Are you looking for the best New Hampshire ski resorts? We’ve got you covered.
New Hampshire is a skiers paradise with ski resorts scattered throughout the magnificent White Mountains for skiers and snowboarders of all levels of ability.
If you’re looking for a fun ski vacation, you’re sure to find the perfect ski resort in New Hampshire. Can’t wait to go?
Here’s our guide to the best ski resorts in the Granite State…
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Bretton Woods Resort
By MVV Chamber of Commerce (CC BY 2.0 licence)
The biggest ski resort in New Hampshire, beautiful Bretton Woods has a lot to offer, with spectacular views, 97 runs over 464 skiable acres, a 1500 foot vertical drop, and over 200 inches average seasonal snowfall plus 92% snowmaking.
Long, groomed trails are serviced by 10 ski lifts, and are well balanced with 23% green runs, 28% blue runs, 38% black runs, and 15% double diamond blacks.
Well manicured trails are perfect for cruising, and there is glade and side country skiing, as well as tree skiing, for those looking for something a little more challenging.
There’s also a 100 kilometer cross country trail network for Nordic skiing.
Five trails and two lifts are open for night skiing and riding, and there are 2 terrain parks including one with beginner to intermediate features such as boxes, jibs and rails, and an advanced park with pipes and jumps.
The Slopeside Pub & Restaurant, in the main lodge is a great spot for après ski fun, with a restaurant, cafe, happy hour, live music and DJ’s in the afternoon, plus late night entertainment.
This family friendly luxury ski resort also offers many other bars and restaurants.
Where to Stay: Omni Mount Washington Resort
Inspired by Spanish Renaissance architecture, the 4 star Omni Mount Washington Resort is grand in both looks and proportions, and delights guests with refined dining and luxurious décor.
Guest rooms and suites feature cozy furnishings, luxury bedding, flat screen TV, and marble en suite bathrooms, and many rooms have fireplaces and panoramic views of the Presidential Mountain Range.
The family friendly Four Diamond restaurant serves hearty breakfast daily, plus classic New England fare, whilst Stickney’s Steak and Chop Pub serves delicious grilled steaks and chops.
Guests can enjoy craft cocktails and live entertainment at The Cave speakeasy bar. Indulge in a botanical treatment at the 25,000-square-foot spa with magnificent mountain views, or let off some steam at the state of the art fitness centre and indoor pool with hot tub.
- 2 restaurants
- Choice of bars
- Mountain views
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- Indoor swimming pool
- Golf course
Ragged Mountain
By Gianina Lindsey (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Well known as a great place to learn to ski, Ragged Mountain has an excellent ski school, with programs for all ability levels from kids and those just starting out to more advanced skiers and snowboarders looking to hone their skills.
The resort is made up of two peaks with a vertical drop of 1250 feet, and 98% snowmaking coverage. Ragged Mountain ski resort’s 57 runs meander through 250 acres of skiable terrain, with great glade skiing and perfectly pitched groomed trails.
The terrain is well suited to all skill levels, being 30% blue runs, 40% greens, and 30% black runs with 7% double diamonds. Three terrain parks feature rails, pipes, and more.
The Stone Hearth Bar, is the place for après ski live entertainment and tasty beverages next to the open fire after a day on the slopes.
Enjoy classic American cuisine and hearty New England dishes at Birches Mountain Restaurant, or quick healthy lunches at the Harvest Café.
Gunstock Mountain
By Jenk603 (CC BY-SA 4.0 licence)
This family friendly ski resort has breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and benefits from a 1400 foot vertical drop, 227 skiable acres with 55 varied trails, of which nearly two thirds are fast cruisers, and there are also short, steep trails as well as glade skiing and 31 miles of cross-country ski trails.
Runs are split into 12% beginner, 61% intermediate, and 27% expert, and 21 runs are lit for night skiing and snowboarding. Gunstock also has the longest snow tubing run in New Hampshire at 305 meters, plus 4 terrain parks with freestyle features for all levels.
Gunstock’s attractive alpine style base camp lodge has a down to earth, relaxed atmosphere, and there are a good choice of restaurants, cafes and bars including the Powder Keg Bar and Grille with lots of live music and nachos, burgers and other pub fare and the Pistol Pub.
There are also good après ski activities for families on offer.
Wildcat Mountain
By Jrclark (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
Wildcat mountain offers up 2112 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding terrain for any ability level over 220 skiable acres.
Thanks to its northwestern exposure, Wildcat ski resort boasts the most seasonal snowfall of any New Hampshire ski resort, with over 200 inches annual average snowfall. Wildcat Express Gondola Skyride is a high speed quad chairlift which whisks skiers to the mountain summit for incredible views and access to trails.
48 runs are well divided — although there are no expert runs — into 21% beginner, 46% intermediate, and 33% advanced, and Wildcat even has the longest green run in New Hampshire.
Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a good mix of wide groomed trails, tree skiing, amazing steeps, bumps and more. There’s also a ski school and terrain park on site.
This is may not be a fancy ski resort — which is good as it rarely gets crowded — but it still has a few good après ski options.
The Wildcat Cafeteria serves hot drinks and quick snacks, as well as pizzas and classic grills. At the Wildcat Pub you can enjoy seasonal craft beers, pub style dining, and live music and promos at weekends.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Thorn Hill
In the beautiful setting of the village of Jackson on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest, the 3 star Inn at Thorn Hill features award winning fine dining with locally sourced seafood and a daily chalkboard farm to table menu, and guests can wake up to a sumptuous country breakfast.
The Inn at Thorn Hill spa offers a wide range of healing massage and body treatments for the ultimate in relaxation.
Guest rooms and suites all have fireplaces, en suite bathroom with Jacuzzi and shower, flat screen TV, and air conditioning. Private cottages are also available.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Garden with terrace
- Spa and sauna
Cannon Mountain
By Ericshawwhite (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
This reasonably priced, medium sized New Hampshire ski resort in Franconia Notch State Park is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders but there is also terrain for beginner and advanced skiers.
Cannon Mountain ski resort is spread over two mountains, with a 2180 foot vertical drop, 282 acres of skiable terrain, and 160 inches annual snowfall with over 90% snowmaking ability. 97 runs are split into 14% green, 53% blue, and 33% black and are accessed by 10 lifts plus an aerial tramway.
Cannon offers excellent glade skiing, incredible steep trails, and sidecountry terrain, as well as 3 terrain parks for all ability levels.
There’s not much in the way of après ski at the resort, although the Cannonball Pub at the base lodge offers a full bar menu and live entertainment on weekends.
Where to Stay: Franconia Inn
This charming 3 star country inn is situated on 107 acres in picturesque Easton Valley with views out across the mountains, and offers convenient access to Cannon Mountain. Warm and comfortable guest rooms and suites are tastefully appointed, with private en suite bathroom and mountain views.
At the Franconia Inn restaurant satisfying country breakfasts are the perfect start to the day, and in the evening elegant American gourmet cuisine is served.
To keep guests entertained there is a big screen TV movie room, plus a games room with ping-pong table and video games. The communal oak-paneled private library and spacious living room are perfect spaces for winding down after a hard days skiing.
- Games room
- Outdoor pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Mountain views
Loon Mountain
Popular and easy to access, Loon Mountain ski resort can sometimes get a little crowded, but that’s no surprise as the resort features 370 acres of wonderfully scenic trails, 2100 feet of vertical, and over 160 inches annual average snowfall with almost total snowmaking coverage.
Take a look at this awesome GoPro footage of the resort:
61 runs are serviced by 11 lifts, and are 20% green, 60% blue, 17% black, and 3% black double diamond.
Terrain is nicely varied at Loon Mountain, with plenty of wide sweeping groomers ideal for intermediate skiers, tree skiing, and cross country.
Some of the best terrain parks in New Hampshire can be found at the resort — there are 6 in total — including one with a massive 425 meter long Superpipe.
The place to be for après ski on Loon Mountain is the Paul Bunyan Room right next to the Gondola. A fantastic ambiance, roaring fire, draft beers, and great live music every day are what make the Paul Bunyan Room legendary.
A selection of other cafés, bars and restaurants dish up snacks, grills, and hearty fare to keep you well fueled for snowy fun.
Where to Stay: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Lincoln ski village is the location for the 3 star RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain.
The resort’s Solstice North Day boutique spa offers massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and therapeutic foot soaks to help you decompress after an energetic day on the slopes.
Stay in shape during your stay at RiverWalk at the state of the art health club or skate at the resort pool which transforms into an ice rink for the winter season. Wine buffs will love the on site winery with tasting room, and wood fired pizzas and Italian/American culinary delights await guests at the La Vista restaurant and bar.
Suites at RiverWalk are designed for families to sprawl out and relax, and are equipped with full kitchen, en suite bathroom with soaker tub, and private balcony.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa and wellness center
- Winery and shop
- Ice rink / swimming pool
Whaleback Mountain
Small yet perfectly formed, Whaleback Mountain ski resort in Enfield New Hampshire is a gem.
Developed since 2004 by 2 time Olympic Mogul Skier Evan Dybvig, the resort’s 30 trails are well balanced for all skill levels with 23% beginner, 41% intermediate, 23% advanced, and 13% expert runs.
There are 85 skiable acres at Whaleback, which also features a 700 foot vertical drop, 110 inches annual snowfall, and 80% snowmaking.
Whatever your age or ability you’re sure to enjoy the mix of tree skiing, fantastic night skiing, easier terrain for beginners, steeps, glades, cruisers, and 2 terrain parks at an affordable price.
Staff at the ski school are super friendly, and the Whaleback Pub at base camp has a fun, authentic New England atmosphere, with free pool and tasty pub style food.
Waterville Valley Resort
By Jrclark (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
Waterville Valley has hosted world cup alpine slalom events, and has seen a host of recent improvements which now make it one of New Hampshire’s premier ski resorts.
A whopping 2020 foot vertical is just part of what makes Waterville such a great ski resort, along with 148 inches annual seasonal snowfall plus 100% snowmaking capacity, 261 skiable acres, and 11 lifts including 2 high speed quads.
All 62 trails are on one mountain — Green Peak — so it’s easy to get from one run to the next.
This is a fantastic resort for intermediate skiers, with 57% of runs being blue, 15% green, 25% black, and 3% black double diamond.
Waterville offers up great glade skiing, 46 miles of cross country trails, moguls, and long groomers. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will still find plenty of thrills here, and the advanced trails are rarely crowded.
6 excellent terrain parks will please freestylers of all levels, and the advanced park features a superpipe.
If you’re looking to party, T-Bars at Waterville Valley base village has kicking live entertainment and plenty of drinks promos to get your buzz on, as well as a full menu.
There are plenty of other bars and restaurants too, such as family friendly Buckets restaurant with hearty food and great entertainment, and the Valley Pub and Grille which serves delicious pizzas and also doubles up as a lively nightlife hotspot.
Where to Stay: Golden Eagle Lodge Resort
Right at the hub of the action in Waterville Valley, Golden Eagle Lodge Resort has a range of lodging options, including one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites, lofts and large tower suites ideal for families.
Each suite is decorated in warm, neutral tones and features a fully equipped kitchen, en suite bathroom, cable TV, and lounge area.
Guests at Golden Eagle Lodge Resort can also relax in the sauna and hot tub or chill out in the communal lounge, plus benefit from a free shuttle service to the ski slopes.
There is also a communal kitchen, washer and dryer on site and a terrace with barbecue grills.
Golden Eagle Lodge Resort is ideal for large families or groups seeking adventurous activities in the valley, as well as couples looking for a more private getaway, with all the space you need to relax and unwind.
- Great location
- Sauna and hot tub
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Terrace with BBQ
Mount Sunapee
By Kelsey Ohman (CC BY 2.0 licence)
The largest New Hampshire ski resort closest to Boston, Mount Sunapee is southern New Hampshire’s biggest mountain.
Understandably this is a popular resort, but thanks to the superb management and excellent shuttle service and 2 high speed quads you won’t find the crowds spoiling your fun.
232 acres of ski terrain are kept in tip top condition and perfectly groomed, and in addition to 100 inches seasonal average snowfall, 97% of trails have snowmaking coverage to ensure a seamless ski experience, which is why Mount Sunapee has earned a reputation for having some of the New Hampshire’s highest quality natural and man-made snow.
Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy Mount Sunapee’s 1510 foot vertical drop, and 66 runs are suited to all types of skiers, with 30% greens, 46% blues, 11% blacks, and 13% black double diamonds.
Awesome views of Lake Sunapee can be had, and there are moguls, glade runs, long cruisers, and challenging steeps.
The state of the art terrain park gives snowboarders the chance to push their skills to the max, and there are excellent ski school programs for adults and children alike.
There are excellent après ski options for families and groups alike at Mount Sunapee, with the focus being Goosefeather’s Pub at the Spruce Lodge with big screen sports TV, live entertainment, DJs late into the night, and a delicious choice of informal tasty fare or fine dining.
The Beach is also a popular spot, with barbecues and a convivial atmosphere. For other restaurants bars and shops the best option is to head into the nearby neighbouring towns.
Where to Stay: Mountain Edge Resort & Spa
Perfectly positioned in an unspoiled corner of New Hampshire, the 4 star Mountain Edge Resort & Spa offers luxury accommodations relaxation and amenities on a picturesque hillside with westerly views.
Lavish one and two bedroom suites feature well equipped kitchens, en suite bathrooms, fireplaces, balcony or terrace, and flat screen televisions.
The indoor swimming pool with hot tub and sauna is on site for guests to refresh and revitalize, and the on site spa uses the finest products and techniques to bring guests profound relaxation, rejuvenation and self-awareness.
Cozy up next to the open fire at the resort’s rustic Mountain Spirits tavern and restaurant and enjoy light snacks or satisfying classic American fare for all the family, along with a great selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
- Self catering accommodation
- Swimming pool
- Spa and wellness center
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Fitness center
Attitash Mountain
By Attitashmountain (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
Two large connected mountains are the stage for supreme skiing at Attitash Mountain ski resort, where 68 trails scattered across 311 acres combine with a 1750 foot vertical, 120 inches average seasonal snowfall, 11 ski lifts, and advanced snowmaking systems.
Learners can benefit from the incredible The Attitash Mountain Resort Ski & Snowboard school and find their feet on the 26% of green runs. 46% of trails are blue, and 28% advanced, with lots of wide cruisers, glades, tree skiing, and challenging terrain for all levels of ability.
3 progressive freestyle terrain parks with jumps, rails, and booters appeal to snowboarders and freeskiers looking to hone their style and skills.
Attitash is also well known as a prime location for après ski fun, with popular live acts and cocktails at Ptarmigan’s pub, acoustic sessions at Bear Peak café, and several dining locations across the resort including flavorful Mexican dishes at The Cantina, and fine dining.
Where to Stay: Attitash Mountain Village
Nestled at the base of Attitash Mountain resort, the 3 star Attitash Mountain Village offers award winning rooms, suites, townhouses and trailside accommodations.
Each lodging is unique, with many featuring fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, big screen TVs and fully equipped kitchens.
Guests staying at Attitash Mountain Village have complimentary access to the on site fitness center complete with steam room and spa tub, outdoor spa tubs with a view to the starry night sky, a spacious indoor pool, and outdoor grilling stations.
Matty B’s restaurant and bar serves up traditional favorites as pizza, burgers, and sandwiches in addition to home cooked dinner entrees.
- Indoor swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Self catering accommodation
- Steam room
- Spa tubs
Which do you think are the best ski resorts in New Hampshire?
