NH offers all kinds of winter activities, sports

We welcomed our first significant snowfall of the season this past week as we transition from fall to winter — Sunday, Dec. 21, marks the date of the winter solstice, the official start of winter, when days begin to grow longer. New Hampshire has so many winter activities to enjoy at this time of year. Here are a few ideas to put on your calendar to get you through the cold months.

Alpine skiing

New Hampshire offers a wide selection of alpine and cross-country ski areas with slopes rated for all abilities; after all, skiing is New Hampshire’s official sport. There are 32 alpine and cross-country ski areas throughout the Granite State. Many major ski resorts are close to one another, making it easy to experience. Bretton Woods bills itself as the largest ski resort in New Hampshire, with 63 trails, 35 glades, and three terrain parks on 464 acres with two peaks and 10 lifts, including an eight-passenger skyway gondola, and night skiing on Friday and Saturday. The base lodge and Rosebrook Summit Lodge, built in 2020, are spectacular. 

On the other hand, Loon Mountain is the closest large resort to I-93, with 73 trails, 403 skiable acres, 14 lifts on three peaks with spacious lodges, offering a vertical drop of 2,100 feet (3,050 feet of elevation). Just up the road, Cannon Mountain offers some excellent, challenging trails with an elevation of 4,081 feet has 98 trails and glades, and nine lifts with its expansion at Mittersill Alpine Resort.

Gunstock Mountain Resort is in our backyard, with an elevation of 2,300 feet and offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, 49 trails, seven lifts on 227 skiable acres, and the best night skiing in the state with 21 well-lit trails. The tubing park is another favorite. Snowmaking and grooming have always been consistent at Gunstock, with a significant investment in high-efficiency snowmaking equipment and groomers. 

Waterville Valley is a self-contained resort with an elevation of 4,004 feet, offering 62 trails and five glades, served by 11 lifts on 265 skiable acres. Ragged Mountain, to the west of the Lakes Region, includes 57 trails and five lifts with a high-speed six-pack lift on 250 skiable acres.

Nordic cross-country skiing

There are 12 major cross-country Nordic ski areas in New Hampshire. The trail networks vary from 20 kilometers to more than 150 kilometers. 

The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is one of the longest cross-country and snowshoe centers in the east, offering 100 kilometers of trails from an idyllic New England Village. Bretton Woods Nordic Center offers 100 kilometers of trails through the grounds of the Mount Washington Resort with truly spectacular views. The Nordic Center at Waterville Valley includes 72 kilometers of trails with open and wooded terrain beginning at the Town Square Village.

Right in our backyard, Gunstock Nordic Center includes 27 kilometers of groomed trails. A rustic warm-up cabin and snowmaking on some trails help extend the season. There are eight cross-country centers scattered throughout the White Mountains to visit.

Snowmobiling

Thousands of miles of snowmobiling trails navigate New Hampshire’s backcountry; in fact, there are 7,422 miles of trails. The Great North Woods Region offers pristine terrain, and snowmobilers can even cross the international border into Canada from Pittsburgh.

The New Hampshire Snowmobile Map is a must. The trail map is also available for Android and iPhone users. There are over 100 snowmobile clubs to choose from in New Hampshire, which are the backbone of the NH Snowmobile Association. Each club provides maintenance and grooming for its trail networks.

Outdoor ice skating venues

Sipping hot chocolate while skating on a frozen pond or lake is a popular New Hampshire experience. At Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, you can skate on a maintained 3-acre Victorian skating park with an enclosed warming center. Little Pond in historic Sandwich is a whimsical setting that skaters frequent. 

The Gilford beach ice rink is popular with the locals and Lily Pond. The indoor Merrill Fay ice skating arena in Laconia is popular. The indoor rink at Plymouth State University, the indoor arena at Waterville Valley, and Purity Springs Resort in Madison are all great indoor and outdoor venues to explore, skate, and snowshoe.

Dog sledding

If you’ve always wanted to try dog sledding, bundle up and head to the New Hampshire Dog Sledding Outfitters, where their well-trained canines love to pull with their joyful barks. Muddy Paws Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, New England Dog Sledding in Colebrook, and Northern Exposure Outfitters in Milan are other choices.

A must-see is the World Championship Sled Dog Races in Laconia, held in February. For 85 years, this musher event has attracted large crowds along the 15-mile course.

Sleigh rides

How about a nostalgic, old-fashioned sleigh ride? Nestlenook Farm in Jackson on a 65-acre estate, is the place to be. You don’t need to be an athlete or buy special gear. Other great options include the Bretton Woods Stables at the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Stonewall Farm near Keene, Silver Ranch Stables in Jaffrey, Coppal Horse Farm in Lee, and Charmingfare Farm in Candia.

Snowshoeing

This winter sport is so versatile and easy to experience. State parks, forests, groomed, snowmobiles and cross-country trails are scattered everywhere. The Franconia Notch Recreational Path and the Flume Gorge Trail are favorites. 

Coleman State Park on Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown and modest hiking trails around Squam Lake, golf courses, Mount Major, and along the Belknap Mountains make great excursions. Just pick your favorite walking or hiking trail, pop on a pair of snowshoes, and you are off to the races.

Tubing and sledding

Everyone can take advantage of the thrill of tubing and sledding. At Gunstock Mountain Resort, the 10-lane, lift-serviced tubing hill is fun for everyone. Cranmore Mountain in North Conway also has a similar complex, along with Pats Peak and King Pine Ski Area. Sledding is popular in every town.

In Gilford, the sledding hill at the intersection of Cherry Valley Road and Route 11B at the “outing club” is popular.

Ice fishing and pond hockey

The annual ice fishing derby on Meredith Bay is lined with bob houses like a Currier & Ives setting. The 17th New England Pond Hockey Classic on Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, features 275 teams competing in 500+ games across 26 rinks for coveted trophies. The event is a well-attended festival with music and food vendors on the frozen bay,

It’s interesting to note that Jay Peak in our neighboring state of Vermont has already received 127 inches of snowfall this year, and it's only Dec. 6 — that is 10.6 feet of snow. It broke a 25-year-old record for snowfall at this time of year. Cannon Mountain has already reported 38 inches of the white stuff. It looks like we’re off to a good start for an impressive snow year. So, get out there and take advantage of New Hampshire’s great outdoors.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit

rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.