10 Fun Things to Do in the White Mountains in Winter
Visiting the White Mountains in winter is special! The snow-covered mountains and valleys are stunning, and the reason winter is one of my favorite times to explore the White Mountains.
Although many people only visit the White Mountains in the summer and fall because it is a great hiking and foliage destination, winter still offers so much to do! I have been visiting the White Mountains in every season since I was a kid. Although I love the fall and summer, winter is my favorite underrated season!
And do not worry, you do not have to only ski if you visit in the winter. There is something to do for everyone in the White Mountains in winter, including ice castles, ice climbing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, or scenic drives. This guide has everything you need to plan a fun trip to the White Mountains in winter.
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Tips for Visiting the White Mountains in Winter
Pack warm clothes. Winters in the White Mountains are cold and snowy, making it crucial to pack warm clothes. The weather in the mountains can also change quickly, and having the appropriate layers and gear is necessary when exploring. I recommend packing warm boots and multiple layers to prepare for the cold weather.
Be careful. Winter in the White Mountains brings many risks, and you must take caution with anything you do and ensure you have the proper equipment and skills for your adventure. There are many tours and guides that you can take to adventure in the White Mountains in winter that provide you with the appropriate gear and have trained guides to ensure your safety.
Buy any tickets in advance. If you plan on skiing, tubing, taking a tour, or anything that includes buying tickets, I recommend getting them in advance. Typically, you can find the best deals online when you purchase the tickets ahead of time instead of buying them when you arrive. Buying them in advance will also ensure your spot for the activity.
Start your days early. Although winter is not the busiest time in the White Mountains, there will still be crowds, especially at the ski resorts. Starting your day early will allow you to avoid most crowds. Since the winter days are short, you will also be able to take advantage of the daylight if you start it early!
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Many of these trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Where to Stay in the White Mountains in Winter
There are so many great hotels throughout the White Mountains! Some of the top areas to stay are in North Conway, Lincoln, Jackson, and Gorham.
Each of these towns has scenic views, everything you need for a winter getaway, and is near many of the must-do winter activities in the White Mountains. You really cannot go wrong with any of these quaint towns!
Best Hotels:
What to Pack for the White Mountains in Winter
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and warmth on your trip, you need insulated hiking boots.
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
The Best Things to Do in the White Mountains in Winter
Snowshoe in the White Mountains
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains is one of my favorite things to do in the winter! The White Mountains are home to many beautiful trails that lead to mountain summits, waterfalls, and scenic vistas that are great for snowshoeing. There are plenty of easy trails throughout the mountains to enjoy a stroll if you want to do something more relaxing.
If you would rather stay on groomed trails, you have many places to choose from. Some of my favorite areas to snowshoe are Waterville Valley Resort, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Loon Mountain, and Great Glen Trails. All of these areas have snowshoe rentals nearby, too!
If you do not want to snowshoe on your own, do not worry! You can also join a tour from Alpine Adventures if you want to snowshoe with a professional guide. These tours are fantastic for anyone looking to get into snowshoeing.
Ski or Snowboard
One of the classic things to do in the White Mountains in winter is to ski or snowboard. Many ski resorts in the White Mountains offer hundreds of ski trails.
And the best part? No matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier, you can find fun trails in the White Mountains! King Pine and Cranmore Mountain are great for beginners, while Cannon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain are perfect for advanced skiers.
Every ski resort will provide beautiful views while you adventure down the mountain, so you can’t go wrong when choosing one to visit! Here are some of my favorite ski resorts in the White Mountains you can enjoy in the winter:
Cannon Mountain
Loon Mountain
Waterville Valley
Bretton Woods
Attitash Mountain
Cranmore Mountain
Black Mountain
Wildcat Mountain
Snow Tube at Cranmore Mountain
If you want to explore a ski resort without skiing or snowboarding or need a break from skiing, you should go tubing! Cranmore Mountain is the top snow tubing area in New Hampshire, offering up to ten lanes of fun. The tubing area is open Friday through Sunday during the winter and every day during the holidays.
I grew up tubing on Cranmore, so I know you will love it. If you are looking for a family-friendly thing to do in the White Mountains in winter, tubing at Cranmore Mountain is perfect!
Ride a SnowCoach on Mount Washington
Who said you cannot explore the tallest mountain in New Hampshire in the winter without hiking?! One of my favorite things to do in the White Mountains in winter is taking a SnowCoach Tour on Mount Washington! The SnowCoach Tour brings you above the treeline to 4,200 feet on Mount Washington, where you can take in some of the best views in the area.
The entire experience is incredible, and it will quickly become one of your favorite winter activities in the White Mountains! I promise the cold trip is well worth it for the views! Also, you will need to make reservations in advance, which you can do directly on their website.
Zipline at Bretton Woods
Have you ever considered ziplining in the winter? Bretton Woods offers canopy tours in the winter, where you can soar through a snow-covered forest! The 3-hour tour has nine zip lines, two sky bridges, and beautiful views of Mount Washington.
Ziplining at Bretton Woods is one of the most unique winter activities in the White Mountains that should be on your bucket list! Trust me, it is SO much fun!
Enjoy a winter scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway
Did you know the Kancamagus Highway is open year-round? The Kancamagus Highway is maintained in the winter, allowing you can drive the beautiful scenic drive through snow-covered mountains.
The scenic overlooks are stunning in the winter, especially after it has snowed recently. Winter is my favorite time to visit because it is less crowded and the views are breathtaking.
And the best part? The Kancamagus Highway has many things to do in the winter! You can snowshoe in Lincoln Woods, cross-country ski on Greeley Ponds Trail, or explore frozen waterfalls. Everyone should have the Kancamagus Highway on their winter White Mountains bucket list!
Climb Frozen Waterfalls With a Guide
A fun thing to do in the White Mountains in winter is to climb frozen waterfalls! The International Mountain Climbing School offers a variety of guided trips for all levels and provides you with the gear and safety tips you need. Their experienced guides are flexible to accommodate your skill levels, so you can have fun climbing frozen waterfalls.
Explore the Ice Castles
Did you know New Hampshire is home to one of only a few Ice Castles in North America? Professionals build the ice castle each year using hundreds of thousands of icicles.
You can walk around the Ice Castle and explore ice slides, fountains, and tunnels. It is a unique and fun thing to do in the White Mountains in winter for the whole family! They are continuously adding to the Ice Castles every year, making it a fun thing to do each time you visit in the winter.
Ice Skate on the Riverwalk Rink
If you are looking to ice skate in the White Mountains, the Riverwalk Ice Skating Rink is perfect for you! The RiverWalk Resort has an outdoor pool that turns into a beautiful ice skating rink in the winter.
If you stay at the RiverWalk Resort, you receive free admission. And the best part? You get to ice skate with beautiful views of Loon Mountain. Ice skating at the RiverWalk Resort is a fun thing to do in the White Mountains in winter!
Cross-Country Ski at Great Glen Trails
If you are looking for a scenic area to cross-country ski, the Great Glen Trails is for you! The White Mountains have many places to cross-country ski, but my favorite is Great Glen Trails.
Great Glen Trails has 30 miles of cross-country ski trails to enjoy for all levels while enjoying beautiful views of the Presidential Range. The Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center also offers lessons through their ski school and rentals if you need them. Great Glen Trails is one of my favorite areas in the White Mountains and is perfect for every winter getaway!
If you want to plan a winter getaway in the White Mountains, this guide is the perfect place to start. It includes many fun things to do in the White Mountains in winter that you should add to your trip!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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