New Hampshire is known as the granite state due to its extensive quarries and formations. It also has three other nicknames: the White Mountains State, the mother of River, and Switzerland of America.
The initial lure for skiers and snowboarders is the abundance of fresh powder and historic towns in New Hampshire.
However, the state’s ski areas are also conveniently located, making them an ideal choice for locals and tourists.
In addition, many of the state’s most popular resorts are within a two-hour drive of Logan Airport in Boston.
The article highlights the best ski mountains in New Hampshire.
Where Is New Hampshire?
Located in the northeast region of the US, New Hampshire is a state that borders Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine.
It also has a border with Canada’s Quebec province. As the fifth smallest state in the country, New Hampshire has around 1.3 million residents.
The capital of New Hampshire is Concord, while Manchester is the state’s largest city. The state’s motto is “Live Free or Die,” which refers to its role in the American Revolution.
It is also known for holding the first presidential primary in the country after the Iowa caucus. This event has been regarded as one of the most meaningful political events in the country.
See Also: Best Ski Mountains in Vermont
Best Ski Mountains in New Hampshire
Aside from being easy to access, New Hampshire’s ski areas are also known for their impeccable conditions.
While smaller than other regions, they have impressive vertical drops and are known for their top-notch facilities and ski schools.
The state averages over 70 inches of snow each year. These are the best ski mountains in New Hampshire;
1. Loon Mountain
One of the most popular resorts in the region is Loon Mountain, which is only two hours away from Boston.
This facility has plenty of trails for both beginner and advanced skiers. It also has two terrain parks for kids.
More advanced skiers and riders can keep up with the action in the nearby mountains.
One of the most prominent resorts in the state is Loon Mountain, which features a superpipe and several tree-ski areas.
In addition, it recently invested in its snowmaking capabilities, which has resulted in its runs being covered in fresh powder.
With a vertical drop of more than 2,000 ft, this Mountain is regarded by most as one of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire.
2. Wildcat Mountain
With over 50 trails that are designed for varying skill levels, Wildcat Mountain is a must-visit for experienced and beginner skiers.
Beginners can start at the longest beginner trail in the state, but more experienced riders can test their skills on the facility’s moguls and tree-ski areas.
For those looking to take a break from the action, take some time to explore the area’s most famous run, the Lynx trail.
With over 225 acres of skiable terrain, you’ll be able to keep up with the action at Wildcat.
However, should you need more, you can also take advantage of the facility’s sister resort, Attitash, which is only 20 minutes away.
This is another impressive ski mountain with approximately 2,112 ft drops, making it one of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire.
3. Mount Sunapee
Located in New Hampshire, Mount Sunapee has over 230 acres of skiable terrain, and it features 67 trails that are designed for varying skill levels.
The resort also has the state’s highest vertical drop and averages over a hundred inches of snow annually. As a result, its four terrain parks are ideal for snowboarders.
One of the most convenient ski areas in the state is Mount Sunapee, which is less than two hours away from Boston and can be reached by Interstate 93.
This facility is a popular weekend getaway. If you’re planning on visiting during the week, take advantage of this convenient location by visiting during the week.
4. Attitash
Attitash is located in the White Mountains, a short drive from its sister resort, Wildcat. The two facilities feature over 70 trails designed for varying skill levels.
Almost half of the runs at Attitash are designed for riders and intermediate skiers. There are also plenty of runs that are easier to access.
Attitash features three different terrain parks that are ideal for riders who are looking to improve their skills. The facility also offers lessons for children.
5. Waterville Valley
Located in New Hampshire’s the White Mountains, Waterville Valley features over 260 acres of skiable terrain.
The White Mountain National Forest surrounds it, and its vertical drop of over 2,000 feet is one of the highest in the state.
Most of the trails at this facility are designed for intermediate-level riders, though beginners can also find some incredible terrain.
In addition to its diverse terrain, Waterville Valley also features several trails designed for advanced riders.
Some of these include Tommy’s World Cup Run and Ruffled Feathers. In addition, the facility has a variety of programs that allow guests to participate in the ski experience.
6. Cannon Mountain
Located in New Hampshire’s highest peak, Cannon Mountain features over 300 acres of skiable terrain ideal for advanced and intermediate riders.
While only 14% of its runs are designed for beginner riders, this facility still has plenty of options for those looking to improve their skills.
The Tuckerbrook Family area is also ideal for children and adults. The resort features two terrain parks and two mountain slopes, so everyone has plenty of room.
7. Bretton Woods
The largest ski area in New Hampshire features over 460 acres of terrain and over 60 trails. If you’re looking for more space to carve powder, take advantage of one of the facility’s guided trips.
Bretton Woods also offers runs after sunset, and during the winter season, the area receives around 200 inches of snow.
Bretton Woods is known for its bountiful snowfall, which usually receives around 200 inches of snow annually.
So if you’re planning on visiting the resort in February, take advantage of its late-season snowfall.
8. Cranmore Mountain
One of the most popular ski areas in New Hampshire is Cranmore. It was here that Austrian skiing legend Hans Schneider first established his ski school.
Over the years, the facility has been able to become one of the first ski areas in the area to serve Boston and New York City residents.
The 170-acre resort features 56 trails that are designed for different skill levels. Its ski school is also still strong, offering private and group lessons.
With a vertical drop of approximately 1,200 ft and a skiable area of 170 acres, Cranmore Mountain is regarded by some as one of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts in Denver, Colorado
9. Gunstock Mountain
Despite over 90% of its trails being designed for advanced riders, Gunstock Mountain isn’t the best choice for those still learning how to ski.
Despite its challenging terrain, Gunstock Mountain is still family-friendly. The facility features several terrain parks and runs designed for children.
Besides its six terrain parks and 60 trails, the resort offers various activities for the whole family. Some of these include cross-country skiing and the Mountain Coaster.
10. Ragged Mountain
One of the best family-friendly ski areas in New Hampshire is Ragged Mountain. This facility features over 30 percent of its terrain designed for beginner riders.
It also has a variety of programs that allow children and adults to improve their skills. In addition, the resort’s learning center is equipped with various equipment and lessons.
Ragged Mountain also has plenty of trails that are designed for advanced riders. Many of these are marked as expert or intermediate, and the facility’s terrain park provides ample space for practice.
11. Dartmouth Skiway
Dartmouth is known for its Ivy League education. The Dartmouth Skiway also provides Olympic-level training programs for members of the US ski teams.
Those new to the sport can start training at the facility’s ski school. Those who are more experienced will find plenty of challenging terrain to enjoy. After skiing, you can enjoy a snack at the McLane Family Lodge.
12. Crotched Mountain
Crotched Mountain is known for its late-night skiing. The facility’s groomers run late into the evening to ensure that the trails are fresh and ready for the next day’s activities.
It also allows riders to enjoy its slopes until the early hours of the morning.
If you’re planning on visiting the Crotched Mountain resort during the day or night, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of powder on its 100 acres of terrain. It also has four terrain parks.
13. Pats Peak
Since 1963, Pats Peak has been welcoming Henniker residents to its slopes. The facility’s 28 trails are designed for beginner riders, and it also has a variety of activities for the whole family.
One of the resort’s signature features is the Hurricane, a steep run. Its snowmaking operation ensures that the facility’s conditions are ideal.
14. King Pine
King Pine is located in the White Mountains National Forest, and it’s an ideal place for anyone interested in learning how to snowboard or ski.
Most of the resort’s trails are designed for intermediate and beginner riders. The facility’s ski school also offers lessons for every skill level.
15. Black Mountain
Several folks also regard this as one of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire. It boasts a vertical drop of over 1,000 ft and a skiable area of 143 acres.
16. Tenney Mountain
Tenney Mountain is a family-friendly resort located in New Hampshire with 15 kilometers of slopes for snowboarding and skiing. The facility’s winter sports area can be accessed through five lifts.
17. The Balsams
The Balsams is a family-friendly resort with 12 kilometers of slopes for snowboarding and skiing. It can be reached through one lift.
The winter sports area can be found between the elevations of 838 and 541 meters.
18. Whaleback
Whaleback is a family-friendly resort with 11 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It can be reached through three lifts.
The facility’s winter sports area can be found between 543 and 347.
19. Granite Gorge
One of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire is the Stoneham-based Granite Gorge. It’s 198 miles from New York City and 79 miles from Hartford.
It’s also easy to reach via NH Route 9. The mountain faces are protected from the wind and are situated in a cold hollow.
The Granit Gorge ski resort features 6 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It can be reached through two lifts.
The winter sports area can be found between the elevations of 404 and 244 meters.
20. McIntyre
Located in New Hampshire, the McIntyre ski resort features 3 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
It can be reached through two lifts. The facility’s winter sports area can be found between elevations 155 and 107.
21. Storrs Hill – Lebanon
The Storrs Hill ski resort – in Lebanon features a total of 1-kilometer slopes for skiing and riding.
It can be accessed through one lift. The facility also has a winter sports area between 170 and 282.
See Also: Best Ski Resorts in Vail, Colorado
Best Time to Visit New Hampshire
The best time to visit New Hampshire for skiing and other winter activities is during April and June. Since the state has excellent weather, it’s ideal for exploring its outdoor beauty.
Cost of Visiting New Hampshire
The average cost of a seven-day trip to New Hampshire is around $1,306 for a single traveler. A couple can spend about $1,900 and $2,800 for a family of four.
A vacation rental can cost about $210 to $660 per night. The average cost of a hotel in the state ranges from $73 to $330.