9 Best New Hampshire Ski Resorts for Families 

If you want to go to the Eastern States for your next ski vacation, New Hampshire has more than your family needs for a perfect winter trip. 

Skiing with your family provides a fantastic experience, but it can also be horrible if you choose the wrong destination for your little ones. 

So, it is always important to consider your options well to ensure that you find the ski area that suits your skiing needs and style while still being kid-friendly. 

With that said, New Hampshire has some of the best family-friendly ski resorts, which receive plenty of snow for excellent ski conditions.  Check out the state’s official site for more information on the state itself before you head off!

I have skied in New Hampshire with my family several times, and I love the fact that resorts in this state are close to each other. It makes it easy for us to have a feel of different mountains during our winter vacation. 

Every ski resort in New Hampshire is unique and offers a special experience to different types of skiers. You only need to ensure that you choose the best fit for your needs to ensure a perfect adventure. 

Whether you are looking for a ski area with great snow powder or a resort with exciting après ski events, New Hampshire has many fantastic mountain resorts waiting for you to explore. 

Most resorts in New Hampshire also offer adaptive training lessons for skiers and snowboarders with disabilities, so no one is left out.

Keep reading to discover the best family-friendly ski resorts in New Hampshire!

9 Best Family Ski Resorts in New Hampshire 

#1. Bretton Woods 

• Vertical Drop – 1,500 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 464 acres
• Ski Lifts – 10

Located in the heart of the gorgeous White Mountains of New Hampshire, Bretton Woods is a classy ski resort that offers quality accommodations and excellent skiing conditions. 

It’s a popular ski area as it takes home several annual awards. 

What makes Bretton Woods a family-friendly ski destination is its well-organized slopes that provide ideal riding conditions for skiers and boarders of all abilities. 

Bretton Woods has a skiable terrain of about 464 acres, making it the largest ski area in New Hampshire. 

When skiing in this resort, you’ll have 35 glades and 63 ski runs to explore. You can start with the easier runs and then move on to difficult trails to challenge yourself. 

The mountain receives an average snowfall of about 200 inches, but you don’t have to worry about the snow conditions since there is an extensive snowmaking system. 

Bretton Woods usually gets busy during the ski season, but its vast terrain and 10 ski lifts keep the slopes less crowded and the queues short. 

If you don’t have your own skiing or snowboarding gear, there is nothing to worry about, as you can rent everything you need from the on-site rental and repair shop. 

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will not feel bored in this ski resort as they’ll be busy performing tricks and trying new movements at the four legendary terrain parks available here. 

And that’s not all. Bretton Woods offers extensive terrain for Nordic skiing, classic skiing, and ice skating, so there is much more to do after skiing or snowboarding. 

When you are not on your skis or snowboarding on the snowy slopes, you can grab a bite on the mountain and get some rest before carrying on with your mountain adventures. 

You’ll have plenty of lodging and accommodation options, so you are sure to get what suits your budget and family needs. 

Nature lovers will have the best time dining at Rosebrook Lodge, which is easily accessible with the Skyway Gondola. The lodge provides stunning views of the ski area across Mount Washington. 

For bigger appetites, there are two more spots to stop by, including Crystal Hills and Peaks Café, and they all provide incredible service geared toward a perfect family experience. 

You can stay within the ski resort as there is an array of options, from Mount Washington Hotel to townhomes. 

If you want to stay out, you are still spoiled for options, from condos to rental homes. 

Booking.com

Kids’ Fun

Bretton Woods ski school offers excellent skiing and snowboarding lessons designed to be adaptable to suit different learners. 

Your kids can choose between a private one-on-one lesson where the trainer’s focus is fully on them or group lessons which may include other family members, friends, and other kids. 

Youngsters between 4 and 6 years can learn the skiing basics in the one-hour lesson facilitated by a qualified trainer.

You can also join your kids to enjoy various activities snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sleigh riding. 

#2. Loon Mountain Resort

• Vertical Drop – 2,100 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 370 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 10

If you are looking for an easily accessible ski resort, Loon Mountain is only a few kilometers off Interstate 93. 

It’s a perfect place to visit with your family for an engaging winter trip since it has a lot of activities to offer. 

Loon Mountain Resort boasts a large ski terrain of about 370 acres where beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders can ride. 

There are five terrain parks that allow freestyle skiers of all abilities to enjoy performing tricks like rollers, rails, logs, and carvings. 

It has three base areas, which you can quickly navigate with the shuttle services available in this mountain. The shuttles also come in handy when it comes to getting to your lodging after skiing the whole day. 

You’ll have the convenience of renting your ski equipment as there is a rental shop with everything skiers and boarders need to hit the slopes. 

If your teens want to learn how to ski, you don’t have to buy them new equipment as they get started. Instead, you can take advantage of the ski packages that come with both lessons and gear. 

There are 12 ski lifts that include a gondola and a high-speed chairlift, supporting eight skiers each trip. This makes it easy for skiers and snowboarders to navigate the mountain and get to their desired runs. 

The Gondola Skyride featured in Loon Mountain runs year-round, and is the longest ride with scenic views in New Hampshire. When riding it, you’ll take in the stunning views of Mt. Washington and Mt. Moosilauke.

Loon Mountain has heavily invested in the most powerful snowmaking machine, so you can always be sure of great skiing conditions regardless of the weather. 

When you are tired of hitting the slopes, you can take your family to the Adventure Center at the base and enjoy activities like snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, zip-lining, and more.

Whether you want to stay within the mountain or outside, lodging options are endless here. You can book a full-service hotel at the mountain base, right at the foot of the ski lifts or rent a local hotel in Lincoln. 

If you have a big family, there are also some private condos and homes available for rent in Lincoln. 

Most hotels on this mountain have a swimming pool, spacious parking, spa, and world-class restaurants, all under the same roof. 

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 Kids’ Fun

Your kids will have a lot of fun spending time at Loon’s Adventure Center while you ride downhill. 

They can also learn how to ski and snowboard in the resort’s ski school, and they don’t have to bring anything since the package includes the equipment and lessons. 

If your kids are aged 2 to 3 years, they can learn the elementary skiing equipment and posture in lessons that last for 45 minutes. 

Kids between 4 and 7 years old will benefit from group lessons offered at Loon Children’s Center, where they do a lot of warm-up before getting started. 

Individuals with special needs are not discriminated against in Loon Mountain as they can learn to ski with the adaptive and flexible instructions offered. 

#3. Cannon Mountain Ski Resort

• Vertical Drop – 2,330 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 265 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 10

With convenient amenities and excellent skiing conditions, Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is well-known for providing stress-free ski trips to families during the winter season.

The state-owned resort offers licensed childcare services, ski lessons, and equipment rentals to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.  

Its skiable terrain of 265 acres covers two mountains, including Cannon and Mittersill. 

Both beginner and experienced skiers and boarders will enjoy spending time on this mountain as the 97 accessible trails range from green to black runs. 

About 21% of the slopes are for beginners, 47% for intermediates, and 32% for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. 

If you want to challenge your skills in a more challenging terrain, there are 86 acres for backcountry skiing around Mittersill. 

While Cannon Mountain’s average snowfall may be low compared to other popular resorts in the US, its modern snowmaking system ensures that the slopes have reliable snow conditions.

Your teens can visit the PSIA School for skiing and snowboarding lessons or go to the terrain parks to practice their skills and perform tricks if they can ski. 

In the evening, you can take your family to the New England Ski Museum. And if you prefer soaking in nature, you can take a ride on the aerial tramway for panoramic views. 

Once you get enough of the snowy slopes, you can head on to the mountain’s cafes to grab a family dinner or enjoy a drink with your partner. Alternatively, visit the Tram Base Lodge for a perfect cup of hot chocolate.  

When it comes to dining and accommodation, Cannon Mountain has partnered with over 60 nearby restaurants and hotels for convenience. 

Large families looking for more space can stay in larger hotels and inns in nearby Lincoln, which are only a few minutes drive from the ski area. 

Fun activities to engage in after skiing include ice skating, snow tubing, ice hockey gaming, bowling, shopping, and dining.

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Kids’ Fun

Your kids will learn how to ski and snowboard at the Snowsports School, nestled near the Peabody Base Lodge. And if they are under five years of age, they can ski for free. 

The school has certified professionals with experience handling kids and attending to all their needs during the training. 

If your kids don’t have the skiing or snowboarding gear, there are group and private lesson packages that come with both equipment and a lift ticket. 

#4. Cranmore Mountain Resort 

• Vertical Drop – 1,200 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 200 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 8

Nestled in North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort is an incredible family-friendly ski area that has been in operation since 1937. 

Its ski slopes are on one side of the mountain and have a high-speed quad chair and three more lifts running higher to help guests navigate the hill. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you won’t have to worry about the terrain as green, blue, and black trails. 

These trails are well-split up, with 28% for beginners, 45% for intermediate, and 27% for advanced skiers. This way, everyone in the family is sure of finding runs that suit their ability. 

If your family has some freestyle skiing enthusiasts, the terrain parks in this resort will keep them busy performing tricks and trying out new moves. 

When learning how to ski at Cranmore Mountain Resort, you’ll have an exciting experience as the instructors incorporate the Terrain-Based Learning Method to help beginners. 

For family fun after skiing, the options are endless. You can visit the snow tubing park, which has about ten lanes, tube rentals, and a lift service to get you there. 

Other family-friendly activities include having fun at the Mountain Coaster, live music in Zip’s Pub, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Giant Swing. 

You can also take your family to Conway ski town for shopping and check out other family-friendly attractions and entertainment. 

Depending on your budget and family size, you’ll find great lodging options which range from affordable and budget-friendly to high-end hotels and restaurants. 

And if Conway doesn’t provide what you are looking for, there are nearby towns that are only a few minutes-drive with more accommodation options. We are talking about places like Jackson, Fryeburg, and Center Harbor.

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Kids’ Fun

Ski and snowboard lessons for kids are a crucial part of the activities that are usually on offer in Cranmore Mountain Resort. 

Kids learn using the Terrain-Based Learning method, which works really well in reducing anxiety and boosting their confidence in the snow. 

If your kids are 4 to 14 years old, you can buy them a ticket for the KidsRule Mountain Camp, which offers a 4-hour training program and includes a lift ticket. 

#5. Pats Peak Ski Area 

• Vertical Drop – 770 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 115 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 11 

Established by four brothers in 1962, Pats Peak Ski Area is a great ski destination that offers the best family skiing experience. 

From diverse slopes to family restaurants, this ski area provides a perfect experience for those looking to spend quality time with their loved ones. 

The mountain resort boasts 115 acres of skiable terrain with 28 trails and 9 glades where skiers and snowboarders can have fun and build their riding skills. 

In addition, Pats Peak has 11 lifts and a dedicated snowmaking system to ensure that the slopes are always tuned to perfect your riding days. 

Beginners will enjoy practicing in three beginner areas, which are easily accessible via lifts. 

The learning programs for beginners are also plenty to suit different needs. This includes kids’ programs, adult lessons, and women-only ski and snowboard lessons. 

Experienced skiers and snowboarders in your family will not feel bored while others learn how to ride, as the mountain has some of the steepest runs and two terrain parks for freestyle riding. 

If a member of your family is interested in participating in a competition, they can join a racing team or try the FIS Race Trail. 

Night skiing enthusiasts will love spending time in this resort as it’s usually floodlit at night, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes all the time. 

Once you are done hitting the slopes, you can grab an Italian meal from the food truck or stop by the Tradewinds café for some casual eats.

Booking.com

Kids’ Fun 

Skiing and snowboarding lessons are well-organized in this resort, and kids of all ages are sure to get what suits their needs and abilities. 

Kids between 3 and 6 years can join the Cub’s Club, while those aged between 7 and 14 can train at the Bear’s Club. 

Lessons are usually offered in the morning and afternoon, but your kids can enroll in a whole-day program which involves group and private lessons. 

There is also a separate beginner area where kids under five years ski free but have to be accompanied by an adult. 

#6. Attitash Mountain Resort

• Vertical Drop – 1,750 feet 
• Skiable Terrain – 311 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 11 

If you are looking for a New Hampshire ski area that will give you a typical New England vibe, Attitash Mountain Resort is a perfect match for you. 

Attitash Ski Area nestles in North Conway and spreads on two mountains, including Attitash Peak and Bear Peak. 

This resort is an extensive ski area with lots of ski-in and ski-out options for families. It provides 311 acres of skiable terrain with 68 trails that range from easy to challenging runs. 

The wooded mountainside of the resort offers traditional New England ski runs, black runs, and blue trails for intermediate skiers. 

There are three terrain parks in Attitash Ski Resort where beginner, intermediate, and experienced skiers can do freestyle rides. 

At the base of the ski area is the Attitash Main Lodge, which offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. You can also try out Mexican-themed meals at the Cantina.

In the evening, you’ll find more dining and accommodation options in other eateries within the resort. 

The Attitash Mountain Village offers a wide range of lodging options that suit different budgets, so you can always be sure to find what’s best for your needs. 

There are also other budget-friendly accommodations in the nearby Bartlett, Jackson, and Conway.

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Kids’ Fun

Kids of all ages and abilities can benefit from group and private lessons offered at Attitash ski and snowboard school. 

There is also an adaptive ski program for individuals with disabilities facilitated by the partnership between Attitash and Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports.

#7. Mount Sunapee 

• Vertical Drop – 1,510 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 233 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 8 

Popular for providing a warm and family-friendly skiing and snowboarding environment, Mount Sunapee is an excellent family ski destination. 

It offers all the amenities your whole family needs for a great ski vacation, from equipment rentals to private lessons. 

The mountain has 67 trails, nestling on 233 acres of skiable area, and all are easily accessible via lifts. The longest trail covers more than 2 miles. 

Beginners, intermediate, and seasoned skiers will find great runs that suit their ability levels and style, and there are also four terrain parks for freestyle skiing. 

All the runs are exceptionally groomed to provide a perfect skiing and snowboarding experience. When the snowfall is low, there is an extensive snowmaking system that covers 97% of the runs. 

What many families love about this ski area is that it’s one of the best family ski resorts served by cost-effective epic passes, like the Northeast Value Pass. 

While the resort doesn’t have on-site lodging options, it has partnered with various hotels and lists many of them on its websites for easy booking. Accommodation options include hotels, home rentals, motels, Airbnbs, and more.

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Kids’ Fun

Your kids can take part in different skiing and snowboarding lessons which are classified according to age and group size. 

If you want your little one to enjoy the trainer’s attention by learning alone, private lessons are also available for all skiers and snowboarders. 

#8. Wildcat Mountain Resort

• Vertical Drop – 2,112 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 225 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 5 

Wildcat Ski Resort is perhaps the best mountain on the list when it comes to spectacular views and great skiing conditions. 

This mountain resort has a reputation for receiving a heavier snowfall than major ski resorts in New Hampshire. And there is a snowmaking system to keep the slopes all snowed. 

It has a skiable terrain of 225 acres with 49 trails to explore on your skis or snowboard. There is also a 2.75 miles cross-country ski trail where you can relax and unwind while taking in the breathtaking views. 

Wildcat boasts the longest and fastest Express Quad in New Hampshire, which can quickly take you to the summit (4,120 feet) within 6 minutes. 

Wildcat doesn’t provide on-site accommodation but there are many condos and hotels in nearby towns like Jackson, Gorham, and North Conway. 

Even so, it has the best après ski activities at the base lodge. You can enjoy some delicious meals and drinks at the Wildcat Pub located upstairs in the base lodge.

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Kids’ Fun

Kids will have great fun learning to ski and snowboard in Wildcat Mountain Resort, as the instructors here are dedicated to providing learners with a safe and exciting experience. 

Children aged 3 to 6 years can take part in one-hour lessons, while those aged between 4 and 14 can join the Lion’s Den Program or register for private lessons. 

#9. Whaleback Ski Resort

• Vertical Drop – 700 feet
• Skiable Terrain – 85 acres 
• Ski Lifts – 4 

Whaleback is one of the most affordable ski resorts in New Hampshire and New England at large. It’s a great ski resort that offers a wide variety of ski runs ideal for skiers and boarders of all abilities. 

This resort provides some of the best glades and cross-country ski trails that cut through trees of different sizes and shapes.

Beginner and intermediate skiers can use the Summit Chair to get to the top of the mountain and ride down the green runs. 

For those looking for a difficult terrain to challenge their skills, Whaleback offers a selection of the diamond and double diamond runs for advanced and expert riders. 

Overall, the resort offers a good spread of terrain difficulty, with 28% of the slopes classified beginner-friendly, 39% for intermediate skiers, and 33% for advanced and expert skiers. 

There are also trails for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, but only experienced skiers and snowboarders should embark on such adventures. 

If your family has new skiers, they can benefit from one of Whaleback‘s learning programs, which range from private to after-school programs.

When it comes to accommodation, Whaleback‘s nearby hotels include Hilton Garden Inn, Woodstock Inn, Mountain Sports Inn, Steele Hill Resorts, and more. 

Après ski activities include alpine touring, ski racing, and dining at the Whaleback pub or nearby restaurants.

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Kids’ Fun 

Your kids can join the ski school and enroll in group or private lessons that are relatively affordable. 

The Beluga Whales program focuses on kids between 4 and 6 years, while the Mountain Explorers aims at ages 7 to 14. 

Kids don’t have to bring any gear from home as the mountain has a rental shop that provides all the equipment needed, from skis to helmets.

What Are the Top New England Ski Resorts?

New England is home to some of the best ski resorts with great snow in the US. Many families visit New England during the winter as the states have some great family ski resorts. 

Whether you are interested in night skiing or tree skiing, you can always be sure of finding a perfect ski resort in New England. 

Here is a list of the best ski resorts in New England that you can visit with your family, friends, or even alone since it’s pretty easy to make new skiing friends on the mountain:

• Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont 
• Jay Peak Resort, Vermont 
• Sunday River, Maine 
• Sugarloaf, Maine
• Bretton Woods, New Hampshire s
• Loon Mountain, New Hampshire 
• Cranmore Mountain, New Hampshire 
• Sugarbush, Mad River Valley, Vermont 
• Okemo Mountain, Vermont 
• Killington, Vermont 
• Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire
• Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire 
• Attitash Mountain, New Hampshire
• Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire
• Pats Peak, New Hampshire 
• King Pine Mountain, New Hampshire 
• Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

FAQs

Q: What’s the Biggest Ski Mountain in New Hampshire?

A: Bretton Woods is the biggest ski mountain in New Hampshire. It has a skiable area of 464 acres that features varied terrain to suit skiers and boarders of different abilities. 

Its ski terrain comprises 98 trails, including 63 ski runs and 35 glades for tree skiing, with 10 lifts serving the mountain. 

Q: What is the Largest Private Family Ski Area in North America? 

A: The largest private family ski area in North America is HoliMont Ski Resort. This ski resort is located in Western New York and features swift ski lifts and a family-friendly environment. 

Q: What is the Best Place for Night Skiing in New Hampshire?

A: Pats Peak. If you are looking for the best place to ski at night in New Hampshire, Pats Peak is your best bet, as it remains open until 10 pm. 

Other incredible ski resorts in New Hampshire that offer night skiing include Cranmore, King Pine, and Waterville Valley. 

Q: Is Killington Resort Family Friendly?

A: Yes, Killington is a family-friendly ski resort that offers great skiing conditions and lots of Après ski fun activities. 

This resort has made many investments geared toward improving the mountain, including its robust snowmaking system and multiple accommodation options. 

Most hotels here have exciting amenities, from kitchens and private balconies to Jacuzzis and outdoor heated pools. 

The resort has also established the Snowshed Family Adventure Center, where kids of all ages can engage in several fun activities. 

If your family needs more adventure, you can visit Killington‘s sister resort Pico for its diverse terrain.

Final Word 

New Hampshire is not only home to some of the best ski mountains in the US, but also boasts outstanding family ski resorts in North America. 

The high snowfall and comprehensive snowmaking systems in most New Hampshire‘s ski resorts ensure that families find reliable and enjoyable snow during their ski vacation. 

If you want to visit New Hampshire with your loved ones for a ski vacation, do not hesitate to try out the family ski resorts listed in our guide. Trust me, they have a lot to offer, from exciting ski lessons to great après ski fun. 

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