Gunstock

Gunstock's summit reaches 2,300 feet, dropping roughly 1,400 vertical feet to a base at 899 feet across 48 runs spread over 227 acres in Gilford, New Hampshire, overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Terrain splits 52 per cent intermediate, 31 per cent advanced, 15 per cent beginner and 2 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 97 inches. Five lifts, including three quad chairs and two triple chairs, serve the mountain alongside one surface lift and one t-bar.

Gunstock occupies a genuinely distinctive place among New Hampshire ski areas as a publicly owned recreation complex, operated for the benefit of the surrounding county community. Its panoramic views over Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, give the resort a scenic backdrop uncommon among the region's mountains.

The resort traces its origins to the Winnipesaukee Ski Club, formed in 1918, whose members cut early trails on Gunstock, Belknap and Piper Mountains. The Works Progress Administration constructed what was then known as the Belknap Mountain Recreation Area, completing the project in time for its official opening on 28 February 1937 with a ski jumping event. The ambitious development, championed by the Belknap County Legislative Delegation, included a chairlift, four rope tows, cross-country trails, camping facilities and a substantial main lodge, and the resort claimed the first chairlift in the eastern United States.

Gunstock has remained under Belknap County ownership throughout its history, managed since 1959 by the five-member Gunstock Area Commission established by state statute. This public ownership structure distinguishes Gunstock from the great majority of New England's privately operated ski areas. Adult daily tickets run from 75 to 95 US dollars, with substantial discounts for seniors aged 70 and over.