Winter Fun: Visit the Ice Skating Trail At Lake Morey
Jan 08, 2020 12:27PM ● By Melanie Heisinger
Lake Morey. Courtesy of uvtrails.org.
Ice skating is one of the more popular activities to enjoy during the freezing winter months in Hanover. Usually, this is limited to an indoor rink or a frozen lake outdoors.
However, Lake Morey has tackled the notion of ice skating and created a trail! It's a staple in the area, and many travel from all over to enjoy the nordic ice skating trail that's been created.
Read on to learn a little bit about Lake Morey, as well as some fun events -- and things to do -- around it this winter season!
Lake Morey was named after the inventor Samuel Morey, who was the original inventor of the first steamboat. In fact, this first steamboat sailed on what we now know as Lake Morey for the first time.
Unfortunately, there were loopholes in the patent law that Robert Fulton -- the man who took the credit 20 years later for inventing the steamboat -- took advantage of. Luckily, Morey went on to invent what we now know is the internal-combustion engine, a pivotal part of all mechanical devices.
It was Morey that the lake was named after, and it is where the Lake Morey Resort was constructed. It has been family-owned and enjoyed by many since the early 1900s.
When it comes to Lake Morey in the winter, it becomes a completely different lake experience. The 600-acres of water freezes over once it is finally cold enough, and trail managers eagerly work to create what is known as longest ice skating trail in the United States, when all is open and operational.
Keep up with how the ice is doing by visiting the Lake Morey Resort Facebook page.
The 4.5 mile trail offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountainsides, as well as the possibility of a bald eagle sighting. And it is free for anyone to join! Bring your own skates to enjoy the Nordic trail, or rent skates from the Lake Morey Resort Skate Shack, to join in the fun. Their hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm. You can visit the Resort website to learn more about pricing and their selection.
You can choose what you'd like to do while on the ice. You can enjoy a leisurely skate, soaking in the panoramic views, or you can test your time and sprint in your Nordic-style skates. The sky -- well, ice -- is the limit.
January 24-26
Every year, 4-on-4 teams form for a pond hockey tournament to battle for the coveted Yeti Cup. This year, the tournament is January 24th through the 26th.
Grab your team, or your family, and head out to watch the battle!
February 1st & 2nd
This is a 4-on-4 Pond Hockey Tournament, 6-players per team, with all players 21 or older. Expect an exciting battle for the Golden Sap Bucket with about 100 teams competing!
February 8th & 9th
Join the community at Lake Morey for the 1st annual Put Cancer on Ice! Games will begin in the heart of winter to play pond hockey to support the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
This is a 4-on-4 Pond Hockey Tournament, 6-players per team, all of them 21 and above. Funds will support innovative research and patient supportive services which benefit the Upper Valley and beyond.
However, Lake Morey has tackled the notion of ice skating and created a trail! It's a staple in the area, and many travel from all over to enjoy the nordic ice skating trail that's been created.
Read on to learn a little bit about Lake Morey, as well as some fun events -- and things to do -- around it this winter season!
About Lake Morey
Courtesy of lakemoreyresort.com.
Unfortunately, there were loopholes in the patent law that Robert Fulton -- the man who took the credit 20 years later for inventing the steamboat -- took advantage of. Luckily, Morey went on to invent what we now know is the internal-combustion engine, a pivotal part of all mechanical devices.
It was Morey that the lake was named after, and it is where the Lake Morey Resort was constructed. It has been family-owned and enjoyed by many since the early 1900s.
The Ice Trail
Keep up with how the ice is doing by visiting the Lake Morey Resort Facebook page.
The 4.5 mile trail offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountainsides, as well as the possibility of a bald eagle sighting. And it is free for anyone to join! Bring your own skates to enjoy the Nordic trail, or rent skates from the Lake Morey Resort Skate Shack, to join in the fun. Their hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm. You can visit the Resort website to learn more about pricing and their selection.
You can choose what you'd like to do while on the ice. You can enjoy a leisurely skate, soaking in the panoramic views, or you can test your time and sprint in your Nordic-style skates. The sky -- well, ice -- is the limit.
On this lake, events like the annual Skate-a-Thon and several Hockey Tournaments are held each year, with hundreds joining in to participate.
With plenty of parking, and free access to the lake, it's truly a highlight for the area every winter!
With plenty of parking, and free access to the lake, it's truly a highlight for the area every winter!
Upcoming Events
We've already mentioned a few events above, but there are so many more going on this winter at the lake. Here are a few of our favorites that you should consider making the trip for.Skate-a-Thon
January 12, 2020
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Join the Upper Valley Trails Alliance and other winter sports enthusiasts as they skate laps around the Lake Morey Skating Trail a.k.a the longest groomed skating trail in the United States!
Entry fee gets you free Nordic Skate Rentals (first come, first served - Skate rental is VERY limited this year. Please bring skates if you have your own), hot chocolate, soup, lunch from Boloco, and raffle tickets for awesome prizes! Skaters get one additional raffle ticket for each lap around the lake (5 laps = 5 tickets).
Frostbite Face-Off
Every year, 4-on-4 teams form for a pond hockey tournament to battle for the coveted Yeti Cup. This year, the tournament is January 24th through the 26th.
Grab your team, or your family, and head out to watch the battle!
11th Annual Vermont Pond Hockey Championship
This is a 4-on-4 Pond Hockey Tournament, 6-players per team, with all players 21 or older. Expect an exciting battle for the Golden Sap Bucket with about 100 teams competing!
Put Cancer on Ice Pond Hockey Tournament
Join the community at Lake Morey for the 1st annual Put Cancer on Ice! Games will begin in the heart of winter to play pond hockey to support the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
This is a 4-on-4 Pond Hockey Tournament, 6-players per team, all of them 21 and above. Funds will support innovative research and patient supportive services which benefit the Upper Valley and beyond.
Things to Do Around Lake Morey
While Lake Morey is a fun and incredible experience, the surrounding area has plenty to explore as well.Courtesy of visit-vermont.com.
Snowshoeing is a great activity to do around the lake, as there is a trail system that suits even novice snowshoers. Enjoy the scenery and wildlife the area has to offer at a slow pace.
If skiing is more your stride, there are plenty of Cross-Country ski trails nearby as well. Equipment is available at the Lake Morey Resort, so if you don’t have your own, they've got you covered.
If it’s alpine skiing you prefer, the Dartmouth Skiway is located just 15 minutes away. There are many other ski areas nearby as well, such as Burke Mountain. Being so close to Route 91, you’ll be able to get to them easily for a full day of skiing.
Have you been to Lake Morey? Let us know in the comments!
Have you been to Lake Morey? Let us know in the comments!
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