The highest peaks in the northeastern United States are found in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where abundant natural snow is guaranteed by both height and northern latitude. Modern snowmaking and grooming technology keeps the trails and slopes in perfect shape all winter long, both early in the season and late in it, as well as to get through the odd winter thaw. Several of the main ski resorts are adjacent to one another, allowing skiers to see a variety of mountains in one trip. The ski resorts in New Hampshire come in a wide range of designs and pricing points, from purpose-built ski villages to quaint, laid-back resorts that families prefer for generations.
Because we’ve taken into account all of these factors, you need to read our list of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire.
#1. Bretton Woods
The largest and most luxurious ski resort in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods Resort has 62 routes, 35 glades, and three terrain parks. As a matter of fact, it is one of the top ski resorts in New Hampshire. Skiers are whisked from the base to the summit by the first eight-passenger gondola in New Hampshire, which has been operating since the 2019–2020 ski season. Meanwhile, it moves at a pace of 1,200 feet per minute. It routinely ranks among the best in the east for snow quality. It also offers night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights in addition to several cost-effective deals. The Omni Mount Washington Resort, which has a full-service spa, a swimming pool, and other recreational amenities, offers skiers ski-and-stay package prices.
#2. Loon Mountain Resort
This is also one of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire. Loon Mountain is the nearest full-service ski resort to Interstate-93, which has 61 tracks with a vertical drop of 2,100 feet and terrain for all skill levels. With ergonomically heated seats, weather-blocking opaque bubbles, and an adjustable loading mat, it boasts the first eight-person chairlift in the East, the Kancamagus 8. The Adventure Center provides ziplining over the frozen river, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing. For easy ski-in/ski-out access, on-mountain accommodation is located directly at the base of the lifts.
#3. Cranmore Mountain and North Conway
With one of New England’s greatest collections of name-brand outlet stores and a range of hotel, eating, and après-ski options, North Conway has been a ski town since the 1930s. Cranmore Mountain overlooks the town, with 56 routes and nine lifts covering more than 200 skiable acres.
All skill levels may enjoy the trails and lifts, which offer great beginning and intermediate terrain as well as challenging terrain for specialists. Cranmore offers family-friendly attractions such as the Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and a multi-lane tubing park. Also, it offers car charging stations and a groomer powered by fuel and electricity.
#4. Mount Sunapee
A 90-minute drive from Boston, Mount Sunapee is one of New England’s best ski areas for snowmaking and grooming. Beginners may learn to ski or ride at South Peak thanks to the 66 routes it provides, including two high-speed quads to the peak. 50 terrain elements, a 4,000-watt sound system, and a specialized triple chair are all included in Bob Skinner’s 603 Terrain Park. The New England Disabled Sports Association offers adapted skiing classes at Sunapee, where it has long been a leader in the field. Although there isn’t housing on the slopes, families may find excellent value at the adjacent Sunapee Lake Lodge.
#5. Cannon Mountain
State-owned Cannon Mountain has some of the most difficult routes in the state. Bode Miller developed his skills on this mountain, known for its challenging terrain and steep slopes. 81 paths connect the ski slope, which is accessible by 10 lifts. The Aerial Tramway, all of the chairlifts, and the energy-efficient snowmaking equipment added last year have all undergone significant upgrades in the previous two years. This season offers further lift upgrades as well as a $2.5 million Mountain Station building refurbishment at the summit.
Furthermore, experts can ski on ungroomed natural snow at Mittersill, located next to Cannon Mountain. There aren’t any mountainside housing options. Nevertheless, the nearby village of Franconia is home to Hillwinds Lodge and several smaller beds & breakfasts.
#6. Attitash Mountain
In North Conway, New Hampshire, Attitash Mountain has 68 trails spread across two connected summits. It features enough terrain for all abilities of skiers, including the steepest slope in New Hampshire, 60 acres of glades for tree skiing, and alpine racing tracks. Beginner skiers are welcome at Attitash and Bear Peak, where they can take the surface lift and ski for free in the Learning Terrain section.
Vail is investing in infrastructure improvements at Attitash, including a Doppelmayr chairlift, East and West Borvig double-doubles, and Summit Triple. Condos and the Grand Summit Hotel are two lodging options close to the base. During weekends and holidays, non-skiers can ride the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster.
#7. King Pine
A traditional family-friendly resort, Purity Spring Resort includes King Pine. It has a range of terrain, such as Twisted Pine, tree skiing, and Pine Brule, a double-black diamond. Each year, the capacity for producing snow grows with the addition of more high-efficiency, low-energy snow cannons. Both the snow quality and grooming are first-rate, as is the educational program. You may stay in King Pine and ski multiple different mountains during the same vacation since it is close enough to the bigger mountains in Mt. Washington Valley. Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also included with an alpine ski pass.
#8. Gunstock Mountain
New Hampshire’s Gunstock Mountain is a well-liked ski resort with 55 routes and 90% snowmaking coverage. It is renowned for its excellent instructional program and special beginner-only slopes and lifts. Gunstock invested more than $1 million in upgrades over the last two seasons, including the addition of more high-efficiency groomers and snowmaking equipment. With five lifts servicing 21 well-lit routes Tuesday through Saturday evenings from late December to late March, it is also well-regarded for its night skiing.
Gunstock, the closest significant ski area to Boston, is especially intriguing for its Golden Age passes, which provide skiers over 70 with a season pass for just $49, and its money-saving Flex Pass, which offers a 50% discount on primetime and night lift tickets for the whole season. There is no on-mountain housing, but The Summit Resort, six miles away in Laconia, boasts an indoor pool and family-sized rooms.
#9. Waterville Valley
The nearest full-service resort to the Boston and Manchester airports is Waterville Valley Resort, which is situated in a valley that is completely enclosed by the White Mountain National Forest. With only 255 skiable acres, it is one of the smallest ski resorts, but its south-facing slopes make it a favorite during the colder months. With the construction of the new six-pack, high-speed bubble chairlift and a new T-bar with a 1,000-per-hour capacity, the Green Peak expansion is still ongoing.
The purpose-built community next to Waterville’s base offers a variety of lodging options and recreational opportunities, such as ice skating, a spa, swimming pools, sleigh and dog sled trips, and nighttime events. Complimentary bus transportation to and from the slopes of the hotel and activities in the town is a bonus.
#10. Wildcat Mountain
This is also one of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire. Skiers who want a challenge love Wildcat, which is also renowned for its breathtaking vistas of Mount Washington. It receives the most snow each year, an average of 200 inches from natural precipitation and 90% from snowmaking. The mountain itself doesn’t have any hotel options, but the surrounding towns of Jackson and Gorham do. At the foot of the Mount Washington Auto Route, the Glen House Hotel debuted in the fall of 2018. Wildcat was included in Vail’s Epic Pass system when it was acquired by Vail in late 2019.
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The Conservatory’s original 1881 Steinway piano. The magnificent outdoor covered Veranda is located behind the Conservatory. It is the longest in New England, measuring 903 feet.
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To Slovenia, Mount Washington has been moved. That is where “Infinite Storm,” a film based on a true rescue at the epicenter of the world’s worst weather, was shot.