Lebanon, NH Outdoor Activities

Tucked away in New Hampshire’s picturesque White Mountains, SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals takes full advantage of its scenic perch. The outdoor adventure emporium beckons visitors to explore the paths at its back door, encouraging them to zoom across the Appalachian Trail, coast through mountainous state parks, and burst through the front door of any log cabin they encounter. The snowmobiles themselves come equipped with useful amenities such as hand warmers and electric starters, and are easily navigable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced riders.

It seemed inevitable that the owners would found Northeast Mountaineering, as both grew up in central Massachusetts and both have ascended an array of local and faraway mountains, including Mt. McKinley. With another experienced climber in tow, Northeast Mountaineering's trio of climbers share their passion for the outdoors with pupils during climbs up Mt. Adams, Mt. Washington, or custom trails forged by their pet mountain goats. They also orchestrate trips to Ecuador to climb the second-highest mountain in the country, the 19,347-foot Mt. Cotopaxi. As certified Wilderness First Responders, each guide is dedicated to safe climbing techniques, which they instill in students during courses that are tailored to all skill levels.

Absolute Adventure Tours' seasoned guides outfit riders in gloves, goggles, and helmets before waving small groups of Polaris ATVs onto the paths that wind through Jericho Mountain State Park. Excursions begin daily at 8:30 a.m. at Absolute PowerSports and RV with a discourse about safety before patrons caravan to the park and take a spin on four-wheel-drive, automatic ATVs with windshields and storage bins for personal items or miniature conscience doppelgängers. Adventurers as young as 6 cling to parent chaperones while roadsters prowl through moss-laden bogs and take in panoramic mountain views for three hours. Frequent pit stops, including a lunch break, foster opportunities for exploration on foot. Tours wind down by 2 p.m., dispatching riders to enjoy the park by taking a dip in the lake or panning for gold.

During the summer, Whaleback reverberates with the echoes of paintball players, mountain bikers, and BMX riders. But, when winter’s blustery winds sweep across the peaks, the homey lodge welcomes skiers and snowboarders with 85 acres of fresh powder.

More than 30 trails run down from various heights and slopes at this family-friendly resort filled with the rustic, laid-back vibes of old New England. Beginners practice their mountainside maneuvers on the gentle magic carpet level; more advanced riders can take advantage of the kickers in the terrain park, or the whoosh down the 1,800-foot descent from the mountain’s towering summit. Such feats of wintry derring-do aren’t bound by the constraints of sun—the resort also lights up the mountain for night excursion. Post-ride, visitors can decamp to the resort’s on-site pub, a no-frills joint often filled with the friendly racket of live music.

Sculpted through scenic mountainside terrain, Green Mountain National Golf Course spans 6,589 yards of arching fairways and multi-tiered greens. Engulfed by dense tree lines and rising mountain faces, the course's narrow fairways call for a cautious approach, and those boldly teeing off with a driver or 17th-century musket may end up hacking their second shot out of the woodsy rough. As golfers traverse the course, elevated tees, greens, and cresting fairways give way to panoramic views, letting golfers glimpse the contoured terrain and drink in ancient rock formations shaped by glaciers and the species of colossal paleontologists that ruled the continent prior to their extinction. A full-length driving range, short game practice area, and putting green fine tune players' club-wielding prowess, and a fully stocked pro shop offers up equipment and gear to help guests loop the links in style.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 71 course
• Length of 6,589 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.1 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 138 from the farthest tees
• Five tee options