New Hampshire ski resorts have so much to offer skiers. High elevations, affordable lift tickets, and a long ski season are all big benefits of skiing the Granite State. New Hampshire hosts three ski resorts that reach about 4,000 feet of elevation and vertical drops of 2,000 feet are certainly not unheard of.
As the residents of this region know, New Hampshire offers stunning gorgeous scenery without heavy traffic, all while being easily accessible from major East Coast cities like Boston, New York, and Montreal.
Skiers can enjoy a fairly long season at New Hampshire resorts, with trails being open from early November and well into spring. Some will be familiar with household names like Wildcat and Cannon Mountain and others will be introduced to lesser-known ski resorts in our top 7 ski resorts in New Hampshire”.
But first…ski gear!
Being equipped with the right gear is essential for a successful ski trip. When it comes to regions with long ski seasons, having the waterproofing, ski or snowboard jacket, and the right snow pants can be the difference between a full day of skiing and turning in early due to entirely avoidable moisture and cold.
Top New Hampshire Ski Resorts
1. Bretton Woods
Acreage: 464 acres
Highest elevation point: 3,100 ft
Number of runs: 98
Best for: long weekends, spa-goers, groups, cross country skiing
It’s hard to talk about skiing in New Hampshire without talking about Bretton Woods. Topping the list in total acreage and number of runs, Bretton Woods ski resort has a huge variety of terrain, making it a great choice for any skiing or snowboarding getaway. While there are plenty of slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, advanced skiers will have the most play space with nearly half of the runs bearing a diamond marking. Regardless of your level, Bretton Woods’ almost 100 marked trails and plenty of backcountry stretching over a 1,500-foot vertical, this resort never gets stale.
Bretton Woods is heavily awarded, winning best scenery, best snow, and best grooming in the eastern part of the country by Ski Magazine in 2020. Bretton Woods resort also offers ample cross country skiing terrain as well as a full-scale spa for recovery and relaxation.
2. Cannon Mountain
Acreage: 265 acres
Highest elevation point: 4,079 ft
Number of runs: 90
Best for: Indy Pass Holders, intermediate to advanced skiers, groups
The tallest ski resort in New Hampshire is Cannon Mountain standing at 4,180 feet. That elevation gives it the largest vertical drop, a full 2,180 feet. While significantly smaller in acreage than Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain still packs in nearly 100 trails. Experts and intermediates will find plenty of trails within their skill level along with ample terrain for beginners. This northern-New Hampshire ski resort is located just a few miles off Interstate-93 making it one of the most accessible resorts on our list.
Cannon Mountain resort also features plenty of non-skiing activities, like New Hampshire’s only aerial tram offering picturesque views of the mountain as well as several excursion options.
3. Waterville Valley
Acreage: 265 acres
Highest elevation point: 4,004 ft
Number of runs: 62
Best for: Indy Pass Holders, park skiers, families, groups
Sometimes names can be deceiving, like calling the third tallest ski resort New Hampshire, Waterville Valley. This is one of the most under-rated ski resorts in New Hampshire in our opinion, with acreage and elevation rivaling Cannon Mountain, and comparable lift ticket prices.
Waterville Valley has a 2,000+ foot vertical drop with the longest run reaching almost 2 full miles. Add in four terrain parks, moguls, and plenty of glades, this resort is extremely versatile. There’s also plenty of nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking to be found outside of the resort. Located less than three hours away from three major cities, this is a great choice for many skiers in the Northeast.
4. Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort
Acreage: 225 acres
Highest elevation point: 4,062 ft
Number of runs: 49
Best for: Epic Pass Holders, early season and spring skiing, intermediate to advanced skiers
One of the most famous New England ski resorts is Wildcat Mountain, located in the eastern part of New Hampshire. It is the second tallest ski resort in the state, with a vertical drop of 2,100 feet. This makes it a great option for intermediate and advanced skiers. But what really makes Wildcat stand out is its extra-long season thanks to its supercharged snow making capabilities. Ski season goes from early November to May, making it the last ski resort to close for the past thirteen ski seasons. One important note about skiing at Wildcat is that it has an early close time of 3:30pm. But hey, it’s on the Epic Pass!
5. Loon Mountain
Acreage: 370 acres
Highest elevation point: 3,050 ft
Number of runs: 61
Best for: Ikon Pass Holders, groups, park skiers
We love ski resorts with multiple peaks, so Loon Mountain caught our eye immediately. With three peaks offering maximum variety, Loon Mountain has something for everyone. A 2,100-foot vertical drop earns this New Hampshire ski resort notably long runs at all levels, with a healthy dose of trails for intermediate skiers. Did we mention that this resort has six terrain parks? What about a superpipe? Needless to say, this is a freestyle skier’s dream. Adventure seekers can also try out the zip line that crosses the Pemigewasset River as well as hiking and biking in the summer.
6. Mount Sunapee
Acreage: 230 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,743 ft
Number of runs: 66
Best for: Epic Pass Holders, Boston locals, park skiers, beginner to intermediate skiers
Just outside of Boston and owned by Vail, Mount Sunapee is a great choice for intermediate skiers. A vertical drop of 1,500 feet gives this New Hampshire ski resort respectably long runs, the longest being 2 miles. Snow is made on 97% of all terrain at the resort, with February and March being the snowiest months. This resort also hosts four terrain parks designed to help skiers and park riders progress and push their limits.
7. Attitash Mountain
Acreage: 310 acres
Highest elevation point: 2,350 ft
Number of runs: 68
Best for: Epic Pass Holders, families, park skiers, groups
Speaking of New Hampshire ski resorts with multiple peaks, we have to mention Attitash Mountain. Featuring two combined peaks, this resort combines traditional New England with a more modern open trail design, giving skiers of all backgrounds something familiar. There are three terrain parks, including a fairly famous freestyle park which offers lots of room for creativity and play for skiers with confidence. Add in a great après scene, dining experiences, and family programs, and you’re all set for a great ski trip.
We hope this list helps you plan your New Hampshire ski trips this season. Let us know what you think of these ski resorts! We love hearing from you. As always, you can tag us on our Instagram!
