Catch the Glow All Winter Long!
Whether your gearing up for some shopping, or taking in the beautiful scenery… Winter is the perfect time to spend some time in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire!
Grab your mittens and bundle the family up for a winter adventure in the Lakes Region of NH:
- Go snowshoeing or cross country skiing on one of the the hundreds of amazing trails in the New Hampshire Lakes Region
- Grab a delicious meal at one of the outstanding bistros, cafes and restaurants in and around our towns and cities!
- Find the best gifts for everyone on your list at our many shops outlet stores and independent galleries!
- Hit the ski slopes at one of our nearby mountains!
Need a reason to make it a weekend getaway? Check out our events calendar and plan your trip around something truly spectacular!
Ready to cruise the slopes with the Family? Check out NH Ski Resorts.
Bretton Woods
99 Ski Area Road
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
603-278-3320 – https://www.brettonwoods.com/
Visit Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski area with 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 63 trails and 25 glades and New Hampshire’s only 8-passenger gondola!
Loon Mountain
60 Loon Mountain Road
Lincoln, NH 03251
Loon is less than 10 minutes from Interstate 93. Loon Mountain has 61 trails in two sections of the White Mountain National Forest, spread across three peaks, with 2,100 feet of vertical drop and terrain for all ski and snowboard levels.
Cannon Mountain
260 Tramway Drive
Franconia, NH 03580
603-823-8800 – https://www.cannonmt.com/
Overlooking Franconia Notch, Cannon Mountain is a stat-owned ski area with some of the most challenging trails in the state. The 4,080-foot elevation of Cannon’s summit seems to attract more snow than other White Mountain areas. Cannon Mountain ski terrain is networked by 81 trails and reached by 10 lifts.
Mount Sunapee
Route 103
Newbury, NH
Only 90 minutes from Boston, Mount Sunapee packs an astonishing amount of ski terrain onto its 1,510 feet of vertical. Mount Sunapee has 66 trails served by 10 lifts, including two high-speed quads to the summit.
Cranmore Mountain
1 Skimobile Road
North Conway, NH 03860
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, 1 mile from downtown North Conway Village and just 2.5 hours from Boston. Cranmore Mountain has 56 trails and glades with a variety of terrain for all ability levels from the beginners-only ski areas, to classic New England trails and steeps.
Attitash Mountain
775 US – 302
Barlett, NH 03812
A few miles north of North Conway, Attitash Mountain has 68 trails on two connected mountains. There is plenty of terrains designed for all levels of skiers and expect will be challenged by the steepest trail in New Hampshire, more than 60 acres of glades for tree skiing, and alpine race trails.
King Pine Ski Area at Purity Spring Resort
1251 Eaton Road, Rt. 153
East Madison, New Hampshire 03849
More fun, more affordable, it all starts at King Pine. First-timers and families love King Pine’s friendly, knowledgeable ski school and easy, gentle learning terrain, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders can explore their small terrain park, steeper trails, and tree-skiing areas. King Pine also offers lift-serviced snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Abenaki Ski Area
390 Pine Hill Road
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
https://www.wolfeboronh.us/abenaki-ski-area
Abenaki Ski Area is open to the public and offer 7 trails from green to black diamond, glade skiing, night skiing, a terrain park, one of the fastest rope tows on the East Coast, friendly staff and a small lodge with wood stove and space to relax.
Gunstock
719 Cherry Valley Road
Gilford, NH 03249
Gunstock is New Hampshire’s closest major resort to Boston and the only resort to offer breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Waterville Valley
1 Ski Area Road,
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
Our four-season resort offers lodging options, dining establishments, and village shops; plus a plethora of year-round activities – with 265 acres of alpine terrain, 72 kilometers of Nordic Trails, 125 miles of hiking trails, over 50 miles of mountain biking trails, and much, much more!
WildCat Mountain
542 NH-16,
Gorham, NH 03581
WildCat Mountain Ski Area is a Ski area located on WildCat Mountain Near Jackson, New Hampshire. Its vertical drop of 2,112 feet is the second largest in New Hampshire and the ninth largest in New England. The area has 49 trails on 225 acres including the 2.75-mile Polecat Trail – The Longest ski Trail in New Hampshire. The WildCat Valley Trail, an ungroomed cross-country ski trail, leads from the summit down to the town of Jackson, New Hampshire as part of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation trail network, dropping 3,240 feet in 11.1 miles.
Crotched Mountain
615 Francestown Road
Bennington, NH 03442
Crotched Mountain is a small mountain in western Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, in the United States. The 2,063-foot (629 m) summit of the mountain is in the town of Francestown, while the western slopes of the mountain rise in the town of Bennington, and a long southern ridge of the mountain is in Greenfield. The mountain was named for its appearance. Early settlers thought its V-shaped peaks resembled the fork or “crotch” of a tree.
The Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride occupies the northern slopes of the mountain. It has 25 trails, 5 chairlifts, and 900 feet (270 m) of vertical drop. The Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center occupies a portion of the mountain’s southern ridge in Greenfield.
Pats Peak
686 Flanders Rd,
Henniker, NH 03242
Pats Peak is an independent alpine ski resort located in Henniker, New Hampshire, in the United States. The ski area opened in 1963 and has a vertical drop of 770 feet (230 m). It is roughly a 90-minute drive from Boston, Massachusetts.
The trail network is 50% novice, 21% intermediate, 12% advanced, and 17% expert.
Ragged Mountain
620 Ragged Mountain Road
Danbury, NH 03230
https://raggedmountainresort.com/
Home to the Summit 6-pack, New Hampshire’s legendary high-speed six-person chairlift and the Spear Mountain Express high-speed quad! Ragged Mountain has two peaks with a total of 250 skiable acres of terrain. Ragged consists of 1250′ vertical feet, 57 trails, 17 renowned glades, 3 terrain parks, and perfectly pitched groomers. The slope variety and renowned snow surfaces make Ragged arguably one of the best places to ski and ride in the state!
Where to take a sleigh ride in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
Attitash Mountain Village, Bartlett.
Take a public or private sleigh ride through a forest of towering pines, illuminated by lanterns on the trees guiding the way. Rides occur Fridays through Sundays, and weekdays during school vacations from 4 pm to 8 pm, and begin late November, and ending in late March.
Franconia Notch Stables, Franconia.
Call (603) 823-5542 to reserve your spot!
Whether you’re preparing for a romantic ride for two, or fun for the whole family, these sleigh rides will be a special memory to take home. The traditional one-horse sleigh holds up to 4 adults. Open daily by reservation: 10:00am-5:30pm.
Heritage Farm Pancake House
16 Parker Hill Road, Sanbornton
Horse-drawn winter wagon rides are available by appointment and make a perfect add-on after your breakfast or on your tour during maple season.
http://www.heritagefarm.net/wagon.htm
Nestlenook Farm, Jackson.
Sit back and enjoy a picture-perfect journey through a 65-acre Victorian estate aboard a custom-crafted, horse-drawn Austrian sleigh built to carry 10 to 12 people. Or reserve a more intimate outing in a one-horse open sleigh.
Omni Mountain Washing Resort, Bretton Woods.
Tour this storied resort via sleigh ride for a throwback experience. The Equestrian Center offers day and evening outings for the public, as well as resort guests.
Winter Carnivals in New Hampshire
Annual Nansen Milan Winter Festival in Milan, NH
When: January
More information: skinansen.com/
Enjoy the best of winter fun and sports including: bon fires, ice skating, hot cocoa, sled races, ski jumping, cross country ski races, snow sculptures, kids races and much more.
Squam Lakes Winterfest at Squam Lakes Association in Holderness, NH
When: Mid-February
More information: squamlakes.org
From skating, pond hockey, cross-country skiing, sledding, mini golf, to a bonfire and live animal programs with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, this event is not to be missed. Try one or all of the styles of chili during the Chili Contest.
Wolfeboro Bay Winter Carnival: Winter Wonderland
When: Mid-February
More information: wolfeboronh.us
Events are held throughout Wolfeboro including Abenaki Ski Area, Pop Whalen Ice Arena, Wolfeboro Inn and include a big air competition, free ice skating, snowshoeing workshop, sleigh rides, animal tracking, primitive fire building, inflatable obstacle course competition, pancake breakfast as well as ski and snowboard races.
Alton Bay Winter Carnival
When: Mid-February
More information: altonbusinessassociation.com
Check out the Chowdah Contest, horse carriage rides, ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee, bed races and more.
Unique ways to have Winter Fun in New Hampshire.
Winter Zip Lining – At the Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods
Take your family on the thrilling zipline adventure on the slopes of Bretton Woods! This 3-hour excursion offers both a thrilling experience and an intimate look into the wilds of the White Mountains, with sweeping views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
Bretton Woods – https://www.brettonwoods.com/Activities/canopy_tour/Overview
Explore the Ice Castles – Ice Castles, North Woodstock
The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more.
https://icecastles.com/new-hampshire/
Dog Sled – Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel
You can get your mush on at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel where they offer a variety of dog sledding adventures from their kennel in Jefferson, NH. With tours ranging from introductory experiences to interactive clinics, they have a winter trip for guests ages 2+.
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel –https://dogslednh.com/
Off-Road Adventure Tour – at Alpine Adventures in Lincoln
Go off-roading in the 6 wheel drive swizz army transport vehicles called Pinzgauers. Our Pinzgauers have modified seating to accommodate 11 guests in bucket seats with lap belts. We padded the overhead cages. On nice days we’ll take the top off to enjoy the ride. Our driver will entertain you on your journey. Exciting ride to the summit of Barron Mountain with panoramic views
Alpine Adventures –https://alpinezipline.com/
Cog in the Winter – at The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Explore higher elevations of the White Mountains at the Cog Railway – throughout the winter their trains terminate at the Waumbek Station, located in an alpine meadow at roughly 4000’ and, in clear conditions, provide spectacular views to the north and west. Passengers can leave the train for about 25 minutes to enjoy complimentary hot refreshments, warming huts, and a fire pit.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway – https://www.thecog.com/the-cog-in-winter
Amazing Winter Events
Where will you begin your Adventure?
Gift of Lights – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon NH
New Hampshire Motor Speedway 1122 NH-106,, LoudonWeek of Events
Give Back – Atlas Fireworks, All Locations
Join us for our annual Give Back Event! Bring non-perishable food items to any Atlas Fireworks location to receive free Fireworks! All items will be donated to local food pantry’s. […]
Gift of Lights – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon NH
The family tradition of driving through 2.5 miles of dazzling Christmas light displays at New Hampshire Motor Speedway continues this year with the Gift of Lights. The 13th annual event […]
Miracle on 34th Street – Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Meredith NH
A holiday classic! Winni Players Community Theatre | Performances November 30 – December 3 The Winni Players annual live radio drama is back! When a department store Santa claims he’s […]
Safe Haven Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Safe Haven Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Safe Haven Ballet is thrilled to bring our spirited, full-length ballet of The Nutcracker to The Colonial Theatre of Laconia! This dynamic performance includes all of your favorite characters including […]
Mexican Night At 405 Pub & Grill
Mexican Night At 405 Pub & Grill
Monday - Mexican Night at 405 Pub & Grill 405 Pub and Grill was designed with mingling in mind. The food is our own take on classic tavern fare, with […]
Tuesdays are for Pizza and Pasta!
Tuesdays are for Pizza and Pasta!
It's not quite Wednesday but you made it through Monday. Sounds like you need Buy One Get One Half Price pizza and pasta from the 405 Starting at 4pm! 405 […]
Wing Night at 405 Pub & Grill
Wing Night at 405 Pub & Grill
Chicken wings are perhaps the greatest pub food of them all, the perfect companion to drinking and watching sports. Since we were voted The Best of the Lakes Region Sports […]
Team Play Trivia at Tower Hill Tavern
Team Play Trivia at Tower Hill Tavern
Team Play Trivia every Wednesday Night! Game Time Trivia hosts a great version of general Knowledge trivia including Music and entertainment questions. Prizes for top 3 teams.
Live Piano Music – Fratello’s Italian Grille, Laconia NH
Live Piano Music – Fratello’s Italian Grille, Laconia NH
Live Piano Music on Friday’s and Sunday’s 799 Union Avenue, Laconia NH
The Giving Trees of Tilton – The Tilton School, Tilton NH
The Giving Trees of Tilton – The Tilton School, Tilton NH
A Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Reception At the historic Charles E. Tilton Mansion, Tilton School on School Street in Tilton NH Come celebrate with us and light up the […]
Wolfeboro Festival of Trees – The Wright Museum of WW II, Wolfeboro NH
Wolfeboro Festival of Trees – The Wright Museum of WW II, Wolfeboro NH
The Wolfeboro Festival of Trees is an annual charity benefit featuring more than seventy uniquely decorated holiday trees designed and created by community organizations, businesses, and individuals. These are displayed on two […]
An Afternoon of Music with The Canterbury Singers
An Afternoon of Music with The Canterbury Singers
The Canterbury Singers partner with the Canterbury Shaker Village to present authentic Shaker music, expanded by arrangements of American folk songs, music of early America, and inspired arrangements by a […]
Concert & Cocktails – Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury NH
Concert & Cocktails – Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury NH
Enjoy a concert at 4pm from Symphony New Hampshire String Quartet in the Chapel in the Dwelling House followed by reception in the Hubbard Gallery with farm to able hors […]
Live Piano Music – Fratello’s Italian Grille, Laconia NH
Live Piano Music – Fratello’s Italian Grille, Laconia NH
Live Piano Music on Friday’s and Sunday’s 799 Union Avenue, Laconia NH
Too Hot for Santa – Belknap Mill, Laconia NH
Too Hot for Santa – Belknap Mill, Laconia NH
TOO HOT FOR SANTA Saturday, December 2, 2023 7:30 PM 9:00 PM Belknap Mill Society 25 Beacon Street East Laconia, NH, 03246 United States The original Climate Change Christmas Musical for Kids! The North […]
The Best Sledding Hills in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
Get bundled up and grab your tubes and sleds! There are plenty of GREAT sledding for the family to enjoy in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire!
Enfield Shaker Village Hill — Members of the crafty religious group probably once took advantage of the 300-foot-wide, 1,800-foot run that is about 300 feet above Mascoma Lake on Rte. 4A.
Tilton School Hill — The hill at the prep school at the corner of Prospect and Academy streets is popular with townies as well as students.
Laconia Sledding Hill — The city provides lighting at the steep slope at the end of South Street so you can sled up until 9 p.m
Remich Park — The 15-acre park in Littleton also has a skating rink.
The Kanc Recreation Center — Not far from the Kancamagus Highway, the town of Lincoln oversees a great run. It’s behind the Common Man restaurant near the entrance to the Forest Ridge development. Après-sled hungry? Turn around and head to the Common Man for warm white chocolate bread pudding and a cup of white ginger pear tea.
White Park — From ice skating to sledding to groomed trails, you can find tons of winter fun at White Park located on White Street in Concord. Make sure you come back in the warmer months too for athletic fields, playground area, outdoor pool and a roller skating rink.
Hawthorne Town Forest — You can get to this spot in Hopkinton by taking Briar Hill Road to Rollins Road and Hawthorne Town Forest will be located on the right. Plenty of parking is available.
The Thrill Hill Tubing Park at Gunstock Mountain resort in Gilford has four chutes serviced by a handle-tow lift.
The tubing run at Ragged Mountain in Danbury has 10 lanes and is 600 feet long. The tubing park at Pats Peak in Henniker is 600 feet long and 85 feet wide.
Ice Skating in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center – Wolfboro Parks & Recreation
390 Pine Hill Road – Wolfeboro, NH 03894
King Pine Ski Area
1251 Eaton Road, Route 153 – Madison, NH
https://www.kingpine.com/the-mountain/ice-skating/
Tohko Dome Ice Skating Rink at King Pine Ski Area is conveniently located just across the street from the King Pine Base Lodge. And it’s open on weekends and holiday periods whenever weather conditions permit. It’s family-friendly and welcomes skaters of all ability levels. And it’s outfitted with a warming station to help keep you nice and toasty between laps.
Seasonal FUN!
Great shopping, events, entertainment and more awaits during the any season in the NH Lakes Region! Come find out what's going on NOW in The Lakes Region!
Outdoor Adventures
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