New Hampshire has an unfair advantage among U.S. ski destinations; after all, it is the home of the White Mountains. But more than that, it’s home to a vibrant ski culture that few places can match.
“The best things about skiing in New Hampshire are the authentic skiing vibes and its variety of great resorts within a stone’s throw of each other, allowing adventurous people to explore multiple resorts while on one trip – an experience very similar to what you would find in Lake Tahoe,” Dan Sherman, the chief marketing officer of Ski.com, shared with Travel + Leisure.
And while New Hampshire doesn’t tend to get as much snow as some states out West, resorts are ensuring guests can still have a similar ski experience thanks to some high-tech snowmaking.
“New Hampshire’s White Mountains include some of the tallest peaks in the northeastern United States, which is a great advantage for receiving reliable snowfall throughout the season,” Teddy Roach, Ski.com mountain travel expert, added. “The state is also dedicated to state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming, ensuring stellar conditions on the slopes regardless of Mother Nature’s plans. I also love how the mountains have unique terrain famous for tunnels of trees that are a blast to ski through.”
Here are nine of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire to check out this winter.
Waterville Valley Resort
Courtesy of Waterville Valley Ski Resort
Located in the White Mountain National Forest, Waterville Valley Resort is a picturesque retreat with terrain for all skill levels. “My favorite New Hampshire resort is Waterville Valley because of its family-friendly environment,” Sherman said, adding that the off-mountain activities can be just as fun. “Off the mountain, visitors can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and tubing, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy during the day before gathering around a cozy fire in the evening.”
Bretton Woods
Courtesy of Bretton Woods Mountain Resort
Bretton Woods is home to more than 460 acres of skiable terrain, making it the state’s largest ski area. Not only does it boast more than 60 trails to explore, but it’s also famous for its 35 glades, so skiers and riders can bob and weave around the trees. It’s also a spot where travelers are nearly guaranteed good conditions, as it can make snow on more than 90 percent of its trails.
Related: T+L’s Guide to Visiting Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Mount Sunapee
Courtesy of Mount Sunapee Ski Resort
Mount Sunapee, which sits in the southern half of the state, has been a family favorite ski spot for some 75 years. Its varied terrain across more than 230 acres includes 29 percent beginner, 47 percent intermediate, and 24 percent advanced trails. It too has a robust snowmaking program covering 97 percent of its trails, so you can expect powdery conditions when you visit. And, best of all, it’s easy to access as it’s just a 90-minute drive from Boston.
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Loon Mountain
Courtesy of Loon Mountain Ski Resort
Loon Mountain is a standout star in New Hampshire’s ski scene thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and fantastic terrain parks. “My favorite resort in New Hampshire is probably Loon because of its incredible terrain and the expansive views it offers of the beautiful White Mountains,” Roach said. And, like other mountains on the list, Loon offers a ton of non-ski activities, including ice skating, tubing, and romantic gondola rides.
Cannon Mountain
Pierre-Olivier Valiquette/Getty Images
Those looking for a challenge can make their way to Cannon Mountain. It’s home to 97 trails and an absolutely massive summit elevation — by New England ski standards — at 4,080 feet, which makes it the highest ski summit in the state. It also has the longest vertical drop at 2,180 feet and is even home to a run stretching on for a leg-burning 2.3 miles. Just 15 percent of the slopes here are rated for beginners, so it’s best for skiers with at least a little experience. (And as a bonus, you may even run into gold medal skier Bode Miller, who was born and raised nearby.)
Attitash Mountain Resort
Courtesy of Attitash Mountain Resort
Attitash is a great two-for-one deal as it’s home to two peaks — Attitash and Bear Peak. Combined, they bring together some 300 acres of skiable terrain, including plenty of open groomed runs and expansive tree skiing for those looking for an additional challenge. There are also three distinct terrain parks to allow skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to learn and perfect their tricks.
Ragged Mountain Resort
Courtesy of Ragged Mountain Ski Resort
Ragged Mountain is one more accessible ski destination located less than 100 miles from Boston. It’s also the perfect place to learn to ski or improve your skills, thanks to the beloved Bebe Woods Learn to Ski/Ride Program, which offers three lessons for first-time skiers and riders (ages 13 and up) and includes rental equipment and a complimentary day of skiing following each lesson.
Wildcat Mountain
Courtesy of Wildcat Ski Resort
Looking for views? Wildcat Mountain is here to deliver. Located in Pinkham Notch, the mountain offers gorgeous views of Mount Washington. And yeah, there are a few beginner trails, but with those views come more challenging runs — 33 percent of the resort’s terrain is advanced. There’s also a ton of ungroomed, natural terrain located in Upper Wildcat to challenge those who think a black diamond run just isn’t enough.
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Courtesy of Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gunstock is one more must-ski spot in New Hampshire. It too has stellar views, excellent terrain, and lessons for everyone from beginners to pros hoping to improve their skills. But Gunstock has something else that makes it extra special — night skiing. At night, the resort illuminates its tubing hill, terrain park, and 22 trails, so you can ride under the stars.