be a “year of change” in countless ways, most notably the retirement of longtime General Manager Howie Wemyss. Howie has worked for the company for almost 40 years, and was at the helm for the last 37. This year, Tobey Reichert, a lifelong resident of Gorham, and part of the sixth generation of the family that has owned the Mt. Washington Auto Road since 1906 has taken the helm.

“I love the idea of being able to manage the family business,” he states. “I grew up with Mount Washington in my backyard, so to speak, living in Gorham, and I enjoy looking at it and coming to work every day. It’s something you never want to take for granted,” said Reichert, who is married and a father of a 6-year-old son. “I’m looking forward to us getting open and being able to see people smiling.”

The family-owned Mount Washington Summit Road Company was formed in 1859, and completed the road to the summit of Mount Washington in 1861. The Mt. Washington Carriage Road, now called the Mt. Washington Auto Road, has the long-held distinction of being North America’s oldest man-made attraction. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, opened in 1994, is one of New Hampshire’s premier Nordic ski areas, with 45 kilometers of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and fatbiking. During the summer months, the Outdoor Center focuses on human-powered outdoor activities including kayaking, biking, hiking and trail running.

Mt. Washington Auto Road & Great Glen Trails, 1 Mt. Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH 03851, 603-466-3988, [email protected], https://mt-washington.com/.

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*New York State has a new attraction: the Sky Flyer Zipline at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex.*

New York State has another new attraction: the Sky Flyer Zipline at the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. The Zipline is the latest year-round attraction at the Olympic Complex and, along with the recently completed Skyride Gondola, the venue now offers a variety of ways to soar and explore the stunning beauty of the Adirondacks. The Sky Flyer Zipline is open Wednesday to Sunday for summer operations through Mid-October, and will operate on weekends for the remainder of fall.

The Sky Flyer Zipline is an exciting and thrilling attraction for visitors of all ages. Guests experience the ride from a seated position as they fly from the 70-foot tower located next to the take off ramp. Soaring parallel to the Olympic landing hill at a 30-degree decline, riders experience the excitement of an Olympic Ski Jumper. The 700-foot descent gracefully ends near the base lodge on the landing deck.

“The Sky Flyer Zipline is our latest and most exciting addition to the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex, and is part of our ongoing effort to modernize the entire complex, not just for the athletes it serves in the wintertime but for the thousands of families in New York and across the northeast who come to Lake Placid for summer fun,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “Our efforts are transforming the complex into a year-round provider of excitement and entertainment, which will attract more summer visitors and provide a boost to local businesses.”

The SkyRide Gondola takes visitors up the hillside to the world renowned Olympic Jumping Towers. From there, guests can take the glass enclosed elevator to the top of the 120-meter tower to enjoy panoramic views from the observatory room. There is also an exterior viewing deck that overlooks the entire landing hill and gives an amazing perspective to what athletes face just before releasing. The Gondola is open daily for the remainder of the summer season.

The Olympic Ski Jumping Complex facility is operating on reduced capacity and follows all NY State protocols, including requiring face coverings for all guests, limited occupancy within each Gondola cabin and reduced indoor seating availability. Masks are required at all venues.

ORDA President & CEO, Mike Pratt said,”The transformation of the Olympic Jumping Complex into a year-round destination is something we are very proud of. Besides hosting international competition and training, our guests will now be able to feel the same exhilaration as our athletes.”

For more information about the Sky Flyer Zipline and the Lake Placid Olympic sites, visit https://lakeplacidolympicsites.com/todo/sky-flyer-zipline/.