The Mt. Washington Valley is a skier’s paradise. This picturesque region boasts some of the best alpine skiing in the Northeast, offering a diverse range of terrains and breathtaking views. |
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner hitting the slopes for the first time, the Mt. Washington Valley has something for everyone. The area’s ski resorts are renowned for their well-groomed trails, state-of-the-art facilities, and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond the slopes, the valley is rich with charming towns, cozy lodges, and a vibrant après-ski scene, making it the perfect winter getaway. Let’s dive into the top five alpine ski areas in the Mt. Washington Valley and discover what makes each one unique.
Attitash
Attitash Mountain Resort, located in Bartlett, New Hampshire, is a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Known for its diverse terrain and family-friendly atmosphere, Attitash offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
The resort boasts 68 trails spread across two connected mountains, Attitash and Bear Peak. The trails are well-balanced to cater to all skill levels, with 29% designated for beginners, 44% for intermediates, and 27% for advanced and expert skiers. The resort features a total skiable terrain of 311 acres, providing ample space for exploration and enjoyment.
With a vertical drop of 1,750 feet, Attitash offers thrilling descents and challenging runs. The resort is equipped with 11 lifts, including high-speed quads, triples, and surface lifts, ensuring quick and efficient access to the slopes. The Summit Triple lift provides stunning views of the surrounding White Mountains, enhancing the overall skiing experience. Attitash is renowned for its excellent snowmaking capabilities, covering 98% of its terrain. This ensures consistent snow conditions throughout the season, even during periods of low natural snowfall. The resort’s grooming team works tirelessly to maintain the trails, providing smooth and enjoyable runs for all visitors.
For those seeking a bit of freestyle action, Attitash offers multiple terrain parks designed for various skill levels. The parks feature a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering to both beginners and seasoned park enthusiasts. The resort also hosts events and competitions, adding to the excitement and community spirit. Attitash is a fantastic destination for families, offering a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort features a snow tubing park, perfect for kids and adults alike. Additionally, the Attitash Mountain Coaster provides a thrilling ride through the forest, offering a unique way to experience the winter landscape.
Did You know? Mt. Washington Valley averages 84 inches of snow each year. But the mountain gets over 23 feet! The valley receives 1.2 million visitors a year. In addition to downhill skiing, the valley offers extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, connecting various parts of the region and providing a different way to enjoy the winter landscape |
Visitors to Attitash can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. The resort’s base lodge offers convenient dining choices, while nearby North Conway provides additional culinary delights. For lodging, Attitash offers on-site accommodations, including the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel, which provides ski-in/ski-out access and a range of amenities. Attitash hosts numerous events throughout the winter season, including ski races, freestyle competitions, and family-friendly festivals. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere and provide additional entertainment for visitors.
Attitash Mountain Resort’s diverse terrain, excellent snowmaking, and range of activities make it a top choice for winter sports enthusiasts visiting the Mt. Washington Valley.
Cranmore
Cranmore Mountain Resort, located in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a beloved destination for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. This resort is known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent facilities, and a rich history that dates back to 1937. Cranmore offers 60 trails that cater to a wide range of abilities, with 30% designated for beginners, 45% for intermediates, and 25% for advanced and expert ski ers. The resort’s 170 acres of skiable terrain provide ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
The vertical drop at Cranmore is 1,200 feet, offering a variety of runs that range from gentle slopes to more challenging descents. The resort is equipped with nine lifts, including a high-speed quad, triples, and surface lifts, ensuring quick and efficient access to the slopes. The summit lift provides breathtaking views of the surrounding White Mountains, enhancing the overall skiing experience.
Cranmore is renowned for its commitment to snowmaking and grooming, covering 100% of its terrain with state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. This ensures consistent snow conditions throughout the season, even during periods of low natural snowfall. The grooming team works diligently to maintain the trails, providing smooth and enjoyable runs for all visitors.
For those interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, Cranmore offers a variety of terrain parks designed for different skill levels. These parks feature a range of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering to both beginners and experienced park enthusiasts. The resort also hosts events and competitions, fostering a vibrant community spirit and adding to the excitement. Cranmore is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort features a snow tubing park, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. Additionally, the Mountain Adventure Park offers attractions such as the Giant Swing, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Mountain Coaster, providing thrilling experiences for visitors of all ages.
Dining options at Cranmore are varied and cater to different tastes and preferences. The resort’s base lodge offers convenient dining choices, including a cafeteria and a pub.
Nearby North Conway provides additional culinary delights, with a range of restaurants and cafes to explore. For lodging, Cranmore offers on-site accommodations, including the Cranmore Mountain Lodge, which provides comfortable and convenient lodging options for visitors.
Cranmore hosts numerous events throughout the winter season, including ski races, freestyle competitions, and family-friendly festivals. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere and provide additional entertainment for visitors.
King Pine
King Pine Ski Area, located in Madison, New Hampshire, is a charming and family-friendly destination that offers a delightful skiing experience. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and manageable size, King Pine is an excellent choice for families and beginners looking to enjoy the slopes in a relaxed setting. The resort features 17 trails, with 35% designated for beginners, 30% for intermediates, and 35% for advanced and expert skiers. This balanced mix of trails ensures that skiers of all levels can find suitable runs to enjoy.
The vertical drop at King Pine is 350 feet, providing gentle slopes that are perfect for learning and practicing skiing techniques. The resort is equipped with six lifts, including a quad chairlift, doubles, and surface lifts, ensuring easy access to the trails.
The compact layout of the resort makes it easy for families to stay together and navigate the slopes. King Pine is well-regarded for its snowmaking capabilities, covering 100% of its terrain with state-of-the-art equipment. This ensures consistent snow conditions throughout the season, even during periods of low natural snowfall. The grooming team works diligently to maintain the trails, providing smooth and enjoyable runs for all visitors.
For those interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, King Pine offers a terrain park designed for various skill levels. The park features a range of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering to both beginners and experienced park enthusiasts.
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The resort also hosts events and competitions, fostering a vibrant community spirit and adding to the excitement. King Pine is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort features a snow tubing park, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. Additionally, the Pine Meadows Tubing Park provides a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.
Dining options at King Pine are varied and cater to different tastes and preferences. The resort’s base lodge offers convenient dining choices, including a cafeteria and a pub.
Nearby Madison and the surrounding area provide additional culinary delights, with a range of restaurants and cafes to explore. For lodging, King Pine offers on-site accommodations, including the Purity Spring Resort, which provides comfortable and convenient lodging options for visitors.
Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods, located in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, is the largest ski area in the state and a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. This resort is renowned for its expansive terrain, top-notch facilities, and breathtaking views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
Bretton Woods offers 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, with 63 trails and 35 glades that cater to all skill levels. The trails are well-distributed, providing a balanced mix for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The resort’s vertical drop of 1,500 feet ensures a variety of runs, from gentle slopes to more challenging descents.
The resort is equipped with ten lifts, including the Bretton Woods Skyway 8-Passenger Gondola and four high-speed quads, which make the ride up the mountain almost as enjoyable as the ride down. These lifts ensure quick and efficient access to the slopes, minimizing wait times and maximizing skiing time.
Bretton Woods is also known for its excellent snowmaking capabilities, covering 92% of its terrain with state-of-the-art equipment. This ensures consistent snow conditions throughout the season, even during periods of low natural snowfall. The resort’s grooming team is highly regarded, maintaining the trails to provide smooth and enjoyable runs for all visitors.
For those interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, Bretton Woods offers a variety of terrain parks designed for different skill levels. These parks feature a range of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering to both beginners and experienced park enthusiasts. The resort also hosts events and competitions, fostering a vibrant community spirit and adding to the excitement. Bretton Woods is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort features a snow tubing park, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. Additionally, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour provides a thrilling zip line experience through the forest, offering a unique way to enjoy the winter landscape.
Dining options at Bretton Woods are varied and cater to different tastes and preferences. The resort’s base lodge offers convenient dining choices, including a cafeteria and a pub. The Rosebrook Lodge at the top of the Skyway Gondola provides additional dining options with stunning views. Nearby, the Omni Mount Washington Resort offers upscale dining experiences and a range of amenities. For lodging, Bretton Woods offers on-site accommodations, including the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Hotel, which provides ski-in/ski-out access and a range of amenities. The resort also offers townhomes and condominiums, ideal for families and groups.
Wildcat
Wildcat Mountain, nestled in the legendary Pinkham Notch, is a gem of the Mt. Washington Valley and consistently ranks as one of the most scenic ski areas in the East. This resort is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, offering a skiing experience that is both exhilarating and visually stunning. Wildcat boasts 48 trails that cater to a wide range of abilities, with 20% designated for beginners, 47% for intermediates, and 33% for advanced and expert skiers. The resort’s 225 acres of skiable terrain provide ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
The vertical drop at Wildcat is an impressive 2,112 feet, making it one of the highest in New England. This significant vertical drop ensures a variety of runs, from gentle slopes to more challenging descents, providing an exciting experience for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort is equipped with five lifts, including a high-speed quad and a triple chairlift, ensuring quick and efficient access to the slopes. The Wildcat Express Quad lift, in particular, offers a swift ride to the summit, where skiers can take in the panoramic views before embarking on their descent.
Wildcat is well-regarded for its natural snow conditions, often receiving abundant snowfall due to its high elevation and favorable location. The resort also has snowmaking capabilities that cover 90% of its terrain, ensuring consistent snow conditions throughout the season. The grooming team works diligently to maintain the trails, providing smooth and enjoyable runs for all visitors.
For those interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, Wildcat offers a terrain park designed for various skill levels. The park features a range of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering to both beginners and experienced park enthusiasts. The resort also hosts events and competitions, fostering a vibrant community spirit and adding to the excitement.
Wildcat is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort features a snow tubing park, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. Additionally, the scenic gondola rides provide a unique way to enjoy the winter landscape, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Dining options at Wildcat are varied and cater to different tastes and preferences. The resort’s base lodge offers convenient dining choices, including a cafeteria and a pub. Nearby Jackson and the surrounding area provide additional culinary delights, with a range of restaurants and cafes to explore. For lodging, Wildcat offers on-site accommodations, including the Glen House Hotel, which provides comfortable and convenient lodging options for visitors.
Wrap-Up
When you’re not skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the Mt. Washington Valley. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular options, with numerous trails available for all skill levels. The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation offers an extensive network of groomed trails, perfect for exploring the winter landscape. For a unique adventure, try a dog sledding tour with Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, where you can experience the thrill of mushing through the snow-covered wilderness.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, the Mt. Washington Valley has you covered. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers winter train rides through the picturesque countryside, providing a relaxing and scenic way to take in the beauty of the area. For a bit of retail therapy, visit the Settlers Green Outlet Village in North Conway, where you’ll find a variety of shops and boutiques offering everything from outdoor gear to designer clothing.
Whether you’re exploring the trails, enjoying a gourmet meal, or relaxing in a cozy inn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, plan your trip to the Mt. Washington Valley and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.
For more information www.attitash.com www.brettonwoods.com www.cranmore.com www.kingpine.com www.skiwildcat.com www.visitmwv.com |