Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in New Hampshire, boasting 494 acres. The resort offers 101 trails and glades and four progressive terrain parks. In "Ski Magazine's" Readers Resort Survey 2010, Bretton Woods earned a place as the No. 8 overall resort in the East, as well as No. 1 for weather and No. 3 for scenery. Bretton Woods offers day and night skiing. In addition to skiing, Bretton Woods guests can enjoy dog sledding, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, all while enjoying the mesmerizing view of Mount Washington. The resort is known for its excellent grooming and beginner and intermediate runs.
Bretton Woods
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(800) 314-1752
brettonwoods.com
Cannon Mountain
While Bretton Woods offers a great experience for beginners and intermediates, advanced and expert skiers may want to consider a trip to Cannon Mountain. Known as a hard-core skier's resort, Cannon has a reputation for steep, gritty terrain and ungroomed tracks. The resort is located in Franconia Notch State Park, and there is no slopeside lodging or standard resort amenities, meaning people that come to Cannon come to ski. Overall, the resort offers 264 acres, broken into 72 trails and glades, and 2,180 feet of vertical. It is also home to one of the few ski resort trams on the East Coast (and in the U.S.). In 2009, Cannon made a significant addition to its terrain by absorbing 86 new acres (this is included in the 264-acre figure). The new area is called the Mittersill Backcountry Area, and a dedicated lift is planned for the 2010-11 season. Cannon earned a No. 18 spot in Ski Magazine's survey and also a No. 1 spot for value.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway & Ski Area
9 Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia, NH 03580
(603) 823-8800
cannonmt.com
Tuckerman Ravine
A list of New Hampshire ski mountains (as opposed to ski resorts) would be incomplete without Tuckerman Ravine. Located on the east side of Mount Washington, Tuckerman is one of the most infamous and challenging backcountry areas in the east. It's also one of the few Eastern locations where avalanches are a constant worry. The hike up to the bottom of the ravine is a 3.1-mile trek from the Pinkham Notch Trailhead, opening up a selection of lines up and down the ravine itself. Featuring pitches as steep as 55 degrees and danger of slides, crevasses and falling ice chunks, Tuckerman is one of the most challenging and exciting ski opportunities this side of the Rockies. Winter is considered dangerous at Tuckerman, but the season often runs deep into the spring, so it is a great option for skiing after the lifts officially shut down. Be sure to check with the ranger station before you set out to Tuck's.
Androscoggin Ranger District
300 Glen Road
Gorham, NH 03581-1399
(603) 466-2713 x 0
tuckerman.org
