PHOTO: Dog sledding in Bretton Woods. (Photo courtesy of Bretton Woods)
New Hampshire may be overrun by politicians fighting for the state's delegates in the presidential primaries, but that doesn't mean you can't "live free" this winter. Apart from the political rallies, there are of course the traditional ski and snowboard vacations at resorts throughout the state. But for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, put a twist on winter adventure with one of these adventurous activities.
Snowmobiling
I bet you won't find Hillary Clinton behind the wheel of a snowmobile this winter. The democratic winner of the Iowa caucus is busy shoring up support in the Granite State this week. But New Hampshire is home to more than 7,000 miles of maintained and groomed trails and some of the best terrain in the country.
New Hampshire's State Parks offer snowmobiling at multiple locations, including on the Bear Notch Trail System, the Diamond Pond Trail, and at Bear Brook State Park.
Dog Sledding
Bernie Sanders mushing a team of Huskies? Probably not. But outfitters all over the state offer a variety of adventures, from introductory outings for adults and children as young as 3 years old as well as half-day clinics that include instruction and the chance to drive a team.
Ziplining
I don't imagine we are going to see Chris Christie flying through Bretton Woods on a zipline anytime soon, however, guests looking for a winter thrill in the snowy New Hampshire Mountains should try winter ziplining. Located on the slopes of Bretton Woods, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour ascends more than 1,000 feet above the treetops. The three-hour tour takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of ziplines where visitors can take in beautiful views of the state's White Mountains Region.
VIDEO: Plane Lands on Frozen New Hampshire Lake
Fat Biking
Think fat biking will give Jeb Bush's campaign the adrenaline rush it needs? Think again. That would be a little too out of the box for the conservative candidate who is trying to hold on to his campaign before the New Hampshire primary. But if you decide to skip his monotone speeches for a fun twist on traditional mountain biking, Waterville Valley has 15 kilometers designated for daily fat biking excursions, with half-day fat biking available for $30 and full day excursions at $40.
Ice Climbing
Ted Cruz probably thinks ice climbing would position him a little too close to his Canadian heritage, so it's not likely he's going to give it a whirl on the campaign trail - which is too bad because it's a good way to see the state's spectacular White Mountains in the winter. The International Mountain Climbing School, however, offers an assortment of classes for different levels of experience. Classes not only teach visitors the basics of ice climbing, but also get visitors up and climbing general mountains and ice waterfalls on their first day.
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Mountain Coaster
Marco Rubio is the youngster of the bunch but you still won't find him on the Mountain Coaster, the Giant Swing or the Soaring Eagle Zipline. His loss! While Rubio is whipping voters into a frenzy, you can be at Cranmore Mountain Resort's Mountain Coaster, which consists of thousands of feet of twisting, turning fun down the mountain at rider-controlled speeds through banked turns.
It will seriously take your breath away. Guest can also try the Giant Swing which allows up to four people to swing and arc higher and higher above the ground. Want an entry-level zipline? The Soaring Eagle Zipline lets you share the ride with a friend.
Snow Coach
Donald Trump is busy "making America great again," so you'll have to excuse him for missing out on the Snow Coach. But the popular tours transport guests into a sub-Arctic world. The custom all-wheel-drive SnowCoach is equipped with a four-track system that allows guests to ascend 4.5 miles up the Mount Washington Auto Road during the winter months. Tours are approximately an hour and half long and depart daily from December through March from the base lodge. Make sure to reserve ahead of time.
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