Scenic Six

The best spots to spend a snow day in New England

Plus: JetBlue anniversary deal, ski lift tickets under $100, and Ice Castles discount.

Visitors go snow tubing at Ascutney Outdoors in Brownsville, Vt., in January 2022.
Visitors go snow tubing at Ascutney Outdoors in Brownsville, Vt., in January 2022. Caleb Kenna / The New York Times

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Welcome back to Scenic Six.

New Englanders embrace winter (mostly), so cold-weather outdoor activities are plentiful. This week, we take a look at snow tubing destinations across the region as well as a standout spot for spring skiing. A New England city was also just named among the most welcoming in the U.S., and it’s one of my favorite spots. 

12 places to go snow tubing across New England

Our go-to snow tubing spot is Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park in Littleton. Last time we took our teenage kids there, we had lunch in the cozy on-site lodge with views of the hill and watched as they enjoyed the day. Check out some of the many snow tubing destinations across New England, some of which feature LED lights, music, fire pits, cabanas, and more.  

The best local spot for spring skiing

Vermont’s Killington remains open until the first week of June, making it one of the best spring ski destinations in North America, according to OnTheSnow.com. I love spring skiing because what’s better than shedding that heavy ski coat? Those final turns in the warm sunshine are such a beautiful gift as the season comes to an end. 

Feeling the Newport love  

Newport was just named among the most welcoming cities in the U.S. by Booking.com and I couldn’t agree more. I recently had the pleasure of strolling Bowen’s Wharf during the seaside city’s Christmas tree lighting and it was Hallmark movie-perfect as holiday music filled the air and workers at decked out shops offered free cookies and beverages. Previously, helpful waiters and bed and breakfast owners have left good impressions as well. 

Travel Tips

Deals and Steals

  • Get $79 one-way flights in celebration of JetBlue’s 25th birthday, good for travel between Feb. 25 and June 11. The airline is offering five days of deals between Feb. 10-15. 
  • If you haven’t yet checked out Ice Castles in North Woodstock, N.H., here’s your chance to save 20 percent on off-peak days through Feb. 20: Use the code WINTERMAGIC. The offer is not valid Friday through Sunday or on Presidents Day.
  • Need a weekend getaway this winter? Marriott Bonvoy members who book between Feb. 12-16 at participating Marriott Select Brand hotels can get a 25% discount for weekend stays between Feb. 17 and March 9. Membership is free and includes exclusive rates, points toward free nights, and more.

I’ll leave you with this photo of Fenway during our most recent snow day, taken by Amy Honan Rodriguez.

Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter. 

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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.

— Kristi Palma

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Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

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