New Hampshire
New Hampshire has 18 alpine resorts for your
skiing and riding fun. For a state that declares Skiing the official
Winter Sport, check out some of these great ski resorts.
Attitash/Bear Peak
With two big interconnected mountains for skiing and riding,
Attitash offers terrain
diversity from long winding trails to exciting glades, and wide-open
cruisers. The views of the Presidential Range are spectacular.
The full
service resort has an impressive Learning Center, plus an on
mountain Attitash Grand Summit Hotel. The
Attitash Bear Peak
experience is typified by a variety of well-covered manicured slopes
serviced by a modern lift system and NH's most powerful snowmaking.
Route 302, Bartlett
603-374-2368, Lodging 1-800-223-SNOW
Vertical Drop: 1,750’
Skiable Terrain: 310 acres
11 Lifts, 78 Trails
98% snowmaking
Balsams/Wilderness
The Balsam has been an historic 4 star destination resort, providing
guests with a posh vacation experience in a natural recreational
setting, for over a century. Guests at the Balsams enjoy a seemingly
private ski area on a dozen classic trails served by a triple, all
with beautiful views of the property and never a lift line. The
Bungy beginner area has gentle slopes and a dedicated triple for
learning members of the family. Groomed and tracked cross-country
skiing and snowshoeing trails also tour their way throughout this
first class resort in northernmost NH.
Route 26, Dixville Notch
603-255-3400, Lodging 800-255-0600
Vertical Drop: 1,000’
Skiable Terrain: 87 acres
4 Lifts, 15 Trails and 4 glades
80% snowmaking
Black Mountain
The oldest continually operating ski area in New Hampshire, Black
Mountain exudes Old World charm to this day. This classic New
England ski mountain dates back to 1935, and continues to offer old
fashioned fun at yesterday's prices. While the base lodge provides rustic warmth
and hospitality, new glades have been added to the scenic summit to
satisfy the young and adventuresome. You won't find terrain
parks, but you will find naturally interesting
un-crowded terrain. Black has reasonable lift tickets and package
prices for families. Located just minutes up the hill from the
beautiful town of Jackson, NH.
Route 16B, Jackson
603-383-4490, Lodging 800-698-4490
Vertical Drop: 1,100’
Skiable Terrain: 143 acres
4 Lifts, 40 Trails
98% snowmaking
Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods has grown significantly during the past few years to
become NH’s largest ski resort, including new quad lifts and 190
acres of glades. Bretton Woods is popular with those looking for
well-manicured cruising, pleasant glade skiing and exceptional views
of Mount Washington. The resort also offers the state’s finest
Nordic facilities, and elegant lodging at the century old Mount
Washington Hotel with a Presidential Spa.
Route 302, Bretton Woods
603-278-3320, Lodging 800-258-0330
Vertical Drop: 1,500’
Skiable Terrain: 434 acres,
9 Lifts, 101 Trails
92% snowmaking
Cannon
Riding New Hampshire’s only aerial tramway, skiers and riders take
in exceptional scenery of Franconia Notch between each exciting run.
Cannon offers lots of classic New England terrain from the scenic
summit, but also has intermediate and beginner terrain from the
Tuckerbrook quad chair to the west. Lunch at the Notch View Lodge
(formerly the old Peabody lodge), and be sure to visit the New
England Ski Museum at the base of the Tramway. Adventurous skiers
will enjoy the revitalized terrain at Mittersill.
I-93, Franconia
1-603-823-8800
Vertical Drop: 2,146’
SkiableTerrain: 163 Acres
9 Lifts, 55 Trails
97% snowmaking
Cranmore
Cranmore is a family friendly ski area located just moments from the
heart of North Conway. Cranmore’s value pricing is advantageous for
learning families. Cranmore offers more than just pleasant skiing
and riding; their Darkside Terrain Park is edgy and ever popular
especially at night. Night skiing and Tubing overlook the lights
of the Route 16 shoppers’ strip. The Cranmore Sports Center and Fun
Zone at the
base offers indoor tennis, pool plus an indoor climbing wall and
giant bouncey house. Saturday nights
are a fun celebration called Cranapalooza.1 Skimobile Road,
North Conway
603-356-5543 / 1-800-SUN N SKI
Vertical Drop: 1,200’
Skiable Terrain: 200 acres
9 lifts, 40 trails
100% snowmaking
Crotched
Mountain
This revitalized ski area has reopened under the management of Peak
Resorts from the Midwest, after a decade of dust collecting. With
the addition of two quads, a triple and a double, a magic carpet and
a brand new mountain lodge, Crotched is back and better than ever.
Crotched has plenty of Terrain Parks with hits, spines, tabletops
and rolls for riders and skiers to play on. Night skiing is a big
focus with 100% of the trails illuminated and Midnight Madness hours
on Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 3am. And our mothers said,
“nothing good happens after midnight.”
Route 47, Bennington
603-588-3668
Vertical Drop: 875’
Skiable Terrain: 68 Acres
5 lifts, 17 trails
100% snowmaking
Dartmouth Skiway
Dartmouth continues as a college ski hill with a reputation of
producing some of the country’s finest racers. Dartmouth has hosted
the NCAA Ski Championships, and serves as a training hill for
Dartmouth College. The McLane Family Lodge offers rentals, a retail
shop and more space for congregating between runs – a fine Ivy
League ski tradition. Grafton Turnpike, Lyme Center
603-795-2143
Vertical Drop: 946’
Skiable Terrain: 106 Acres
3 Lifts, 31 Trails
65% snowmaking
Gunstock
Gunstock's high-speed quad whisks you to the panoramic summit where
you will find a wide variety of family fun terrain. Day and Night,
Gunstock is a great place to play on snow, and has been for 70
years. Gunstock has views overlooking beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee
that are unparalleled. The Mountain Magic learning program, Gunshy
beginner area and the
Thrill Hill tubing park make it a great starting point for new snowsport inductees.
Route 11A, Gilford
603-293-4341, 1-800-GUNSTOCK
Vertical Drop: 1,400’
Skiable Terrain: 220 Acres
7 Lifts, 51 Trails
80% snowmaking
King Pine
King Pine has been introducing new skiers and riders to the sport
since the 1930's, especially children, whom they still refer to as
knee-highs. The tame terrain and affordable pricing make it easier
for families to get involved in snowsports at this small,
self-contained ski hill. Since 1972, the Hoyt family has operated
the ski area and Purity Spring Resort. This family business offers
winter lodging and dining plus ice-skating, cross-country,
snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and an indoor pool and spa for
overnight guests.
Rt. 153, East Madison
1-603-367-8896
Vertical Drop: 350’
Skiable Terrain: 45 acres
6 lifts, 17 trails
100% snowmaking
www.kingpine.com
Loon Mountain
Loon is one of NH’s more popular ski resorts because of the
extensive terrain from the steeps of North Peak, to the twisty
trails like Flying Fox. Now Loon has opened South Peak, with two
quads and new trails overlooking Lincoln Village. Loon has superb beginner slopes,
and a speedy gondola to the summit which is a
fantastic lift, especially on “cool” days, this lift is in high
demand on weekends. Loon's signature terrain park and halfpipe, and
the Burton Progressive Terrain Park, keep adventure seekers happy.
Loon is well known for reliable snow conditions and a friendly
staff, and plenty of lodging options in the town of Lincoln and
Woodstock.
Route 112, Lincoln
603-745-8111, Lodging 1-800-229-STAY
Vertical Drop: 2,100’
Skiable Terrain: 324 acres
12 Lifts, 53 Trails, 6 glade areas
99% snowmaking
McIntyre
This urban ski hill, located in downtown Manchester just minutes off
I- 93, is focused on teaching skiers and riders of all ages the joy
of downhill sports. McIntyre is host to several local and school ski
programs, operating day and night. This is a non-intimidating place
to get started sliding, and the rates are low-key too.
50 Chalet Court, Manchester
1-603-624-6571
Vertical Drop: 180’
Skiable Terrain: 35 acres
5 lifts, 9 trails
100% snowmaking
Mount Sunapee
Mount Sunapee continues to grow and improve as one of NH’s best
places for young skiing families. Following in the footsteps of
Vermont sister resort Okemo, Sunapee puts extra effort into
snowmaking and service. Every family member will find their kind of
terrain, from groomed cruisers, to glades or moguls to a very mellow
separate beginner area with 13 designated trails. The Children's
Center is state of the art for learning kids (and anxious
parents).The terrain park and superpipe will keep teens rocking on
their boards. The panoramic views of Lake Sunapee from the summit
are fabulous.
Rt. 103, Sunapee
1-603-763-3500
Vertical Drop: 1,510’
Skiable Terrain: 230 acres
10 Lifts, 65 Trails
97% snowmaking
Pats Peak
Pats Peak teaches more than 7,000 children’s ski lesson each week,
with the largest after school ski program in the state.
This convenient southern NH ski and
snowboard area has something for everyone with trails for all
abilities, 2 terrain parks and snowtubing. Nights are even more popular than days at Pats Peak
for skiing and learning under the lights.
Flanders Road, off Rt. 114, Henniker
1-603-428-3245, Snow and Lodging Phone 888-PATSPEAK
Vertical Drop 710’
Skiable Terrain: 80 acres
9 Lifts, 22 Trails
100% snowmaking
Ragged
Mountain
With NH’s only six person high-speed chair, you can get plenty of
turns in with no lines and no waiting at Ragged. With two mountain
peaks, you will find plenty of great trails, glades, plus a unique
base lodge modeled after an old New England farmhouse (with
flatscreen TVs). Learning kids will love the Barnyard Adventure
Center, with a designated beginner area. Bigger kids will find a trend-setting terrain park at
Ragged. There is something for everyone at this southern NH ski
area. Ragged is under new management this season, RMR
led by Bob Fries - so expect some serious improvements.
Ragged Mountain Road, Danbury
603-768-3600
Vertical Drop 1,250’
Skiable Terrain: 220 acres
5 Lifts, 47 trails
95% snowmaking
Tenney
Tenney continues to undergo frequent change in
ownership, and did not open last season. Tenney offers big mountain
skiing with a small hill feel. Panoramic views, a family friendly
feel, terrain parks, and affordable pricing make Tenney worth the
winter visit.
Tenney Mountain Road, Plymouth
603-536-4125
Vertical Drop: 1,400’
Skiable Terrain: 115 acres
5 Lifts, 48 Trails
85% snowmaking
Waterville
Valley
Waterville Valley has a strong reputation as a destination for
action-packed winter fun. Whether visiting for the day or the week,
Waterville has terrain from mellow to moguls, and the latest craze-
"WV Zones" with bumps, glades, and terrain features. Waterville has
ski school programs for every age, ability level and preference on
up to racing. The nearby resort village and Town Square offer
lodging, dining, cross-country skiing and ice-skating, plus a sport
center with indoor tennis and swimming.
Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley
603-236-8311, Lodging 1-800-Go-Valley
Vertical Drop: 2,020’
Skiable Terrain: 255 acres
11 Lifts, 52 Trails
100% snowmaking
Wildcat Mountain
Wildcat is known for giving skier and riders some of the best views
as they cruise in ski country, and for receiving a bit more natural
snow than the rest. The Wildcat Express quad (NH’s longest and
fastest detachable quad) delivers skiers and riders from base to
summit with a scenic but speedy ride. Even advanced beginners can
enjoy the summit, and ski down the 2.75-mile Polecat trail. Wildcat
has trail variety from mellow runs that saunter top to bottom, to
tight twisty turny glades and an exciting Liftlion trail with
magnificent views of Mount Washington and Tuckerman’s Ravine.
Wildcat also offers guided backcountry tours that deliver skiers
into Jackson village the wild way.
RT. 16, Pinkham Notch
603-466-3326
Vertical Drop: 2,112’
Skiable Terrain: 225
4 Lifts, 47 Trails
90% snowmaking
Published New Hampshire Ski Stories:
North Conway - four ski
areas for fun!
Cranmore for Kids
Granite State rocks teens
All Stories by Heather Burke
All Photography by Greg Burke
