Top 5: Best Ski Resorts In New Hampshire
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
New Hampshire offers an exceptional skiing experience for many reasons. Firstly, its ski areas offer diverse terrain to suit all levels of experience, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging expert-only terrain. Secondly, New Hampshire's snow conditions are highly regarded, with an average of 100 inches of snowfall per year, ensuring excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the season. Furthermore, the ski areas provide breathtaking views of the mountains and forests, showcasing the state's scenic beauty. The ski areas are also conveniently located within a few hours' drive of major metropolitan areas, making them easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways. Additionally, many ski areas are family-friendly, with amenities and activities catering to all ages, including ski schools for children and beginners. Finally, New Hampshire has a rich skiing history, with some of the country's first ski areas located here, offering a chance to experience a piece of skiing history along with the thrill of skiing.If you are looking for a top ski destination in the North East, New Hampshire is definitely worth considering and to show you why we have compiled a Top 5 list below. #1 Bretton WoodsHighlights✅ New Hampshires largest ski resort✅ Incredible views of Mt Washington, tallest peak in the North East✅ Largest advanced and expert trail footprint
A snowcat and a gondola at Bretton Woods ski resort. Credit: Bretton Woods Facebook Located in the town of Carroll, New Hampshire, United States, Bretton Woods is the best New Hampshire ski resort is a renowned ski destination that opened its doors in 1973. This resort is a part of the larger Mount Washington Resort, which includes a hotel, golf course, and spa. Bretton Woods ski resort in New Hampshire offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels, from beginners to advanced, across more than 464 acres of skiable terrain. The resort boasts 62 trails, 35 glades, and three terrain parks, along with a high-speed eight-passenger gondola that provides access to the mountain's summit, as well as several other chairlifts and surface lifts. Other winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating make Bretton Woods the best New Hampshire ski resort. Additionally, the resort has several dining options that cater to all tastes, including a fine-dining restaurant and several casual cafes. What sets Bretton Woods Ski Resort apart is its location beside the eastern slope of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. The resort is nestled in the heart of the White Mountains National Forest, offering skiers excellent views of Mount Washington and the surrounding area. Bretton Woods Ski Resort is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders who are looking for an all-inclusive winter vacation experience with plenty of activities and amenities.See our full breakdown on Bretton Woods#2 Loon MountainHighlights✅ Top quality natural snow and advanced snowmaking systems✅ Ikon Pass ski resort✅ New 8 seater express lift✅ Largest Intermediate trail footprint
Loon Mountain peaks and trails during a sunrise. Credit: Loon Mountain Resort Facebook Loon Mountain is one of the best New Hampshire ski resort, located just 10 minutes away from a major interstate. With its three major peaks and 61 marked trails, Loon Mountain offers the second-largest skiable terrain and vertical drop in the state. This ski resort in New Hampshire is renowned for its award-winning terrain park and perfectly groomed slopes, providing an exceptional skiing experience for all levels of skiers.Thanks to its northerly facing aspect and multimillion-dollar investment in snowmaking, Loon Mountain's ski season lasts longer than other resorts in the region, typically extending through mid-April. This has earned the resort the distinction of having the most powerful snowmaking system in the area. Founded in 1966, Loon Mountain is a legendary ski destination with a rich history in northeast skiing. The resort has invested heavily in enhancing its facilities, with the recent addition of the Kancamagus 8, the first 8-person chairlift in the east. The new lift features heated seats, weatherproof bubbles, and loading stations that require their own barns. Whether you are a seasoned skier or just starting out, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire is a must-visit destination. With its long ski season, outstanding terrain, and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers an unforgettable skiing experience for visitors of all ages and skill levels.See our full breakdown on Loon Mountain#3 Attitash Mountain Highlights✅ Over 70% of trails are Beginner and Intermediate ✅ Epic Pass ski resort✅ Two different mountains with 68 trails to explore
Attitash ski trails in a purple glow during a New Hampshire sunset. Credit: Attitash Mountain Facebook Located in Bartlett, New Hampshire, Attitash ski resort is a beloved winter destination in the United States. With a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating, the resort spans 68 ski trails across two connected mountains: Attitash and Bear Peak. The trails cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and the resort provides several lifts, including chairlifts and a gondola, to transport visitors to the top of the mountain. The resort's dining options include a cafeteria, a pub, and a sit-down restaurant.During the summer months, Attitash transforms into an adventure park, offering activities like ziplining, mountain biking, and the alpine slide, a thrilling 2,800-foot-long track that winds down the mountain. Additionally, this ski resort in New Hampshire features an indoor water park, the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, and various lodging options, including condominiums and townhouses. Attitash is one of the best New Hampshire ski resort and is a preferred destination for families and skiers of all levels. Its location in the White Mountains of New Hampshire provides picturesque views and an array of activities for all seasons.See our full breakdown on Attitash Mountain #4 Cannon MountainHighlights✅ New Hampshires longest vertical drop✅ New Hampshires only Aerial Tramway✅ Easily accessible from a major interstate✅ Most ski trails of any ski resort in New Hampshire
The famous big red Aerial Tram at Cannon Mountain. Credit: Cannon Mountain Facebook Located in Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cannon Mountain Resort is a renowned ski destination named after its main attraction, Cannon Mountain, standing at 4,080 feet (1,244 meters) elevation. With its challenging ski runs and stunning scenery, the resort spans 285 acres of skiable terrain, including 97 ski trails, 11 glades, and 3 terrain parks. The resort offers a vertical drop of 2,180 feet (664 meters) and is served by ten lifts, including two high-speed detachable quad chairs. Additionally, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing which make it one of the best New Hampshire ski resort. During the summer months, the resort offers hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a scenic gondola ride to the summit.Established in 1938 as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, Cannon Mountain Resort has a rich history of hosting skiing events, including the 1972 Olympic trials. Overall, this ski resort in New Hampshire is a popular destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking challenging terrain and picturesque mountain scenery.See our full breakdown on Cannon Mountain#5 Waterville ValleyHighlights✅ Largest lift network of a New Hampshire ski resort✅ Over 70% of terrain for Beginners & Intermediate✅ Over 2,000ft of true vertical (top to bottom riding)