Snow Days Done Right: The Best New England Winter Getaway Adventures 

When winter blankets the White Mountains in fresh snow, the landscape transforms into a pristine playground where every activity feels like an adventure, every view demands a photo, and every evening ends with hot cocoa by the fireplace. Whether you're planning New England winter getaways for the family or seeking a romantic mountain escape, the area surrounding our New Hampshire White Mountain rentals delivers winter vacations worth remembering. 

Here's your guide to making the most of snow days in the White Mountains, from adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to cozy indoor experiences. 

Hit the Slopes: Skiing and Snowboarding in the White Mountains 

The White Mountains are home to eight distinct ski areas, each offering unique terrain and character. From beginner-friendly King Pine to expert-level Cannon Mountain, you'll find runs that match every skill level. Attitash Mountain sits just minutes from our Bartlett properties, while Cranmore Mountain is practically at the doorstep of North Conway rentals. 

Our comprehensive ski guide covers all eight resorts in detail, but the beauty of staying at our mountain rentals is simple: you're centrally located to explore multiple mountains throughout your stay.  

Snowshoeing Through Winter Wonderlands 

For those seeking a quieter winter experience, snowshoeing offers a more intimate way to explore the White Mountains. The White Mountain National Forest maintains numerous trails perfect for snowshoers of all abilities. 

Diana's Baths, a series of small waterfalls in Bartlett, transforms into a frozen wonderland in winter. The easy one-mile trail becomes a magical snowshoe route where cascading water freezes mid-flow, creating natural ice sculptures. The trail is family-friendly and accessible for beginners. 

For more ambitious snowshoers, the trails around Zealand Falls and the lower sections of the Presidential Range offer spectacular mountain views without requiring technical climbing skills. Just remember to check weather conditions. 

Cross-Country Skiing: Peaceful Trails and Scenic Views 

Nordic skiing enthusiasts will find exceptional cross-country options throughout the Mount Washington Valley. Bear Notch Ski Touring Center  in Bartlett maintains over 65 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails winding through pristine forests and alongside the Saco River. The center welcomes dogs on all trails and offers complimentary homemade bread and soup in the cozy lodge for a perfect reward after hours on the trails. 

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation offers an even more extensive network with over 50 trails connecting to the neighboring Ellis River Trail. The trails wind through the charming village of Jackson, past covered bridges and historic inns, creating a quintessentially New England experience. 

 Great Glen Trails at the base of Mount Washington provides Nordic skiing with dramatic mountain backdrops, while Bretton Woods Nordic Center offers groomed trails near the iconic Mount Washington Hotel. 

Snowmobiling: High-Speed Winter Exploration 

New Hampshire boasts over 7,000 miles of maintained snowmobile trails, and the White Mountains region serves as a premier destination for riders. The Bear Notch Trail System, accessible from Bartlett, features 50 miles of groomed trails forming a closed loop with stunning Presidential Range views. 

Northern Extremes Snowmobiling offers rentals and guided tours from multiple locations, including Bretton Woods and near Attitash. Their guided tours range from one-hour introductions to full-day expeditions, with the Mount Washington Half Day Tour taking riders up Jefferson Notch Road, the highest maintained road in New Hampshire at 3,007 feet elevation. 

The Presidential Recreation Rail Trail provides 18 miles of scenic riding with Mount Washington views, while the Franconia Notch Recreation Path offers spectacular mountain pass scenery along its 8.7-mile route. 

Many of our properties sit near snowmobile trail access points, and most feature garages perfect for storing equipment overnight. 

Ice Skating, Snow Tubing, and More Family Fun 

For family-friendly fun that doesn't require expert skills, the White Mountains offer several excellent skating and tubing options. 

 Nestlenook Farm in Jackson boasts over 3 acres of outdoor ice. It's the largest outdoor skating park in the White Mountains. This picturesque farm setting at the base of Mount Washington also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered trails, creating a quintessentially New England winter experience that's perfect for families and romantic getaways alike.  

Ham Arena in Conway is a year-round, non-profit indoor facility featuring one of the largest sheets of ice in New Hampshire. Check their website for public skate hours and schedules. 

Snow tubing at Cranmore Mountain and Attitash offers thrilling rides down groomed lanes without the learning curve of skiing. Cranmore is also home to their beloved Mountain Adventure Park, complete with a zip-line, giant swing, and mountain coaster! Attitash boasts an in-resort rink, game room, and even a dedicated sledding hill for some old-fashioned fun. 

Scenic Drives and Photography 

Winter transforms the White Mountains into a photographer's paradise. The Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile scenic byway between Lincoln and Conway, offers pulloffs at prime vista points. While most overlooks don't get plowed after snowstorms, on clear days following storms, the snow-covered landscape creates stunning compositions. 

Cathedral Ledge provides dramatic winter views accessible via a short drive or winter hike. Echo Lake State Park, though trails may be snow-covered, offers beautiful frozen lake scenes with Cathedral Ledge as a backdrop. 

The covered bridges throughout the area, including Albany Covered Bridge on the Kancamagus, Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson, and the Riverwalk Covered Bridge in Littleton, become even more picturesque framed by snow. 

 Mount Washington Auto Road offers winter Snow Coach tours partway up the mountain (weather dependent), providing access to panoramic views without requiring mountaineering skills. 

The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods makes an excellent photography subject even if you're not staying there. The historic white grand hotel against snowy mountain backdrops creates iconic New England winter images. 

Indoor Activities for Stormy Days 

Even the best-planned winter vacations encounter weather that keeps you indoors. Fortunately, the Mount Washington Valley offers plenty of options. 

North Conway's outlet shopping district features numerous stores perfect for browsing when it's too cold or snowy outside. The walkable downtown also includes local boutiques, galleries, breweries, and craft shops. 

The Conway Scenic Railroad operates select winter trains, offering heated rail cars and mountain views from a cozy vintage perspective. 

 Several local museums, including the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, provide educational entertainment regardless of conditions outside. 

 And of course, there's the simple pleasure of staying in your vacation rental, cooking meals together, playing board games by the fireplace, watching movies, or soaking in the hot tub while snow falls around you. 

Your Perfect Home Base for Winter Adventures 

Our White Mountain vacation rentals provide everything you need for comfortable winter stays. Each property features full kitchens for preparing hearty meals, spacious living areas with fireplaces, entertainment options including smart TVs and game rooms, and outdoor amenities like hot tubs and firepits. 

Most importantly, our properties offer garages and mudrooms perfect for drying wet gear and storing skis, snowshoes, and snowmobile equipment. And the best part? Our team handles all property maintenance, including plowing, shoveling, and salting during storms, so you can focus entirely on enjoying your winter adventure.  

Whether you choose properties in Bartlett (minutes from Attitash and Bear Notch trails), Conway (central to multiple ski areas), or North Conway (close to downtown dining and shopping and Diana's Baths), you're positioning yourself perfectly for exploring everything the White Mountains offer in winter. 

Making the Most of Your New England Winter Getaway 

The best winter vacations aren't just about checking activities off a list. They're about waking up to fresh snow on the deck, deciding between ice skating or snowshoeing over breakfast, returning cold and hungry for a home-cooked meal, then venturing out again for brewery visits or cozy restaurant dinners.  

They're about flexibility. When one mountain has poor conditions, you can easily try another. When the weather turns stormy, you're not cramped in a hotel room. You have space to enjoy indoor time together. When temperatures drop, you can warm up in your own hot tub instead of waiting in line at a resort spa. 

New England winter is magical, but only when you have the right home base. Our mountain rentals provide that foundation, letting you focus on making memories instead of managing logistics. 

Ready to plan your perfect winter escape? Browse our available mountain rentals and discover your ideal snow day in the White Mountains.