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9 Best Ski Resorts in New Hampshire, 2023/24

9 Best Ski Resorts in New Hampshire, 2023/24
Jack Taylor
Written by Jack Taylor / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 23, 2022

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to over 30 downhill and cross-country ski resorts, with many of them just a short drive from one another. Stay for a week and you can easily visit a few, so to make the most of your winter vacation in the Granite State take a look at our top picks!

Great skiing across three mountains (Photo credit: Bretton Woods)

Why Ski Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods is often considered the classiest of all the ski resorts in New Hampshire, which is bolstered by the fact that it recently opened the first 8-person gondola in the state! 98 trails are spread out across three mountains and neatly grouped together according to their difficulty, plus more than 90% are covered by snow cannons. Expect night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and during the holidays, but make sure you wrap up warm because it’s cold! If you fancy a splurge then book a stay at the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort, or for something more affordable there’s plenty of straightforward condos and family townhouses within easy reach of the slopes.

Known for

New Hampshire’s biggest ski resort and the classiest

Highlights

  • Tons of terrain to suit all levels
  • Wonderful views of Mount Washington
  • 62 miles of cross-country ski trails
  • Expect queues at the base area lifts on weekends

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 112 miles (2 hour drive)
Portland Intl. Jetport - 88 miles (2 hour drive)
Great skiing across three mountains (Photo credit: Bretton Woods)

Why Ski Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods is often considered the classiest of all the ski resorts in New Hampshire, which is bolstered by the fact that it recently opened the first 8-person gondola in the state! 98 trails are spread out across three mountains and neatly grouped together according to their difficulty, plus more than 90% are covered by snow cannons. Expect night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and during the holidays, but make sure you wrap up warm because it’s cold! If you fancy a splurge then book a stay at the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort, or for something more affordable there’s plenty of straightforward condos and family townhouses within easy reach of the slopes.

Plenty of blue trails for intermediate skiers (Photo credit: Loon Mountain)

Why Ski Loon Mountain

A trip to Loon Mountain makes for a fun and hassle-free family ski vacation, and not only because it’s easy to reach being just a 10-minute drive from Interstate 93. Once you’re here the resort provides everything needed, including a hotel complete with swimming pool and spa in the base lodge plus a bunch of restaurants and bars for evening fun. The ski area is fantastic for honing your skills, featuring mostly blue trails that link to a handful of gentle greens and challenging blacks. To top it all off, you can try out ice skating, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and even a zip line ride over a frozen river!

Known for

Family-friendly ski resort featuring ski-in/ski-out lodgings and easy access from Boston

Highlights

  • Easy to access from Route I-93
  • Highly-rated terrain parks for all abilities
  • Terrain well-suited to intermediates
  • Quite expensive

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 90 miles (2 hour drive)
Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 135 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Plenty of blue trails for intermediate skiers (Photo credit: Loon Mountain)

Why Ski Loon Mountain

A trip to Loon Mountain makes for a fun and hassle-free family ski vacation, and not only because it’s easy to reach being just a 10-minute drive from Interstate 93. Once you’re here the resort provides everything needed, including a hotel complete with swimming pool and spa in the base lodge plus a bunch of restaurants and bars for evening fun. The ski area is fantastic for honing your skills, featuring mostly blue trails that link to a handful of gentle greens and challenging blacks. To top it all off, you can try out ice skating, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and even a zip line ride over a frozen river!

Spectacular mountain views within Franconia Notch State Park (Photo credit: Cannon Mountain)

Why Ski Cannon Mountain

The first World Cup ski race in North America took place right here at Cannon Mountain, which is a testament to its steep slopes and reliable snowfall. This resort is run by New Hampshire State, and its location within Franconia Notch State Park means there’s no sprawling development at the base area. You won’t find convenient slope-side lodgings or lots of resort amenities to keep you entertained here, but it is home to the wonderful New England Ski Museum located next to the Tram Valley Station. Cannon Mountain is a firm favourite amongst local skiers from nearby Lincoln and Littleton, which are both home to a range of accommodation options.

Known for

Genuine state park skiing with quieter slopes than Killington and Stowe

Highlights

  • A classic state park mountain for real skiers!
  • Dedicated beginners area is perfect for learning the basics
  • Quality extreme terrain for intermediates and advanced
  • Aerial tramway doesn’t run mid-week (Tues-Thurs)

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Franconia Airport (1B5) - 14 miles (20 minute drive)
Mount Washington Regional Airport - 20 miles (30 minute drive)
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 96 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Spectacular mountain views within Franconia Notch State Park (Photo credit: Cannon Mountain)

Why Ski Cannon Mountain

The first World Cup ski race in North America took place right here at Cannon Mountain, which is a testament to its steep slopes and reliable snowfall. This resort is run by New Hampshire State, and its location within Franconia Notch State Park means there’s no sprawling development at the base area. You won’t find convenient slope-side lodgings or lots of resort amenities to keep you entertained here, but it is home to the wonderful New England Ski Museum located next to the Tram Valley Station. Cannon Mountain is a firm favourite amongst local skiers from nearby Lincoln and Littleton, which are both home to a range of accommodation options.

Skiing down towards Lake Sunapee (Photo credit: Mount Sunapee) 

Why Ski Mount Sunapee

Mount Sunapee has a little bit of everything, from steep bump runs and glades to terrain parks and bunny slopes, ensuring skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are catered for. At 2,743 feet the summit is considerably lower than the 4,000 feet peaks at Cannon and Wildcat, but don’t let that put you off. The large network of snow cannons and daily grooming ensures slopes stay in great condition for skiing throughout the season. You’ll find plenty of quality lodgings just a 20-minute drive away in New London, along with friendly restaurants and pubs, artsy shops, and intriguing museums. Newbury is an even closer town to base yourself, home to lakeside chalets and a few casual eateries.

Known for

Varied terrain, surrounding historic towns and attractions

Highlights

  • Stunning views of Lake Sunapee from above
  • Exceptional grooming
  • Almost half the runs are for intermediate skiers/ riders
  • Further to get to compared to other resorts on this list

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 56 miles (1 hour drive)
Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 104 miles (2 hour drive)
Skiing down towards Lake Sunapee (Photo credit: Mount Sunapee) 

Why Ski Mount Sunapee

Mount Sunapee has a little bit of everything, from steep bump runs and glades to terrain parks and bunny slopes, ensuring skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are catered for. At 2,743 feet the summit is considerably lower than the 4,000 feet peaks at Cannon and Wildcat, but don’t let that put you off. The large network of snow cannons and daily grooming ensures slopes stay in great condition for skiing throughout the season. You’ll find plenty of quality lodgings just a 20-minute drive away in New London, along with friendly restaurants and pubs, artsy shops, and intriguing museums. Newbury is an even closer town to base yourself, home to lakeside chalets and a few casual eateries.

Wildcat has no shortage of challenging terrain (Photo credit: Wildcat)

Why Ski Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort

It’s far from a sophisticated ski resort but its old-fashioned style and bare-bones amenities put Wildcat in a league of its own. If you’re serious about skiing and want to take on some of the most challenging terrain in the Granite State you’ll feel right at home here best suited for advanced and upper intermediate skiers and riders. On a clear day from the top, you’ll be able to gaze upon an unbeatable panorama of the entire Presidential Range, with the white-capped Mount Washington towering 6,288 feet high. Green, blue, and black trails are available from the summit so everyone can enjoy the view and ski back down! Also, don’t miss an evening of après-ski fun at the bars in nearby North Conway, once voted America’s Best Ski Town!

Known for

Old fashioned New England resort, great skiing for intermediates and advanced

Highlights

  • Best mountain views in the East
  • Terrain best suited for upper intermediates and advanced
  • No-frills vibe which makes it feel like home
  • Chairlift to the summit is frequently closed

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 24 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Mount Washington Regional Airport - 32 miles (40 minute drive)
Portland Intl. Jetport - 78 miles (2 hour drive)
Wildcat has no shortage of challenging terrain (Photo credit: Wildcat)

Why Ski Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort

It’s far from a sophisticated ski resort but its old-fashioned style and bare-bones amenities put Wildcat in a league of its own. If you’re serious about skiing and want to take on some of the most challenging terrain in the Granite State you’ll feel right at home here best suited for advanced and upper intermediate skiers and riders. On a clear day from the top, you’ll be able to gaze upon an unbeatable panorama of the entire Presidential Range, with the white-capped Mount Washington towering 6,288 feet high. Green, blue, and black trails are available from the summit so everyone can enjoy the view and ski back down! Also, don’t miss an evening of après-ski fun at the bars in nearby North Conway, once voted America’s Best Ski Town!

Enjoy skiing two mountains with distinct trails (Photo credit: Attitash)

Why Ski Attitash

Searching for challenging ski terrain and a full-service resort at the base of the mountain to go with it? Then Attitash is a top choice. There’s over 300 acres of skiable terrain in total, split between two mountains named Attitash and Bear Mountain. The pair are distinctly different, with Bear Mountain featuring wide top-to-bottom runs and freestyle features, while Attitash is a maze of many narrow crisscrossing trails. You’ll waste no time reaching the lifts each day when you book a room at the slope-side Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash, where you can also enjoy a relaxing soak in their hot tub each evening.

Known for

Upscale destination resort home to progressive terrain parks and deep powder glades

Highlights

  • Many steep runs from the two easily-accessible summits
  • Limit on lift passes sold each day keeps lift lines small
  • Short drive to North Conway
  • North-facing slopes can get very cold and sometimes icy

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 02 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 09 2023

Closest airports

Mount Washington Regional Airport - 34 miles (40 minute drive)
Portland Intl. Jetport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Enjoy skiing two mountains with distinct trails (Photo credit: Attitash)

Why Ski Attitash

Searching for challenging ski terrain and a full-service resort at the base of the mountain to go with it? Then Attitash is a top choice. There’s over 300 acres of skiable terrain in total, split between two mountains named Attitash and Bear Mountain. The pair are distinctly different, with Bear Mountain featuring wide top-to-bottom runs and freestyle features, while Attitash is a maze of many narrow crisscrossing trails. You’ll waste no time reaching the lifts each day when you book a room at the slope-side Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash, where you can also enjoy a relaxing soak in their hot tub each evening.

Great intermdiate runs at Waterville Valley (Photo credit: Waterville Valley Resort)

Why Ski Watervile Valley

With a lift-accessed summit of over 4,000 feet, Waterville Valley Resort is the third-highest ski resort in New Hampshire, just behind Cannon and Wildcat. What makes this mountain a little different is that you’ll find plenty of blue trails from the top instead of the usual black runs, so it’s an excellent choice for intermediates. The resort is tucked away at the end of a valley which gives you the feeling of being away from it all, but there’s still plenty to do off the slopes. Give ice skating, dog sledding, tubing or the escape room a try, unwind with a relaxing massage at the spa, or take a stroll around the Town Square for souvenir shopping, and a well-deserved drink at La Tasse Café or Mulligans Tap Room.

Known for

Small and self-contained intermediate-friendly ski mountain

Highlights

  • Great trail layout makes exploring the mountain hassle-free
  • Ever-changing freestyle features thanks to the Pop Up Parks programme
  • Free shuttle buses to resort lodgings and attractions
  • Close proximity to Manchester and Boston means it gets crowded

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 10 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Mount Washington Regional Airport - 45 miles (1 hour drive)
Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 130 miles (2 hour drive)
Great intermdiate runs at Waterville Valley (Photo credit: Waterville Valley Resort)

Why Ski Watervile Valley

With a lift-accessed summit of over 4,000 feet, Waterville Valley Resort is the third-highest ski resort in New Hampshire, just behind Cannon and Wildcat. What makes this mountain a little different is that you’ll find plenty of blue trails from the top instead of the usual black runs, so it’s an excellent choice for intermediates. The resort is tucked away at the end of a valley which gives you the feeling of being away from it all, but there’s still plenty to do off the slopes. Give ice skating, dog sledding, tubing or the escape room a try, unwind with a relaxing massage at the spa, or take a stroll around the Town Square for souvenir shopping, and a well-deserved drink at La Tasse Café or Mulligans Tap Room.

The slopes at Cranmore Mountain are sheltered from bad weather (Photo credit: Cranmore Mountain)

Why Ski Cranmore Mountain

Skiers have been tearing down the slopes of Cranmore Mountain since the 1930s and while the 170 acres of skiable terrain makes it the smallest ski area on our list, the 56 trails offer a perfect training ground for beginners and intermediates. Cranmore also enjoys more shelter from bad weather than many other ski resorts in New Hampshire, so when a storm hits the region it can often stay open while other resorts need to close. The quaint New England town is charming in itself with historic buildings and stores while the outlets or New Hampshire’s best lift-serviced tubing park is sure to keep any non-skier in the group entertained.

Known for

Small historic ski area in North Conway, voted one of America’s best ski towns

Highlights

  • Resort is usually quiet on weekdays outside of the holidays
  • Good value amenities and accommodation options in town
  • New Hampshire’s best tubing park
  • Lacks terrain to test the skills of expert skiers

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Jetport - 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 106miles (2 hour drive)
The slopes at Cranmore Mountain are sheltered from bad weather (Photo credit: Cranmore Mountain)

Why Ski Cranmore Mountain

Skiers have been tearing down the slopes of Cranmore Mountain since the 1930s and while the 170 acres of skiable terrain makes it the smallest ski area on our list, the 56 trails offer a perfect training ground for beginners and intermediates. Cranmore also enjoys more shelter from bad weather than many other ski resorts in New Hampshire, so when a storm hits the region it can often stay open while other resorts need to close. The quaint New England town is charming in itself with historic buildings and stores while the outlets or New Hampshire’s best lift-serviced tubing park is sure to keep any non-skier in the group entertained.

Looking over Lake Winnipesaukee (Photo credit: Gunstock Mountain Resort)

Why Ski Gunstock Mountain

Less than 2 hours drive from Boston, Gunstock is another compact ski area covering 227 acres, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in the high quality of its trails and terrain parks. You’ll also enjoy a great view of Lake Winnipesaukee while schussing down the slopes, and the fun continues after dark with around half the runs floodlit for night skiing. Nearby accommodation has a distinctive rustic charm, with options including country inns, traditional hotels, and family-run B&B’s. The town of Gilford is home to a handful of down-to-earth restaurants and for tax-free shopping head to the Tanger Outlet, less than 20 minutes’ drive away in Tilton.

Known for

Local's mountain offering plenty of activities to do for families and friends

Highlights

  • Less crowded, even on holidays and weekends
  • Snowtubing, coaster and night skiing available
  • Over 60% of the trails suitable for intermediates
  • Old lift infrastructure

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 10 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 58 miles (1 hour drive)
Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 104 miles (2 hour drive)
Looking over Lake Winnipesaukee (Photo credit: Gunstock Mountain Resort)

Why Ski Gunstock Mountain

Less than 2 hours drive from Boston, Gunstock is another compact ski area covering 227 acres, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in the high quality of its trails and terrain parks. You’ll also enjoy a great view of Lake Winnipesaukee while schussing down the slopes, and the fun continues after dark with around half the runs floodlit for night skiing. Nearby accommodation has a distinctive rustic charm, with options including country inns, traditional hotels, and family-run B&B’s. The town of Gilford is home to a handful of down-to-earth restaurants and for tax-free shopping head to the Tanger Outlet, less than 20 minutes’ drive away in Tilton.