“The interest in summer activities has already started, so it’s great to see the attractions starting to open their doors,

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - May 8th, 2013 -  North Woodstock, N.H. – The sixteen major attractions located throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains Region are getting ready to open their doors.  In addition to the usual preparations for the upcoming tourism season, many of these family-friendly attractions are introducing new rides, outdoor adventures and improvements for 2013.

“The interest in summer activities has already started, so it’s great to see the attractions starting to open their doors,” said Jayne O’Connor, President of the White Mountains Attractions Association. “There’s a lot of pent-up demand for getting out in the mountains once the weather turns warm.”

Several of the parks are open already, including The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, which is running train rides daily now, and looking forward to two July visits from Thomas the Tank Engine. The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch is also now open daily, with a mix of wildflowers and winter ice along the walk. In North Woodstock, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves opens for the season daily on May 10^th, with an expanded schedule of evening Lantern Tours through the caves starting Memorial Day weekend.

Other new features include a newly opened cave on the tour at Polar Caves Park on Route 25 in Rumney, now open daily; and at the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the crew is building its final environmentally-friendly bio-diesel locomotive. The Cog is open weekends for now and will run a daily schedule starting May 25.  Also on Mount Washington, the Auto Road in Pinkham Notch is open daily for guided tours aboard the Auto Road’s “Stages” (passenger vans).  The tours have been extended this year, giving visitors a full hour to explore the top of the Northeast’s highest peak.

For thrill-seeking water fun, there’s a new slide at Whale’s Tale Water Park in Lincoln, called Poseidon’s Voyage, which will feature a 54 ft. drop from the top and a “super loop” midway. Whale’s Tale opens daily starting June 5.  Santa’s Village in Jefferson will also be adding three new waterslides to its water park area, and renovating some of the public areas.  Glen’s famous Story Land will open weekends May 25-June 9, then daily, with a magic show added to their entertainment line-up.

The opening schedule for other attractions in the White Mountains include the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (daily starting May 24); Clark’s Trading Post (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); Attitash Mountain Resort (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily); Hobo Railroad (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily); Loon Mountain (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); Six Gun City & Fort Splash (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); and Wildcat Mountain (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily).

For updated operation dates, visit the WMAA website at www.VisitWhiteMountains.com. The White Mountains Attractions Association was founded in 1958 as a co-operative marketing association for the region. In 1983, it was also designated the State’s official Regional Association for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, able to assist the press and visitors with information about the region.

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