Each winter, Mother Nature transforms New Hampshire into a snowy paradise. And while she may be responsible for the cover of sparkling snow coating our dramatic landscapes, New Hampshire works hard to make the season a wonderland of snowy adventure. From enlisting snowmaking machines to bolster classic winter activities like skiing, tubing, and more – to introducing unique adventures like snow biking that keep the season interesting, here are five ways New Hampshire makes winter happen.
And with New Hampshire’s annual average snowfall amounting to over 90 inches, even activities off the slopes like horse-drawn sleigh rides typically run throughout the season, many with or even without snow. Here in New Hampshire, we know how to keep winter going in all conditions.
1. We Let it Snow
It wouldn’t be winter in New Hampshire without scenes of white-capped mountains under frosty blue skies or thick forests heavy with the weight of fresh snow. Our ski mountains know this best, which is why snowmaking begins as early as November to jumpstart the season! Between Mother Nature’s deposit of snowflakes and the product of these artificial weather machines, our mountains stay cloaked in fresh snow all winter long. Many of our ski mountains have upwards of 90% snowmaking coverage which means your favorite trails should be up and running whenever you’re ready to hit the slopes.And with New Hampshire’s annual average snowfall amounting to over 90 inches, even activities off the slopes like horse-drawn sleigh rides typically run throughout the season, many with or even without snow. Here in New Hampshire, we know how to keep winter going in all conditions.
2. Après Ski Both On and Off the Slopes
After a day spent carving up the slopes or chartering adventure elsewhere, it’s time to warm up someplace cozy. While the term après ski literally means “after ski,” that doesn’t mean the act is exclusive to skiers. In New Hampshire, traditional après ski might look like skiers warming up in a base lodge after a long day on the slopes or grabbing a bite to eat at a slopeside pub.
But it can also mean sipping on local craft beverages at a warm brewery, cidery, or winery after an afternoon spent ice fishing or shopping. Plus, there are all ages events held at ski mountains that even non-skiers can participate in. Like Cranmore Mountain’s weekly Cranapalooza celebration, where live music, s’mores, family games, and the mountain’s penguin mascot all make appearance. Waterville Valley also hosts family-friendly après ski parties with live music and dancing to warm your spirits!
But it can also mean sipping on local craft beverages at a warm brewery, cidery, or winery after an afternoon spent ice fishing or shopping. Plus, there are all ages events held at ski mountains that even non-skiers can participate in. Like Cranmore Mountain’s weekly Cranapalooza celebration, where live music, s’mores, family games, and the mountain’s penguin mascot all make appearance. Waterville Valley also hosts family-friendly après ski parties with live music and dancing to warm your spirits!
3. New Ways to Play
Let’s face it – sometimes those classic winter activities like skiing or tubing just won’t do the trick for finding new winter magic. That’s why New Hampshire is always finding new ways to take advantage of the snowy season. Like snowshoeing, for example, which has become a popular group activity with guided tours and more unique options like moonlit snowshoe tours offered at Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, Gunstock in Gilford, and Bretton Woods.
By now, you may have heard of winter biking with the help of fat bikes to navigate snowy terrain. But there is another snowsport in town which combines downhill skiing with bike riding, and Loon Mountain Resort offers these Sno-Go rentals for adventure-seekers to hit the trails, bringing a whole new way to play on the mountain. Other resorts host evening events to change things up, like Crotched Mountain’s Midnight Madness series where lifts stay open until midnight, hundreds of glow items light up the night, and special giveaways draw in the crowds. Plus, the annual construction of the Ice Castles in North Woodstock creates a new adventure each year, with fresh frozen alcoves to discover, icy tunnels to crawl, and winter walks through the mystic forest to explore.
By now, you may have heard of winter biking with the help of fat bikes to navigate snowy terrain. But there is another snowsport in town which combines downhill skiing with bike riding, and Loon Mountain Resort offers these Sno-Go rentals for adventure-seekers to hit the trails, bringing a whole new way to play on the mountain. Other resorts host evening events to change things up, like Crotched Mountain’s Midnight Madness series where lifts stay open until midnight, hundreds of glow items light up the night, and special giveaways draw in the crowds. Plus, the annual construction of the Ice Castles in North Woodstock creates a new adventure each year, with fresh frozen alcoves to discover, icy tunnels to crawl, and winter walks through the mystic forest to explore.
4. Indoor Fun
No matter the weather, New Hampshire has endless cozy warm spaces where you can escape winter’s chill. Whether you opt for a winter weekend getaway and book a room in a romantic bed and breakfast to huddle up by the fire in, or you escape to a resort where your weekend is filled with relaxing spa appointments – there are plenty of indoor opportunities to make the most of winter in New Hampshire.
5. Celebrations All Winter Long
Here in New Hampshire, winter is a time for celebration. Our calendar is jam-packed with fun festivals and celebrations all season long. You’ll find a variety of local events on our events calendar including craft demonstrations, culinary events, and other all-ages activities to choose from. And with our roster of annual winter festivals featuring seasonal food, world-class competitions, and community celebrations, there’s always something to be a part of.
The annual World Championship Sled Dog Derby, for example, draws in crowds to watch as teams of mushers and sled dogs compete for a championship title each February in Laconia. Keene’s annual Ice and Snow Festival lures folks out to view freshly carved ice sculptures downtown with local vendors to shop and free family fun each February. The capitol city of Concord hosts its annual Winterfest celebration in January, where ice sculptures decorate the State House lawn, food trucks and a beer garden line Main Street, and the Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament kicks off in the city.
The annual World Championship Sled Dog Derby, for example, draws in crowds to watch as teams of mushers and sled dogs compete for a championship title each February in Laconia. Keene’s annual Ice and Snow Festival lures folks out to view freshly carved ice sculptures downtown with local vendors to shop and free family fun each February. The capitol city of Concord hosts its annual Winterfest celebration in January, where ice sculptures decorate the State House lawn, food trucks and a beer garden line Main Street, and the Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament kicks off in the city.
