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One of the best ways to celebrate winter in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is with an outdoor activity. There are plenty to choose from. We have 7,000 miles of snowmobiling trails throughout the state, skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels of ability, ice skating, pond hockey competitions, ice fishing, one-horse sleigh rides, and miles and miles of nordic trails (to explore by cross country ski or snowshoes). On quieter days you might just want to sit back and enjoy the majestic winter view of Mt. Washington with a winter train ride on the mountain.
It’s all available in New Hampshire. This is a winter playground at its finest. You, your friends, and your family are sure to find your favorite winter fun activity in the White Mountains when you call New Hampshire home. Here are some of those activities to explore in further detail.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Loon Mountain: There are 370 acres of terrain with 61 trails and tree skiing serviced by 9 chairlifts and 2 surface lifts at Loon Mountain. The resort also features 6 terrain parks and a 425 foot superpipe with 18 foot walls!
Cannon Mountain: The highest ski area summit in New Hampshire is located at Cannon Mountain, standing at 4,080 feet. There are 285 acres of terrain to explore through 97 trails and glades serviced by a 70-passenger aerial tramway, 7 chairlifts, a t-bar, and a handle tow. The resort features 3 terrain parks: Huckerbrook is a smaller beginner area, Parkway features medium size jumps and features, and Tossup is the flagship park with large features perfect for grabbing big air.
Bretton Woods: There is a lot to explore at Bretton Woods. It is New Hampshire's largest ski area. There are 464 acres of terrain with 63 trails and 35 glades serviced by 10 lifts. There is one terrain park with beginner to intermediate features. The resort receives an average annual snowfall of over 200 inches.
Waterville Valley Resort: This award winning resort put a 6-person bubble chairlift into operation for the 2022/2023 season. There are 265 acres of Mount Tecumseh managed by the resort featuring four terrain parks, glade runs, and 62 trails.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile Rentals: There are 7,000 miles of snowmobiling trails to enjoy in New Hampshire. Partnerships between New Hampshire State Parks, landowners, and club volunteers make the adventure a reality. If you are new to the area joining a local snowmobiling club will help give you the lay of the land (and you’ll make some new friends helping to construct and maintain the trail system). If you’re new to snowmobiling, a snowmobile rental, with basic instruction and guide service is the best way to start. Businesses in the White Mountains providing guide services include:
- Northern Extremes Snowmobiling (Bartlett and Bretton Woods)
- SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals (Lincoln)
Mt. Washington Winter Train
Cog Railway: Standing at 6,288 feet, Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. It is
located in Coös County, NH, and is part of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains. There are a number of ways to get to the summit in warmer weather: hiking trails, the auto road, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
The Cog was built and opened for summer tourists in 1869. It briefly served as a unique ski lift in 2005. Ski lift operations ended in 2006. The Cog continues to provide tourists with a unique way to visit the mountain, by train.
In the winter the train will climb the mountain to 4,000 feet at Waumbek Station (a couple of thousand feet shy of the summit). Your mountain winter train ticket price includes hot refreshments, warming huts, and a fire pit at Waumbek Station to keep you warm during a brief layover. You will enjoy breathtaking views from the Southern Presidential mountain range to the Canadian border. Prices range from $49-$54 for adults and $35-$39 for children for the winter Waumbek route in 2023, which varies depending on when you travel.
A One-Horse Open Sleigh • Ice Skating
Bretton Woods: You can enjoy a one-horse open sleigh ride as a couple, or a two-horse open sleigh ride for 16 people at the Bretton Woods Stables. Rides are offered from mid-December to mid-April weather permitting (snow is required). The ½ hour ride is $105 for couples and $240 for a group of up to 16 in 2023. Dress warm and enjoy snuggling up to your better half.
Nestlenook Farm: One-horse open sleigh private rides for couples are $150 at Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, NH. Two-horse open sleigh group rides are $25 for riders ages 13 and older, and $20 for riders ages 3-12 in 2023. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores kits are available for purchase (the bonfires are included).
In addition to sleigh rides, Nestlenook Farm features a 3 acre ice skating rink and over 3 miles of trails to explore with snowshoes on the 65 acre estate (weather permitting). Roast beef sandwiches, onion rings, and chicken fingers are available at the food truck concession from “Boston’s Best Roast Beef”. Nestlenook Farm is a unique New England winter family fun adventure, and worth the trip when the ice freezes (they rent skates too).
The team at RE/MAX in the Mountains has the experience and knowledge to help you through any transaction, purchase, or sale. We look forward to helping you find the perfect home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to enjoy our winter playground. Contact us today!
