The big mountain, with the best snow, is in your backyard. This is the mantra that resonates through Mount Sunapee’s marketing messages, and when you visit this family-friendly mountain conveniently located off Route 89 in Newbury, New Hampshire, you quickly see why this is true.Year over year, Sunapee consistently makes a base of snow exceeding 3 feet. It is this base that helped it rank number one in the East for grooming and number two for snow quality in the 2007 Ski Magazine Reader’s Survey.Sunapee director of marketing Bruce McCloy explained why Sunapee always ranks high in these categories.”I have been here three years and when I came I didn’t know what to expect,” McCloy said. “I am continually impressed with the snowmaking and grooming team. Because we have Lake Sunapee to draw from, we have no water issues to worry about as other mountains do. Our base depth accounts for our great snow conditions and grooming.”2007-2008 marks Sunapee’s 60th anniversary and its 10th anniversary under the management of Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont and Crested Butte Resort in Colorado. The Muellers acquired the first lease ever given by the State of New Hampshire to operate Mount Sunapee in 1998 and many changes have happened since, including new lifts, lodges, trails and snowmaking capacity.The largest of Sunapee’s terrain parks is the new SoBe Freeride Zone, which features a $20,000 sound system. The park utilizes two trails and is easily accessible by the Spruce Triple lift outside the Spruce Lodge.For those not ready for riding the rails at the terrain park, Sunapee boasts one of the best learning areas in New England. The South Peak Learning Area is a self-contained area designed specifically for teaching adults and children how to ski and snowboard. South Peak has 13 trails and slopes and five lifts, including a slow-moving quad chairlift and two easy-to-ride carpet lifts. Being a self-contained area, beginners are surrounded by other beginners and can take their time learning without the pressures of being on the main mountain. Make sure to ask about the “Get into Skiing or Snowboarding” introductory package for beginners ages 13-plus for only $75.One of the best things about Sunapee besides the great conditions is that it is less than a two-hour drive from most of the North Shore, and depending on the day of the week, there are savings to be had on lift tickets.Mondays, everyone can ski or ride for only $39. Tuesdays are for women, and for only $44, they can ski or ride the entire day, including a complimentary luncheon buffet in Goosefeathers Pub. Child care is also available on Ladies’ Day at half-price. Wednesday is a 2-for-1 day; two can ski or ride for only $60. Thursdays, adult lift tickets are only $49 for a full day, and you can save $10 off ski and snowboard rentals. All daily specials exclude holiday periods. For more information on rates and lessons, visit www.mountsunapee.com.