Are you considering moving to New Hampshire? For anyone who loves snow activities, New Hampshire is the perfect place! After all, New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the tallest peaks in the Eastern United States — and that means you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other snow sports.
As a bonus, New Hampshire’s dozen or so ski resorts are just a short distance from one another, so you’ll have plenty of options within convenient driving distance. Here are a few favorite places to hit the slopes and explore in New Hampshire.
Pats Peak
Founded in 1963, family-owned and operated Pats Peak offers affordable pricing and runs for all ability levels. Located 25 miles from Concord, NH, Pats Peak has nine glade areas with 11 lifts providing access to almost 30 trails and slopes. With a vertical drop of 770 feet, there’s something for everyone here, with about half the mountain appropriate for beginners and the rest a mix of intermediate, advanced, and expert. Pats Peak also has an advanced snowmaking system to guarantee great snow all winter long. And, unlike many other resorts, 100 percent of the mountain is lit for night skiing, making it easy to hit the slopes after work. The resort also hosts off-season summer weddings and receptions. Wedding options include ceremonies and receptions at the base of the mountain and a Summit Ceremony Skyride Package to wed on the summit of Pats Peak.
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Boasting a 1,340-foot vertical drop and 55 trails, Gunstock Mountain Resort, less than an hour from Concord, NH, is one of the larger resorts in the region. Head to the top for stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee from 2,200 feet. Gunstock Mountain offers separate areas for novice skiers and a highly reviewed learning program. Most of the mountain suits intermediate and advanced skiers, with a few black-diamond runs in the mix. Throw in 22 acres of freestyle terrain, a large Nordic park, and a tubing hill, and it’s easy to see why this resort is so popular with locals. Some off-season resort activities include camping, zip lines, and hiking.
Ragged Mountain Resort
Just outside Danbury, and less than an hour from Concord, NH, Ragged Mountain Resort boasts 250 skiable acres and 57 trails. It’s also got one of the area’s only six-person, high-speed chairlifts. With a 1,250-foot vertical drop, there are trails for all levels at Ragged Mountain; difficulty levels range from novice to advanced. Beginners will particularly appreciate the two courses at the top of the mountain, a rare feature at most ski resorts that place beginner trails lower. In addition, the resort offers slope-side lodging for those who want to take a snowy staycation. Ragged Mountain Resort also boasts several venues for summertime weddings and celebrations.
Crotched Mountain Resort
New Hampshire’s southernmost resort, Crotched Mountain Resort, is an excellent destination for intermediate and advanced skiers. The resort’s 1,000-foot vertical drop excites those who want challenging trails. There’s also a separate area for novice and beginning skiers and snowboarders. Crotched Mountain offers all-mountain night skiing, with 100 percent of the courses lit up. The resort also boasts three freestyle terrain parks with varying levels of difficulty. Just outside of Bennington, New Hampshire, this popular resort offers a restaurant and lodge and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment to ensure lots of the white stuff.
Move to New Hampshire
If you love snow sports, New Hampshire is a dream destination in the winter. And if you’re planning on moving to New Hampshire, you’ll love choosing from more than a dozen ski areas within easy driving distance.
Contact us to find out how we can help plan your move so that you can enjoy New Hampshire and the outdoors in no time.