• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee.   (Photo: Courtesy of Lakes Region Association)

Ice fishing at Lake Winnipesaukee hits its stride the second weekend in February, when hundreds of anglers set up ice shanties to compete in the annual Great Rotary Fishing Derby. Take a free class from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (603-271-3212; aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov). Then pick up a fishing license ($15) and equipment from Alan at Aj’s Bait & Tackle. Continue the offbeat winter thrills at the nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort, where you can slide down four different 1,000-foot runs on an inflatable sled ($15 for two hours). An hour west, go dog sledding at Seal Cove Kennel: Sit back, rock that furry trapper hat you haven’t had a chance to wear, and let professional racer Christine Richardson take the reins.

Published on Feb 7, 2008 as a web exclusive.