
New Hampshire
Franconia Notch Steeps, Mount Washington Panoramas, and Historic Granite Heritage
New Hampshire skiing is centered in the White Mountains, where rugged granite notches and Mount Washington create true alpine character. Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch delivers steep, narrow fall lines, historic racing heritage, and the highest vertical drop in the state (2,180 feet). Across the notch, Bretton Woods offers wide, manicured family cruisers facing the Mount Washington Hotel. Along the I-93 corridor, Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley provide modern high-speed lifts, progressive terrain parks, and convenient access from Boston.
Total Runs
877 Trails
Total Lifts
120 Lifts
Skiable Terrain
3,900 Acres
Max Vertical Drop
2,180 ft
Pass Networks
Epic (4) · Ikon (1) · Indy (9)
Resort Locations across New Hampshire
Interactive map displaying all 19 cataloged ski areas. Click any mountain pin to inspect vertical drop, active lifts, and guide access.
Snowpack & Climate Intelligence
The White Mountains capture both Atlantic coastal storms and Canadian cold fronts. Snowfall averages 200 to 250 inches annually, with Mount Washington and the Presidential Range recording some of the most severe winter weather on Earth. Heavy automated snowmaking systems protect trail integrity throughout the season.
Transit, Airports & Mountain Roads
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is 75 minutes south of the White Mountains, while Boston Logan (BOS) is roughly two hours south via Interstate 93. I-93 runs directly through the center of the ski region, making navigation straightforward in normal winter weather.
Season Pass Coverage
Loon Mountain is on the Ikon Pass and Boyne New England Pass. Attitash and Wildcat Mountain in the Mount Washington Valley are owned by Vail Resorts on the Epic Pass. Cannon Mountain operates as a state-owned recreation area, while Waterville Valley and Pats Peak partner with the Indy Pass.
Mountain Towns, Lodging & Après
North Conway is the historic shopping and dining hub of the Mount Washington Valley, filled with factory outlets, historic railways, and brewpubs like Moat Mountain Brewing. Lincoln and Woodstock near Loon Mountain feature lively craft breweries and casual ski-town pizza taverns.
When to Ski New Hampshire
Early Season
Late Nov to Dec
Colder temperatures trigger extensive snowmaking. Mountain bases open early terrain with minimal lift line congestion.
Peak Powder Window
January & February
Consistent maritime or continental snowstorms produce the deepest mid-winter base depths and optimum bowl skiing.
Spring Sunshine
March to Mid-April
Longer daylight hours, soft afternoon corn snow, and sun-drenched outdoor terrace après across high alpine slopes.
Ski Resorts in New Hampshire (19)


Attitash Mountain Resort
New Hampshire
Vert
1,750'
Acres
311
Snow
-
Lifts
9
Attitash Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, US


Waterville Valley Resort
New Hampshire
Vert
2,020'
Acres
265
Snow
-
Lifts
12
Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, US




Cranmore Mountain Resort
New Hampshire
Vert
1,200'
Acres
170
Snow
-
Lifts
7
Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, US






Gunstock Mountain Resort
New Hampshire
Vert
1,300'
Acres
140
Snow
-
Lifts
4
Gunstock Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, US




Ragged Mountain Resort
New Hampshire
Vert
1,300'
Acres
140
Snow
-
Lifts
4
Ragged Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, US

Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing in New Hampshire
What is the most challenging ski resort in New Hampshire?
Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch is widely considered the most technical and demanding mountain in the state, famous for steep, narrow, rocky fall lines like DJ Tramline and sustained vertical drops.
What pass works at Loon Mountain?
Loon Mountain is an official partner destination on the Ikon Pass and the Boyne New England Pass.
What is Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington?
Tuckerman Ravine is a legendary glacial cirque on Mount Washington famous for extreme spring backcountry skiing, where thousands of skiers hike up with skis on their backs in April and May to ski 45-to-55-degree headwalls.
Which New Hampshire resort is best for families?
Bretton Woods is widely ranked as the top family resort in New Hampshire, featuring gentle cruising slopes, immaculate corduroy grooming, and views of the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort.