Skiing in New Hampshire

Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in the state and is consistently recognized as one of the premier ski areas in the nation. The family-friendly resort has about 430 acres of skiable terrain with more than 100 named trails and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet. In addition to well-groomed runs and lots of powder during the day, the resort also features night skiing 

The resort has a near-perfect split of terrain for skiers of all abilities. Beginner terrain covers about 29 percent of the ski area while another 39 percent is for intermediate skiers. Advanced and expert trails cover the remaining 32 percent of skiable terrain. The equal split helps keep lift lines short, trails uncrowded and keeps nice patches of untouched powder until late in the day in some areas.  

Bretton Woods has some excellent slopeside dining and a few wonderful lodging options near the slopes. The Omni Mount Washington Resort has impeccable guest rooms and easy access to the slopes. The luxury hotel has everything you need – from delectable dining options at your fingertips to an abundance of outdoor activities and cultural adventures. 

Black Mountain is New Hampshire’s oldest ski resort and has been greeting skiers for more than 75 years in the Mount Washington Valley just outside of the town of Jackson. The no-frills throwback ski resort and picturesque town in the White Mountain National Forest makes for a perfect stay-and-play getaway for families, romantic couples, ski groups and singles. 

Surrounded by stunning landscape, Black Mountain presents close to 150 acres of delicious powder skiing, 45 named trails, excellent glades and lots of entertaining tree runs. The resort is a popular spot for newbies and about half of the terrain is for beginners. Intermediate skiers can enjoy about 33 percent of the terrain while the remaining 17 percent is expert-only. Overall, Black Mountain has five convenient lifts with short wait times (if any), a vertical drop of about 1,100 feet, and some great Nordic opportunities. 

There are several excellent lodging options in the nearby town of Jackson, but our top pick for a Black Mountain ski getaway is the Inn at Thorn Hill. The intimate bed and breakfast has 16 guest rooms and three private cottages with elegant French décor and ample privacy. The inn has an award-winning dining room and the most robust wine selection in the state. There’s even an on-site day spa with licensed therapists offering a lengthy list of indulgences.  

The Inn at Thorn Hill is conveniently located near several ski areas. If you don’t get your fill at Black Mountain, it’s easy to get away for a day of skiing at Wildcat Mountain, Attitash, Cranmore or Bretton Woods.

In south-central New Hampshire, Mount Sunapee is a convenient and top-ranked ski resort located in a state park – adjacent to idyllic Sunapee State Park and the crystalline waters of stunning Sunapee Lake. The ski area has more than 18 miles of terrain, with 66 named trails covering more than 230 skiable acres. The resort is a popular spot for mid-level skiers, as 53 percent of terrain at Mount Sunapee is rated intermediate. There are more than 30 intermediate trails to explore at the resort.

There’s plenty of space for beginners as well. There are 17 easier trails where newbies can hone their craft and improve on skills. Ski and snowboard lessons are fun and educational under the watchful eye of patient instructors. Experts can explore 17 runs rated most difficult and there are four individual terrain parks with features ranging from small to extra-large. 

The Mountain Edge Resort & Spa at Sunapee is a sublime retreat for a ski trip to Mount Sunapee. The sensational mountain inn is close to the lake and the ski area as well as several charming New England villages and towns in the region. The hotel has tasteful rooms chock-full of amenities and luxury finishes and features delectable on-site dining ranging from refreshing appetizers to the finest cuts of steak and seafood. The resort is perfectly located for maximum skiing at Mount Sunapee. 

The award-winning Follansbee Inn in the nearby town of North Sutton is a quaint bed and breakfast that’s less than 10 minutes from the slopes at Mount Sunapee. The 17-room bed and breakfast caters to those seeking an intimate setting on the shores of beautiful Kezar Lake. In addition to being close to Mount Sunapee, the Follansbee Inn is also close to additional skiing at Pats Peak and Ragged Mountain.  The hotel is consistently recognized by travel sites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com as one of the state’s premier getaways.

Loon Mountain is one of the most accessible ski resorts in New England and offers a wealth of terrain to explore. Only a two-hour drive north of Boston, the resort is spread out over three mountains and has more than 26 miles of trails and over 350 acres of terrain. With a vertical drop of more than 2,100 feet, the ski area has lots of thrills for beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers and experts in the heart of the White Mountains.

Skiers can get their fill of tree skiing – the resort has eight prime areas to explore. There’s also an award-winning terrain park that has lots of features, a halfpipe and a superpipe, so there’s plenty to do for everyone. Parents can take it easy on the relaxing cruisers while kids can work on progression skills at the terrain park or hit the tree runs. Loon Mountain is a resort where you can mix it up from day to day or run to run. Get your fill on the mountain and make plans for some awesome après-ski afterwards.

The Mountain Club on Loon is the premier resort at the ski area. The hotel has freshly renovated club rooms, studios and suites that are slopeside and steps from the gondola. The inn offers immediate access to skiing, unmatched accommodations, delicious on-site dining all in a relaxing-yet-inviting atmosphere. Nearly every mountain pleasure imaginable is at your fingertips at the Mountain Club on Loon. 

The nearby towns of Lincoln and Woodstock offer great shopping, intriguing performances and lots of outdoor activities. Take a day off from skiing and antique around town, try your hand at ice fishing, hop on a snowmobile for a memorable ride, or book a relaxing spa treatment at the Mountain Club on Loon. 

The RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is another breathtaking winter resort close to the ski area that’s highly recommended. The exclusive hotel provides exquisite guest rooms with private balconies and mountain views, an on-site full-service spa, a winery and a noted Italian restaurant on site. Skiers who are looking for the finer aspects of a ski vacation should consider the RiverWalk Resort for its undying attention to detail, overall quality, luxury services and premium amenities. This is what upscale New England skiing is all about.