Snow has fallen and Loon Mountain is open for the season. And you know what that means - the holidays are officially upon us! In a few short weeks, Santa will be coming down the chimney, the menorah will be lit, and the ball will drop for a whole new decade. The holidays are a time for lots of quality family time and there is no better place than family-friendly Lincoln, New Hampshire.

The kids might be back in school, but summer isn’t over yet! The humid summer days are behind us allowing for the cool mountain air to arrive in the White Mountains after a long hot summer. In another month or so, the leaves will start turning into a kaleidoscope of colors and the leaf peepers will be back in droves.

It was just like any Friday morning. I went for my morning walk around the neighborhood. I played with Jane and Anna next door before my mom called me inside for my morning nap. I found my favorite spot in the sun by the window and curled up to catch a few “zzz’s” before the mail arrives. I woke up to my mom packing the suitcases. Oh no! I know what this means – I’m heading to the kennel.

Did you know that you can rent the Penthouse Suite at the RiverWalk Resort? No, you don’t need to be rockstar or the CEO of some giant tech company to afford it. The larger suites at the RiverWalk Resort are perfect for large families who need a little more space, but still want all the amenities and customer service that come with a resort in town. Start planning your next family reunion, multi-generational family vacation or getaway with friends. We like to call it "togethering."

There is nothing more relaxing than arriving at your home away from home and shutting the computer down after a long work week and parking the car for the weekend. The RiverWalk Resort is centered in the heart of Lincoln making it the perfect destination to make your home base. With a shuttle bus service to Loon, luxury amenities at the resort, and tons of food and entertainment options within a short walk come to the RiverWalk Resort to park and play.

Maintaining pristine ice for the nation’s only lagoon skating rink isn’t easy. It takes a team of RiverWalk Resort employees to keep the ice in tip-top shape for skaters all winter long. Starting in November, the RiverWalk’s 167,000-gallon outdoor lagoon swimming pool is transformed into a perfect sheet of ice with the help of a complex network of tubes carrying super-cooled glycol. 

There is more to Lincoln than just world-class family skiing. Whether you need a break from skiing or you’re a non-skier, there's tons to do in the Western White Mountains and beyond during the winter months. Bundle up and head outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and check out the local trails with your pup or hug your favorite ice princess at the Ice Castles.

This blog post is part of "The Guide to Winter Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.

Just like humans, your favorite furry four-legged friend needs a vacation, too! Explore the old conifer forests and the glacial peaks of the White Mountains year-round with Fido and the family in tow. Lincoln, New Hampshire is a dog-friendly town. You’ll see plenty of locals and visitors alike with their canine best friends walking around town and out on the trails. Pack the dog treats and head to Lincoln with the whole family this year!

This blog post is part of “The RiverWalk Guide to Ownership” blog series.

You don’t have to travel to Europe to explore castles this winter! Instead of centuries-old stone fortresses nestled throughout Europe’s picturesque countryside, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind castle in Lincoln, New Hampshire in a few short weeks.  

It’s finally here! The snow is falling and the slopes are opening. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to book your family ski weekend in the White Mountains.