New Hampshire is a winter sports paradise, with its White Mountains region offering some of the best skiing in the northeastern United States. The ski season in New Hampshire typically runs from late November to early April, depending on the resort and snowfall.
With an average of over 200 inches of snowfall each season, the area around Bretton Woods offers skiers and snowboarders a long and exciting winter season to enjoy the slopes.
The Best Ski Resorts in the White Mountains
With a total of 18 ski resorts, the state of New Hampshire offers some of the best skiing in the Eastern United States. Most of these resorts lie within the White Mountains region and offer skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels a wide range of terrain and amenities to enjoy.
If you’ll be staying in or around Bretton Woods, you will find several world-class resorts close by. Take a look at some of our favorite ones.
#1 Bretton Woods Ski Resort
Our local ski area is considered one of the best ski resorts in the northeastern United States – it is consistently recognized as the “#1 Ski Resort in the East” by readers of Ski Magazine!
Facing Mount Washington, it is also the largest ski resort in the state and the most upscale. With over 464 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 2,112 feet, Bretton Woods offers skiers and snowboarders of all levels a challenging and exciting ski experience. Most importantly, the combination of its fantastic snowmaking, impeccable grooming and its location in one of the snowiest spots in the East, with an average of over 200” of snow per year, mean exceptional snow quality under most weather patterns, and often far better than surrounding resorts.
The resort has 63 trails and 35 glades, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. There are also plenty of steeps and bump runs to keep experienced skiers and snowboarders entertained. “Bode’s Run”, the resort’s longest run, is a great challenge for both advanced skiers and snowboarders (Olympic Gold Medalist Bode Miller helped design this run!).
If terrain parks are more your thing, you should know that Bretton Woods ski resort offers a progression park designed for all abilities. If you’re just starting out, this is a great place to learn new tricks and hone your skills.
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#2 – Cannon Mountain Ski Resort
The state-owned Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is located within the Franconia Notch State Park- just 26 minutes away from Bretton Woods. Cannon is home to some of the steepest and most varied terrain in New Hampshire.
Located at 4,000 ft, Cannon Mountain’s summit gets much more snow than other resorts in the state. Considerable investment has recently upgraded one of the resort’s main attractions, the Aerial Tramway, and all the chairlifts. The tramway, which takes guests to the summit of Cannon Mountain for panoramic views of the White Mountains, is one of the resort’s most popular attractions.
You will find no on-mountain lodging within the state park but you can check out our options in the village of Franconia or in nearby Bretton Woods.
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#3 – Loon Mountain Ski Resort
Located 40 minutes away from Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain Ski Resort is one of the major ski resorts in the White Mountains – a large and family-friendly ski destination.
Loon’s 61 runs are spread over three peaks and offer skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels a fun and challenging ski experience. It is one of the only resorts in New Hampshire with a gondola and is also home to the first 8-person chairlift in the east. The Kangamus 8 has heated seats and weather-blocking bubbles to keep you comfortable!
Because most of its terrain is north-facing, Loon gets more snow than other ski resorts in the state. Combined with the resort’s snow-making abilities, this guarantees a long ski season.
#4 – Attitash Ski Resort
Attitash Ski Resort is another popular ski destination in the White Mountains. With over 70 trails on two connected mountains and a vertical drop of 2,350 feet, the resort offers skiers and snowboarders a wide range of terrain to explore.
Attitash was recently acquired by Vail Resorts. The company has invested in a new 4-person chairlift and is set to continue upgrading the ski area’s lifts in the next few years. The acquisition also made the resort part of Vail’s Epic Pass system, which will give you access to several other resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont and elsewhere in the US.
Beginner skiers can ski for free in the resort’s Learning Area at the base of Attitash Peak. The resort has a policy of only selling a limited number of tickets daily, which keeps lines considerably shorter than at other resorts during the high season.
Located just 30 minutes away from Bretton Woods, Attitash Ski Resort is a great option for the whole family!
#5 – Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort
Wildcat Mountain is famous among expert skiers who enjoy its bumps and glades. However, there is terrain available for all levels – with 25% of its runs rated for beginner skiers – and the incredible scenery and direct views of the Mount Washington summit and Tuckerman’s Ravine are stunning.
Wildcat was also recently acquired by Vail, making it part of its Epic Pass system. The resort is a great day trip from Bretton Woods, located just 50 minutes away. If you’re looking for challenging terrain, don’t hesitate!
The resort is also north-facing and has impressive snow-making capabilities, so you won’t have to worry about coverage, even if you visit in late March. You won’t find on-mountain accommodation so check out our options in Bretton Woods or Franconia.
Why Go Skiing in New Hampshire?
There are many reasons to go skiing in New Hampshire, but we love it!
- The White Mountains: The White Mountains region of New Hampshire is home to some of the best skiing in the northeastern United States. With an average of over 200 inches of snowfall each season and its ski resort’s top-notch snow-making capabilities, the White Mountains offer skiers and snowboarders a long and exciting winter season to enjoy the slopes.
- Variety of Resorts: The White Mountains region is home to a wide variety of ski resorts, each offering a unique ski experience. Whether you’re looking for a large, family-friendly resort or a small, more intimate ski destination, you’re sure to find a ski resort that meets your needs in the White Mountains.
- Terrain for all skill levels: The ski resorts in the White Mountains offer a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly slopes to advanced terrain parks, there’s something for everyone in the White Mountains.
- Scenic beauty: Skiing in New Hampshire is not just about skiing, but also about the beautiful scenery. The White Mountains are known for their stunning natural beauty, and skiing in the area allows you to take in the views from the top.
Book a Bretton Woods Vacation and Explore The Best Ski Areas in NH!
If you’re looking for a ski vacation cabin in New Hampshire, check out the accommodation options available at Bretton Woods Vacations.
With cabins and luxury rentals available for families and groups of all sizes, we are the best local option for those looking for vacation rentals in the Bretton Woods area.