Skiing and Snowboarding in New Hampshire 2025

New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer a remarkable winter sports experience, with their significant elevations, heavy snowfall, and scenic landscapes making them a popular choice in the Northeast for skiing and snowboarding. Each resort has its character, ranging from family-friendly options to more challenging slopes, catering to a wide array of skill levels and preferences.

Best Time to Visit

According to local tourism sources, ski season typically spans from mid-November to mid-April, with peak conditions in February and early March. For optimal skiing and snowboarding, February is often recommended for its consistent snowfall and powder conditions, while early March also offers substantial snow and fewer visitors. By visiting in late January through early March, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy both prime snow coverage and a more relaxed atmosphere as crowds begin to thin after the holidays.

Bretton Woods Resort

One of the most renowned ski resorts in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods is known for its luxury and historical significance. Located near the iconic Mount Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods attracts visitors seeking a mix of expertly groomed trails and high-end services. The resort sees approximately 200 inches (508 cm) of snow each year, creating ideal skiing conditions across its 464 acres (188 ha). Bretton Woods offers 63 trails and 35 glades, accommodating everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The nearby hotel features dining and sleigh rides, adding a unique charm to the area.

Trails and Lifts

The resort’s 63 groomed trails create a winter playground for every skiing passion. From gentle slopes where beginners find their confidence to challenging runs that make experts' hearts race, the mountain welcomes all who answer winter's call. Ten lifts, including the Bretton Woods Skyway 8-Passenger Gondola and four high-speed quads, ensure smooth and enjoyable access to the slopes. While Mother Nature blankets the slopes with pristine powder, an advanced snowmaking system stands ready to supplement her work across 92% of the terrain, ensuring pristine conditions from first chair to last run.

Tickets

Ticket prices at Bretton Woods vary based on age and the time of season, generally ranging from $97 to $139. Bretton Woods also offers several season passes, like the Winter Mountain Pass for $1,275, which provides unlimited alpine skiing and riding with no blackout dates, and the White Mountain Super Pass for $1,459, which offers unlimited skiing at Bretton Woods, Cannon, Cranmore, and Waterville Valley. There are also passes for midweek skiing, Nordic excursions, and afternoon skiing, among others. Online advance purchases offer the best value, while window rates and same-day purchases are full price.

Ski School

With many professional instructors certified by PSIA and AASI, the Bretton Woods Ski School offers top-notch instruction for all levels. Online reservations must be made 24 hours in advance, though same-day lessons are available by calling the Ski School directly. Lessons start at the Ski School Meeting Place near the Learning Center Quad, and all participants need a lift ticket.

Equipment Rental

Rental facilities are available, offering skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets. Prices generally start around $45 per day, with full packages available for those who prefer convenience.

Loon Mountain in Lincoln

Located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, Loon Mountain offers a quintessential New England winter experience. Easily accessible from Boston (around two hours by car), Loon is known for its well-groomed trails, snow reliability, and vibrant town atmosphere. It covers 403 acres (163 ha) with a vertical drop of 2,100 feet (640 m).

Trails and Lifts

Loon’s 73 trails offer a range of difficulties, with a good mix of options for beginners, intermediates, and experts. The 13 lifts include high-speed options that reduce wait times even on busier days.

Tickets

For the 2024/25 season, Bretton Woods offers a variety of lift tickets and passes to suit your skiing needs. A full-day Winter Day Ticket provides access to all open lifts and terrain starting at $71 for adults. If you prefer a shorter session, Winter Afternoon Tickets are available from $17, with start times at 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, or 3 pm.

For those seeking flexibility, starting at $179, the Winter XL 3-Pack allows you to ski any three days of your choice. The Winter N.E. Day ticket packs offer 2 to 5 days of skiing at New England Pass resorts, including Loon, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf, starting at $219. Season passes are also available, with options like the Gold, Silver, and Bronze passes starting at $779 and the Nitro New England pass for ages 19-29 starting at $539.

Ski School

Experienced instructors and mountain guides at Bretton Woods are ready to help you maximize your enjoyment on the slopes. Lesson options start at $145, including private lessons for ages 2 and up, and group lessons for kids and adults. Adaptive lessons are available year-round through New England Disabled Sports with highly trained volunteers.

Equipment Rental

A full set of ski or snowboard equipment can be rented for around $68 to $80, depending on the day and type of equipment. The rental shop at Loon provides high-quality equipment suitable for various skill levels.

Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mountain, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is known for its dramatic elevations and affordability. As the highest ski area in New Hampshire, Cannon reaches an elevation of 4,078 feet (1,243 m). This resort appeals to those looking for a more challenging and affordable skiing experience. The resort's location within a state park also adds a unique natural charm that sets it apart.

Trails and Lifts

Cannon Mountain provides access to 95 trails over 282 skiable acres (114 ha) with ten lifts, offering ample space for skiers of all levels. Cannon’s trails cater to both advanced and intermediate skiers, with a strong focus on challenging routes. The ten lifts include options for all major trails and help manage crowds during peak times.

Lift Tickets and Passes

For the 2024-2025 season, Cannon offers lift tickets with new Peak and Off-Peak pricing. Keep your RFID card from the previous season, as day tickets will be loaded onto it. If you don't have one, you can purchase an RFID card for $5. Peak dates include weekends and holidays from December 26 to March 29, with ticket prices ranging from $99 to $144 for adults. Kids 5 and under ski free with a paid adult ticket. Two-pack tickets offer flexibility, allowing skiing on any two days without blackout dates. Additionally, various pass options include the Cannon-Only Pass, White Mountain Super Pass, and Bold & Beautiful Pass, each offering unique benefits and discounts.

Equipment Rental

Cannon's Rental Shop, located on the upper level of the Peabody Lodge at the Peabody Base Area, offers various equipment rentals. Take Exit 34C from I-93 Franconia Notch Parkway, and find the Peabody Lodge to your right in the main lot. The rental rates for 2024-2025 include $59 for skis, boots, and poles, and $64 for a high-performance package. Additional options, like snowboard boots or poles only, are available.