By Vicki Abbott Bancroft
Snow Chronicles Correspondent

DIXVILLE NOTCH, N.H. -- The Balsams Wilderness ski area sits tucked away in the very northern woods of New Hampshire. With uniqueness that sets it apart from many other destination resorts, the Balsams Wilderness beckons to those in search of a winter vacation that truly revitalizes and restores. Whether in search of superb snow conditions for skiing, cross country skiing and trekking or some quiet time away to simply relax and enjoy, the Balsams Wilderness offers a host of opportunities.

Although you’re a guest when you arrive, you will leave feeling you’ve enjoyed a home away from home experience. From the comfort of the quiet wooded trails for snowshoeing to the calm of private guest rooms stocked with books rather than televisions, time spent at the Balsams Wilderness will change the way you think about recreation.

The American Plan provides guests with a culinary experience that is often missed in this hurry up world. Without added cost, meals prepared under the direction of Chef Phil Learned please the most discerning of guests. Dinners are a formal event with gentlemen in jackets and ties and ladies suitably attired as well. Nightly live entertainment fills three rooms with movies, concerts, lectures and games.

With its extreme northern location here in Dixville Notch, the Balsams Wilderness enjoys a huge annual snowfall. In addition, snowmaking covers 80% of the trails. The ski area boasts a traditional design of fall line skiing and glades making it very popular with telemark skiers as well as alpine skiers. Skiers report a quality of the ski experience measured not so much by number of trails but by the enjoyment of their time on the hill.

“Every year, I return to the Balsams Wilderness because it makes me realize how much I love winter and snow,” shared a longtime visitor to the New Hampshire resort.

The Balsams Wilderness offers some of the best cross country skiing in New England if not in the country. With 85 km of groomed double tracks, skiers can enjoy side by side conversation rather than talking into the back of their companion. This can be a rare find when cross country skiing and skiers soon realize how nice this can be.

In addition, a skate lane is available along with the classic double tracks for those in search of a faster pace. Separate snowshoe trails meander through the woods. Their narrower design offers a unique experience different than simply snowshoeing on a cross country trail. Snowshoes are available at no charge while cross country skis are available for $22 per day.

If you prefer to ski on the hill with its 1,000 foot vertical and 16 trails, you may find you are in for a rare treat.

Although lift tickets are offered to the public, there is never a crowd and the “fall-line” skiing at the Balsams Wilderness has a unique flavor not readily found these days. Teleskiers find the trails especially appealing with deep snow and glades. The triple chairlift offers a comfortable ride for all as skiers of varying levels find they can enjoy the terrain together. Skiing at the Balsams Wilderness is more about quality than it is about quantity.

Destination resorts offer many deals to entice vacationers to their locale. The Balsams Wilderness encourages a longer visit by offering a price reduction based on the length of stay. Discount rates are based on visits of five or more nights, three to four nights and two nights. The all-inclusive rates cover accommodations, choice of menu breakfast, dinner and buffets and unlimited use of all recreational facilities and amenities such as alpine or Nordic skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, nature programs, recreational activities and nightly entertainment.

The 203-room resort boasts a variety of rooms with charm and character. Specialized suites some with private balconies or Jacuzzis are available at an additional cost but offer spectacular views and additional privacy.

The Balsams Wilderness beckons to vacationers in search of a winter retreat where hospitality and pure natural beauty take priority. A place where families or groups can gather to enjoy camaraderie while feeling pampered, the Balsams Wilderness prides itself on its high rate of returning visitors.

Having survived the test of time since 1866, the Balsams Wilderness sits not only in a northern notch but in the hearts of many who find time every year to return to the Great North Woods in search of recreation and repose.

Vicki Abbott Bancroft is an award-winning snowsports writer who lives in South Dartrmouth, Mass., with her husband and two children – all skiers.