Discover 10 Charming Ski Towns in New Hampshire This Winter

With 28 resorts dedicated to skiing, it is safe to say that this winter sport is a favorite amongst New Hampshire locals and tourists. As soon as cold weather moves in, a blanket of snow covers the hills and mountains for skiing and other recreational activities. Places like Lincoln and Bretton Woods are just a few of the places to find your next ski lodge stay. If you want to take in the pristine snow of New Hampshire’s mountains, check out one of the charming ski towns in New Hampshire below.

New Hampshire Towns With Winter Skiing

Lincoln

The closest ski resort to Lincoln is Loon Mountain, making it incredibly popular around the holidays. With several lodges and various runs, you can ski at any experience level safely, but you need to purchase tickets to experience the lift or to use the slopes. In addition to skiing the 400 acres of mountainous terrain, there’s also a Skyride to bring you to different ski areas and snow tubing for all ages along the White Mountains.

Bretton Woods

No winter vacation to ski in New Hampshire is complete without a visit to Bretton Woods. With 464 acres dedicated to skiing and snowboarding, this area gives you access to lessons if you want to learn. The Bretton Woods Skyway is just one of the many perks, taking skiers down to the 63 trails on the 10 lifts.

For beginners, the local ski resort has over 14 miles of marked trails to follow, dividing into beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. While over half of the trails cater to advanced skiers, the remaining trails are easier for beginner and intermediate skiers to take on.

North Conway

North Conway is a short distance from Bretton Woods, so you don’t have to choose. Take one weekend at Bretton Woods but also explore North Conway’s layer of snow over the White Mountains. Even if you drive down from Boston, you only have 2.5 hours until you can put on your skis to make your way down the slopes. USA Today even named North Conway the top ski town in the entire country.

Jackson

Jackson has received a lot of publicity from nearby magazines and news publications for their ski slopes, especially the Jackson Ski Touring trails. The Touring Center offers equipment rentals if you don’t have your own skis, giving you access to 55 miles of trails. Jackson also offers access to the White Mountains, along with Black Mountain, and a short drive from Bretton Woods.

Intervale

If you take a drive to the Intervale Center, you get access to 3 miles of ski trails, and there’s no additional cost to access the trails. This is one of few opportunities that you have to ski without having to register with a resort or lodge, but you need to bring your skis. Trail maps are available, though the area primarily caters to skiers who already know how to handle the slopes on their own.

Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley offers the best terrain for skiers who consider their experience level to be above a beginner but may not have advanced skills. With 66 miles of cross-country ski trails available to you, the local resort offers the first place that freestyle skiing ever occurred. In 1969, the Waterville Valley Resort opened an instructional program to learn this incredible skill.

Berlin

The best place to go in Berlin is the Nansen Ski Club, which has been around since 1872. The organization is the oldest skiing club that is still up and running in North America, founded by Norwegian immigrants. They initially closed the ski jump in 1988. However, it was restored 27 years later and is still in operation.

Bartlett

If you visit Bartlett, you also have the chance to visit the Attitash Ski Resort, which is located at the center of the White Mountains. This resort offers 68 different trails, though it can also be accessed through other local ski towns, and has been in business for over 60 years. The first ski trails in Barlett were established a century ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Wolfeboro

When you visit Wolfeboro, the only way to ski their slopes is to purchase a day pass or a season pass. With a trail map that outlines different slopes for different skill levels and activities, some people decide to extend their stay into the night with local lodging. If you don’t bring your equipment, rentals are available, courtesy of the Wolfeboro Cross Country Ski Association.

Franconia

The main advantage of skiing in Franconia is that you get to visit Cannon Mountain. Cannon Mountain is the only ski area owned by New Hampshire state authorities, offering 11 lifts to 285 acres of snowy terrain to ski. With two main mountains to trek, advanced skiers can check out the 4,080-foot summit, which is the highest one in New Hampshire.

Charming Ski Towns In New Hampshire: A Summary

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