New Hampshire is a skier’s heaven with gorgeous mountains, magnificent scenery, and ideal skiing conditions. The state has a long ski history, from the early 1900s when the first ski paths were created on Mount Washington’s slopes. Today, New Hampshire boasts several world-class ski resorts that provide skiers of all abilities with a fantastic experience.
The state’s ski resorts are known for their varied ski terrain, which includes everything from mild beginner slopes to complex expert runs. Some resorts also provide night skiing, which allows tourists to enjoy the slopes under the stars. The resorts also boast outstanding amenities, such as cutting-edge lifts, rental equipment, and professional ski schools.
1.) Bretton Woods Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Bretton Woods Ski Resort, which faces Mount Washington across a vast valley and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, is New Hampshire’s biggest and most luxurious ski resort. The resort’s 62 trails, 35 meadows, and three terrain parks total 464 skiable acres serviced by ten lifts, four of which are high-speed quads. The first eight-passenger Gondola in New Hampshire, which opened for the 2019-2020 ski season, moves at a pace of 1,200 feet per minute as it transports skiers from the base to the peak.
When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, Bretton Woods has snowmaking on 92 percent of the trails to keep the snowpack topped up. Bretton Woods has some of the most incredible skiing in New Hampshire because of state-of-the-art grooming, location, and trail choices.
Bottom-of-the-mountain attractions include:
- A specialized fat bike.
- A zipline trip.
- A climbing wall at the base lodge paths and rentals.
- One of the state’s most comprehensive cross-country trail networks.
Snowshoeing and fat bike tours are two examples of guided winter excursions.
The vistas from Bretton Woods paths on a clear day are what skiers remember the best. The frost-encrusted peak of Mt. Washington covers the horizon, with the crimson roofs and towers of the most significant surviving White Mountain great hotels – all part of the same resort complex – sprawling at its base. Bretton Woods is generally accessible from early November to mid-April. It has a north/northeast exposure, an average yearly snowfall of more than 200 inches, and snowmaking covering 97 percent of its routes. Its snow conditions are routinely ranked among the best in the East.
2.) Loon Mountain Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Loon Mountain Ski Resort is the nearest full-service ski resort to I-93 (less than 10 minutes). Its 61 routes are split over three peaks in two portions of the White Mountain National Forest, with 2,100 feet of vertical drop and terrain for all ski and snowboard abilities. The terrain parks are very diverse, including parks tailored to very young beginners, intermediate cruisers, and specialists.
Most of its slopes and paths face north, along with over 650 high-efficiency snow guns, ensuring Loon a lengthy ski season even when temperatures are below freezing. Over the last several years, more than $3 million in investment has increased the efficiency of New Hampshire’s most powerful snowmaking system, and 50 additional semi-automated snowmaking hydrants on important routes will be installed this season.
Loon, one of only two ski resorts in novel Hampshire with a gondola, also possessed the first eight-person chairlift in the East, the Kancamagus 8, which was filled with novel innovations, including ergonomically heated seats, weather-blocking opaque bubbles, and an adjustable loading carpet. The lift’s gearless drive offers silent operation, inexpensive maintenance, and better energy economy.
3.) Cranmore Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Cranmore Ski Resort has been a ski town since the 1930s when the famed Ski Trains carried eager skiers from Boston and New York to the exquisite Victorian railway station virtually at the foot of Cranmore Mountain. But it’s much more than that today, with one of New England’s most significant collections of name-brand outlet retailers just outside its tight village core. North Conway is one of New England’s top ski resort towns and one of its cheapest, thanks to its mix of skiing, shopping, hotel, eating, and après-ski choices.
Skiers can easily access neighboring mountains; there is much to keep non-skiers occupied here. Hotels and charming B&Bs like Kearsarge Inn and Cranmore Inn are only steps away from the bustling main drag. Cranmore Mountain, which overlooks the town, has 56 routes and nine lifts that provide access to more than 200 skiable acres. Most slopes and trails face west, allowing for long, bright afternoons and spectacular vistas of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range.
4.) Mount Sunapee Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Mount Sunapee Ski Resort, just 90 minutes from Boston and often ranked among New England’s best ski resorts for snowmaking and grooming, packs an incredible quantity of ski terrain atop its 1,510-foot vertical drop. Ten lifts service the 66 routes, including two high-speed quads to the peak. Skiers and riders may be quickly transported to the mountain in just over four minutes. Almost half of the resort’s routes are intermediate, and novices may learn to ski or ride at South Peak, separate from the central mountain.
Snowboarders love Bob Skinner’s 603 Terrain Park, which has 50 terrain features, a 4,000-watt music system, and a dedicated triple chair for access. Sunapee is already recognized for its excellent snowmaking and grooming, and new grooming equipment was introduced last year. Snowmaking renovations are continuing. Kids will appreciate this season’s new ski-through lighthouse on South Peak, an homage to the three lighthouses on neighboring Lake Sunapee; it’s likely to become the mountain’s favorite photo-op location.
5.) Cannon Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Cannon Ski Resort, which overlooks Franconia Notch, is a state-owned ski facility with some of the most challenging terrain in the state. An Olympic gold medalist, Bode Miller acquired his talents on this mountain, recognized for its steep and diverse landscape. Cannon’s top, at 4,080-foot elevation, seems to draw more snow than many other White Mountain regions. The ski area is connected by 81 routes and served by ten lifts.
Upgrades continue after three years of considerable investment in renovating the aerial tramway, all chairlifts, energy-efficient snowmaking equipment, and new groomer technology to handle Cannon’s extremely steep terrain. The Middle Ravine and Turnpike routes have been extended to provide more space for skiers and improve snowmaking and grooming capabilities. This season, the Upper Ravine, Lower Cannon, and Gremlin trails feature new snowmaking piping and high-efficiency compressor modifications.
6.) Attitash Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Attitash Ski Resort, located a few miles north of North Conway, features 68 routes spread over two mountains. This and restricting the number of tickets sold daily keep lineups relatively short, even during peak ski season. There is terrain for all skill levels, and experts will be pushed by the steepest path in New Hampshire and more than 60 acres of meadows for tree skiing and alpine racing tracks.
Attitash is particularly inviting to new skiers, who may ski free in the Learning Terrain section and ride the surface lift at the foot of Attitash or Bear Peak. Following its acquisition by Vail, Attitash became part of the Epic Pass system, with multiple choices that included other mountains in New Hampshire, Vermont, and abroad. Vail has also committed to infrastructure enhancements at Attitash over the following three seasons.
7.) Gunstock Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Gunstock Ski Resort, with 49 routes and 90 percent snowmaking coverage, Making the most of its 1,400-foot vertical plunge is Gunstock Mountain. and panoramic vistas of New Hampshire’s biggest lake. Despite its vastness, the mountain and its vast and historic base lodge have a welcoming home-town feel.
Although its courses will test skiers of all abilities, Gunstock is a family favorite due to its excellent learning program and separate slopes and lifts where rookie skiers may acquire confidence before reaching a beginner-friendly track from the top of the mountain.
Gunstock has invested more than $1 million on renovations over the last three seasons, including new high-efficiency snowmaking equipment, groomers, and modifications to the Terrain and Freestyle Park. To simplify renting, a new rental facility and tuning shop are being built near the instruction center.
8.) King Pine Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
King Pine Ski Resort, one of the most charming tiny ski slopes in the Northeast, is part of Purity Spring Resort, an old-fashioned family-oriented resort. The runs are brief (the height is barely 500 feet), but they are all wonderful trails cut through pine trees with a surprising diversity of terrain. The Twisted Pine terrain park tests borders, and the tree skiing area grows yearly.
Until Attitash built the track, King Pine touted to have the steepest ski path in New Hampshire over the cliffs: Pine Brule, a double-black diamond. Snowmaking capabilities, which now cover 100 percent of the trails and terrain, are being increased annually with the installation of new high-efficiency. These low-energy snow guns use King Pine’s water supply, Purity Lake.
With the advent of a new Prinoth Bison groomer last year, King Pine’s nearly legendary grooming became even better. This season, it will maintain the resort’s cross-country and snowshoe Nordic route networks and groom the Pine Meadows Tubing Park, which will have extra lanes added for increased capacity. Both base lodges will have more excellent outside seating on decks for skiers.
9.) Waterville Valley Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Waterville Valley Ski Resort is the closest full-service resort to the Boston and Manchester airports. It is at the end of a cul-de-sac valley bordered by the White Mountain National Forest. Although it is one of the smallest ski resorts in topography, with just 255 skiable acres, snowmaking covers 100 percent of the terrain, and its south-facing slopes make it famous throughout the coldest months. With 11 lifts serving the 50 routes, lines are generally short.
The Green Peak six-pack debuted last season as a high-speed bubble chairlift, while the White Peaks Express is the first of its type in the United States and was custom-built for Waterville Valley. A new 2,000-square-foot deck with a fire pit, outdoor eating area, and a handy spot for parents to see as their kids pick up skiing on the Pasture Carpets has been added to the Freestyle Lounge at the base.
10.) Wildcat Ski Resorts in New Hampshire
Wildcat Ski Resort is a favorite of mine, much like Cannon Mountain’s skilled skiers who like a challenge. However, the lure for skiers of all abilities is to enjoy one of the most incredible vistas in the White Mountains on a clear day.
Mt. Washington is visible across a short gap from Wildcat, and at the top of the gondola, you are up close and practically eye-to-eye with the peak of the Northeast’s largest mountain. Every structure and tower is entirely coated in hoar-frost, doubling their size and making them bright white against a blue sky. There is one green-graded path from the peak, which may be classed for intermediates elsewhere, so the view is for more than just specialists.
Two hundred inches of natural snowfall on average. Wildcat’s northwestern exposure guarantees the most significant yearly snowfall in the region. This is aided by 90 percent snowmaking coverage over its 225-acre property, which features 49 routes and a terrain park. Although elite skiers like Wildcat for its bumps and glades, there is enough skiing for all abilities, with 25% of the tracks classified for novices.
FAQs About The 10 Best Ski Resorts in New Hampshire (2023-24)
1: When is the ideal time to go skiing in New Hampshire?
Mid-December to mid-March is the best time to visit New Hampshire for skiing. During this season, New Hampshire ski resorts get a lot of snow and offer the finest skiing conditions.
2: Which ski resort in New Hampshire is the best?
New Hampshire has multiple top-rated ski resorts, but which is ideal depends on your interests. Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley Resort, and Cannon Mountain are among the most fabulous ski resorts in New Hampshire.
3: How much does it cost to go skiing in New Hampshire?
Skiing in New Hampshire costs vary based on the resort and the time of year. A day’s lift ticket costs roughly $80 to $100. Many ski resorts, however, offer savings on lift tickets if purchased in advance or volume.
4: Are any ski resorts in New Hampshire suitable for families?
Yes, New Hampshire has several family-friendly ski resorts. Cranmore Mountain Resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort, and King Pine Ski Area are among the finest. These resorts include family-friendly activities such as ski instruction, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating.
5: How is the skiing terrain in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s ski terrain is varied, providing something for skiers of all abilities. New Hampshire ski resorts offer a variety of beginner, intermediate, and expert routes, as well as meadows and terrain parks.
6: Are there any New Hampshire ski resorts that provide night skiing?
Yes, several New Hampshire ski resorts offer night skiing. Cranmore Mountain Resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort, and Waterville Valley Resort are among the greatest. Skiing at night is an excellent opportunity to prolong your skiing day and enjoy the slopes beneath the stars.
7: What additional activities are available at New Hampshire ski resorts?
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, New Hampshire ski resorts offer a variety of other activities. Activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are among the most popular. Indoor amenities like indoor pools, exercise facilities, and gaming rooms are available at many ski slopes.
8: Do New Hampshire ski resorts have ski-in/ski-out accommodations?
Yes, several New Hampshire ski resorts have ski-in/ski-out lodgings. Some ski-in/ski-out resorts are Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Waterville Valley Resort. These hotels are convenient to the slopes and are great for visitors who want to make the most of their skiing experience.