5 Fun Winter Activities in New Hampshire
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The White Mountains region is most famously known for gorgeous Mt. Washington. At 6288 feet, this beauty comes in as the highest mountain peak in the Northeast. Hiking, a scenic cog railroad ride to the summit, and driving the famous mountain auto road are all popular activities for tourists to enjoy during the summer months. Mike and I hiked the beautiful Greeley Ponds trail this past spring. We loved getting out into the fresh pines and enjoying the clean mountain air while also getting in a great workout. It was an easy roadtrip from where we are currently living (Fall River in the Providence metro).
Since moving to Massachusetts, we noticed many cars with a bumper sticker that reads “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington.” We found out that this sticker refers to the steep 7.6 mile mountain road you will drive up to reach the summit. On a unique note, this popular drive is the oldest man-made tourist attraction in the US! This is definitely on my bucket list – there is just so much to do in this region that we haven’t even had time to consider it yet!
While summer is the most beautiful time to explore the area, I would not rule out a winter getaway. The White Mountains are a true wintry wonderland this time of year. Skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and staying in a rustic cabin are just some of the things you can look forward to. Personally, I love this cozy time of the year and I also love getting out there and enjoying the beautiful snow.
I am not a big fan of working out a gym, so anytime I can take my workouts outdoors, I am happy. Since relocating here, we have taken several daytrips/roadtrips to the region. My guide includes a few of my top recommended ways to stay active all throughout the snowy season.
Cross country skiing at Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods is an awesome place for a first time cross country skiing experience. This was only our second time skiing and we loved the scenery and ease of using the trails. Recently, the resort claimed the number one spot on Ski Magazine’s list of the best overall ski areas. With 50 miles of trails, it’s one of the largest nordic centers. There is a great mix of beginner and advanced terrain. This was only my second time skiing and I thought the trails were super easy to use. It’s an easy drive from Boston and other cities in New Hampshire.
Skiing through the scenic White Mountains is an incredible experience – I really loved the views and tranquil vibes. We planned a daytrip here from another lodge we were staying at, but I would love to plan another getaway and stay at the on-site Omni for more convenience. This resort looks gorgeous too!
I loved everything about this place – the serene forest views, the remote setting, and the variety of trails. I truly felt like I was in a snowglobe while out and about on the beautiful snowy pine covered trails. For anyone looking to escape city life, I would 100% recommend a daytrip/vacation here. It’s an easy drive from Boston and cities in New Hampshire. You can read more about my experience skiing at this gorgeous center.
Location: 99 Ski Area Rd Bretton Woods
Sleigh rides and skating at Nestlenook Farms
Nestlenook Farms is winter in New England as you imagine it without the busy cities, traffic, and congestion. This is a place where the snow is fluffy and people can’t wait to jump right into it. It stays around for a long time and doesn’t turn into brown slush quickly.
At Nestlenook, you can enjoy skating on an old-fashioned Victorian ice rink, complete with chime music and a snowy mountain backdrop. It looks like a scene straight out of Currier and Ives. I really felt like I was in a Hallmark Christmas movie for a day. We enjoyed skating as well as a romantic sleigh ride around the property. The mountain scenery is so gorgeous and uninterrupted; rarely do we get to enjoy places like this anymore.
There are also snowshoeing trails on-site. I actually own a pair but didn’t bring them with. This is one of my favorite activities so I am definitely planning a return visit. I imagine snowshoeing in such a gorgeous setting would be a real treat.
Location: 66 Dinsmore Rd, Jackson
What a gorgeous setting for a sleigh ride! Due to a rare quiet day, I was lucky enough to capture this shot with no one else in the picture! I recommend visiting this local gem soon before the secret is out!
A weekend getaway at a rustic lodge
We chose to stay in the rustic Bear Mountain Lodge as we saw it featured on a list of the best B&Bs in New England. We were seeking a quiet escape far away from the city congestion for a few days. I would say we definitely got what we asked for by staying in this secluded property.
This charming inn is located in a small town called Bethlehem, which is nestled right in the heart of the gorgeous mountains. I’ve never stayed in a more gorgeous place. Seriously, the views from the lobby were beyond breathtaking. I couldn’t imagine how romantic it would be to spend Christmas Eve somewhere so beautiful, rustic, and snowy.
The highlights here include stunning log cabin design elements and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains. Inn amenities include complimentary use of snowshoes, a delicious home cooked breakfast, and guided snowshoe tours (for a small fee). I loved playing scrabble and sipping cocoa while staring out the window at the marvelous mountain views. We took full advantage of the complimentary snowshoeing and enjoyed the beautiful woodsy scenery surrounding the property.
Discount tickets to Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain (both ski resorts are located just a 15 minute drive away) are available to guests interested in downhill and cross country skiing.
Location: 3249 Main St, Bethlehem
Winter sports
Summer is the ideal time to visit the beautiful 800,000 acre national forest, however, there are also lots of fun activities to partake in year-round. The picturesque mountains and pines provide an appealing backdrop for any type of wintry activity including: cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing/snowboarding. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Cannon Mountain, and Attitash Mountain Resort feature some of the best skiing in the state.
Visit the National Forest website for additional information regarding seasonal activities.
Looking for more fun?
*Take a SnowCoach ride up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. A SnowCoach tour allows you to enjoy the incredible snowy scenery even when the road is not open to the public. Tours run from December through March. This is something I have not done yet, but it is definitely on my bucket list!
*Visit The Christmas Loft in North Conway. This festive year-round shop is a must visit, whether or not the Christmas season is near. I love visiting local Christmas stores while traveling (esp during the season!) and this one did not disappoint! It’s so massive and hard to walk away without at least a few ornaments or decorations.
*Search for deals at Settlers’ Green Outlets in North Conway, a year-round tax free shopping destination. Here you will find over 60 outlet stores. I loved the Brookstone outlet, which offers tremendous discounts on many of the same items found in the regular store. Update: Brookstone is now closed, but there are tons of other great retailers here including: Columbia, Kate Spade, REI, and Michael Kors.
*Enjoy a weekend dinner at the Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub in North Conway. Get out of the cold and warm yourself up in the cozy, log cabin inspired dining room. I love the woodsy decor here – it really fits in with the rustic nature of the region. Food and service are great as well! Update: This local gem is unfortunately closed but there are many other rustic family diners and cafes in the area.
