A Guide to Skiing in New Hampshire's White Mountains 

When winter transforms the New Hampshire White Mountains into a snow-covered paradise, skiers from across the Northeast make the pilgrimage north. With its combination of challenging terrain, family-friendly slopes, and authentic New England charm, skiing here offers something for everyone, from first-timers finding their snow legs to seasoned veterans chasing fresh powder. 

Anchored by the charming towns of Bartlett and North Conway, the Mount Washington Valley and surrounding area are home to some of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended winter vacation, this guide will help you navigate the region's top skiing destinations, find the best places to stay in the New Hampshire White Mountains, and make the most of your time on the slopes. 

Why the White Mountains Are a Skier's Paradise 

The New Hampshire White Mountains offer consistent snowfall, diverse terrain across multiple mountains, and an intimate ski experience where you're never far from a cozy lodge or warm vacation rental. What makes the Mount area truly special is the concentration of ski areas within easy reach. From a single home base, you have access to more than eight ski resorts and over six cross-country ski areas, each with its own character and terrain. 

Best Ski Resorts in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley 

Attitash Mountain Resort 

Located in Bartlett, Attitash features two distinct mountains: Attitash and Bear Peak. Connected by multiple trails and lifts, they offer 68 runs across varied terrain. Expert skiers appreciate challenging black diamond runs like Upper Ptarmigan and Tim's Trauma, while beginners build confidence on gentle green trails. High-speed quad chairs minimize wait times, and excellent terrain parks appeal to freestylers. With one of New England's most advanced snowmaking systems, the resort maintains consistent conditions throughout the season. 

Cranmore Mountain Resort 

Situated in the heart of North Conway, Cranmore has been entertaining families since 1938. The resort features 56 trails with excellent ski instruction and a family-friendly atmosphere. South-facing slopes catch plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for sunny winter days. The beginners-only learning area provides a low-pressure environment, while intermediate and advanced skiers explore steeper terrain. Beyond skiing, Cranmore offers New Hampshire's top snow tubing park and a year-round mountain coaster. 

Black Mountain 

For those seeking authentic New England skiing, Black Mountain in Jackson offers an intimate, community-focused experience. Operating since the mid-1930s, this is one of New Hampshire's oldest ski areas. With 45 trails covering 1,100 vertical feet, Black Mountain rarely has lift lines and maintains a genuine community atmosphere. The mid-mountain Alpine Cabin offers European-style après-ski with fondue and champagne. Black Mountain is transitioning to community cooperative ownership, ensuring it remains accessible and true to its independent roots. 

Wildcat Mountain 

Located in Pinkham Notch with direct views of Mount Washington's east face, Wildcat delivers dramatic scenery and challenging terrain. While there are some beginner trails, most of the terrain is pretty rugged, as the trails follow the natural fall line, creating steep, sustained pitches that reward strong intermediate and expert skiers. The laid-back, old-school vibe appeals to serious skiers who prioritize vertical and terrain quality. The Wildcat Express Quad maximizes your time on the mountain, and views from the summit are spectacular. 

King Pine Ski Area 

If you're traveling with young children or first-time skiers, King Pine at Purity Spring Resort offers a welcoming, low-pressure environment that's perfect for building confidence. This smaller, family-owned area features 17 trails with terrain that's overwhelmingly beginner and intermediate-friendly. The learning area is separated from the main slopes, giving new skiers a safe space to practice, and the on-site ice skating rink and snow tubing park offer an often-needed reprieve for first-timers. 

Bretton Woods 

As New Hampshire's largest ski area, Bretton Woods offers 464 acres of skiable terrain, 63 trails, and three terrain parks. The resort is particularly well-suited for families and intermediate skiers, with wide, well-groomed cruisers and excellent terrain progression. The resort's trail layout naturally separates ability levels, reducing congestion. Bretton Woods also features one of the East's premier cross-country ski centers with over 100 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails.  

Loon Mountain 

Just outside of the Mount Washington Valley, Loon Mountain in Lincoln is a premier destination resort offering excellent terrain, modern lifts, and a vibrant base village. The mountain features 61 trails across three peaks with something for every ability level. Long cruisers let you enjoy sustained runs, while challenging bump runs and glades appeal to advanced skiers. The base area includes restaurants, shops, and entertainment, creating a resort-town vibe, with après-ski often featuring live music and outdoor fire pits. 

Cannon Mountain 

If you're up for the drive, Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park represents New Hampshire skiing at its most authentic and challenging. This state-run operation focuses on serious terrain, minimal crowds, and some of the steepest runs in the East. Legendary runs like Avalanche and Tramline test even expert skiers. The Aerial Tramway, one of the first in North America, carries up to 80 skiers at a time to the 4,080-foot summit, offering views across five states.  

Cross-Country Skiing Options 

For those seeking quieter winter experiences, the Mount Washington Valley offers exceptional Nordic skiing. Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in Bartlett maintains over 65 kilometers of groomed trails through forests, along the Saco River, and across meadows. The center welcomes dogs on all trails and offers complimentary homemade bread and soup in the cozy lodge. The broader valley includes Jackson Ski Touring, Great Glen Trails, and Bretton Woods Nordic Center, offering over 400 kilometers of combined trails within 30 minutes of North Conway. 

Planning Your New Hampshire Ski Vacation 

The ski season typically runs from mid-December through late March, with January and February offering the most consistent conditions. Avoid the biggest crowds (and snag better rates!) by steering clear of holiday weeks and Presidents' Day weekend. Early and late seasons can be incredible for value-hunters, but make sure to check SkiNH.com for real-time reports so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. 

What to Pack 

Here's what every skier should bring with them, no matter their skill level: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, a waterproof ski jacket and pants, warm gloves (plus a backup pair), a neck gaiter, goggles, sunglasses, and a helmet. 

Why a Vacation Rental Makes All the Difference 

This is where staying in one of our homes really shines. Forget cramming wet gear into a tiny hotel closet or worrying about where to store skis overnight. Our properties give you the space to spread out, dry everything properly, and relax after a day on the mountain. Toss your gear in the mudroom, fire up the dryer for damp gloves, and settle in by the fireplace with a hot cocoa. That's the kind of comfort that turns a good ski trip into an unforgettable one. 

Where to Stay for Your Ski Vacation 

Our White Mountain vacation rentals provide the perfect home base for your ski adventure. Each property is professionally managed and fully equipped with everything your family needs: full kitchens with all cookware and appliances, comfortable sleeping spaces with quality linens, entertainment options including smart TVs, thoughtfully designed interiors that feel like home, and responsive guest support. Most properties feature outdoor amenities like hot tubs, firepits, and grills, which are perfect for après-ski relaxation. With in-unit laundry, ample parking, and garages for ski storage, you'll have all the practical amenities that transform a ski trip into a true winter retreat. 

Finley Lodge - Glen, NH Sleeps 8 | 4 Bed, 2 Bath | 5 minutes to Attitash 

• Game room 

• Outdoor firepit 

• In-unit laundry 

• Dog-friendly

Strasse Ski Chalet - Bartlett, NH Sleeps 8 | 3 Bed, 3 Bath | 8 minutes to Attitash |  

• 6-person hot tub  

• Massive great room with 65" TV 

• Mountain views 

• Garage for ski storage 

• Dog-Friendly 

Mittenwald Lodge - Bartlett, NH Sleeps 8 | 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath | 8 minutes to Attitash 

• Large deck 

• Firepit 

• In-unit laundry 

• Family-friendly rooms 

Camp Conway - Center Conway, NH Sleeps 4 | 2 Bed, 1 Bath | 10 minutes to North Conway  

• Hot tub 

• Dog-friendly 

• In-unit laundry 

Mitten Pines Cabin - Conway, NH Sleeps 10 | 4 Bed, 2.5 Bath | 15 minutes to North Conway 

• Hot tub 

• Game room with shuffleboard 

• Firepit 

• Dog-friendly 

• In-unit laundry 

The Ash Lodge - North Conway, NH Sleeps 12 | 5 Bed, 3 Bath | 8 minutes from Cranmore  

• Game room with pool table, foosball, and darts  

• Newly renovated deck 

• Firepit 

• In-unit laundry 

Start Planning Your Adventure 

With so many accessible ski areas in the area, you're never locked into one mountain's conditions or crowds. Poor visibility at the summit? Head to a lower-elevation resort. Looking for a change of scenery? Try a different mountain. Want gentler terrain? King Pine is minutes away. 

 Whether you're drawn to challenging terrain at Attitash or Wildcat, family-friendly atmosphere at Cranmore or King Pine, Bretton Woods' expansive trail network, Loon's resort village energy, Cannon's authentic steeps, or Black Mountain's community charm, the Mount Washington Valley delivers authentic New England skiing without the pretense of larger resorts. 

Your perfect ski vacation starts here. Book your stay with us and discover why families keep coming back to our New Hampshire White Mountain properties year after year. The powder is waiting, the trails are calling, and our team is standing by 24/7 to ensure your adventure is nothing short of epic.