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Cool, frosty air kissing your cheeks, the smell of mountain pine and the magic of fresh snow falling all around you – Mt. Washington Valley is the best playground for all your favorite winter sports and activities.
From skiing to snowshoeing to iceskating–there’s adventure around every corner. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to “do winter” in the White Mountains.
It’s no secret Mt. Washington Valley is a premier ski destination. With a variety of trails for all abilities and resorts of all shapes and sizes—all of which are practically a stone’s throw away from each other—your options are endless. Check out some of our favorite alpine and Nordic ski spots here and enjoy some of the best skiing and riding on the East Coast. Pro-tip: Plan ahead and get your lift tickets in advance to save time and money.
One of the most thrilling ways to experience the White Mountains' beauty is to go on a snowmobiling adventure. Northern Extremes Snowmobile Rentals and North East Snowmobile & ATV Rentals offer guided and self-guided tours. Both businesses have dual locations, and offer special experiences for those who have the need for speed (or just something thrilling nonetheless).
Scaling a frozen waterfall is certainly a great way to satisfy your inner adventurer and expand your climbing portfolio. If an ice climbing excursion sounds right up your alley, the International Mountain Climbing School offers scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels and abilities. Their programs will teach you how to use ice axes and crampons, move efficiently over varied terrain and select appropriate climbs.
Mt. Washington Valley is home to some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable outdoor guides like Redline Guiding. This guiding service offers guided hikes, backcountry skiing and riding, winter camping and skill-building. When you book your adventure with a guide, you’ll be privy to Mt. Washington Valley insider tips and entertaining stories, all from a local’s perspective.
Nestled at the southern base of the Presidential Range in Crawford Notch State Park, AMC Highland Center is the best base camp for all your outdoor activities. Included in your stay is a full buffet breakfast and home-cooked dinner, guided day hikes and instructional talks on outdoor skills and natural history. Guests also have full access to the Highland Center L.L. Bean Gear Room, which is stocked with boots, backpacks, outwear, snowshoes and more.
Bring the whole family on a dog sledding excursion through the Valley. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel is home to nearly 80 athletic canines and offers a 90-minute, 3-hour and Mini Mush Tour (a modified version of their 90-minute tour). For those who want to roll up their sleeves and really dive in, you can enroll in Muddy Paw’s Musher for A Minute crash course to learn all the dog sledding basics.
Journey back in time by booking a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, a vintage train sure to charm you with the nostalgia it evokes. There are several different routes you can book—all offering stunning views of the mountains and surrounding forests. For the winter season, we highly recommend the Snow Train. This 80-minute journey will take you to Attitash Mountain; it’s a tradition meant to harken back to the olden days, when the snow train brought people from Massachusetts up to the Valley for skiing.
You don’t need to wait for the summer to get on the golf course. White Mountain Golf offers 75 of the best courses from around the world. Come to practice at your leisure, schedule a lesson, book a private event or join a weekly league to stay at the top of your game.
Ice skating is one of the most timeless and classic winter activities out there. Cross it off your winter must-do list by stopping by Ham Public Ice Arena. This public rink has one of the largest sheets of ice in New Hampshire, boasting a seating capacity of 450 and is the perfect arena to bring the whole family.
A cherished institution for snow sports enthusiasts, The New England Ski Museum stands as a living testament to the rich history and culture of skiing in the region. With two locations in Franconia and North Conway, the museum showcases a captivating collection of artifacts, memorabilia and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of skiing in New England. Pro-tip: Check out their permanent exhibit, “From the First Tracks to the Fall Line: eight thousand years of skiing.”
To learn more about where you can play in Mt. Washington Valley, visit visitmwv.com/attractions.
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