Top 10 Places to Ski in New Hampshire (2024)

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Ahhh…..winter is almost here, and we are simply beside ourselves with excitement. With snowy peaks and stunning landscapes, winter in New Hampshire is truly magical. 

You know what else New Hampshire has? Skiing! A LOT of it! 

With over 300 miles of slopes combined and 128 ski lifts, NH is a mecca for snow sports enthusiasts. If you were looking at getting your shred on this winter, here are all of our favorite places to ski in New Hampshire. Come visit! 

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1. Cannon Mountain

Location: 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH 03580

Trails: 97 trails

Known for: The highest ski summit in the state

Accommodations: Upscale resorts, affordable motels, and rustic cabins

Cannon Mountain has over 285 skiable acres across two peaks, Cannon and Mittersill. With steep, challenging trails, this resort is best for intermediate and advanced skiers. 

With a 2,180-foot vertical drop, Cannon is popular with serious shredders, but beginners can still take lessons at the Tuckerbrook zone. Must-dos for experts include DJ’s Tramline, Kinsman Glade, and the black runs off the Zoomer lift. 

Equipment rentals are available, and on-site accommodations are limited so book well in 

Advance.

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2. Loon Mountain

Location: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, NH 03262

Trails: 73 trails

Known for: Great amenities 

Accommodations: Upscale hotel

With over 403 skiable acres, Loon Mountain has 73 trails across three peaks, complete with full progression terrain parks for all levels. It is also home to the longest vertical drop in New Hampshire and snowmaking capabilities for almost all its terrain. 

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3. Bretton Woods

Location: 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Trails: 63 trails

Known for: Biggest ski resort that can suit every need, complete with amenities

Accommodations: Affordable lodges, Hotels, B&B, exclusive townhomes

Boasting 464 acres of skiable terrain and stunning views of Mt Washington, Bretton Woods is NH’s largest resort. With over 60 trails, this resort can cater to skiers of all levels. On-site, there are also rental and repair shops to fix any equipment problems you might run into.

Complete beginners can take lessons at the ski school near the base lodge. If we haven’t been getting enough snowfall, Bretton Woods has snow-making facilities that will more than adequately compensate. 

Other activities that you can do at the resort include zip lines, sky bridges, rappels, dog sledding, canopy tours, and a day spa. There’s also the Bretton Woods Skyway 8-Passenger Gondola trip that gives you a spectacular view of the White Mountains. 

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4. Waterville Valley Ski Resort

Location: 1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley, NH 03215

Trails: 62 trails

Known for: Family-friendly resort, world-class terrains, and quaint town

Accommodations: Affordable lodges, condo suites, hotels, exclusive cottages

Located on Mount Tecumseh, the Waterville Valley ski area has around 265 acres of skiable terrain. It’s the birthplace of freestyle skiing and has been the host of several competitions like the 2025 Waterville Freestyle Cup from Jan 24 to 25th. 

The area has world-class trails that pro snowboarders and skiers love. The nearby Waterville Valley town comes alive in winter with food festivals, quirky boutiques, and loads of dining options.

For those brave enough, the town also hosts the Annual Cold Turkey Plunge in support of Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports, a fun event that takes place in November. 

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5. Attitash Mountain Resort

Location: 1 River Run Drive, Bartlett, NH 03812

Trails: 68 trails

Known for: Premier destination for thrill seekers

Accommodations: Grand Summit Hotel

With 7 ski areas and 300 acres of skiable terrain, Attitash Mountain Resort offers two peaks for the price of one - Attitash and Bear Peak. This resort will suit intermediate and experienced skiers, but it also has a few areas for beginners. 

Attitash covers almost all its areas with snow-making capabilities when conditions are less than ideal. Other activities include sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skating. 

If you’re heading to this resort, download the My Epic app which allows you to store your passes and lift tickets. It also offers real-time lift line statuses, trail maps, live weather webcams, and operational alerts. 

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6. Gunstock Mountain

Location: 719 Cherry Valley Road Gilford, NH 03249

Trails: 49 trails

Known for: Night-skiing

Accommodations: Hotels, motels, cabins, inns, and B&B

Located in the Lakes Region, Gunstock Mountain Resort offers something unique - night skiing! When night falls, Gunstock’s well-lit alpine trails let you continue carving. With over 227 skiable acres that have 90% snowmaking coverage and other fun activities, Gunstock is suitable for skiers of all levels.

The on-site rental shop will take care of all your equipment needs, and the ski school gives excellent lessons. Other fun, snowy activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and skijoring. They also have two terrain parks including Blundersmoke, which is one of New England’s largest night-accessible parks. 

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7. Wildcat Mountain 

Location: 542 Route 16, Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH 0358

Trails: 48 trails

Known for: Beautiful views and challenging trails

Accommodations: The Glen House

Located in the legendary Pinkham Notch, Wildcat Mountain offers beautiful views and challenging terrains. The area has 225 skiable terrain that suits more intermediate and advanced skiers although beginners can also find something for them. 

The Wildcat Ski and Ride School gives excellent instruction for those who want it, offering group and private lessons that allow you to learn at a comfortable pace in a supportive, fun environment. Like Attitash, Wildcat is also on the Epic app. 

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8. Cranmore Mountain

Location: 239 Skimobile Road, North Conway, NH 03860

Trails: 60 trails

Known for: Dedicated areas for beginners and intermediate 

Accommodations: Affordable lodges, high-end suites, and condominiums

Located in North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort offers plenty of activities for all ages. The resort has over 170 acres of skiable areas and 100% snowmaking coverage. It’s a great place for beginners and intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders who want to advance their skills. 

There are four terrain parks for skiers of all levels. The area also has a Tubing and Mountain Adventure Park which has a coaster, ziplines, and a giant swing. Cranmore is also host to Mountain Meisters, the longest-running winter race league in the US held every Wednesday for ten weeks. 

With over 403 skiable acres, Loon Mountain has 73 trails across three peaks, complete with full progression terrain parks for all levels. It is also home to the longest vertical drop in New Hampshire and snowmaking capabilities for almost all its terrain. 

Other activities offered are snow tubing, snowshoe tours, gondola rides, and sno-going. If you’re heading their way, check out the Loon Mountain Resort App which will give you all the good stuff like current conditions and an events calendar. 

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9.Mount Sunapee

Location: 1398 New Hampshire Rte 103, Newbury, NH 03255

Trails:  67 trails

Known for: Family-friendly varied terrains

Accommodations: Affordable motels, rustic B&B, private cottages

Located near the towns of Newbury and Goshen, Mount Sunapee has over 233 skiable acres with family-friendly trails for all levels. Beginners will enjoy the South Peak Learning Area, and with over 97% snowmaking coverage, the resort ensures it stays in great condition throughout the season. 

Rentals are available at the base of the mountain for skiing and snowboarding. Near the area for lodging, you’ll find pubs, shops, and museums to enjoy. 

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10. Ragged Mountain Resort

Location: 620 Ragged Mountain Rd, Danbury, NH 03230

Trails: 57 trails 

Known for: Accessible location, a great place for first-timers

Accommodations: Slope side units at Cardigan Cabins 

Located just 99 miles from Boston, Ragged Mountain resort offers 250 skiable terrains and 98% snowmaking coverage. It has three terrain parks; Barnyard for beginners, Lower Chute Boardercross for intermediate and advanced, and the Wild Side which features hand-built rails and a large jump line. 

Equipment rentals are available in the lodge and riders can also take part in two fun events; Rail Jam and Slopestyle. Rail Jan is a jib contest where you’ll perform tricks on obstacles like rails, boxes, pipes, and towers, while Slopestyle is when you ski or board down a course and do spins, grinds, grabs, and flips around terrain park obstacles. 

Best Ski Resorts for Beginner and Casual Skiers

Beginners will want to avoid resorts with challenging, steep terrain and unpredictable conditions. The best resorts for beginners are Bretton Woods, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and Ragged Mountain Resort. All these resorts have excellent ski schools and dedicated beginner areas so you stay safe and out of the way. 

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Best Ski Resorts for Experts 

In the mood for some serious shredding? Head to Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain, or Cannon Mountain. With high summits, steep vertical drops, and challenging terrain, these are our favorites during powder days!  

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Best Ski Resorts for Family Vacations

The best resorts for family fun are Bretton Woods, Waterville Valley, Gunstock Mountain, Cranmore Mountain, and Loon Mountain. These resorts offer loads of activities for kids such as tubing, snowshoe tours, ziplining, and gondola rides. 

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Final Thoughts 

Now that we’ve shared all our favorite places to ski in New Hampshire, it’s time for you to make a trip so we can personally show them to you! Come visit us at Gidana Getaways and let us help you plan your perfect ski vacation.

We look forward to welcoming you and seeing you on the slopes! 

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FAQs

1. What is the best time to ski in New Hampshire?

Late January to early February is the best time to ski in New Hampshire, as the snow conditions are at their best. 

2. Which New Hampshire ski resorts offer night skiing?

The Gunstock Mountain Resort in New Hampshire offers night skiing where you can enjoy their well-lit runs under the stars. 

3. What are the best ski resorts for beginners in New Hampshire?

The best ski resorts for beginners in New Hampshire are Bretton Woods, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and Ragged Mountain Resort. These resorts have excellent ski schools, more forgiving terrains, and dedicated beginner learning areas. 

4. Where can I find luxury lodging near ski resorts in New Hampshire?

If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, Bretton Woods, Attitash, Cannon, and Cranmore all have luxury accommodations with all the bells and whistles. 

5. Which ski resorts have the best terrain parks?

The best terrain parks can be found in Gunsmoke, Bretton Woods, and Ragged Mountain. These resorts have multiple terrain parks that suit skiers of all levels. 

6. What winter activities can I do besides skiing in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire isn’t only about skiing! You can also go snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, ziplining, and going on gondola rides with spectacular scenery. 

7. What gear do I need to bring for a New Hampshire ski trip?

Almost all resorts will have rental equipment available. However, you’ll still need to bundle up so bring your own gloves, ski pants, outer shell, layers, socks, and goggles.