New Hampshire caters to a diverse range of skiers, offering an array of resorts that suit various preferences. Whether you're in search of a charming, family-friendly retreat or a destination with a vibrant après-ski atmosphere, New Hampshire has something for everyone. Some ski areas feature comprehensive villages at their base, providing a full-service experience, while others appeal to those who value shorter lift lines and peaceful evenings on the slopes. If you're an experienced skier, New Hampshire's White Mountains boast the tallest peaks in the northeastern United States, promising exhilarating adventures.
Keep reading to find out more about the best ski resorts for families in New Hampshire and discover what each has to offer.
Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, New Hampshire
Situated just a short distance from North Conway and within a two-hour drive from Portland, Maine, Attitash Mountain Resort encompasses two peaks – Attitash and Bear Peak. The ski area at Attitash boasts a total of 68 trails, eight lifts, and over 300 skiable acres. Catering to young enthusiasts, the Children’s Ski and Snowboard School offers personalized instruction for ages three to six, with class sizes capped at six students for those aged seven and above. Beginners can take advantage of complimentary skiing in the Learning Terrain area and utilize the surface lift at the base of Bear Peak, an ideal zone for novice skiers. The resort's diverse offerings make it a popular choice for families seeking a well-rounded vacation experience.
Black Mountain in Jackson, New Hampshire
Nestled just eight miles to the north of the Attitash resort area, Black Mountain unfolds its 140 acres of diverse terrain, featuring 45 trails and serviced by five lifts, making it an ideal destination for skiers of all skill levels and ages. For young enthusiasts, Black Mountain offers private "Tot" lessons for ages 3-5 and 90-minute adult/junior group lessons. If you need more one-on-one time, they offer private or small group lessons as well.
While Black Mountain shares the same family-friendly ethos as Attitash, it distinguishes itself by offering a quieter and less crowded atmosphere. It's a tranquil haven for those seeking a more serene setting amidst their adventures. Traveling from Portland, Maine to Black Mountain is a convenient journey of about two hours by car, making it easily accessible for a day of mountain enjoyment.
Bretton Woods in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
As New Hampshire's largest ski resort, Bretton Woods boasts an impressive array of offerings, including 63 trails, 35 glades, and 464 skiable acres! What sets it apart is its commitment to delivering some of the finest skiing experiences in the state. This is made possible through cutting-edge snowmaking technology that covers 92 percent of the trails, an annual snowfall averaging more than 200 inches, and the state's first eight-passenger gondola, whisking skiers up the mountain at a remarkable speed of 1,200 feet per minute.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Bretton Woods presents an array of popular family activities, including ziplining, fat-tire biking, and snowshoeing. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely sleigh rides, exhilarating tubing, and test their climbing skills on a climbing wall located at the base lodge. The resort offers a variety of cost-saving specials on lift tickets, and the Omni Mount Washington Resort provides enticing ski and stay packages, making it a comprehensive destination for winter enthusiasts.
Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire
Perched majestically over Franconia Notch, Cannon Mountain, a state-owned ski area, beckons expert skiers with some of the most challenging trails in the state. Revered for its steep and diverse terrain, it's worth noting that Olympic Gold Medalist Bode Miller honed his skills on the slopes of Cannon Mountain. Elevated at 4,080 feet, Cannon Mountain enjoys a generous snowfall, often surpassing many of its White Mountain counterparts.
For families who are frequent visitors to Cannon Mountain, the resort offers a Junior Development Program designed with a progressive approach, catering to young skiers aged 3 to 14 years old and nurturing their skills and love for the sport. Conveniently located just off I-93 and approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Boston, Cannon Mountain's accessibility further solidifies its appeal, making it a popular choice for families seeking thrilling winter adventures.
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire
Nestled in the vicinity of the Black Mountain and Attitash Resort area, Cranmore Mountain Resort beckons with its 56 trails, nine lifts, and 200 skiable acres of terrain. What sets Cranmore apart is its mostly west-facing slopes, allowing skiers to bask in abundant sunshine while savoring breathtaking views of the Presidential Range and the iconic Mt. Washington.
Adding to the family-friendly vibe at Cranmore Mountain is a thrilling 10-lane tubing hill equipped with convenient lift service, conveniently situated within the Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park. The resort's accessibility is a bonus for visitors; the journey from Portland is a mere hour and a half by car, making Cranmore Mountain an easily reachable destination for those seeking both a sunny ski experience and family-friendly winter fun.
King Pine in Madison, New Hampshire
King Pine is cherished for its short lift lines, old-fashioned family-friendly atmosphere, and an unexpected diversity of terrain, making it a magnet for skiers from across the northeastern United States. What sets King Pine apart are its picturesque trails that wind through pine woods, lending a distinctive and scenic quality to the skiing experience.
For snowboard enthusiasts, King Pine doesn't disappoint, as its Twisted Pine Terrain Park offers unique challenges not commonly found at other resorts. Families with young children and novice skiers have plenty of options too, with nine of King Pine's trails being rated as easy. For those not yet comfortable with chair lifts, the Cubby tow and Bear Rug Carpet lifts offer a comfortable way to ascend the slopes. Located at the mountain's base, the Pine Meadows Tubing Park features its own tow for tubing enthusiasts, ensuring hours of winter fun.
The resort caters to a wide range of interests, including ice skating at the Tohko Dome Ice Skating rink (with the option to bring your own skates), snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making King Pine a multifaceted destination for winter enthusiasts of all ages.
Loon Mountain in Freedom, New Hampshire
Situated conveniently as New Hampshire's nearest full-service ski resort to I-93, Loon Mountain encompasses 403 acres of terrain and boasts an impressive 73 trails distributed across three separate peaks. Loon Mountain caters to skiers of all levels with dedicated terrain parks, catering to everyone from young beginners to seasoned experts. What sets Loon Mountain apart is its north-facing slopes and the deployment of more than 650 high-efficiency snow-making guns. This combination allows Loon to open its season earlier and extend it longer than most other resorts in the state, promising an extended and reliable skiing experience. The resort enhances the journey to the summit with one of the state's two gondolas, an adjustable magic carpet, and the Kancamagus 8—an eight-seat chairlift boasting ergonomic, heated seats for an extra touch of comfort.
Loon Mountain is also a family-friendly destination, offering complimentary skiing for kids aged five and under, as well as for seniors aged 80 and over. The accessibility from Boston is another advantage, as the drive to Loon Mountain takes just a little over two hours, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking an accessible and diverse skiing experience.
Mount Sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire
A mere 40-minute drive from Concord, New Hampshire, Mount Sunapee beckons with 233 skiable acres, a summit elevation reaching 2,743 feet, and a network of 67 trails serviced by eight lifts. Notably, the Sunbowl Express stands out, whisking skiers to the mountaintop in just a little over four minutes, ensuring more time on the slopes. Mount Sunapee's four terrain parks cater to a broad spectrum of skiers, featuring four mogul runs, nine glades, and 18 trails classified as easier, guaranteeing diverse and engaging skiing experiences. A separate learning area, distinct from the main mountain, provides a safe space for beginners and young children to build their confidence before tackling the larger slopes.
What sets Mount Sunapee apart is its commitment to adaptive skiing, offering lessons facilitated by the New England Healing Sports Association, making it an inclusive destination for all skiers, regardless of their abilities. This variety, accessibility, and inclusivity make Mount Sunapee a versatile and welcoming ski resort.
Pats Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire
Pats Peak, a cherished family-owned and operated ski destination for over half a century, is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and an array of 13 beginner-friendly trails. The resort provides an ideal learning environment with two carpet lifts and three tow bars, servicing skiers in three distinct beginner areas. Pats Peak proudly boasts the sole novice runs from the summit in southern New Hampshire, providing an extra layer of adventure for beginners.
Situated in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, Pats Peak is conveniently located within an hour's drive from Nashua, making it a practical choice for both quick after-school skiing outings during the week and full-day weekend excursions. Additionally, Pats Peak offers the unique experience of night skiing on the only beginner run in the state, allowing for memorable evenings on the slopes. To add even more excitement to your visit, make sure to allocate some time for tubing; the tubing park offers six lanes of exhilarating fun, ensuring an enjoyable winter adventure for the entire family.
Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Nestled amidst the captivating embrace of the White Mountain National Forest, Waterville Valley Resort provides a comprehensive escape for families of all sizes. The south-facing slopes of Waterville Valley bask in the sun's warmth during the colder months, and the assurance of snowmaking on all trails ensures a delightful downhill experience. The resort's charming village center offers a wealth of lodging and dining options, making it a convenient hub for visitors.
Beyond skiing, the village center caters to a diverse array of activities, including ice skating, swimming, and evening entertainment, ensuring a multifaceted and enjoyable stay for all. For parents seeking a little time for themselves, Waterville Valley extends the convenience of childcare services designed for children aged one to three years old, allowing parents to enjoy some well-deserved moments alone.
Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, New Hampshire
Conveniently just off Interstate 89, near the Vermont-New Hampshire border, and less than a two-hour drive from Boston, Whaleback Mountain stands out as a non-profit, community-owned gem that offers some of the most budget-friendly lift tickets in the state. Its affordability makes it an accessible destination for skiers of all backgrounds. The resort goes the extra mile by organizing a range of after-school programs and ongoing events, further enhancing the sense of community and shared excitement on the slopes. Whaleback Mountain is not just a place to ski; it's a place to connect and enjoy the thrill of winter sports.
Learn More with KW Evolution
New Hampshire's ski resorts offer a diverse and inviting array of experiences for winter enthusiasts of all kinds. Wherever you and your family find yourselves, you're in for an unforgettable winter experience in New Hampshire. From the trails to the terrain parks, the stunning landscapes to the après-ski activities, the warmth of family-friendly atmospheres to the thrill of expert-level challenges, these resorts embody the essence of the Granite State's rich skiing heritage.
If you're looking to move closer to one of these ski resorts, don't hesitate to reach out to us at KW Evolution. Our team of experienced real estate professionals is ready and eager to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience. Choose your ideal destination and embrace the joy of winter on the slopes of New Hampshire!
Connect